EMR's Apprentice of the Year: Nottingham engineer scoops award

A caring and dedicated Rail Engineering Technician from Nottingham has been crowned East Midland Railway's (EMR) Apprentice of the Year after she impressed judges with her exceptional attitude.

Azzieria Tooby was presented with the prize as part of the company's work to mark National Apprenticeship Week.

Judges were particularly impressed with her ability to proactively collaborate with colleagues - with one noting: "Azzieria is a pleasure to work with and is always taking the initiative to get things done - working with different areas of the fleet function to deliver success."

Azzieria is a third-year student on the Rail Engineering Technician Apprenticeship and an exemplary member of the Fleet Apprenticeship group.

As well as going above and beyond in her role as an apprentice, Azzieria has been proactively involved with a number of different projects across the Fleet Engineering department, including building an innovative ramp for new trains and proactively attending derailments.

She also has a passion for championing women in rail, especially in a predominantly male-oriented environment, and has taken part in open days and represented women in engineering at recruitment fairs.

Azzieria was also called out for displaying EMR’s values, being dedicated, motivated, and having a fantastic attitude towards work.

She was also praised for being kind, caring, and always open to helping others, as well as collaborating on new ideas and concepts.

Azzieria said she joined the apprenticeship scheme after realising that it wasn't just for people straight out of school.

She said: "I realised I wasn't too old to pursue the career I've always wanted.

"The apprenticeship has given me a career that will potentially last for the rest of my life and I feel like I’ve gained a new family as friendships grow."

EMR offers a wide range of apprenticeships that allow staff to gain valuable qualifications and practical on-the-job training while earning a salary.

People of all ages and backgrounds join EMR as apprentices, whether coming straight from school, further education, or for a career change.

Azzieria urged anyone who was considering doing an apprenticeship with EMR to apply and seize the opportunity.

She said: "If you like working with your hands and it's something that you’re interested in, then it is an amazing opportunity; you’ll never be bored because technology is constantly changing."

Apply to be an apprentice today 

EMR offers apprenticeship programmes across its driving, conducting, engineering and business support operations.

For more information about EMR'S apprenticeship schemes can be found on its website here: https://www.eastmidlandsrailway.co.uk/help-manage/about-us/job-vacancies/apprenticeships-info-for-apprentices