Recruitment
“I have voted for this individual because of his exceptional contributions to the rail industry, particularly his creation of a new temporary works risk management process for the entire company. His innovative approach to enhancing safety and efficiency demonstrates strong leadership and dedication to advancing the field. This initiative has undoubtedly made a significant positive impact on the company's operations, making him a deserving candidate for the Best Rail Engineer Award for 2024.“
“Mohammed Al-Sharif is an intelligent and hardworking individual with a genuine passion for Rail Engineering.
During the time I have known Mohammed, he has regularly taken time out of his busy schedule to provide invaluable support and mentorship to fellow Engineers, not just within his own company but others too.
I believe he is an asset to the Rail Engineering profession and would like to nominate him for the Rail Engineer award.“
“I have known Mohammed for several years since I was at school where he inspired me to pursue a career in Civil Engineering through his attendance at careers fairs. I worked with him for a few weeks during my time at university when I was on work experience at the company he was at, at the time. His passion for engineering was clear to see as well as his understanding of the engineering fundamentals which has no doubt allowed him to flourish in his career. Mohammed is a testament to the civil engineering industry in which he has already offered so much and will no doubt continue to do so in coming years.“
“Mohammed has been inspirational and demonstrated his excellence in his field without compromising his values and ethics. Not only this, Mohammed also deserves this award due to his hard work, honesty and good morals which make him a great ambassador for this category.“
“Mohammed has shown extreme diligence in his understanding and application of engineering. He is well acquainted and has demonstrated good understanding in technical principles and the basis of engineering. As well as his knowledge of relevant standards/ legislation. He has a key safety focus and this has been demonstrated through his role as CEM where he has had to make hard decisions and safety based decisions with the safety of the public, operational railway and his staff in mind.
Mohammed has also been offering me informal mentoring support and coaching through my ICE development and general career advice. This has been going on since I first met him (a masters student) during my first year of university. For the last 10 years he has been a good role model and influence on me to develop my own career within the rail sector. I have also seen him lend a helping hand to anyone who has asked and has gone out of his way to help others achieve their chartership/ develop their own career through means of advising them on potential options to consider/ even helping with providing technical advice to colleagues/ friends/ people who have asked him to help them in boosting their understanding of technical issues/ challenges.
Mohammed has also been nominated by myself for the YRP award, which he achieved and I believe he has worked hard and should be put forward for rail engineer of the year.“
“Mohammed is a Versatile Engineer with a wealth of knowledge and experience in the industry. He is selfless and puts above 100% in everything he does. HE has a passion and determination to better himself and is constantly improving his own knowledge through additional reading and CPD. Furthermore he puts the same effort into helping other do this also by mentoring several other peers in the industry both within Volker Fitzpatrick and externally. He is an asset to the company and an crucial member of my team.
Please see attached where Mohammed came into work on a critical railway blockade even though I had not rota' d him in and as the senior engineering manager got stuck in and helped the subcontractor labour team install a UTX.“
“I'm nominating Mohammed for the Rail Engineer of the Year Award because he's done amazing work in making trains and rail systems better, safer, and greener. Mohammed is super smart, coming up with new ideas and solutions that have really made a difference. Beyond his technical achievements, Mohammed has been a great leader and mentor, especially to me. His passion and dedication to engineering have inspired me to pursue a career in civil engineering, showing me the impact we can make through innovation and commitment. In short, Mohammed has not only made significant changes in the world of trains but has also profoundly influenced my professional journey, and that's why he deserves this award.“
“Sharif has been an unparalleled force in the engineering world, consistently going above and beyond to support, innovate, and lead in every project we've embarked on together. His expertise is matched only by his unwavering commitment to mentorship and collaboration, making him not just a colleague, but a true mentor and friend. Over the years, Sharif has not only elevated our projects with his innovative solutions and technical prowess but has also greatly enhanced my personal growth and understanding of engineering complexities. His ability to break down intricate problems and mentor others in navigating them has been invaluable, fostering a culture of learning and excellence. Sharif's contributions are a testament to his dedication to engineering excellence, making him a deserving recipient of this award.“
“Mohammed played instrumental role in delivering engineering solutions for Transpennine Route Upgrade project. I have enjoyed working with him sourcing products and adding value from cost and engineering prospective.“
“Mohammed has supported me through my CRE mentorship. He is always able to talk things through and help me with my project on HS2“
“I believe Mohammed truly deserves this award. Mohammed’s expertise in designing and maintaining railway systems is simply outstanding. He has this incredible ability with innovative solutions to any challenges that come his way. His dedication to safety and efficiency in rail operations is unmatched. It's inspiring to see his passion for the industry and the impact he makes. Plus, he also takes the time to mentor new graduates in the industry, sharing his knowledge and helping them grow. He is not just an exceptional engineer, but also an incredible mentor. He is truly deserving of this recognition as the rail engineer of the year.“
“Mohammed goes above and beyond in helping his fellow engineers. He is giving with his time and has extensive knowledge which he is always willing to share. He also has a strong network which means he is able to help his fellow engineers when it comes to seeking out new and exciting opportunities in rail. His technical knowledge and competence has allowed him to have a distinguished career in rail in such a short space of time. He is certainly one of the future leaders in the industry and deserves to be recognised for his efforts.“
“I would like to nominate Mohammed for the Rail Engineer of the Year Award who I have known for over 2 years. He is experienced and brilliant at his job as a railway engineer and currently working as a CEM for a major contractor.
Mohammed is a great advocate for promoting diversity and inclusivity in the railway industry and have helped many young engineers like myself coming in to the industry with professional development.
He regularly sets up meals (networking events) after work and brings together railway professionals from various stages of their careers, listening to any concerns they have and offering support with professional development. He never shys away from sharing his experience.“
“Mohammed has been chosen for the employee of the Year Award as he is knowledgeable, passionate and experience engineer who has a high level of technical skills and capabilities to manage complex projects and solve engineering problems. Since working with Mohammed, he has been demonstrating outstanding management capabilities, leadership qualities and his abilities to go out of his way to help. He continues to ensure that all team members work together and communicate effectively. The Camp Hill stations project is a prime example, where clear, consistent collaboration is essential in completing the project on time and within budget. He has always been leading by examples by encouraging others including myself to work collaboratively and communicate effectively and share lessons learnt across the project teams. His longstanding relationship with Network Rail PEs and DPEs has been crucial in completing several IDCs, making sure the delivery team understands the needs of Network Rail. Mohammed has worked with different engineers at various levels and background and help them become skilled and at the same time embedding collaborative culture within the organisation. He is actively mentoring students, technicians, and engineers as he is driven to help improve social mobility through education and professional support. He has been instrumental in helping me and other team members to continue to work towards their professionally accredited programmes. He is committed to the success completion of the Camp Hill stations project on time, within budget and ensuring the desirable quality is met without compromising health and safety.“
“Exceptionally dedicated and gifted. Has climbed ranks at an extraordinary rate within the railway industry. Has led the engineering team for multiple stations across the midlands“
“Mohammed has been an exceptional engineer during my time working with him on the Camp Hill Line Project. His attention to detail, process driven methods and keen desire to deliver quality work in a collaborative environment was 2nd to none. As Contractors Engineering Manager on the Project under NR ASPRO scheme, his dedication to the role and the engineering team was the driving force for the successful installation and delivery of platform front walls, drainage, complex soil nailing activities, piling works, demolition of existing structures, and vital S&T upgrades all within a tricky rail environment, working under Seperated, Fenced and Safeguarded SSoW. Alongside his technical capacity, he utilised his open, friendly and honest approach to managing key stakeholders on the project including the client, West Midlands Combined Authority, and infrastructure owners Network Rail and their expansive team of colleagues and staff. Personally, Mohammed has catapulted the careers of many young engineers like myself towards EngTech/IEng/CEng accreditation, and senior positions within the business and the wider sector. It cannot be stressed that Mohammed is a critical and dynamic person in the workplace who is grounded, respectful and caring, who thoroughly deserves this established recognition.“
“I am delighted to recommend Mohammed Al-Sharif for the prestigious 'Rail Engineer of the Year' award.
As a seasoned Chartered Civil Engineer with an outstanding track record in the railway industry, Al-Sharif exemplifies excellence, dedication, and innovation in his field.
I had the privilege of being mentored by him earlier in my career, and his guidance was invaluable in helping me navigate the complexities of the industry and chart a successful career path. His mentorship extended beyond technical expertise, as he also played a pivotal role in connecting me with the right resources and opportunities, including mentorship for achieving Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.
His contributions to the railway sector are truly remarkable. He has lent his expertise to a multitude of major projects, including the Camp Hill lines and University Station, where his engineering prowess and leadership have left an indelible mark. His ability to tackle complex challenges with ingenuity and precision has earned him the respect and admiration of colleagues and stakeholders alike.
Furthermore, he has demonstrated his versatility and expertise by providing valuable counsel on 'Grade II' listed building renovations for the local council—an indication of his interdisciplinary skills and commitment to community development.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Al-Sharif is deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of railway professionals. His active involvement in STEM activities and mentoring initiatives underscores his dedication to shaping the future of the industry, ensuring that aspiring engineers are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to drive innovation and progress.
In summary, Al-Sharif embodies the qualities of a true Rail Engineer of the Year—technical expertise, leadership, mentorship, and a passion for advancing the railway industry. I wholeheartedly endorse his nomination for this esteemed award and am confident that his contributions will continue to inspire and elevate the field of rail engineering.“
“Mohammed has been an invaluable mentor to me throughout my career. His profound understanding of rail engineering and the intricacies of network rail processes has been instrumental in guiding me through various challenges I have faced as a temporary works coordinator. I've frequently sought his counsel, tapping into his wealth of experience for advice and direction. Beyond his expertise in rail engineering, Mohammed possesses a comprehensive understanding of civil engineering, offering invaluable insights and guidance in diverse areas.
His mentorship extends beyond just me; Mohammed has been pivotal in aiding numerous engineers, including myself, in advancing our professional development. Whenever I've faced roadblocks in meeting specific professional attributes, Mohammed has been a reliable source of advice, aiding me in charting a course forward.
In conclusion, Mohammed's mentorship has been an indispensable cornerstone of my professional growth. His vast expertise, generosity in sharing knowledge, and unwavering support have not only bolstered my confidence but have also facilitated my progress as a temporary works coordinator. I remain deeply grateful for his guidance and the impact he has had on my career trajectory.“
“I am nominating Mohammed Al-Sharif, CEM from VolkerFitzpatrick Ltd. I have known Al-Sharif for 10+ years and he is a hardworking and very knowledgeable professional. His hard work has been recognised and he has received the award as the most collaborative person in the West Midlands Rail Programme in 2023 from West Midlands Rail Executive due to the ability to bring together Network Rail, WMCA, Mott MacDonald and site construction staff into one joint team effort with a culture of openness and trust.
Additionally, since receiving CEng MICE recognition Al-Sharif has taken up a role as a mentor and to support others to pursue their path towards professional qualifications including charted engineer status with ICE and other organisations like IStructE. For his effort he has been received the 2024 Mentor of the Year award from the Young Rail Professionals.“
“Mohammed has always supported with his excellent technical engineering knowledge to enable delivery of work packages to high standards and really adopts the right first time approach and implements the ethos which massively helps project delivery“
“M. Al-Sharif has helped me on various occasions to explain complex engineering design and construction methodology.
Helped me understand phasing and even suggested potential savings on the project by scheduling work more effectively.
He is really knowledgeable and eager to help and develop personal/ teams.“
“I have know Mohammed for over 7 years and he has demonstrated a wealth of knowledge and skill in the field of civil engineering over the past half a decade. His versatility and diverse understanding within engineering and construction practice makes him a stand out individual in the industry.
I have worked with Mohammed on a number of projects and disciplines including the structural assessment of existing structures where he has shown his diligence, commitment and professionalism of delivering projects and tasks to time and budget. His broad understanding and experience in engineering principles and application enables him to make quick and accurate decisions. Additionally, Mohammed has excellent understanding processes and procedures of NR, HS2 and DMRB as well as UK regulations in Health & Safety.
At an individual level, Mohammed helped navigate both my personal and professional challenges. He provided practical advice on career progression and has adopted both a compassionate and empathetic approach in listening to my viewpoints. He always acted as a reliable mentor especially during difficult periods.
Mohammed has shared much knowledge in engineering and project management with me. His wealth of experience and insight in engineering has allowed him to explain things very clearly and concisely. He was always open to taking technical questions and never shying away from complex problems. Not only does he impart practical skills and professional advice but also shares his life experiences.
Mohammed's optimism and positive attitude has inspired and motivated me throughout my career. He encouraged me to set ambitious goals whilst helping build my confidence in achieving them. I nominate Mohammed because he deserves to be recognised within the industry for all the professionalism and hard work he has shown of the years.“
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