The RailStaff Awards 2024

Ryan Thompson

Inspire Structures LTD

Previous Next Nominate

Joanna Thompson

Said the following about Ryan Thompson:

“One of the great skills shortages in the rail industry is in Structure Examinations; In the last 18 months Ryan Thompson has dedicated himself to bridging this skills shortage.

He has delivered 9 training courses, each 2 weeks in duration, providing 40 individuals with the skills to examine structures. This has made a huge impact to the rail industry.

Ryan is passionate about seeing the individuals gain confidence and develop their skills and knowledge. He welcomes everyone and is approachable and friendly, ensuring that his courses are a place where people are comfortable to both ask and answer questions. His support is continuous – he stays in the same hotel as the candidates and can often be found at 8pm talking about structural theory!

Once the candidates complete their training they return to their workplaces for a period of mentoring, which is then followed by a Competency Assessment – which Ryan is involved in too! Each competency assessment will last 2 to 3 days, Ryan has undertaken 20 assessments in the last 18 months – that’s 20 more structure examiners who can ensure the safe running of the railway. Undertaking a competency assessment can be daunting, and Ryan goes out of his way to put people at their ease - something that comes naturally to him.

His passion for seeing individuals realise their potential is evident to anyone who has ever attended one of his courses - he has had a hugely positive impact on their lives and careers.“

Mirko Ferrante

Said the following about Ryan Thompson:

“I have joined the structure examination industry just over a year ago with the willingness of growing within such industry in the most productive way possible. It is no secret that Ryan has so far been a key element in my and many of my fellow colleague’s development thanks to the knowledge that he has passed onto us. Ryan did so by delivering courses which are fundamental for the development of skills which are required in the industry and did so in the most welcoming way, without ever shying away from requests for extra clarifications whenever any of us may have needed so. I personally have participated in 2 of Ryan's courses on structural theory in the past year, each 2 weeks long. During that time, everyone participating in the course, Ryan included, stayed in the same hotel and Ryan was never afraid to go over certain topics even late in the evenings whenever he was asked for extra guidance. I have honestly never felt any pressure whatsoever in taking the tests at the end of such courses because Ryan made it so beautifully easy to absorb knowledge from him.

Furthermore, since then, I have undertook with Ryan a competency assessment which has been another important step in my personal growth within the industry and my company.

I can only be thankful for the work Ryan continues to do in order to allow us to reach our goals.

All I can say is that it would make me very happy to seeing Ryan winning this award. He really deserves it!“

Joe Rhead

Said the following about Ryan Thompson:

“Ryan helped me become a confident examiner and went above and beyond with helping my development.“

Sam Corton

Said the following about Ryan Thompson:

“Ryan has been the mentor during two courses I have attended over the last 12 months. He has always been able to get the information across in a way that everyone can understand.“

Abi Thomson

Said the following about Ryan Thompson:

“From the start, Ryan has been my mentor and a great one at that! I’ve known that I could ask him anything if unsure and he’d give me the help I need. Ryan has helped me gain full STE4 status and even though he’s not my mentor anymore, he’ll always be someone I look up to.“