25th June 2026 saw the second meeting of the UKTram Light Rail Operators Committee (LROC) this year as members met to discuss workforce development and share best practice. This session ended up being online as the heatwave had caused travel disruption for those due to attend in person at the London Trams Therapia Lane Depot.
The meeting saw Graham Fitzgerald formally welcome as Chair of the group and Trevor Stocker as Vice Chair, following the announcement earlier this year of their appointments.
Collaboration was once again the theme of the day with West Midlands Metro in particular reflecting on the value of learning from other systems. They have recently engaged with Dublin’s Luas network and have also received practical support from colleagues at KeolisAmey Metrolink following an operational incident by supplying specialist recovery equipment.
Members also discussed workforce development and the need for clear pathways into the industry. They reviewed potential changes to driver apprenticeships and scoped interest in these programs, supporting efforts to attract new talent and ensure training meets evolving operational needs.
UKTram are also beginning to gather examples of school engagement, careers events, apprenticeships, work experience opportunities, and other initiatives already underway across networks. The intention is that common challenges will be understood and opportunities explored to develop guidance and shared resources that can benefit the whole industry.
Chair Graham Fitzgerald said: “The Light Rail Operators Committee has always been about operators supporting operators. Every network has its own challenges, but when we come together to share our experiences, we can learn from each other and work together to improve the sector as a whole. I’m looking forward to building on the group’s openness and ensuring LROC continues to be the successful forum it’s been built up to be over the years.”