Four More Graduates Step into Quattro Jobs

This month Quattro has welcomed four newly-qualified graduates into the full-time ranks.  After studying theory at college and practical whilst working at the Lichfield, Doncaster and Pontypool depots during their apprenticeships, all four grads passed their Level 3 with flying colours and are now putting their skills to good use, either in the office dealing with correspondence or out in the fitters’ yard upgrading machines.

Lichfield - Daniel Parkin and Noah Hobson, Rail Fitters

Two of the graduates, Daniel Parkin and Noah Hobson have qualified as rail fitters with level 3 in Land-based Engineering from NSCG Stafford College.  Both are working in Lichfield, at one of Quattro’s upgrade centres, where they’re thrilled to be ‘formally’ kicking off their Quattro careers.

‘It feels great to formally get started’, they said, ‘Three years ago we were doing car mechanics and then got approached by the head of plant department at Stafford College who told us about Quattro Plant, so we changed course.’

‘I had never heard about being a plant fitter’, said Noah, ‘I thought, I don’t know what i’m getting myself into, working on railways, I was confused by that but it all makes sense now!’

‘We came into the yard at Lichfield and were a bit shocked by what actually happens with these huge machines’, added Daniel, ‘Now I feel proud that I can figure my way around any vehicle.’

Their interests evolved naturally, from family influence and childhood, with Noah coming from a background in buses.  

‘My Dad preserves buses for museums and he got me into engineering at around ten or twelve, when I started doing it too.  My Dad laughs now because I didn’t like to get oil or dirt on my hands or nails and always used hand sanitiser, but now my hands are filthy!’

Daniel explained his fascination for how things worked.

‘My parents were into bikes and cars and I was always playing with Lego, Technics and Meccano.  My mum used to get annoyed because I’d dismantle all the plug sockets and hide them!’

Both Daniel and Noah have received praise for their hard work, not just from their parents, ‘My dad is really chuffed, he’s a mechanic, it’s been good sharing tales with him and understanding what he does’, but also from their college in Stafford, who hand picked Noah and Daniel for the prestigious Stars of the Future Awards.  ‘There were forty people in our year group, and only four were nominated.’

Talking of the best bits of their job as rail fitters, Daniel and Noah were quick to show enthusiasm for stripping down a machine.  ‘We love stripping down machines, it’s fun once you get into the rhythm, you can fire through it.  It’s exciting when they come in from being on shift, then we get to diagnose the problem and find what needs to be repaired to get it back up to standard.  The end result is quite rewarding, seeing the machine looking good and performing well.  The Komatsu PW160 is our favourite to work on.’

When asked the best thing about working at Quattro, both Daniel and Noah said the people. ‘The people at Quattro are so great.  We get lots of help from our mentors Steven Whitehouse, Tony Usher and Paul Hartland.  We feel like we are learning from the best.’  The rail fitters laughed as they continued: ‘We see everyone here more than we see our families at home!’

Foreman Mike Potts said they’ve taken to their new roles very comfortably. 

‘Coming out of a school environment straight into a plant environment can be… let’s say… a colourful transition, but Noah and Daniel have done exceptionally well.   Daniel came in as a very shy young man at first, but was soon feeling comfortable.  Noah was initially more confident, asking lots of questions, which is always good sign.  We’ve watched them evolve and both have grown into excellent fitters.  It’s fantastic to watch them at work.’

Doncaster - Danny Sabin - Depot Administrator

Danny Sabin, 24 has qualified as an Admin, with Level 3 in Business Administration from Newham College, which he was able to do remotely from Doncaster while learning on the job at Quattro.

‘I had various warehouse positions, then I built sun beds which was interesting!  I enjoyed it but it was a summer job so moved on.  I saw this was an apprenticeship and went for it. I wanted more office based stuff because in one of my previous jobs they put me in quality control and I enjoyed doing that.   I was fairly interested in learning about office admin, and at Quattro I’ve been learning about the importance of timesheets so that everyone gets paid.  I enjoy talking to all the people at Quattro, as long as I know what I’m talking about!’ 

Depot Manager, Paul Metcalfe praised Danny for his hard working ethics.  ‘Danny has come on leaps and bounds and he’s very, very good.  He’s never had a day off, he’s prompt to work and he has a professional mindset.  We’re very impressed.’

Pontypool - Joshua Davies - Depot Administrator

Josh Davies has also qualified in Level 3 Business Admin, which he studied remotely with Bridgend College whilst learning the practical side at Quattro.  After working for six months in social media, he knew he wanted something more clerical.  ‘Just before Covid hit I had a temporary social media assignment for a council page to help young people find a job.  After that I didn’t really know what I wanted to do.  I was always a computers type of guy; the computer to me is very natural.  I saw the Quattro ad on Indeed, then I had a really good interview with Mark Stone and since starting it’s been a massive learning curve.'

Josh came into the industry with no prior knowledge but adjusted and accumulated information at his own pace. ‘I confess I knew absolutely nothing about the railway and plant industry, but I thought well, I’ll give it a go!  It has been quite a slow and steady understanding for me, but now I know ten times more than I did when I started, and I’m confident in the work i’m doing and what it’s all for.  I find the variation of the job really fascinating, knowing all the complex terms and phrases.’

Josh said his mentor, Pontypool Foreman Fitter Chris Evans is a natural teacher who has taught him more than he could imagine, which has made his work incredibly varied.  ‘I was brought in to help Chris, who has been a fantastic teacher.  My daily work includes a real mix and match:  I could be doing purchase orders, tracking stock, ordering parts for the machines, job cards, service reminders, processes of certification, health and safety, depot inspections, fire marshal… it’s a wide array of jobs I do.  I never ever thought I would have been doing so many things, but that’s down to Chris.  He’s one of the most knowledgeable people I’ve ever met and I really enjoy learning from him.’

Josh described the ‘realness’ of working at Quattro, and the helpfulness of the wider group beyond the Pontypool depot.  ‘The best thing about working here is the ‘realness’ from the people.  Everyone is down to earth, really welcoming, willing to help and point me in the right direction.  Even at head office, every time I call the staff they’re so nice and support me all the way.  I’ve learned that if I’m stuck it’s really not the end of the world, somebody will help, and just asking people who care is one of the best things about this place.’

Having taught Josh for two years, Chris Evans said the newly-graduated admin has taken everything on board, and so far there’s nothing he can’t handle.

‘When he started Josh was really quiet and polite.  He slowly started coming out of his shell and into his own.  Josh gives everything 100% effort, no matter what you task him, it doesn’t matter if it’s a mundane task or a big important one.  His energy and motivation is so impressive, as well as his capacity for knowledge.  He’s resourceful too, when we couldn’t track down a plug for a dozer and the manufacturer told us it wasn’t available, Josh took the numbers of the plug and found it two days later, all through various new enquiries and contacts he made.  That’s superb initiative.’

‘I’m still learning’, says Josh, ‘And I enjoy it.’  Asked if there’s anything further that could improve his experience, Josh replied, ‘I could have a nicer chair.  A leather chair or perhaps a throne?’ 

His boss laughed, ’He’s got a better chair than I’ve got!’

Melanie Webb, Human Resources Manager said the graduates should all feel proud, as they are the future of the company.  ‘It really is wonderful to see the growth in all four apprentices both professionally and personally.  They are all huge assets to the depots they work in and they should be proud of their achievements - we are!  This is the future of Quattro.’

John Murphy, Quattro Managing Director praised the company apprenticeship programme and its mentors. ‘It’s fantastic to see our graduates thriving and enjoying their work.  This is a testament to their mentors.  Quattro’s immersive apprenticeship programme is just one of the ways we endeavour to feed our company - and the rail industry - with essential young blood. Knowing we have four fully trained and knowledgeable staff like Joshua, Danny, Noah and Daniel in our ranks is reassuring, and a great asset for the future.  A warm and official welcome to the 2024 Quattro Quad Squad, but I’m afraid there’s only one throne, and my behind is on it!’

Certificates are released from the Institute of Apprenticeships in approximately 6 weeks.  Congratulations to Joshua, Danny, Noah and Daniel, you’re in the Q-Army now!