FGWs Liam comes first in national awards

Wednesday 19 December

Twenty-year-old Liam Hutchison has won a national apprenticeship award for his commitment to life on the railways.

The youngster from Bath has been working with First Great Western in Bristol and the South West since September 2011. This week he will be named Passenger Transport Apprentice of the Year at the Remit Annual Apprenticeship Awards.

Andrew Perry, Senior Customer Experience Assurance Manager and Operations Apprenticeship Scheme Manager for First Great Western, said:

"This is a huge achievement, and one we are thrilled Liam has received. Since joining First Great Western we have been so proud to see the development Liam has shown in both Customer Service skills and personal skills.

"We look forward to the 2013 Remit Awards and showcasing our 2012 apprentices. Liam has started his new role with FGW now as a Conductor based at Bristol Temple Meads and I am convinced he will achieve more successes in his career."

National training provider, Remit, works with almost 7,000 apprentices across the country and has this year named just nine young people as its cream of the crop.

Liam has now concluded a tailor-made customer service apprenticeship managed by First Great Western in partnership with Remit. He will join his fellow winners at an awards ceremony, being held on Thursday 20th December at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Nottingham.

As an apprentice with First Great Western, Liam has had the opportunity to work in a variety of different customer-facing roles. From working in the ticket office, to managing the gateline barriers, assisting on both the platforms and food trolleys on the trains.

Liam said:

"I have loved my apprenticeship from the start to finish. It has given me the opportunity to learn about how the railways work, as well as giving me the skills I need to progress within the business.

"I particularly enjoy working with customers and helping people have a safe and comfortable journey.

"I've just found out I've been successful in my application for a job as Conductor, and I wouldn't have got there without my apprenticeship. It's something that all young people should consider as you can earn a wage while you learn, and gain valuable work experience to get you on to the next stage in your career."

A former apprentice himself, Remit's Chief Operating Officer, Steve Yardley, knows just how important an apprenticeship can be to jump-start your career. He said:

"Apprenticeships like the scheme at First Great Western are a fantastic way for young people to start their careers, and when you're as enthusiastic and tenacious as Liam, success is almost guaranteed.

"We had a number of excellent nominations in the passenger transport category of our awards, but it was Liam's outstanding personality, commitment and dedication to his apprenticeship that made him stand out."