Changing tracks: Dedication and resilience earn EMR Senior Conductor top apprenticeship award
- EMR is celebrating after an apprentice scoops a prize at this year's Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Apprenticeship Awards.
- Daisy Madgwick, a Senior Conductor, was named the Intermediate Apprentice of the Year.
- Judges were also impressed by her consistent ability to demonstrate exceptional customer service, compassion and professionalism.
East Midlands Railway (EMR), operated by Transport UK, is celebrating after one of its apprentices was recognised with a prestigious award for her outstanding dedication, resilience and determination.
Daisy Madgwick, a Senior Conductor, was named the Intermediate Apprentice of the Year at this year's Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Apprenticeship Awards.
Throughout Daisy's apprenticeship, she has overcome significant learning challenges, successfully completed demanding examinations and worked hard to adapt her learning.
Judges were also impressed by her valuable contributions to both her fellow apprentices and trainers, as well as her consistent ability to demonstrate exceptional customer service, compassion and professionalism.
Daisy wanted to build a career in the railway industry, but after completing a degree in a different field and taking on financial responsibilities, she was unable to study or gain work experience outside of full-time work.
An apprenticeship offered the ideal route into the industry, allowing her to earn while she learnt, gain valuable hands-on experience, and work towards a recognised qualification.
Reflecting on this achievement, Daisy said: "It makes me feel really proud to have been nominated, but to actually be awarded the winner is amazing.
"Learning can be challenging for me because I have ADHD, autism and dyslexia, so achieving this award means a lot. It’s shown me that despite the challenges I have, I can still achieve things."
Other EMR staff who were shortlisted included:
- Intermediate Apprentice of the Year: Tamas Szigeti (Senior Conductor) and Tom Palmer (Senior Conductor)
- Advanced Apprentice of the Year: Jodi Brown (Train Driver)
- Degree Apprentice of the Year: Isabelle Day (Financial Accountant Trainee)
- Mentor of the Year: Dave Gray (Team Leader)
Kate Holden, HR Director at East Midlands Railway, said: “Daisy is a fantastic example of what can be achieved through an apprenticeship. She has shown incredible determination throughout her programme, overcoming challenges, completing demanding examinations and continuing to develop while supporting those around her.
“Her achievement is a real testament to her character, resilience and commitment to building a career in rail, and we are incredibly proud to see her recognised with this award.
“Apprenticeships are hugely important to EMR because they create opportunities for people to build rewarding careers while gaining valuable experience on the job. They also bring new ideas, fresh perspectives and a diversity of experience that can help shape the future of our railway.
“We are incredibly proud of Daisy and all of our apprentices and nominees, and I hope her success inspires others to consider an apprenticeship as a route into a career in rail.”
More information about Apprenticeships at EMR can be found here: Apprenticeships | EMR