Spotlight Series: Meet Azzieria Tooby

For our latest Spotlight, we interviewed Azzieria Tooby, an apprentice Rail Engineering Technician at East Midlands Railway (EMR). Azzieria recently received EMR’s Apprentice of the Year Award. She gave us an insight into daily life in rail engineering, spoke about initiatives promoting diversity in the rail industry, and shared her thoughts about the industry’s future.

 What inspired you to pursue a career in rail engineering?

 My path to becoming a Rail Engineering Technician was not direct! After school, I worked and volunteered in a number of different sectors before entering the rail industry as a caterer in 2015.

 Even though I enjoyed the work, I started to take note of other jobs available in the rail industry. During the pandemic my role changed and I got closer to the behind-the-scenes operations in the depot. I found I was particularly interested in the role of engineering technicians and decided to learn more about it. My manager saw my interest and introduced me to one of the team leaders in the depot, and I soon signed up for the apprenticeship scheme. I have really enjoyed being an apprentice and am looking forward to being fully qualified in just over a year!

Can you describe a typical day in your role? What are some of your tasks and responsibilities?

I am currently working in the light maintenance depot in Nottingham, where I help conduct routine maintenance of trains, making sure everything runs smoothly. Run by the National Training Academy for Rail, the first two years of my apprenticeship were spent studying a BTEC course at a college in Derby alongside my work at the depot. Now I am in my final year, I work full-time as part of a regular shift team which alternates between days and nights every three or four days.

 Congratulations on being crowned East Midland Railway's Apprentice of the Year! How does it feel to receive such recognition for your hard work and dedication? What does the future hold for you?

 I still don’t know how this happened and why me! It has been two months since I heard the news, and I am still in shock! However, it feels great to be recognised.  

I am not sure what the future holds, but the rail industry is constantly evolving, and I would like to remain at the forefront of that change and innovation. I am always learning new things and look forward to being able to adapt to the changes and challenges that lie ahead.

 I understand you've been involved in various projects across the Fleet Engineering department. Could you tell us about one project that you found particularly rewarding or challenging?

 My first big project was building a device to ensure that the fleet’s new trains were correctly fitted with all the necessary accessibility features, such as wheelchair ramps. I worked on this as a team with another apprentice. We built a fold-up ramp measuring device that could be installed and equipped quickly and efficiently. In the past, people had to use a tape measure or trundle wheel for this, so this is an exciting new development!

 How have you found working as a woman in rail, especially in a traditionally male-dominated field like engineering?

 When I first started, I expected it to be difficult, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. Even though I was concerned I wouldn’t fit in given my colleagues were mainly men who were older than me they were all incredibly welcoming and I really enjoy working with them!

 EMR does a lot to promote diversity which has helped me, including setting up internal groups to empower specific groups of individuals such as women or people with disabilities, alongside wider mental health networks open to everyone.

 This summer I will be taking part in the Big Rail Diversity Challenge which involves various challenges and activities, both physical and intellectual, for people of all capabilities. I am looking forward to this as it should be really interesting!

 What advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship with EMR or pursuing a career in rail engineering?

You should go for it – there is nothing to be afraid of! People are welcoming and there are more opportunities for women in rail engineering every day. All you need is a willingness to learn and enthusiasm – you will learn the rest on the job!