Grid celebrates three rising stars

Alstoms Stafford-based Grid sector is celebrating the success of three of its employees who scooped prestigious awards.

James Halliwell and Sam Harbage, both apprentices with the Grid business, and Adam Smith, who is now a full-time Alstom employee after completing his apprenticeship, have all been awarded prizes for their work and study in recent months.

James a third year apprentice, was presented with the award for Advanced Apprentice of the Year from Stafford College, where he has recently completed an NVQ Level 2 in Electrical and Mechanical Engineering and first year BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Engineering.

James has worked in most areas of the shop floor and has recently been chosen to fill a vacancy in our Procurement section where hes fulfilling that role very well, said Garry Warrilow, Grid Competency and Training Manager and Apprentice Officer.

James is a very intelligent, focused individual who Im sure will have a very bright future with the Company when hes completed his apprenticeship. 

For his hard work and commitment, Adam, now a Quality Inspector in Stafford, achieved the IET local network prize for Student Excellence from the Institution of Engineering and Technology. Adam received his award at a special event held at Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC).

Adam said: After being put through an NVQ Level 2 and BTEC Level 3 by Alstom as part of my advanced apprenticeship, I decided to stay at NULC and attempt the HNC and then the Foundation Degree. I knew the knowledge and qualifications Id gain would be invaluable if I wanted to progress my career.

Sam, a first year Grid apprentice, attended a ceremony at Buckingham Palace to receive his Engineering Diploma award for which he and his class won the Duke of York Award for Technical Education recognising the excellent work achieved by Sam.

When Sams not at college, he works full time on the shop floor in the despatch department where hes a highly regarded member of the team, said Garry.

The successes come days after Alstom released details of the remarkable response it has had to its 2014 apprenticeship recruitment scheme.

The company, which employs over 6,500 people at 30 locations around the UK, received a total of 518 applications for 27 apprenticeships with its Grid, Power and Transport divisions around the UK.

A single apprenticeship for an electrical and mechanical engineer at its Glasgow traincare centre in Polmadie received a total of 87 applications, the 10 apprenticeships available in the Power and Grid businesses in Stafford saw 185 people apply, and the four apprenticeships available in Preston saw 110 people apply.

Adam Smith, achieved the IET local network prize for Student Excellence from the Institution of Engineering and Technology

Sam Harbage, attended a ceremony at Buckingham Palace to receive his Engineering Diploma award for which he and his class won the Duke of York Award for Technical Education.

Press contact 

Jonathan Smith
Head of Media Relations, Alstom UK 
Tel 01788 545602 or 07801 775650
jonathan.smith@chq.alstom.com