A RAIL GOOD APPRENTICE!

Friday 3 Nov 2006

A RAIL GOOD APPRENTICE!

Region & Route:: | Wales & Western: Wales & Borders; | Wales & Western: Western; | Wales & Western

A Bristol apprentice has been recognised for his outstanding contribution to the railway industry, at the final of the ‘GoSkills Apprentice of the Year in Rail Engineering’ award. Chris Evans of Stoke Bishop, was presented with his finalist award by Michelle Dewberry, winner of TV show ‘The Apprentice’, at the Go for Excellence award ceremony, held at the Institution of Civil Engineers in London. This was the fourth award Chris has won in his four-year career as an apprentice with Network Rail. Chris said: “I am delighted that all the hard work I have put in throughout my apprenticeship has not only been recognised by colleagues at Network Rail, but also by the transport sector. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as an apprentice, and have had lots of fun learning at work and at college.” Chris, who is 24, joined Network Rail in November 2002. Since completing his apprenticeship in July this year, he has worked in Network Rail’s Signalling and Telecommunications department in Bristol as a General Purpose Relief Technician. Greg Lunn, Network Rail’s Territory Maintenance Director for the area, said: “This award recognises the hard work and effort Chris puts into his job. He always applies his positive ‘can-do’ attitude to everything he does, and ensures any work his team is tasked with is always done to the very best of its abilities. He is a credit to the company.” Network Rail has one of Britain’s largest advanced apprenticeship schemes, offering 1,000 places for a comprehensive three-year scheme. Apprentices are trained at the Royal Navy’s historic HMS Sultan and accommodated ‘next door’ at HMS Collingwood. HMS Sultan is Europe’s largest engineering training centre, and HMS Collingwood boasts bespoke facilities, including: fully refurbished accommodation, swimming pool, football, tennis and squash amenities.

Notes to editors

Over £30 million has been invested into this apprenticeship scheme by Network Rail in search for the talent of tomorrow who will help to rebuild Britain’s railway. Apprentices who successfully complete the scheme are guaranteed a job within Network Rail’s maintenance function. Other awards Chris has received throughout his apprenticeship include: • Electrical Apprentice of the year, which he achieved at his college (year one) • Third placed EEF Apprentice of the year (year two) • EEF Apprentice of the year (year three) GoSkills is the Sector Skills Council (SSC) for Passenger Transport Carly McGregor a Network Rail advanced apprentice - based in Wolverhampton, won the ‘GoSkills Apprentice of the Year’ award in Rail Engineering, at the first apprenticeship award ceremony for the Passenger Transport sector Candidates were judged by a team of independent experts on the following four criteria: • Commitment • Exceeding expectations • Working with others • Understanding the bigger picture Chris is continuing with his studies, currently doing his second year in HNC Electronics on day release

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