Railway gets two new engineering apprentices

* New apprentices Luke Denoven, left, and Harry Jones.

Llangollen Railway has two new apprentices on its books following a recruitment scheme in association with Coleg Cambria in Wrexham.

The offer of two engineering apprenticeships produced applications for the posts from students undertaking the mechanical engineering course at Coleg Cambria.

Five students were called for interview and two have been selected.

After completing a two-week ‘no commitment’ trial period at the railway’s workshop in Llangollen,
the two successful candidates have now begun a four year engineering skills programme.

This provides for part time day release to continue their studies at Coleg Cambria whilst gaining experience in the maintenance, restoration and building of locomotives at the heritage railway.

Dave Owen, Head of Engineering at Llangollen Railway, said: “Llangollen Railway is pleased to be able to offer two engineering apprentice positions this year.

"Since 2001 we have provided 12 apprenticeships to aspiring engineers and, whilst some have moved on to positions elsewhere in the railway industry, others have stayed with us as long term employees.
They are now experienced engineers who have played a major part in the challenging locomotive restoration projects we have completed in recent years.

“Our two new apprentices will receive an apprenticeship in traditional engineering, in conjunction with day release to an engineering course at Coleg Cambria. They will be involved in work on the three exciting schemes being undertaken here to build new examples of steam locomotives with the
Betton Grange, Patriot and Night Owl projects.

“If the railway heritage business is to continue to prosper, it is essential we have young engineers joining the ranks of the Llangollen Railway work force, skilled in traditional methods which allow steam locomotives to be maintained and restored.”

The two successful engineering apprentices are both from Wrexham.

Luke Denoven, aged 19, a former pupil at St Joseph’s High School, studied Mechanical Engineering at Coleg Cambria, said: “I am really thrilled to have got the apprenticeship at Llangollen Railway and look forward to a career in engineering.”

Harry Jones, aged 17, a former pupil at Rhosnesni High School, has also studied Mechanical Engineering at Coleg Cambria, said: “ I look forward to gaining practical hands-on experience in a real industry with good career prospects.”

During their first week at Llangollen Railway both have helped with the preparation of the LMS ‘Patriot’ locomotive project which is due to go on show at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham during the Warley Model Railway Show to be held November 23/24.