Milton Keynes MPs Iain Stewart and Mark Lancaster were given a tour of the centre (pictured) next to Milton Keynes Central railway station on the site of the former National Hockey Stadium to mark the start of the campaign.
Network Rail executives said that the quality of the local workforce was a major reason for the organisation’s decision to move to Milton Keynes.
Head of resourcing Adrian Thomas said: “There is a history of engineering and technical expertise in industries across this part of the country. We want to tap into those capabilities and combine them with our expertise in the rail industry to provide a truly world-class railway.”
More than 3,000 people will be based at The Quadrant:MK when it opens next summer. Many will be existing Network Rail staff who have chosen to relocate to Milton Keynes from Network Rail offices around the country but a significant number of roles will be filled by local workers.
Network Rail is offering positions at all levels in areas ranging from finance and engineering to IT and human resources. It has set up a new website for prospective candidates to register their details and receive updates as roles become available.
The organisation, which manages the UK’s railway infrastructure, already employs almost 1,000 staff at its Milton Keynes Central offices. Around one in four have been recruited locally since the office opened in 2009.
After their tour, Milton Keynes South MP Iain Stewart said: “We really are anticipating a boost to our local economy with Network Rail coming to the city. Relevant local agencies and organisations are working to ensure that we have the skills locally to support Network Rail and its supply chain.”
Mr Thomas said: “One of the key reasons we chose Milton Keynes was the quality of the local talent pool.”
