The RailStaff Awards 2024

Nominations for Apprentice of the Year

Mary Johnson

Said the following about Elliot Passmore:

“We are nominating Elliot Passmore as Apprentice of the Year as he is an inspiration to others on learning and applying his new-found skills which also saved a number of possessions from being cancelled due to staff absence.

Elliot joined the rail industry as an enthusiastic and dedicated apprentice and had an eye for detail when preparing a major bid for design work for the Wessex Alliance as part of Project Management initiation. He then progressed to track design, undertaking plain line design and gauge clearance assessments for IEP for platform extensions. This culminated in category 1 approvals (i.e. approved designs with no comments) and was able to check others work and provide ‘useful’ comments. His ability to recognise challenging timescales and the need to check and check again meant there were some long days but delivered a quality product, on time and to budget which is what the industry strives for. Elliot was wanting to embrace new skills and volunteered to undertake a number of weekend shifts learning about total station survey equipment as well as undertaking gauging surveys. He soon developed his survey abilities to become a useful member of the survey team whilst striking a balance with on-going design work. This broadened his skill set by exposure to site situations and was furthered by volunteering for the PWI trackwork challenge.

A critical planned survey was almost jeopardised when the lead surveyor was taken ill at the last moment. Elliot however seized the opportunity and volunteered to lead, based on his previous experience and demonstration of his abilities. Elliot successfully completed the survey in the booked possessions which saved the project from attracting significant costs and programme delays.

He shared his knowledge with others and became an effective team leader for the geomatics team during a period of staff absence. He provided the necessary figure head for those learning new skills. During this time, he also successfully completed his Eng Tech professional qualification and NVQ level 3 to such a high standard that Stegta (Salford and Trafford Engineering Group Training and Apprenticeships) wanted him to be a mentor and role model for further apprentices coming through the system. This is truly inspirational, and Elliot is thus deserving of Apprentice of the year 2019.“

Paul Risley

Said the following about Elliot Passmore:

“Elliot works hard.

Works long hours at weekends without complaint.

Has progressed way beyond what is expected of a trainee.

Shows interest outside of his chosen P Way field.

Needs rewarding“