Member Article

Apprentice rail engineer’s award winning streak stays on track

A young Engineering Apprentice from York has achieved a fourth accolade this year, winning one of the rail industry’s most coveted awards. The ‘Rail Staff’ Apprentice of the Year title has been presented to Rebecca Munro, who is a Technician Permanent Way Engineer at Mott MacDonald in York, at a ceremony at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry in front of over 1,000 guests. Described by the judges as a ‘star of the future’ and a ‘great ambassador for the industry’, Rebecca, who is currently studying at Leeds College of Building, was one of 20 finalists.
Earlier this year Rebecca won ‘Best Apprentice under 25’ at the Women in Construction Awards, which is a ceremony that showcases the brightest and the best female achievers in construction. She has also been named as Leeds College of Building’s ‘Student of the Year’ winning the coveted Governors’ Student of the Year Award at the college’s annual prize giving ceremony this summer, in front of more than 300 people at Leeds Town Hall. In addition, she was also crowned ‘Apprentice of the Year’ at the National BTEC Awards this summer, which recognises students for their achievements in skills-based learning. Rebecca beat hundreds of students to achieve overall winner in the BTEC Apprentice of the Year (16-18 year old category). She was presented with her award at a Parliamentary reception at the House of Commons, followed by an award ceremony at the Royal Horticultural Halls. Vicky Patterson, who is a lecturer at Leeds College of Building says: “Rebecca has now been recognised at four different award ceremonies and we are not at all surprised by her success, as she is a very talented and dedicated Apprentice who works very hard.” Rebecca says: “I am currently completing a Higher Level Apprenticeship and study one day a week at college. I can highly recommend the Apprenticeship route and hope to embark on the new degree level Apprenticeship next. “I have received a lot of support and encouragement from the lecturers at Leeds College of Building and my mentors at work with the award applications, and am gaining an invaluable insight into the world of rail track engineering at Mott MacDonald. I can’t wait to continue building on my engineering career whilst also helping to promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects to other young people as it’s a fascinating area to be involved with.” Vicky adds: “Rebeca is our 50th student to pass her Technician Professional Review (EngTech MICE) qualification, which is a globally recognised accreditation from the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) that demonstrates to employers the high level of skills and experience she has achieved. She is a positive role model both at college and at work, and I am sure there will be plenty of further award wins for Rebecca as she continues to forge ahead with her career.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Emma Mortimer .