Building a Future-Ready Workforce for a Critical National Infrastructure Provider
Overview.
A major UK-based organization responsible for managing national infrastructure faced an urgent workforce challenge - over 1,000 employees were expected to retire within five years. To address this talent gap and build a sustainable pipeline of skilled professionals, the organization turned to a Recruit-Train-Deploy (RTD) model designed to deliver entry-level technologists capable of supporting core engineering and operational teams.
The organization needed a long-term solution to mitigate the impact of an ageing workforce. The priority was to attract a new generation of diverse, technically capable professionals and integrate them into the business through structured training, onboarding, and mentorship, ensuring knowledge continuity and operational resilience.
Solution
Coforge was selected as the exclusive RTD partner through its strategic subcontractor Ten10 Solutions Limited. After successfully completing a proof-of-concept phase, the engagement expanded to support ongoing talent needs across the organization’s engineering teams. Key aspects of the programme included:
Inclusive, Nationwide Talent Recruitment: A wide-reaching and inclusive recruitment strategy was implemented to attract candidates from underrepresented groups and diverse regions across the UK. This included:
Unbiased and accessible job descriptions
Collaborations with universities, charities, and local community initiatives
Targeted outreach and advertising to broaden applicant reach
Robust Assessment & Selection Process: Candidates underwent a comprehensive multi-stage assessment process, including application reviews, aptitude tests, assessment centres, and competency-based interviews, to ensure both technical potential and cultural fit.
Structured Training & Industry Certification: All selected candidates were enrolled in a tailored academy programme focused on building core engineering and technology skills, with 95% achieving relevant industry certifications by the end of training.
The Impact
40% increase in diverse candidate representation across RTD cohorts
95% of candidates successfully certified during training, ensuring job readiness
12 individuals deployed to critical engineering roles, with 8 expected to transition to permanent roles in 2025
This engagement reflects Coforge’s ability to deliver scalable, inclusive, and strategically aligned RTD programmes, helping clients future-proof their workforce and maintain continuity in essential national services.
