Rail sector sounds alarm: significant shortages of technical staff in the coming years

The Dutch rail infrastructure sector is sounding the alarm: significant shortages of technical staff are expected in the coming years. While a stable and well-functioning railway network is more important than ever, the capacity for construction, maintenance, and renewal of the railways is at risk.

Large outflow of experienced mechanics

Of the approximately 5,000 certified mechanics, 45% are over 50 years old. Almost half will retire in the next 15 years; 20% within just 5 years. These are precisely the positions that are essential for the safety and continuity of the railways: train security mechanics, energy supply, and overhead line technicians.

Inflow lags behind and the sector is little known

At the same time, the inflow remains far behind. The declining birth rate results in fewer students in general. And those who do choose a technical career often drop out early: 30% in vocational education and 40% in higher professional education quit prematurely. Moreover, research shows that the rail infrastructure sector is the least known technical sector. 48% of respondents are completely unaware of the sector, much lower than in comparable sectors such as construction or energy.

This combination of low awareness, limited inflow, and upcoming outflow makes the shortage a problem that affects the sector as a whole.

Consequences

A shortage of technical staff has direct consequences for the railways. It leads to delays in maintenance and renewal, increasing the likelihood of disruptions and incurring extra costs for emergency repairs. It makes it less attractive for travelers to choose the train. Additionally, safety risks increase, and costs and inefficiencies rise as temporary workers need to be hired more frequently. On behalf of the entire sector, Remko Uenk, director of Dura Vermeer Railinfra, emphasizes the importance of timely inflow: “We are entering a time when new colleagues still need to learn the trade. Therefore, it is crucial that we invest in training, guidance, and good knowledge transfer from experienced professionals.”

Rail infrastructure sector joins forces against looming staff shortage

Today, on March 18, the Railinfra Industry Platform launches a campaign to address the looming staff shortage in the rail sector. Under the slogan "You are something special on the rail," seventeen organizations from the rail infrastructure sector aim to inspire new employees for a career in this dynamic industry.

Unique collaboration

The campaign is initiated by a coalition of companies that have joined forces: Asset Rail, BAM, Dura Vermeer, Strukton, Swietelsky, Van Gelder, VolkerRail, Movares, Voestalpine, ProRail, and Railcenter. This collaboration has arisen from the urgent need to tackle the upcoming shortage of skilled workers in the rail infrastructure sector.

About the Rail Infrastructure Sector

The rail infrastructure sector is responsible for the construction, maintenance, and modernization of the Dutch railway network. With the growing demand for sustainable transport and ambitious plans for expanding the railway network, the need for skilled personnel is greater than ever.

For more information: www.spoorwerk.nl