UKTram Centre of Excellence advances tramway design and skills development

The UKTram Centre of Excellence met to review progress on several technical and strategic projects. The focus was on tramway design guidance and developing skills and apprenticeship pathways for the light rail sector. 

The Centre of Excellence discussed ongoing work to support Mixed Use Railway approaches, building on learning from tram-train and shared-use operations. Members noted the importance of capturing experience and guidance to support more efficient integration between light rail and the wider rail network, thereby reducing complexity and improving deliverability for future schemes.

Another key update came from the Tramway Design Working Group, which confirmed that two major guidance documents are now in the final stages of development. These include new Cost Reduction and Efficient Design Guidance and Transport and Works Act statutory process guidance, both aimed at supporting more consistent, efficient and deliverable tramway schemes. Early feedback on the statutory guidance has been highly positive, including from the Department for Transport.

Additionally, skills and workforce development also featured in discussions. The group noted growing engagement around light rail apprenticeships, including ongoing conversations with Skills England and increased interest from the Department for Transport in understanding existing frameworks and opportunities across the sector.

Members shared examples of strong demand for apprenticeships at network level and highlighted the importance of visibility and coordination to support the future workforce. 

With the next meeting on Thursday, 2nd April 2026, the UKTram Centre of Excellence continues to support the sector's progress by improving tramway design and delivery and ensuring the skills and expertise are in place to sustain light rail in the long term.