Overview and Background

The European rail sector is central to achieving the goals of the European Green Deal and reaching climate neutrality by 2050. However, the industry is confronted with workforce shortages, due to an ageing employee base and widening skills gaps and difficulties in attracting young talent.

In the previous RAIL STAFFER project, we laid the groundwork for addressing these issues and formulated an action plan together with policy recommendations. In the follow-up project, the Single European Railway Area of Skills Alliance (SERAS), we expand on these results and work towards developing a Pact for Skills in the rail sector. Our aim is to establish a European ecosystem for skills development that strengthens the sector and ensures a resilient, highly skilled, and mobile workforce across the EU.

Project Content

Railway infrastructure managers and operators are under increasing pressure to digitalise their operations and networks—not only because the market and industry demand modern solutions, but also because digitalisation can help mitigate workforce shortages. Driving this transformation forward requires innovative technologies, strong stakeholder collaboration, and high-quality training. A key milestone on this path is the transition from centralised traffic control to fully digital systems, including the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) with virtual blocks that enhance efficiency and safety. This shift creates a growing need for expertise in artificial intelligence, automation, cybersecurity, IoT, and big data analytics.

SERAS addresses the demand for advanced digital skills while also integrating green skills into railway training. By strengthening knowledge in alternative propulsion, energy efficiency, and sustainable infrastructure, we support Europe’s net-zero climate aims. Also, climate-related challenges—such as extreme weather—require a workforce capable of designing and operating resilient systems and climate-proof infrastructure.

Ultimately, SERAS seeks to deliver cutting-edge training, upskilling, and reskilling programmes that build a future-ready workforce aligned with the Green Deal, the Smart Mobility Strategy, and the European Skills Agenda.

Aims

Main aims of the project are:

• Establishing the Single European Railway Area of Skills Alliance (SERAS) to ensure sustainable collaboration in railway education, involving industry, education providers, and social partners.
• Addressing workforce shortages and skills gaps by implementing the action plan developed in the STAFFER project.
• Formulating policy recommendations (including a Rail Sector Pact for Skills) that foster diversity and promote railway careers, with a focus on young people, women, and underrepresented groups.
• Anticipating workforce and skills needs in the railways sector and adjust railway education and training accordingly. More precisely, modular, micro-credential-based curricula aligned with European policy standards are developed.
• Promoting mobility of initial learners, trainees, students, trainers, and professional staff. Setting up a European Rail Skills Academy that formalises international educational standards and ensures Europe-wide recognition of skills.
• Supporting the EU’s Green and Digital Transitions, with a focus on AI, automation, cybersecurity, predictive maintenance, and EU decarbonisation goals (in line with the Paris Agreement, the UN Sustainable Development Agenda, and the New European Bauhaus initiative).

Methods and Outcomes

The European Railway Skills Alliance uses a needs-based methodology tailored to skill shortages and labour market demands. It identifies current and future skill needs and builds modular, multi-level training programmes around them. Cycles of implementation and re-evaluation ensure the long-term sustainability of a well-rounded educational programme. SERAS also applies recognised EU tools such as EQF, ESCO, EQAVET, Europass, and micro-credentials, which guarantees high standards, comparability, and cross-border recognition of competencies. By aligning training with industry requirements, promoting mobility, and establishing lasting governance and funding structures, the project sets the stage for a resilient, highly skilled workforce that is well prepared for the future of the European railway sector.