Work Package 5: Advancing Academic Railway Education

WP5 focuses on modernising academic training and promoting educational mobility within the railway sector. At the core of this initiative is the enhancement and updating of railway curricula in higher education institutions across Europe. Task 5.1 of this work package, led by CESI, includes a comprehensive analysis of existing programmes, minor updates, such as content revisions, will be implemented alongside major transformations, including the development of new modules and programmes tailored to labour market needs. Alignment with European qualification frameworks (EQF, ECTS, ESCO) will ensure the recognition and mobility of students and professionals.  

To address the growing demand for specialised and certified training, the Task 5.2 (led by UPM) will promote the development of railway micro-credentials. These training modules will enable career changers and active professionals to acquire specific skills in a flexible and certified manner. 

Additionally, in Task 5.3 (led by UASFHE) the sandwich programme model will be encouraged, integrating tertiary education with vocational training and practical experience in railway companies, thus strengthening the connection between academia and industry. Designed with a work-blended learning approach, these programmes will allow students to combine academic education with hands-on work experience.  In the field of academic mobility, Task 5.4 (led by UNIGE) organises the work in different activities that aim to establish an EU Railway University Alliance, a cooperative network of universities that will foster double degrees and enhance the mobility of railway students through an ERASMUS scheme.  

This initiative will not only facilitate knowledge and experience exchange but also contribute to the harmonisation of railway education across Europe.  As part of the long-term vision, the Virtual Rail Academy will be established as a continuous learning hub, serving as a digital platform for education and professional development in the sector (Task 5.5, led by wmp). This space will integrate a Rail Learning Hub with open educational resources, a Rail Erasmus Hub to facilitate student and professional mobility, and a Rail Jobs and Careers Expo, connecting talent with job opportunities in the European railway sector.  Overall, the objectives of this work are closely linked to railway education in Europe, fostering cooperation between academic institutions, businesses, and regulatory bodies. This collaboration will contribute to a flexible, accessible, and future-oriented training system, driving competitiveness and innovation in the sector.