Partner Article

Houghton International launch apprenticeship exchange with South West Trains

Newcastle based specialist traction motor and Motor Alternator set repairer Houghton International have partnered with South West Trains to create an apprentice exchange programme.

The programme commenced in July with three four day visits from South West Trains apprentices to Houghton International’s facilities in Newcastle upon Tyne where they learnt the rigorous quality policy, processes and procedures required given the safety critical nature of the repairs undertaken.

This was followed by visits from Houghton International apprentices to South West Trains Depot in Bournemouth over three weeks in September and October where the Houghton International apprentices were able to inspect the traction motors in situ and obtain an understanding of the issues and challenges faced by an operator in ensuring that the highest levels of reliability and punctuality are maintained.

Rob Hulson, Apprentice and Competency Manager at South West Trains commented: “If only everyone were as keen and professional in their approach to apprenticeships as those from Houghton International that came to us. They were impeccably behaved, polite, friendly and above all interested. One of the highlights was whilst inspecting some traction motors in situ one of the Houghton International apprentices realised it was one that he had previously worked on.

It’s great to see two fantastic company’s working together in this way and I hope it is the start of a long and beneficial relationship for South West Trains and Houghton International but also for the apprentices, as these individuals are our future.“

Michael Mitten, Chief Executive Officer, Houghton International commented: “In line with our commitment to our apprentice scheme, the opportunity to work with South West Trains, one of the best performing mid-life operators in the UK to create an apprentice exchange programme has been extremely productive and beneficial on a number of levels. The South West Trains apprentices willingness to ensure that they maximised their opportunity and integrated into the company within a short time frame was typified by an impromptu after work football match.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Houghton International .