UK Prime Minister visits Alstom factory in Derby

Prime Minister Andy Burnham visited Alstom's Litchurch Lane factory in Derby on July 28, 2026, to mark the launch of new technical education routes. During the visit, Mr. Burnham met approximately 100 apprentices and graduates from Alstom and its supply chain partners, emphasizing the rail sector's contribution to Britain's reindustrialisation and economic growth.

The Litchurch Lane facility, with a 150-year history of train manufacturing, is crucial for maintaining the UK's national rail network. Without such facilities, the UK would be the only G7 nation unable to design, engineer, and build trains for its own railway system. Alstom reports annual spending of £720 million with nearly 1,300 British suppliers, demonstrating how rail procurement can drive reindustrialisation, support skills, jobs, and economic growth across the country.

Alstom's National Training Academy currently supports 120 trainees and graduates. Among them, Chloe Turnbull transitioned from pharmacy to an apprenticeship at Alstom and now works as a Process Engineer, while Yasha Sidiqui, named Graduate of the Year at the 2025 RailStaff Awards, serves as a Product Cost Engineer. These examples highlight career opportunities and the company's commitment to developing future talent.

The Prime Minister's visit to the Derby site, which is being positioned as the future headquarters for Great British Railways, underscored the rail industry's function as a key economic driver through the promotion of skills, employment, and development.