Two Ron Dearing UTC students will play their part in the biggest and most significant current investment in the Hull and Humber region.
Megan Turner and Kate Rodley, both 18, are among 12 new Level 3 Rail Technician apprentices recruited for Siemens Mobility’s pioneering rail manufacturing facility in Goole, which is due to open in 2023.
Megan and Kate were selected from 200 applications for the amazing opportunity to be among the first of up to 700 employees at the state-of-the-art facility, where they will help to build Piccadilly Line tube trains for the London Underground.
Siemens Mobility is the sister company of Ron Dearing UTC Founding Partner Siemens Gamesa, which manoeuvred one of its 75m (250 ft) wind turbine blades from the company’s factory at Hull’s Alexandra Dock to the city centre as part of the 2017 UK City of Culture year.
Megan was inspired by the “Blade” installation, which made headlines around the world, and she is now realising her dream of working for Siemens.
Megan, who achieved a double Distinction in Engineering at Ron Dearing UTC, said: “I found the blade really interesting and I also met some of the Siemens team at Ron Dearing UTC and they were all really nice, which made me think it would be great to work for them.
“I’m so excited about this opportunity and really looking forward to meeting new people and learning new skills. It’s something new and I enjoy learning on the job. I hope it will lead to long-term employment with Siemens Mobility.
“I chose to go to Ron Dearing UTC because I’ve wanted to study engineering for years and it was a perfect fit for me. It’s a really nice environment and the staff help you to prepare for the world of work. They’re so supportive.”
Kate’s desire to work for Siemens dates back four years to when she took part in an electric kit car race, organised by the Greenpower Education Trust and supported by Siemens, while she was a Year 10 student at Beverley High School.
Kate, who achieved a double Distinction* and a Distinction in Engineering at Ron Dearing UTC, said: “I’m so excited to start my career and in an adult environment, being practical and independent, while learning with the other apprentices. The apprenticeship offers travel opportunities too, which is also exciting.
“I really like what Siemens does in terms of sustainability, which I believe is really important for the future, and I want to be part of that.
“One of the Computer-Aided Design (CAD) units we worked on at Ron Dearing UTC was set by Siemens and we designed a wind turbine. Ron Dearing UTC helped me to get this apprenticeship and reach out to Siemens. They push you to be the best you can be.”
Megan and Kate will spend their first year at Siemen’s Mobility’s training partner Selby College, developing core mechanical and engineering skills as part of a three-year training programme.
Their second year will see them spend one day a week at the college and four days on placement at Siemens Mobility centres to build up their experience and practical skills, as well as four weeks at the National Training Academy for Rail (NTAR) in Northampton – a £7m facility jointly funded by Siemens Mobility and the Government.
The third year will involve a six-month placement at Siemens Mobility’s metros centre of excellence in Vienna, Austria, before joining the first employees at the new facility in Goole.
Finbarr Dowling, Director of Localisation for Siemens Mobility Limited, is a former Ron Dearing UTC Governor and played a key role, together with Patron Alan Johnson and Chair of Governors, Charlie Spencer OBE, in establishing the school.
He said: “I couldn’t be prouder that the first intake of apprentices for our Goole rail manufacturing facility includes two students from Ron Dearing UTC.
“Megan and Kate’s stories illustrate the power Siemens has to inspire young people to embark on careers in engineering and manufacturing.
“Their appointment as among our first apprentices also testifies to the fantastic talent that Ron Dearing UTC develops.”