Scotlands Premier Training Academy AB2T Now Open

Published Date: 21/02/2023

Accredited for rail, road and construction training

Further to an extensive and successful inspection by CPCS and NSAR, the new AB2T training academy from AB2K (part of the Quattro Group) is now accredited for rail, road and construction and open for business.

Based in Whitburn and visible from the M8, AB2T is offering courses such as On Track Plant RRV training (dozers, road rail excavator, MEWP, etc), CPCS plant training (mobile cranes, articulated dump truck, 360 excavators), and CPC driver training. This quarter-of-a-million pound investment covers over 175,000 sq ft and is equipped with the latest heavy plant machinery.

The rail training will operate on two specially designed 150 metre twin rail tracks, which are the longest training tracks in Scotland. Laid to Network Rail standards which include realistic overheads, the twin tracks are said to be the only ones in Scotland that reflect real working conditions for OTP training.

In addition to OTP training, AB2T’s enormous purpose-built area has been specially designed to replicate typical construction conditions with rough terrain, steep inclines and buried services, as well as plenty of operational space for mobile cranes to extend, lift and move. Education will take place across two fully equipped comfortable classrooms with the added amenities of a hi-tech kitchen and welfare facilities.

John Murphy, AB2T Managing Director

‘By investing in training, AB2T will educate candidates across a wide variety of occupations in industries where there is a severe shortage of workforce. Trainees will learn to operate state-of-the-art plant in the most realistic working conditions. When qualified, they will move seamlessly and immediately into a market with vast opportunity. AB2T is providing a solution, and the potential is enormous.’

AB2K, owned by The Quattro Group, will mirror its highly successful QOTA model (Quattro Occupational Training Academy) based in Lichfield. Dominic Harris, Lichfield Training Centre Manager has been on site in Scotland overseeing the development.

‘AB2K has one of the largest fleets in Scotland. Bringing AB2K’s range and expertise together with the experience of QOTA made complete sense to us. The training has already started and the phone hasn’t stopped, which is incredibly encouraging as we advance to replenish the industry with skilled workers.’