SEND Rail & Infrastructure Academy
A Specialist SEND Employment Pathway
The SEND Rail & Infrastructure Academy is the vocational arm of New Seeds Education, designed to provide young people with SEND and SEMH needs access to accredited rail qualifications, industry certification, and structured progression into employment.
A purpose-built pathway integrating therapeutic education with industry-recognised vocational outcomes.
Addressing the Post-16 SEND Employment Gap
Young people with EHCPs remain disproportionately represented in NEET statistics. Mainstream vocational providers often lack the specialist staffing, therapeutic framework, and structured support required to secure sustainable employment outcomes.
At the same time, the UK rail and infrastructure sectors face significant skills shortages and long-term workforce demand.
The Rail & Infrastructure Academy bridges this gap — combining high-support specialist delivery with nationally recognised qualifications and direct employer engagement.
Our Specialist Delivery Model
The Academy operates under the governance, safeguarding framework, and therapeutic principles of New Seeds Education. Our programmes are designed specifically for learners who cannot access or sustain engagement in mainstream vocational provision.
4:1 Maximum Staff Ratio
Ensuring intensive individual support
Trauma-Informed Practice
Embedded throughout delivery
EHCP Outcome Alignment
Full progress tracking and reporting
Behaviour & Emotional Support
Structured regulation support systems
Pastoral Mentoring
Dedicated transition planning
Industry-Compliant Environment
Professional training standards
Every Course, Start to Finish
Each programme follows a structured journey designed to maximise learner success, from initial guidance through to celebrating achievements with industry employers.
IAG Sessions
Information, Advice & Guidance sessions kick off every course
- Individual career pathway exploration
- Skills assessment and goal setting
- Understanding of industry expectations
- Personal development planning
- EHCP outcome alignment discussions
Structured Learning
Hands-on training with therapeutic support throughout
- Practical skills development
- Health & safety training
- Industry-standard techniques
- Ongoing pastoral support
- Regular progress reviews
Celebration Day
Every course concludes with a celebration of achievements
- Certificate presentation ceremony
- Recognition of individual achievements
- Employer Q&A panel with industry professionals
- Networking opportunities
- Next steps guidance and support
Real Employers, Real Opportunities
Our Celebration Days bring industry employers directly to our learners. This isn't just a ceremony — it's a genuine opportunity for learners to:
- Ask questions directly to rail and infrastructure employers
- Learn about career pathways and what employers look for
- Build confidence speaking with industry professionals
- Make connections that could lead to employment opportunities
Open Q&A Sessions
Industry employers share insights, answer questions, and discuss real opportunities in rail and infrastructure careers.
The Rail Employment Pathway Model
Rather than isolated courses, the Academy delivers a structured three-stage progression model.
Step in Rail + Level 1 Construction & CSCS Card
Foundation Pathway with Dual Certification
Designed to give all learners hands-on experience of tools and equipment used on the rail infrastructure, combined with theory-based learning covering all aspects of rail sectors. This stage also includes Level 1 Construction and CSCS Card certification, giving learners a wider range of skills and more employment opportunities within the civils sector.
Outcomes Include
- Step in Rail certification
- Level 1 Award in Construction
- CSCS Card (Construction Skills Certification Scheme)
- Hands-on experience with rail tools and equipment
- Theory-based learning across all rail sectors
- Health & safety knowledge
- Teamwork and communication development
- Wider employment opportunities in civils sector
Suitable For
Schools, PRUs, and SEND provisions seeking meaningful vocational engagement aligned to EHCP outcomes.
Accredited Rail Engineering Qualification
Level 2 NVQ Technical Pathway
A Level 2 NVQ in Rail Engineering (City & Guilds) combining theory and practical-based learning. This qualification builds learners' knowledge and skills across all aspects of rail sectors, including hands-on experience with industry tools and equipment.
Outcomes Include
- Level 2 NVQ in Rail Engineering (City & Guilds)
- Theory and practical-based qualification
- Comprehensive knowledge of all rail sectors
- Hands-on experience with tools and equipment
- Track maintenance fundamentals
- Safe systems of work
- Preparation for industry certification
Suitable For
Learners aged 16+ requiring accredited vocational progression.
Industry Certification & Employment Transition
Level 2 NVQ + Safety Critical Training
Our most comprehensive 4-week pathway featuring Level 2 NVQ in Rail Engineering (City & Guilds) combined with Safety Critical training. This intensive programme includes theory and practical-based learning, preparing learners for immediate employment in the rail sector.
Outcomes Include
- Level 2 NVQ in Rail Engineering (City & Guilds)
- Personal Track Safety (PTS) certification
- Track Induction Certification (TIC)
- Safety Critical E-Learning modules
- Medical and D&A Screening included
- Full PPE provided
- Sponsorship opportunities with us or partner employers
- Competency to work on Network Rail infrastructure
- CV development and interview preparation
Suitable For
Learners aged 18+ seeking direct progression into employment within the rail and infrastructure sector.
Measurable Outcomes for Commissioners
The Academy operates with clear accountability and impact measurement. Our focus is sustainable transition — not short-term course completion.
We provide:
Why Rail & Infrastructure?
The UK rail sector represents a nationally critical infrastructure workforce with long-term investment and demand. Entry-level roles offer structured progression and competitive wage pathways.
For young people with SEND who are disengaged from traditional academic routes, infrastructure careers offer:
- Practical, structured work environments
- Clear qualification pathways
- Progression routes into skilled technical roles
- Long-term employment stability
Prepared for Success
The Academy ensures learners are prepared both technically and emotionally for these environments.
Governance, Safeguarding & Quality Assurance
As part of New Seeds Education, the Academy operates within established safeguarding, compliance, and therapeutic governance frameworks. Commissioners can be assured that provision meets the standards expected of specialist SEND education providers.
Enhanced DBS-checked specialist staff
Designated Safeguarding Leads
Risk assessments aligned to industry standards
Structured behavioural support systems
Quality assurance and progress monitoring
Flexible Commissioning Options
We work collaboratively with commissioning partners to ensure provision aligns with EHCP outcomes, transition planning, and long-term employment objectives.
- Cohort-based vocational engagement
- Individual learner pathways
- Blended therapeutic and vocational placements
- Short-term intervention or extended progression programmes
New Seeds Education · Specialist Therapeutic Schools
Empowering young people with SEND and SEMH needs through trauma-informed care, meaningful relationships, and purposeful learning.