Urbos3 22 is now running in a new advert as West Midlands Metro have launched a new recruitment campaign. Using the slogan “M is for” the campaign is highlighting how the West Midlands Metro is providing new opportunities with more than 160 new jobs being created along with the expansion of the network. Jobs include tram drivers, mechanics and engineers, ticket inspectors and a whole range of support staff.
The advert moves away from the traditional advert livery we have seen on the West Midlands Metro as rather than just a couple of the sections of the tram having full height vinyls all sections do with only the doors seemingly free of adverts. With a blue base and the “M” slogan being used the advert is celebrating the new Metro academy.
This new training academy has recently been opened at Wednesbury Depot which will help give new recruits the skills they need as well as developing the careers of existing workers.
Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “The huge investment we are making in expanding the West Midlands Metro network across the Black Country and Birmingham means that we have been able to create and secure construction jobs throughout the Covid 19 pandemic as work continued. But as we now prepare to open the new extension we are looking to recruit more staff to be part of the continued success of Metro. We know many people have fallen out of work or are worried about their futures because of the pandemic, so it is brilliant we have been able to use our record investment in transport to secure existing jobs and create new ones.”
Sophie Allison, Midland Metro Limited Commercial Director, said: “As we look forward to the opening of new routes, our workforce is expected to expand by more than 70 per cent. Our focus is now on recruiting talented people from the communities we serve, and ensuring the Metro remains a great place to work where everyone is treated with respect and feels valued and cared for. At the same time, the West Midlands Metro Academy will help ensure both new and existing members of the team continue to deliver the best possible service to customers.”
Positions set to be filled include skilled engineering roles where training will be required to maintain the new fleet and infrastructure. Tram crews, revenue inspectors and a host of support staff roles are also available to people from all backgrounds and of any age.
The press release announcing this new campaign also seems to give the first official confirmation that the Wolverhampton City Centre extension is on track for opening later this year along with the Birmingham Westside extension to Hagley Road.
- More information on the academy can be found at https://westmidlandsmetro.com/wmm-academy/
22 and its new advert stop at West Bromwich Central on the way to Birmingham. This is most all over advert yet seen on the West Midlands Metro. (Photograph by Mark Cufflin, 22nd July 2021)