DigiSig Rail Group Ltd

Just How Much Does It Cost to Train an Apprentice? 😮 The cost for a UK signalling design company to recruit & train an apprentice until qualification can vary significantly based on factors like location, the type of apprenticeship, training level, & the firm's investment in equipment and support. Generally, these costs fall under a few categories: 1. Recruitment Costs Job Advertising: This includes posting the role on job boards, which can range from free listings to premium ones costing around £100–£500 per post. Recruitment Agency Fees (if used): Agencies often charge a percentage of the apprentice’s first-year salary, usually 10%–20%. Recruitment Process Costs: This includes staff time for interviews, assessments, & onboarding. For a small recruitment team, the internal cost might be around £1,000–£2,000. Estimated Cost: £500–£3,000 (depending on the approach). 2. Apprentice Wages 🚉 First-Year Pay: UK apprentice minimum wage as of 2024 is around £5.28 per hour for apprentices under 19 or those in their first year. For a 37.5-hour work week, this totals around £10,296 pa. Annual Increases: Many employers increase wages each year. By the third or fourth year, the apprentice might earn around £15,000–£20,000 per year. Total Wage Over 3–4 Years: £30,000–£45,000. 3. Training Costs Training Provider Fees: The UK government provides funding for apprenticeships. If the company pays the Apprenticeship Levy, this can go toward the training, though non-levy payers may receive 95% of training costs from the government. Depending on the level, private costs could still range from £1,000–£3,000. In-House Training: Time spent by senior staff on mentoring, training sessions & assessment. This cost can be substantial, perhaps around £2,000–£5,000 annually. Total Training Cost Over 3–4 Years: £6,000–£15,000. 4. Additional Costs Software licenses, computers, safety equipment, and any necessary materials. This may cost around £1,000–£3,000. Additional certifications, such as IRSE licenses, are often needed for signalling design, which might cost around £500–£1,000. Total Estimated Cost Over 3–4 Years Bringing all these factors together, the total cost could be around: Lower estimate: £35,000–£45,000 💷 Upper estimate: £60,000+ 💷 💷 The figures above reflect direct costs & don’t account for potential tax incentives for hiring apprentices. The UK government often offers funding support and other incentives for hiring apprentices, which can reduce the overall financial burden Regardless of costs we believe that the ongoing recruitment of signalling design apprentices is crucial for the future of UK rail. With an aging workforce & increasing demand for rail infrastructure, apprentices ensure that essential skills are passed down & updated with the latest technology. Anthony Millington Paul Rowlands Jonathan Foy Andy DeCastro-Bunce Josh Ferguson Mark Robinson Martin Gallacher Olly Pickin Steve Cox Mark Bates Richard Wintersgill Andrew Flynn

CP7 Delays are Causing Havoc for Smaller Rail Suppliers 😢 The delays in Network Rail's spending on future rail projects at the start of Control Period 7 (CP7) are more than likely linked to several factors, all leading to severe impacts on contractors, with some companies going bust due to a lack of work. So where could these delays be coming from? 1) Budget Constraints & Spending Reviews 💷 Fiscal pressures & high public debt are affecting government departments like the Department for Transport (DfT), which funds Network Rail. In turn this has caused uncertainty around CP7 funding finalisation & delaying project approvals. 2) Project Pipeline Delays & Re-evaluation of Priorities Projects expected to start in CP7 are being re-evaluated, especially those focused on sustainability and digitalisation. This reassessment causes delays in project approval and commencement. Also many projects are still in early stages of planning or design, pushing back construction timelines, leaving a gap in the project pipeline. 3) Changes in Rail Industry Structure & Reform Under the Williams-Shapps Plan, such as the creation of Great British Railways (GBR), are causing uncertainty within Network Rail. This transition is slowing down decision-making & project approvals as responsibilities shift. Also as Network Rail prepares for the GBR transition, internal changes in management and governance are contributing to delays in project execution. 4) Contractual Delays and Procurement Issues Prolonged negotiations over pricing & scope, especially in a volatile economic climate, are delaying the finalisation of contracts between Network Rail and its contractors. Complex Procurement: Network Rail’s procurement processes, subject to public sector rules, can be slow. Delays in tendering and awarding contracts are leaving contractors without work. 5) Impact on Smaller Contractors Cash Flow Issues: Smaller contractors, heavily reliant on Network Rail projects, are facing cash flow problems due to the delays, forcing some into insolvency. Larger firms may survive longer by diversifying or drawing on reserves, but smaller companies are more vulnerable. Uncertainty: Contractors are now hesitant to invest in resources, staff & training without clear project timelines, which is compounding financial strain. Conclusion: These delays are severely affecting contractors, especially smaller ones, by creating large gaps in project pipelines leading to business failures. It will also be interesting to see what the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA) will do to help address this current situation. Mosaic Rail Ltd Network Rail AGH Engineering Ltd Abdul Rehman, CEng, MIET ⭐️⭐️ East West Rail Ian Barry Mark Rathbone Andrew Billson CMgr FCMI MIRSE Switch Infrastructure Jonathan Foy Michael Pilling CEng MIET MIRSE Paul Connor Nikolaos Sapounas Martin Hughes #cp7 #spend

We made the News in Rail Business Daily 👀 We are proud to announce that DigiSig Rail has been featured in Rail Business Daily for our recent work on the East Coast Main Line (ECML). Our team of signalling specialists successfully addressed long-standing issues at the Christon Bank Level Crossing, located in Northumberland. Commissioned on August 18, 2024, the project aimed to resolve timing problems that were affecting train performance on this critical section of the ECML. You can read more here https://lnkd.in/espgJkPx Our efforts have been praised by, LNER’s Steven Rudland noting the positive feedback from train drivers, and Mosaic Rail’s Alison Rawson commending our high standards. Once again thank you to the team at Mosaic Rail Ltd and to the works delivery signalling team at East Coast, North & East, East Midlands, Renewals & Enhancements. 👏 Thanks also to Michael Beesley and his delivery team who quoted "this project was a giant leap forward in internal delivery and shows to route engineers and project teams outside of eastern the capabilities that exist when internal and external organisations work together." This is just one of our many signalling design projects which highlights DigiSig Rail's dedication to enhancing railway safety and performance. If you would like to read the full case study on our website then please go to https://lnkd.in/dx5jujU2 #signalling #design #christonbank #project East Coast Digital Programme James F. Matt Wilton Alison Rawson Steven Rudland London North Eastern Railway Simon Ward Network Rail NETWORK RAIL (SCOTLAND) LIMITED Network Rail Eastern Region East West Rail Ken Foster Chris Heyes C.Eng, FICE, MIStructE, MPWI, Mark Dover, GCGI, EngTech, MinstRE Paul Connor Ian Barry Chris Clark Michael Pilling CEng MIET MIRSE Tim Samuel MIET MIRSE Jonathan Foy Steve Epps Mosaic Rail Ltd Ian Fury BEng(Hons) CEng MIRSE MIET James Furlong

Huge congratulations to Owen Naughton on his recent engagement💍 🎉 Congratulations Owen the team DigiSig Rail Group Ltd couldn’t be happier for you as you step into this next big chapter of your life. An engagement is such a special moment, and the fact that you're now on the path to finding your dream home with Megan makes it even more thrilling! 🏡 You've always been someone who brings fun, warmth, positivity, and dedication to the workplace, and we know that those qualities will make this new phase of your personal life even more rewarding. From planning a wedding to choosing the perfect home to start your future together, we have no doubt you'll tackle these milestones with the same enthusiasm that you bring to everything else. House-hunting can be a wild adventure, but it’s all part of building a beautiful future together. All the team are looking forward to your stories about all the houses you’ll visit, the ones you’ll pass on, and of course, the one that will eventually become home. 🏠 Here’s to all the amazing things ahead for you and Megan —may your engagement and your chosen new home be filled with love, joy and laughter 🎊 #EngagementJoy #NewBeginnings #FutureHomeowner #celebrations Ian Barry Chris Clark Jim Stevenson Paul Connor Colin Birtles Andrew Billson CMgr FCMI MIRSE Julie-Ann Kean James F. Matt Wilton Andy DeCastro-Bunce

Well Done Owen Naughton 👏 We are thrilled to celebrate Owen's impressive achievements during his time with us as a Signalling Design Apprentice. Owen has demonstrated exceptional dedication and growth by completing a range of certifications and training courses that underscore his expertise and commitment to his field. His certifications include IST BST MOD5 Training PTS Level 4 Knowledge for Rail Engineering. Achieving all these qualifications highlight his solid foundation in rail signalling design, safety, and operations. In addition to his certifications, Owen has also undertaken a variety of training courses which have further enhanced his skill sets, such as Fault Finding Correlation Training Public Speaking Project Management Introduction to Telecoms Onwards & Upwards 👏 One of Owen's most notable achievements since joining us at Digisig Rail is his progress towards earning the highly regarded IRSE Design Licence, which he aims to complete by the end of this year. This will be a significant milestone in his career, showcasing his advanced capabilities in rail signalling design. Moreover, he has successfully completed the knowledge portion of his apprenticeship and is preparing to start the End-Point Assessment (EPA) early next year. Owen's dedication to continuous learning and his commitment to excellence make him a valuable member of our team. We are incredibly proud of his accomplishments and excited to see his career continue to flourish in the rail industry! From all the team Owen, well done! #signalling #design #apprenticeships Samuel Allen Darren Hay Robyn Railton Rahul Akshantalu Tammy Forrest-Given Howard Rylett Nick Rodney Ian Morgan Michael Ewart MSc CEng FIET FIRSE Andrew Davies

Owen Raises £400 for Cancer Research 👏 Our incredible team member, Owen Naughton recently organised a fantastic car show event and successfully raised £400 for Cancer Research UK! The event brought together car enthusiasts from the local community, showcasing a variety of classic cars, modern supercars, and customised vehicles which dazzled the crowd. Owen & his friends worked tirelessly to coordinate every detail of the event, from securing a venue to attracting car enthusiasts & managing registrations; not to mention raising £400 in donations for a charity close to his heart. Thanks to his dedication, the event attracted a strong turnout, with attendees enjoying the car displays and hearing the roar of super car engines throughout the day. All proceeds from the day were donated to Cancer Research UK, supporting the charity’s ongoing efforts to find treatments and improve the lives of those affected by cancer. We’re incredibly proud of Owen for organising this charity initiative, his hard work, and community spirit. His contribution is a testament to how passion and teamwork can drive positive change. Well done Owen! 👏 Cancer Research UK (CRUK) #charity #carshow #signalling #design #apprentice Andrew Hughes Michael Ewart MSc CEng FIET FIRSE Sean Tiday AMIET Andrew Davies Network Rail Eastern Region Andrew Swanson Tim Samuel MIET MIRSE Terry Friel Dougie Stuart Charlie Russell Rosario Barcena Jim Stevenson

Celebrating the Amazing Achievements of Ben Blakemore 👏 Ben joined our team in November 2022 as a Level 4 Rail Engineering Advanced Technician Apprentice, and in just a short time, he’s already achieved so much. Here’s a snapshot of his incredible accomplishments: Certifications 👏 Baccalaureate (A levels) Level 4 Advanced Rail Engineering Technical Knowledge Signal Sighting Competence Personal Track Safety and Mod 5 1.1.510 Signalling Designer Licence Training Courses 👏 CDM Regulations Environmental Awareness Mental Health Awareness Risk Assessment Training Achievements 👏 Completing his Level 4 Advanced Rail Engineering Technical Knowledge Earning his 1.1.510 Signalling Designer Licence Ben’s recent attainment of the 1.1.510 Signalling Designer’s Licence highlights his dedication, focus, and growing expertise. It’s been a true privilege to witness his progress and success, and we’re incredibly proud of the impact he’s made at Digsig Rail. With his exceptional skills, positive attitude, and ability to learn and adapt, we know the future is bright for Ben in the rail industry. We can’t wait to see where this next chapter leads him! #rail #engineering #apprenticeships #signalling #design #dream #believe #achieve Samuel Allen Jo Hall - Talent Acquisition Leader Adam Mather Cara Anderson Wabtec Control Systems UK Alex Stewart Alok Ranjan Gary C. Ian Morgan Olly Pickin James F. Paul Darlington Institution of Railway Signal Engineers

✨ Thank You to Our LinkedIn Followers! ✨ We want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to each and every one of you for following our LinkedIn page! Your support, engagement, and trust are what drive us to keep delivering valuable content and insights. Whether you've been with us from the beginning or are a recent follower, we truly appreciate your decision to join our community. It’s amazing to see how much we've grown together, and we owe it all to you! Your likes, comments, shares, and feedback mean the world to us. They help us shape our journey and ensure that we continue to bring content that is useful, informative, and relevant to you. Every interaction pushes us to be better, and we are thrilled to have such an incredible network to connect with. Stay tuned for more exciting updates, industry insights, and opportunities as we continue to grow and learn together! Once again, THANK YOU for being a part of this journey. We couldn’t do it without you! 🙌 Here’s to many more milestones ahead. 🚀 #ThankYou #Grateful #Community #LinkedInFamily #TogetherWeGrow Matt Wilton Abdul Rehman, CEng, MIET ⭐️⭐️Simon Ward Andrew Davies Network Rail Eastern Region James F. Geoff Brown Harry Kaur Andy DeCastro-Bunce Christopher Gregory Chris Harrison Mark Dover, GCGI, EngTech, MinstRE Olly Pickin Mark Bonner Andrew Billson CMgr FCMI MIRSE Pete Lindley - MIRSE Ian Barry Paul Darlington

It’s amazing at what Rahul Sharma, BEng, MIRSE has achieved since joining us at DigiSig Rail Group Ltd back in April 2023 Certifications👏 PTS DCCR Signal Siting Committee IST Certificate for Control Table and Signalling Layout Signalling Designer Licence 1.1.510 Signalling Design Verifier Licence 1.1.160 Principles Design Licence 1.1.550 Training Courses👏 IST Control Table and Signalling Layout Mental Health for Managers Rahul is also currently working towards obtaining his Workplace Assessor Competency/ Certification & hopes to achieve this later this month. Memberships 👏 Member of IRSE (MIRSE) Signal Siting Committee Member Rahul is also currently working towards achieving his Membership with the Incorporated Engineering Council (IEng). Rahul is certainly making great strides in his career and is an exemplary professional in the rail industry. This post is a testament to all his hard work, especially as he nears significant milestones like completing his IEng (Incorporated Engineer) membership and workplace assessor training. With a bright future ahead of him it will be exciting to see how Rahul will continue to grow, evolve and contribute his talent & skills to the rail sector.  Well done Rahul 👏 #signalling #design #engineer #ukrail #dream #believe #achieve Kirthika Umapathy Phil Blacker Matt McDonald John Manock Paul Connor Pradip Roy Jo Boocock

It’s amazing Connor Hutchings what you have achieved in the last few years 👏 In 2021 Connor joined our team at DigiSig Rail Group Ltd as a Level 4 Rail Engineering Advanced Technician Apprentice then in 2023 Connor was promoted to Signalling Designer. Now just a few years later just look at what he has achieved: Achievements 👏 2024 Won “Most Innovative Apprentice of the Year”  Certifications 👏 Personal Track Safety Signal Sighting Competence 1.1.510 Signalling Designer Technical Training Courses 👏 Risk Assessment Training Level 4 Advanced Rail Engineering Technician (Knowledge) Signal Sighting Competence Personal Track Safety (PTS), AC & DC MOD 5 Intermediate Signalling Technologies (IST) Basic Signalling Technology (BST) Fault Finding Rail Engineering science Rail engineering Maths Fire Warden Training First Aid Courses Installation techniques Memberships 👏 Affiliate Member of the IRSE Connor is a shining example of the talent driving the future of our rail industry. His commitment to mastering his skills and growing his expertise has quickly made him a standout in his field. He’s also not far off from completing his apprenticeship, and just about to hand in all his assignments. We’re incredibly proud to watch his journey unfold and we can’t wait to see what he accomplishes next.  #signal #engineer #apprenticeships Saksham Varma James F. Steve Whitmore Steve Epps Andy Hall Samuel Allen Samuel Shaw Rebecca Twizell Olly Pickin