Duncan Claber

Said the following about Grant Soden:

“Grant is in his third year as an apprentice at South Western Railway’s Wimbledon Depot, and in his time at the company has become a key part of his Depot team. His work at South Western Railway and his work for his college has been outstanding and is now working towards a degree level apprenticeship in Chichester some distance from his depot at Wimbledon.

Grant has also shown great leadership, working with other apprentice colleagues on the Railway Challenge competition run by IMechE. For the challenge the apprentices are competing against teams across the rail industry to design a miniature train by June 2020. Grant has used his experience at South Western Railway and his volunteering at the Great Cockrow Railway to design the bogies and wheelsets for their entry. He has also ensured that other members of the team have tasks that best suit their skillsets, so that they can create what will hopefully be a winning entry.

Getting on with any task with no fuss, he is unafraid to get stuck into a job but always delivers to a high standard. He has also been trusted to deliver crucial works, fitting key components to the majority of South Western Railway’s fleet.

Grant is a brilliant advocate for South Western Railway and apprenticeships having attended schools to talk to students about the opportunities apprenticeships deliver. Along with his manager he has also met with the Rail Delivery Group to share his experiences.

Grant’s Line Manager Rob Hulson, said “Grant is a stand-out apprentice. He brings an unbelievable amount of positivity to the team. He is always there to help and support colleagues. I have no doubt he has a bright future ahead of him in the rail industry.”“