We spoke to Tom Pryce, Apprentice Railway Engineering Technician with Alstom
Can you describe your role in a few words?
Learning operational activities around maintaining trains including 5 Car Bi-Mode, 7 Car EMU’s and Class 390 tilting fleet.
What were you doing prior to your Apprenticeship?
I was completing A levels in 6th Form College
What was your perception of the sector before you started your apprenticeship?
I have always been fascinated by the rail industry and how technological advances can impact on the growing demand for efficient and environmentally friendly transport systems. Before joining Alstom I was fortunate to have completed internships with SNC Lavalin which gave me an insight into the industry and its exciting future.
What interested you in joining Alstom?
Alstom is a leading company in the rail industry across the globe and is the UK & Ireland’s leading supplier of new trains, vehicle maintenance, and signalling infrastructure projects. Its key involvement in HS2 was one of the reasons I wished to join Alstom and become involved in a historic project.
What are the key things you’ve learnt so far in your job?
Working in the industry has helped me rapidly expand my engineering skills and develop me a person. The top 3 things I have learnt are.
- The importance of collaboration for learning and problem solving
- Quality Management being critical for better and safer trains.
- The importance of time management and delivering on schedule.
What is the most exciting part of your role?
During my apprenticeship, I have enjoyed the opportunities to travel the UK, visiting different sites, meeting new people and seeing new exciting rail fleets. I am also fortunate to have had opportunities to spend weekends volunteering on a heritage railway in North Wales, alongside young people within the industry.
Have you worked on the HS2 project through your apprenticeship?
So far, I have had not been actively involved in HS2, however I believe my skills in maintenance is key for the future of the project. I hope to apply my skills as the project advances to vehicle commissioning.
What would you like to do after completing your apprenticeship?
I am keen to continue to develop myself in the industry, building my knowledge and skills. I hope to have involvement within HS2, providing support to maintenance requirements of the vehicles.