29 Sept 2026
Celebrating its first anniversary, an online portal is transforming how light rail manages safety skills training, professional development, and competency management.
Developed by the Light Rail Safety and Standards Board, the ‘Skills Hub’ also provides a sector-wide platform that enables operators to keep track of required certifications while helping identify the most appropriate training courses.
Just a year on from its launch, it has been embraced by networks in Edinburgh, Sheffield and the West Midlands, with Blackpool Transport and London Trams in the final stages of joining the platform.
More than 1,500 registered users have already benefited from the landmark initiative, and Marlene Pearson-McGrath, Head of Learning and Competency at the LRSSB, believes the level of engagement seen over the past 12 months demonstrates a strong appetite for a collaborative approach to learning and development.
“Helping to build capability across a range of operational, safety-critical and leadership roles, the Skills Hub continues to evolve, expanding both its content offer and functionality,” Marlene said.
“Recent enhancements have seen the platform develop beyond a traditional learning library with the introduction of a system that enables organisations to manage and track development activities, book onto events and carry out assessments.”
At the same time, the Skills Hub hosts a growing portfolio of industry-relevant learning content. These include tram driver accreditation, investigation officer and post-incident training, and courses helping organisations to understand and implement effective competence management principles.
"We are incredibly proud of what has been achieved during the first year of Skills Hub, creating over 600 learning experiences and achieving more than 1,000 course completions,” Marlene said.
“Although this demonstrates the value the platform is already bringing to the industry, we see this as the beginning of a longer journey.
“Our ambition is to create a connected learning and competence ecosystem that supports individuals, organisations and the wider light rail industry through every stage of their development journey.
“We have built the foundations during the first year and are excited about the opportunities ahead as we continue to grow content, capability and industry engagement."