Sara Carnduff

Said the following about Mark Warrender:

“Having previously trained 1000’s of candidates globally, as the Lead Network Solutions Architect for telent, responsible for a team of 20 working across 30 national high-profile rail projects, and powered by his passion for helping others develop and unlock their potential, Mark has written and delivered various courses, coaching sessions and ‘bootcamps’ for telent’s customers as part of the Digital Railway programme, even though this is not part of his core role. Mark also co-ordinates evening classes, giving up his own time to support both telent graduates and others in his team to develop their knowledge and gain qualifications in core technology such as Cisco and Juniper certification, all fundamental to the projects and skills that future-proof the railway infrastructure.

Starting his own career as a Cable and Wireless trainee in 1989, it was quickly recognised that Mark’s interpersonal skills and unique ability to explain complex topics in a way that everyone can understand, made him a natural choice as a trainer. Mark has since gone on to train 1000’s of people in telecoms and IP networks covering multiple high-profile vendors across the world including Cisco, Juniper, Motorola, Alcatel, Siemens and Vodafone.

‘Mark has organised various Cisco and Juniper training courses for the team to help us prepare for new projects and to gain a better understanding of IP Networks as a whole. He also started Cisco Certification classes at telent, also encouraging members of staff outside of the IP and networks team to gain CCNA accreditation to develop their understanding of network fundamentals.’ Veena Kumari, Graduate Engineer – telent.

Dedicated to ensuring those on his courses understand and can relate to the subject being taught, Mark researches his candidates to personalise their training experience. Tailoring each session and applying scenarios to areas they are familiar with to help them apply the theory to practical elements, Mark is adept at putting everyone at ease when learning complex topics, whatever their previous knowledge. Those that have attended Mark’s courses describe how ‘you don’t feel like you have been on a course, it’s more like an interactive engaging discussion and you come away having learnt how it all works together’.

Always going above and beyond, Mark, in collaboration with Network Rail, has written and delivered several bespoke competency-based courses for the introduction of IP networks and specifically for high-profile traffic management firewall security, a fundamental part of the Digital Railway programme. Receiving the initial request in 2016, in order to produce the customised course material, Mark worked closely with Network Rail to ensure the content met competency and safety critical requirements. Since getting the courses approved, over the last 18 months, Mark has trained more than 50 people in traffic management firewall security, receiving a consistent rating of excellent in post course evaluation.

‘From the moment I walked through the door at telent’s offices in Warwick, Mark made the effort to ensure I felt welcome and relaxed in the surroundings. Throughout the course, Mark was the epitome of professionalism; he was able to answer competently any questions to give a thorough understanding of the subject matter.

Following completion of the course Mark provided me with his contact details with an assurance that he would be available to provide technical support should the need arise. When he was required, this proved to be a true reflection of his promise and his assistance was greatly appreciated.’ Colin Forbes – Network Rail.

Understanding the pressures of working in a safety-critical environment and committed to ensuring those involved are both competent and confident, Mark has led ‘bootcamps’ and coaching sessions prior to major transformational programmes including London Bridge and Birmingham New Street stations, to supplement the training for both Network Rail and telent. Mark simulates the existing networks off-site to allow those involved to practice what they are planning to do on-site so they will feel comfortable and are better prepared for working in the live environment.

‘Mark is friendly, approachable and no matter how busy he may get, he always checks up on every team member to ensure we understand the work we’re doing and to offer continuous feedback and support to all.’ Veena Kumari, Graduate Engineer – telent.

Described by those he has trained as engaging, knowledgeable, patient, supportive and ‘the best instructor I’ve ever worked with’ by an industry colleague, Mark is passionate about developing others.

“Nothing is ever too much trouble for Mark, he is extremely knowledgeable and has an incredible way of describing the most complex subjects simply. He makes time for everyone and we are very lucky and honoured to have Mark as part of the telent team. Although not currently deployed as a full-time trainer, Mark consistently demonstrates his commitment and passion, selflessly writing and delivering courses in his own time for the development and benefit of others. A truly worthy candidate for this year’s Trainer of the Year category.” Steve Dalton, Managing Director – Transport, telent.“