Busy Bombardier seeks 50 more in recruitment drive

DERBY train-maker Bombardier has announced it is creating up to 50 new jobs, bringing the total number of extra positions it is creating to around 400.

Earlier this month, the firm announced that it was looking for 350 extra staff to help it carry out a number of contracts which have recently kicked in.

Those positions are for blue-collar factory floor workers on fixed term contracts.

Bombardier has now revealed that it is looking to recruit up to 50 white-collar workers for more technical positions. To aid its recruitment drive, the firm, which already employs 1,800 people, is holding a recruitment fair at Pride Park Stadium tomorrow, from 9.30am to 4pm.

The Litchurch Lane site has entered one of the busiest periods in its history.

All five production lines are currently in operation, carrying out a variety of contracts.

They include new trains for London Underground, London Overground, Southern and Gautrain.

Bombardier spokesman Neil Harvey said: "All the lines are either in full production or gearing up for production.

"It is an extremely busy time for us, which is why we are looking to recruit so many new people.

"The blue-collar staff will be on fixed term contracts, which will last the duration of the particular production line they are working on.

"But we are also looking for white-collar staff, who will be trained as skilled engineers."

Mr Harvey said that all five lines will be in full flow until at least next summer.

Yesterday, a mock-up of how some of the new trains being made by Bombardier for the London Underground will look went on display to the public in the capital. Mayor of London Boris Johnson joined Transport Commissioner Peter Hendy to open the display.

The £1.6bn fleet of air-conditioned Tube trains will serve the Metropolitan line from 2010 and the Circle, District and Hammersmith and City lines from 2011. As well as air-conditioning, the 191 trains will feature walk-through carriages, CCTV and improved accessibility.

Mr Johnson said: "After decades spent sweltering in tropical conditions on the Tube, in just two years' time Londoners on the sub surface lines will be able to use the first of these superb trains."