City & Guilds Training is excited to announce the appointment of Nicholas Scott as our new Head of Signalling & Telecoms. Nicholas brings a wealth of hands-on expertise, a proven passion for mentoring, and strategic leadership experience gained directly from the rail infrastructure.
His unique professional journey demonstrates a commitment to foundational learning, which now drives the strategic direction of our S&T training provision.
Building Expertise from the Ground Up
Nicholas’s path to leadership began with skills built outside of the railway. He credits his early career in coaching for setting his foundation:
“From coaching rugby as a youngster, I discovered the importance of communication, patience, and adapting my teaching style to suit different learners. Those are the ‘soft skills’ that underpin successful training and mentoring, and I still draw on them today.”
His initial entry into the railway industry was a fast-paced learning experience as a Points Fitter’s Assistant. This provided the technical depth that now informs his training strategy.
“I’ll be honest—at that time, I didn’t even know what ‘points’ were. But under the guidance of my mentor, those early days were a baptism of fire, and I quickly developed a real passion for Clamplocks and the realities of track circuit maintenance. This frontline knowledge ensured my expertise was built on operational work.”
From Team Leader to Training Specialist
Nicholas accelerated his career within Network Rail (NWR), progressing quickly from Technician to Team Leader. The transition that truly defined his current role, however, came when he stepped into the training environment as a Workforce Delivery Specialist (WDS).
“The moment I switched to training, everything clicked. I loved bringing together everything I’d learned—from my coaching background to my deep railway experience—and applying it to instructing others. Seeing delegates—often on vital SMTH initial or Points courses—start the week unsure and finish it confident and capable has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.”
He formalised this passion by achieving his Level 3 in Learning & Development and TAQA qualifications, reinforcing his belief that quality instruction is the direct route to industry competence.
Leading the Future of S&T Competence
Today, as Head of Signalling & Telecoms for City & Guilds Training, Nicholas is responsible for the leadership, strategic investment, and technical direction of our two S&T centres. He is focused on ensuring the facilities remain at the cutting edge of practical learning.
“Leaving NWR was tough, but I was ready for a new challenge that allowed me to focus purely on raising technical standards. Now, my days are a dynamic mix of course delivery, mentoring instructors, and planning future facility investments. Every day is different—and that’s exactly how I like it. I’m proud to be leading the charge to elevate the standard of signalling and telecoms competence across the UK rail network.”
To find out more about how to book your team’s S&T training click here or contact the team today sales@cityandguilds.ac.uk
