Alstom apprentice wins top rail industry accolade

An apprentice at train-maker Alstom has been named the most outstanding young professional working within the UK rail industry.

Fran Coult was recently named Young Professional of the Year at the recent Rail Business Awards 2024.

The awards recognise and reward excellence in every aspect of the UK industry, from daily operations, safety and customer service to technical innovation and major projects.

Fran’s category recognises the most outstanding employee under 35 within the UK rail industry.

The 23-year-old started as a supply chain apprentice at Alstom in September 2020.

She has been working across multiple facets of the rail company’s supply chain, including logistics, customer service, improving working practices and driving efficiencies.

She is currently based out of Alstom’s Derby facility in Litchurch Lane.

Despite being the youngest entrant in the Rail Business Awards this year, the judges commented that she had already demonstrated both breadth and depth in her role, along with a willingness to adapt, learn and inspire.

During her time at Alstom, she has developed a new operational strategy that led to the company investing £3 million to improve delivery performance, while she has also secured substantial savings by implementing new processes to better monitor stock holdings and usage.

More recently, Fran’s creative flair has been put to further use, as she has supported the Alstom communications team across their wide portfolio and responsibilities.

She said: “I am truly honoured, and it is a fantastic recognition of the achievements I have made since I joined this amazing industry.

“Dealing with different challenges and stakeholders, my personal and professional development with Alstom throughout my apprenticeship has been vast.

“I look forward to continuing to shape my career in rail and push for further positive changes across equality, diversity and inclusion within the industry.”

Fran’s success comes hot on the heels of Alstom announcing 36 new apprenticeship roles across its UK sites.

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.

Alison Knight, head of talent at Alstom, said: “Fran’s thirst for knowledge, passion for rail, ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex challenges, and dedication to creating positive change is truly inspiring.

“She has already achieved much more than is expected from an apprentice and is a great role model to those around her and to future cohorts of trainees.”

For more information about apprenticeships at Alstom and to apply, visit http://www.alstom.com/work-alstom-uk-ireland .