Like many apprentices, I started my career unsure of what lay ahead. I joined the rail industry as an apprentice in 2000, stepping into an established workforce where I was initially seen as an outsider. Some viewed me with scepticism - was I here to replace them? Was I management’s eyes and ears? The reality was far simpler: I wanted to learn, grow, and build a career.

I quickly realised that curiosity, honesty, and persistence would be my greatest assets. I made a point to ask questions, seek guidance from different people, and prove through my actions that I was there to contribute - not to compete. Over time, those relationships became the foundation of my development, and I saw firsthand the impact that mentorship, training, and support could have on someone starting. More than two decades later, I now manage apprentices myself and carry those lessons daily.

Becoming an Apprentice Manager

Today, as an Apprentice Manager at Hitachi Rail, I oversee the development of our Deployment and Services apprentices. My role is more than just technical training - it’s about building future-ready professionals. I work closely with our training providers, design work placements, and ensure apprentices rotate through different teams to gain the right skills.

But most importantly, I focus on people. I believe a strong apprenticeship programme isn’t just about technical ability - it’s about resilience, adaptability, and support. That’s why I became a qualified trainer and a Mental Health First Aider, ensuring apprentices not only gain technical skills but also feel supported, challenged, and valued.

Lessons That Have Shaped My Career

Throughout my career, I’ve learned that success in rail isn’t just about knowing the job - it’s about how you approach it. The skills that have served me best are:

• Authenticity & Empathy – Building trust by being honest, transparent, and genuinely invested in people’s growth.

• Resilience & Adaptability – The ability to navigate challenges, whether that’s integrating new technology or helping an apprentice overcome a hurdle.

• Curiosity – Never assuming you know it all, and always being open to learning, whether from colleagues, apprentices, or industry shifts.

These values have stayed with me from my apprenticeship days to now managing a team.

Milestones and Industry Changes Over 24 Years

Looking back, the rail industry has evolved dramatically since I first started. We’ve moved from outdated systems to modern, automated technology, making travel safer and more efficient. I’ve been fortunate to work on projects that made a tangible difference - like redesigning the public address system for London Southeastern Trains and solving complex integration challenges on-site to benefit both the industry and passengers.

My own career path has followed a similar trajectory of growth:

• 2004 – Completed apprenticeship and started as a telecommunications Technician

• 2006 – Achieved IRSE License

• 2016 – First management role as Team Leader

• 2023 – Became Apprentice Manager, shaping the next generation of rail professionals

I’ve had opportunities to grow, adapt, and contribute every step of the way—all because I took ownership of my career.

Advice for Future Apprentices

The rail industry is evolving, and apprentices are its future. I’ve seen firsthand how investing in skills and people can transform careers. The next 200 years of rail will be shaped by those willing to learn, adapt, and lead. If you’re considering an apprenticeship, leap - you never know where it might take you.

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