Lorna Richardson

Said the following about Kalen Ruddock:

“From the moment Kalen Ruddock interviewed for Alstom’s Level seven systems engineer apprenticeship, he distinguished himself as having exceptional drive, aptitude, technical and leadership qualities.

Joining Alstom in September 2021, Kalen hit the ground running. Unafraid to challenge, Kalen has embraced every opportunity to develop his skillset and progress to high-profile and pioneering digital railway product development and enhancement.

Despite being new to the industry and junior in his role, Kalen has proven to be extremely competent and has been instrumental in the latest iteration of Alstom's pioneering Infinity Modular Control System (MCS) VDU signallers' workstation.

"Kalen has become one of the lead designers for new tools introduced, developing the application guide and supporting the debugging process. He has also supported the compliance reviews of new product introduction. Kalen is selfless in his efforts, self-motivated, generous when passing on his knowledge and passionate when challenges arise." John Kontemeniotis - Control Centre Engineering Delivery Manager, Alstom

Leading the complex debugging of software using Bugzilla and DevOps methodology, Kalen is identifying development issues and collaborating with the product teams to resolve them. Engaging the system users to trial the concept design, Kalen is also working on incorporating additional features based on their feedback. This includes leading on additional desirable features, such as zooming functionality and detailed maps which is not yet available on any mainline signallers’ workstations in use in the UK.

Having gained a comprehensive understanding of the pioneering system and being Alstom’s most experienced user, Kalen has become the go-to person for questions relating to the tool from colleagues at all levels. Kalen is also writing the application guide and playing a critical role in achieving product requirements compliance and gaining acceptance from Network Rail Technical Authority.

"There is seemingly no challenge that is too great for Kalen. He has become an integral part of the team, delivering multiple control systems projects across the UK. He has also tenaciously, and with a desire to learn, supported Alstom's product development team with critical acceptance deliverables." Alexander Foster - Lead Project Manager, Alstom

Kalen not only excels in a professional capacity but is passionate about attracting the next generation of engineers to the rail industry. He has actively worked on establishing a route for new talent to enter into the railway industry, delivered a speech at Aston University promoting Alstom’s graduate/apprenticeship initiatives and attends school career events.

Involved in Alstom's work experience initiatives since joining the industry, Kalen co-organised this year's four-week programme. Attended by 16 sixth formers and university students, Kalen helped co-ordinate 25 colleagues to deliver presentations and hands-on experience of different engineering aspects and railway signalling control.

“Kalen continues to push boundaries in his self-development and continues to support newcomers and our work experience participants giving up his time to make the experience rewarding.” John Kontemeniotis - Control Centre Engineering Delivery Manager, Alstom

Feedback was extremely positive, with all the students reporting the work experience fulfilled their expectations and they would recommend the programme to others.

"I really enjoyed my week at Alstom and learned so much, it has actually influenced what career I want to do."

"Great work experience thanks so much. Also the apprentices were really friendly and gave good advice."

"A very informative and enjoyable week. I got to learn a lot about engineering and different types of jobs within the company."

An active mentor and member of Young Rail Professionals, Kalen proactively seeks and instigates opportunities for collaboration that will improve learning experiences for engineering graduates and apprentices.

Following a review of Alstom's apprenticeship programme - for which Kalen was invited to provide input - he is now an active member of the newly launched Graduates and Apprentices Leadership Group. Evaluating the apprenticeship model and feeding back to the HR team, Kalen is driving an initiative to create structured networking opportunities while also supporting colleagues working on other projects.

In an apprenticeship university submission, Kalen focused on social sustainability and explored different engineering roles. His project is being progressed and will inform Alstom's STEM programme development.

Kalen is committed to sharing knowledge and learnings and is an informal mentor to a new graduate and a buddy for two new starters.

"Kalen is always willing to give assistance when required. His approachable nature makes him easy to get along with. He always appreciates other people's views and understands the rail industry is a complex environment and sometimes hard to grasp. Kalen's willingness to help others has had a major impact on my appreciation of the railway industry as he is the individual to go to when you have any design or data-related questions, even although he has been in the industry for only two years." Alex Enchill - Signalling Engineering (Control Centres), Alstom

"Kalen is a role model and apprentices following in his footsteps should guide themselves by his example." Alexander Foster - Lead Project Manager, Alstom

A member of the Institution of Engineering and Technology, Kalen is working towards achieving his Institution of Railway Signal Engineer’s licence.

Actively involved in the evolution of the digital railway, Kalen is an innovator and has the technical ability and collaborative nature to support the industry overcome the challenges to increase capacity, reduce delays, enhance safety and drive down costs.

Kalen is not only an asset to Alstom but also to the railway industry and is a role model to others.“