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Friday 29 Jul 2016

Students inspired as Network Rail leader awards budding railway engineers

Region & Route:

| Wales & Western: Western

| Wales & Western

Youngsters at a Swindon college were joined in their celebrations by Network Rail’s route managing director, Mark Langman, as he presented awards to pupils who have succeeded in their studies.

He was at University Technical College (UTC) to recognise and celebrate the college’s individuals who have achieved success in the past academic year and discuss his own journey with Network Rail. The awards ceremony was for Year 10 (14 to 15-year-olds) and Year 12 (16 to 17-year-olds) students.

Mark Langman, who is managing director for the Western route, explained to the University Technical College (UTC) Swindon youngsters how he started his journey as an apprentice in 1986 before working in several varied and interesting jobs in the rail industry that has ultimately led him to the role he enjoys today.

Route Managing Director, Mark Langman, was delighted to attend the event and he hopes the UTC students can continue their success after their education. He said: “It was great to spend time with the students at UTC who may one day join our fantastic apprenticeship scheme and enjoy a successful career on the railway. Having been in the same shoes as the students three decades ago I am aware of the challenges they face and the exciting journey ahead of them.

“It is fantastic to see they are already enjoying success with UTC and through the close links between the college and Network Rail I hope the positive work will continue to benefit everyone involved.”

UTC has an engineering course and has a direct link with Network Rail via the apprentice scheme and the prospect of their pupils enjoying careers with Network Rail is a real possibility. The college’s affinity with the railway is evident the moment you enter the building as an image of Brunel greets visitors in reception.

Angela Barker-Dench is UTC’s principal and she is delighted that Mark was able to attend. She said: “Our successful relationship with Network Rail and Mark’s journey from apprentice to route managing director made him the perfect choice to present the awards and makes him an inspiration to the students.

“I myself was also an apprentice so I know and understand the benefit of these schemes. I encourage any young person to look into the possibility of an apprenticeship with us as it is regarded as the best and widest by many employers.”