Transport UK’s West Midlands Trains Apprentice Technician Scoops National Rail Award

We are proud to share that a West Midlands Trains (WMT) apprentice technician has won “female apprentice of the year” at the 2023 Women in Rail awards.

Rio Pearce, 21, from Rowley Regis, scooped the prestigious award whilst in her third and final year as an apprentice for WMT at Tyseley depot.

Rio’s hands-on role includes the diagnosis and repair of train faults as well as safety-critical briefings and working closely with technicians.

Working 12-hour shift patterns, including early starts and late finishes, Rio’s commitment to the job and determination to thrive in the rail industry has shone through and her confidence has grown to the extent that she is admired by young apprentices across the business.

Rio received her award at a gala presentation evening in London, where she was recognised alongside inspirational female rail employees from across the UK.

Jonny Wiseman, WMT customer experience director, said:

“I am thrilled that Rio has deservedly won female apprentice of the year at the Women in Rail awards and everybody at West Midlands Trains is very proud of her.

“Rio is an outstanding apprentice who has pushed back boundaries and paved the way for many more young women to join the rail industry in the coming years.”

 Rio Pearce, apprentice technician at WMT, said:

 “I am delighted to win this award and I would say to anyone who wants to get into engineering or the railway to go for it. 

“I wanted to join West Midlands Trains as an apprentice because the scheme offers multiple opportunities to learn from others who are experts in their industry.

“I don’t think being a female apprentice is much different from being a male apprentice. I get on with everyone really well, there’s no stereotyping, everyone is super friendly, and we all treat each other equally and with respect.”

More information on the Women in Rail awards can be viewed here.

WMT aims to inspire the next generation to get involved in the railway. There are a number of apprenticeship schemes on offer which provide routes into a career on the tracks. 

As a group, Transport UK firmly believes in investing in our people and providing them with opportunities to learn, grow, and excel. Apprenticeship programmes across the group have been designed to provide equal opportunities to individuals from all backgrounds, and a solid foundation for aspiring professionals, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in their careers. It is an honour to be recognised for our efforts.

Across the group, we are committed to promoting diversity and equality in the transport industry. By developing a strong and diverse talent pipeline, we are helping to build a brighter, better future for public transport.