The RailStaff Awards 2024

Nominations for Rail Engineer of the Year

Matt Dalton - **HAS LEFT**

Said the following about Andrew Thompson:

“Andrew is an inspirational example of a design engineer. Andrew’s commitment not only to his project work but also his passion in development of others is a true credit to his character. Andrew’s delivery record speaks for itself, having lead teams through successful delivery of projects whilst being responsible for developing junior members of staff.

An example of his excellent delivery record was his role as the design team lead, responsible for development of the OLE design for wiring the Lickey incline, the steepest sustained gradient on Network Rails Infrastructure, on the Bromsgrove Electrification Project.

Andrew has also attained roles as client’s technical specialist within and the UK and Overseas. This includes working on behalf of HCMT in Melbourne and undertaking a role as subject matter expert for Transport for Wales. In both instances delivering expert advice to the client during critical review stages. This advice together with the work of other colleges lead to great praise from the client

‘Your technical support and the expert reports you have authored have been instrumental in getting to this stage…We only have a very small procurement team, so your support is invaluable’ TfW (2018).

However, Andrew’s proven engineering capabilities and achievements are complimented with his drive and enthusiasm to support and develop others. Andrew has a passion for both developing and promoting engineer at all levels and ages groups.

Outside of the work environment Andrew has developed relationships with numerous schools and has lead a multitude of activities ranging from; Mentoring year 8 students before a competition, delivering informal speeches to Year 10 and 11 students about the importance of A-levels, through to delivering design and build events for multiple groups of school children ranging in age from 8 to 16 years of age. His efforts have led to a host of glowing feedback from both students and teachers.

‘Thank you for taking part in the STEM Ambassador activity. ‘Teacher (2018),

‘Wow, what a great event. (Not just because we won – honest!) We now have a year 9 who wants to be a chemical engineer and a student who wants to do work experience engineering on railroads in some capacity. Teacher, The Dean Trust Ashton on Mersey School (2017)

Within the work environment Andrew has taken on a key role of locally developing and delivering a cross-division working group. The group delivers activities and events specifically focused at members of staff in the earlier stages of their career. This has included such activities as: arranging educational site visits, organising presentation and seminars targeted at career development, delivering a series of talks aimed at increasing the skill set of the young age groups, and setting up the occasional social trip. As a result of the efforts and commitments displayed by Andrew, there has been an increase in engagement with younger staff across multiple sectors, many of whom have volunteered to deliver similar material in the future.

‘Thanks Andy, Elizabeth and Gabrielle would like to attend and be involved going forward, yeah it would be good for someone to have a chat with them too...’ Team Lead (2018)

It should be noted Andrew is also undertaking the above whilst also working towards an MSc in Mechanical Engineering. The MSc is being studied at home, with a view to becoming chartered, thus further developing his own career.

Being able to juggle the demands of studying, raising a young family, meeting the demands of a day job, whilst also finding time for his voluntary work is what makes Andrew standout. This combined with his passion, welcoming nature and desire for developing others, whilst maintain exemplary working standards, I believe stand testament to this nomination.“