National Express West Midlands apprentices win at national competition

Neave Sproson, a Mechanical and Electrical Apprentice for National Express West Midlands, has been named best Electric Driveline Apprentice following a national IRTE Bus and Coach Skills Challenge competition earlier this year.

Lesley Evans from Transport Engineer with National Express West Midlands Apprentice Neave Sproson
Image: © Tim Gander 2024. All rights reserved

At an IRTE Skills Challenge Awards ceremony, which took place on Thursday last week (11 July), 20-year-old Neave was presented with the best Electric Driveline Apprentice trophy, along with the coveted Judge’s Choice award. She was also runner-up in the Electrical Apprentice category.

Neave, from Northfield in Birmingham, secured the top spot by demonstrating mechanical and electrical skills learned during her apprenticeship in the IRTE Skills Challenge competition in June. Over 60 qualified and apprentice engineers from across the bus and coach industry competed in the challenge this year and Neave achieved the highest score in her category.

When asked about her award win, Neave said:

"It was a mix of emotions. From taking part and feeling very nervous to hearing my name being called out to say I’d won is a feeling like no other. I feel really proud of my achievements, and I wouldn't be standing here today with these trophies if it wasn't for my colleagues at the West Bromwich and Birmingham Central depots, and also South and City College as they’ve all trained me and given me the skills to succeed."

Neave had to pass online tests, use wiring diagrams to replicate circuits on breadboards, disable an electric bus chassis, and carry out fault finding investigations on other buses.

National Express West Midlands Apprentice Neave Sproson
Image: © Tim Gander 2024. All rights reserved

Craig Perkins, Engineering Apprenticeship Manager for National Express West Midlands, said:

“Neave always stood out for us. She has a big personality and is always willing to tackle any tasks head on. She applied for her apprenticeship with us in 2021 and started her career in our West Bromwich depot, balancing her first year working a full-time job with college work.

“For her second year Neave moved to our Birmingham Central depot and this is where she really got her head down and pushed herself to get even better. In her third year she went back to West Bromwich where she excelled and now is an integral part of the team.”

20-year-old Bodymaker Apprentice, Thomas Moore, from Bushbury in Wolverhampton, also competed in the IRTE Skills Challenge last month. Thomas beat his peers in the bodymaker apprentice category and was presented with the award for best Apprentice Bodymaker at Thursday’s IRTE Skills Challenge Awards ceremony.

Earl Saunders from Alexander Dennis with National Express West Midlands Apprentice Thomas Moore
Image © Tim Gander 2024. All rights reserved

Thomas said:

"I didn't think I had a chance of winning - especially as I am a first-year apprentice! I took part for the experience and hoped it would help me if I competed next year, so to win is an unimaginable feeling.

“I want to say a massive thank you to Wolverhampton depot engineer Aron Jays as he has taken the time to train me and given me the confidence to push myself to be a great apprentice. Hopefully this will give me the foundations I need to become a fantastic engineer."

Thomas had to repair a dent in a wing panel as well as online tests and a three-hour welding task, including precisely measuring and cutting part of a vehicle before carrying out the required repair work.

National Express West Midlands Apprentice Thomas Moore
Image © Tim Gander 2024. All rights reserved

Craig added:

“Thomas started as an apprentice with National Express West Midlands in September 2023, working in the accident and repair team at our Wolverhampton depot. He’s always had a very positive attitude and works to a high standard, never afraid of new challenges and will take on any task big or small."

Emma Thompson MSOE, Designate Executive Director at the Society of Operations Engineers, said:

“A big congratulations to not just Neave and Thomas but all of the team that took part. The level of skill and passion on display was awe inspiring. The National Express West Midlands training team and managers are doing an amazing job at nurturing wonderful talent.”

The 12th IRTE Skills Challenge was held in Bristol between the 3rd and 7th June. The cornerstone event aims to highlight the skills, dedication, and hard work of those who keep the wheels of the transport industry turning smoothly. The award ceremony took place at the British Motor Museum in Warwick on Thursday 11 July 2024. Lesley Evans from Transport Engineer presented Neave with her awards and Earl Saunders from Alexander Dennis presented Thomas with his award.