Carl Wagstaff

Said the following about Caroline Spence:

“Caroline has previously had two different positions within Avanti West Coast, her passion for delivering a first class service saw her start her rail industry career in customer relations, where she excelled and amassed the confidence to push herself outside her comfort zone, with this she took up her second post within the company in control, the fast paced environment was a challenge that she thrived on, but Caroline being the ambitious person that she is wanted to combine both the first class service along with the fast paced environment and with this, in mind there was only one route Caroline was going to take and that was a “Level 3 Train Driver Apprenticeship”.

However, this was no easy decision to make, in more ways than one it was more of a challenge. Caroline had not been in an educational environment for several years and this would mean months of intensive classroom work ahead of her and additional ICT study in the way of her functional skills.

She would have to display commitment at the highest level if she was to succeed in her chosen apprenticeship.

Caroline didn’t disappoint with her determination and drive she embraced the apprenticeship with both hands and stood out above her peers in many ways, her passion shined through in her reviews. The intonation of her voice told me all I needed to know; this was a learner who not only enjoyed her work but was also incredibly proud to be doing her apprenticeship.

She was always keen to explain what knowledge she had gained in the previous months and how she had retained all the important information needed to drive a multimillion-pound train and how to keep thousands of passengers safe on a daily basis.

It was no surprise to me that Caroline with her strong work ethic completed all her learning modules in record time (8 months ahead of schedule) this was only possible due to her consistently delivering exceptional performances both in the classroom and in the driving cab.

Not one to sit back and gloat Caroline then found time around her work to help the rest of her peers in her cohort, with their own individual hurdles that they were finding difficult, this was a true sign of a team player who Avanti West Coast can be proud to call one of their own.“

Craig Fletcher

Said the following about Caroline Spence:

“Caroline successfully applied for the Trainee Driver position at Avanti after previously working in customer relations and performance team. Caroline had a great wealth of operational experience from previous roles and balanced this with starting as a trainee driver and thirst for learning against the challenges of greater appreciation and understanding compared to external candidates.

Using her knowledge and experience enabled Caroline to advise other trainee drivers where appropriate, whilst not overstepping her authority of responsibilities. This appreciation and humbling application of assisting others has been demonstrated throughout her training.

Caroline has dedicated her time whilst learning new routes and traction to gain competence and excel in the apprenticeship programme. The intensity of the training is a sustained period - 105 days of route learning after 65 days of practical handling and 18 weeks at the training school, yet Caroline received consistent positive feedback in competence assessments from Driver Trainers, Driver Managers, Driver Instructors and Traindup assessors.

Caroline proactively challenges learning materials, firstly to ensure her understanding and secondly that the information presented to others is correct. This was refreshing and welcome to have a humbling assertiveness from a curious trainee driver wanting to ensure they perform safely every time they drive a train.

I have never been more assured of someone planning to achieve their route learning competence as Caroline evidenced to me on her core route learning plan. Presenting the plan of engineering work impact, appropriate route school and practical handling time, appreciation of train head codes over routes and diversionary route limitations balanced with day and night-time hours in each direction was considered and presented on day 1.

This approach to the training and learning period meant that Caroline achieved her route and traction competence to above standard achievements with no issues. Caroline's focus was to achieve to the best of her ability, and she delivered above this requirement.

This approach to learning and achieving is a testament to her pride in the job and evidenced in her approach to the role; whether assisting other trainee drivers route learning, based on her experience, listening and learning from experienced drivers or now as a qualified driver reporting operational issues professionally and in a timely manner.

Caroline presents herself in a humbling manner but exemplifies a level of dedication, focus and professionalism any manager would be proud of.“