The RailStaff Awards 2024

Nominations for Apprentice of the Year

Keltbray Electrification Plant Keltbray Group

Said the following about Harry Hughes:

“Harry Hughes first came to Keltbray Electrification Plant in 2014 whilst he was studying independently for an NVQ in Agricultural Engineering. Part of his course requirements was to secure a twelve month work placement; Harry approached us to see if he could work with our plant maintenance team, we agreed and this shy young man began his adventure into the railway world on the 8th of September 2014.

The first twelve months passed very quickly and provided Harry with valuable experience, not just of work, but of a very unique industry. He formed good relationships with the plant team and other associated members of staff. We quietly observed this polite and unassuming young man working alongside our fitters.

Seeing the benefits to our company of employing young people, it encouraged us to begin an apprenticeship programme. Harry become committed to the railway world and enjoyed working on various types of specialist equipment utilised within the business. He expressed an interest in continuing working with Keltbray and we were pleased to welcome Harry as our first apprentice in September 2015.

During the first two years of Harry’s apprenticeship he attended a number of block release sessions at Reaseheath College, gaining an NVQ Level 2 in Plant Maintenance. Harry also won the Best Plant Maintenance Apprentice Award at the College in 2017 (main photograph - Harry receiving his award).

At work Harry has learned to operate and maintain a wide range of specialist road/rail plant associated with overhead line equipment which includes:

• HTT HP950 Access Units

• SRS LRB Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (various models)

• Palfinger Cranes

• Zeck Wiring Unit

• CBS Wiring Winches and Tensioning Units

• SRS Scissor Lift Machines

• Mercedes Benz Unimogs

• GOS Rail Trailers

• GOS Wiring Decoilers

• Schunk Pantograph Systems

As well as maintaining the equipment, Harry provides on-site cover when working on the infrastructure, giving him the opportunity to gain confidence by applying his abilities in demanding situations.

After completing the NVQ level 2, Harry successfully applied for a place at Reaseheath College to study NVQ Level 3 in Plant Maintenance which he is currently completing.

Harry has developed a passion for his job and working on the railway infrastructure. He has faced, and overcome many technical challenges along the way and has grown immensely from a shy newcomer to a confident professional young man, who we all have become very proud of.“