York apprentices on track to success in Alstom awards

Alstom, global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, is celebrating the achievements of a new generation of trainees following its inaugural Apprenticeship Awards, with two winners based in York.

The awards are designed to recognise the exceptional impact of apprentices at Alstom in the UK working across a range of railway-related fields, including engineering, manufacture, design, maintenance, digital and integrated systems, procurement and logistics.

Billy Gamov, Apprentice of the Year
Five winners across the country were honoured at a virtual ceremony on Wednesday 7 February, with 22-year-old Billy Gamov from York named overall Apprentice of the Year. As an Engineering Product Delivery Apprentice, he has been supporting the delivery of signalling projects around the UK from Alstom’s York office on Fulford Road.

The judges praised Billy for his work in delivering a state-of-the-art, first of its type level crossing simulator, while a digital support system he helped develop has driven significant efficiencies across Alstom’s signalling business.

His extracurricular role as a science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) ambassador was also highlighted, which has seen him attend an event at the National Railway Museum to talk to students about careers in rail and beyond. Elsewhere, Billy recently ran the Funchal Marathon in Portugal in aid of War Child and has supported his office’s food bank.

Alongside his work, Billy is studying for an engineering degree apprenticeship at Aston University and is expected to graduate later this year.

“Billy has demonstrated countless times how much of an exceptional individual he is. His meticulous approach to his work, his enthusiasm and his drive for success is evident in all that he does. He truly is a role model and it’s fantastic to see such a bright young individual within Alstom that – even from this early stage in his career – is showing great promise of a bright future with us,” said Billy’s line manager, James Stanley, Principal Engineer Technologist at Alstom.

Alstom’s commitment to creating ‘Skills for Life’ – the theme for this year’s National Apprenticeship Week – was further reinforced today (Wednesday 7 February) as it confirmed 36 more apprenticeship roles will be created across the UK in areas such as engineering, project management and supply chain.

Apprenticeships at Alstom offers trainees the chance to earn while they learn. Alongside their day job, apprentices will spend at least 20% of their working hours undergoing learning at university or college, additional training and studying. The new cohort is expected to start working at the company from September.

Niamh Mc Keating, Level 6 (Degree) Apprentice of the Year
Similar to Billy, Niamh Mc Keating is also based at Alstom’s York office where she works as a Project Manager. The 21-year-old has been instrumental in Alstom’s £28 million contact to resignal the Ferrybridge to Goole railway line, improving the reliability, safety and efficiency of an important route that carries passengers and goods across Yorkshire.

On her training, Niamh said: “My apprenticeship has transformed me into someone I didn’t even know I could be. When I first joined Alstom in 2021, I was shy, introverted and I had absolutely no self-confidence. Today, I am thriving!”

She added: “Through the trust, expertise and opportunities my colleagues have given me, Alstom has given me more than I could have expected. I have gained a true passion for project management, the railway and apprenticeships, and I have the most confidence I have ever had.”

Alongside her day-to-day duties, Niamh has supported various CSR activities, from taking part in the Women@Alstom spotlight series to organising a charity coffee morning in aid of Macmillan Cancer Suport. She is working towards a project management degree at York St. John University and is expected to graduate this year.

“Alstom is incredibly proud to celebrate the winners of our inaugural Apprenticeship Awards. Apprenticeships are hugely important to our dynamic workforce as apprentices bring fresh perspectives, enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. They are also helping us address national skills gaps by building a pipeline of fantastic talent for the future,” said James Gray, Human Resources Director UK&I at Alstom.
He added: “Each year we are blown away by the aptitude and passion of the winners from across the country, who are all motivated in addressing the challenges of tomorrow’s mobility in a responsible way. I would encourage anyone looking for a new challenge to consider one of our varied apprenticeship roles, all of which help us contribute to a low carbon future by developing and promoting innovative transportation solutions that passengers enjoy riding.”

As the country’s foremost supplier of new trains and train services, and a leading signalling and infrastructure provider, Alstom has around 6,000 employees in the UK and Ireland, who are based at 37 sites. Alongside apprenticeships (from Level 2 to 6) Alstom also offers a postgraduate apprenticeship (Level 7) and a two-year graduate programme, as well as work experience in a number of functions.