Keltbray’s Rail Team Prioritises Workforce Learning and Development

Keltbray’s infrastructure business is experiencing significant growth and, to keep pace with our rapidly changing industry, we are committed to upskilling our workforce and attracting new talent

Our Rail division has demonstrated remarkable resilience, with its turnover increasing from £17m in 2010 to £123m in 2022. Considering this continued growth, we are now providing more training and development opportunities to our current employees. Additionally, we aim to recruit new talent to fill various roles across our infrastructure business divisions.

Tom Wilson, OLE Engineer at Keltbray, is a prime example of our investment in staff training and development within the Rail division. He recently completed his PWI (Permanent Way Institution) Electrification Engineering Diploma course, becoming the first within Keltbray’s Rail team to achieve this milestone.

Tom’s success highlights our dedication to establishing a leading-edge training and development program that attracts new talent and enhances the skills of our existing workforce.

We sat down with Tom to gain insights into his experiences at Keltbray and within the industry:

How long have you been at Keltbray?

I joined Keltbray in 2018, working on the Northwest Electrification Scheme. Since then, I have been involved in various roles, ranging from Construction Manager to OLE Engineer, on projects like the Trans-Pennine Route Upgrade and Macclesfield Re-Signalling.

How did you get into the industry?

I began my journey in the industry as a Trainee Engineer with BB Rail ten years ago.

How has your time been in the industry?

I’ve been fortunate to work on large projects with outstanding teams, gaining valuable experience in Civil and OLE engineering, construction management, delivery, commercial aspects, and planning.

How did you find out about your training and development opportunity?

I learned about the “pathways to chartership” opportunity through an email. I seized the chance and found that Keltbray fully supported my ambitions. The journey started with the Electrification Engineering Diploma, which I completed last year. Since then, I’ve been encouraged by Dave Speakman to pursue further training in engineering maths and mechanical engineering. These formal qualifications complement my hands-on experience and will lead me to accreditation with the PWI.

What made you want to take this opportunity?

I aspire to have various options for career development and avoid hitting a glass ceiling due to gaps in my CV. Acquiring formal qualifications alongside extensive experience opens up more opportunities and empowers me to shape my career path. The support and belief shown in me by senior staff within Keltbray motivated me to prove them and myself right.

How was your learning experience?

I thoroughly enjoyed it! I am now studying part-time while working, which adds to an already busy schedule, but it feels rewarding to work towards something meaningful.

“I’d like to extend my sincere congratulations to Tom for being a trailblazer at Keltbray, completing the ‘PWI Diploma in Electrification Engineering’, achieving a Distinction grade. His accomplishment not only testifies to his dedication but also serves as an inspiration to several of our colleagues who have enrolled for the same qualification. I hope that Tom’s achievement will spark further interest among our Rail staff members, encouraging them to embrace this valuable learning opportunity.” James Dawson, Head of Learning and Development at Keltbray.

Tom’s journey is just one of many at Keltbray, reflecting our continuous commitment to supporting our employees.

At Keltbray we offer a host of health and wellbeing services ranging from employee assistance programmes to personalised wellness support services. Our in house Health & Wellbeing Team and Occupational Health Team through KML are committed to ensuring the long term health of our workers, be it in the office or on site.

ENDS