Published on 09/02/2024
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Aston University student named top apprentice
Billy Gamov

•    Aston University degree apprenticeship student announced as winner of national apprenticeship competition
•    Billy Gamov, who is studying engineering, has been named as Alstom Apprentice of the Year
•    Degree Apprenticeships offer work-based routes to university to both established employees and school leavers.

An Aston University degree apprenticeship student has been announced as the winner of a national apprenticeship competition.

Billy Gamov, who is studying engineering and is due to graduate this year, has been named as the Alstom Apprentice of the Year 2024.

Alongside his studies he works full-time for the transport company as an engineering product delivery apprentice in York.

On receiving his award, Billy said: “Firstly, I would like to thank my team and my line manager for nominating me for such a fantastic award. 

“I am very grateful to have been recognised for my efforts as Apprentice of the Year, as it highlights the importance of alternative opportunities to help young professionals develop into their long-term careers.” 

He added: “I also want to be supportive to other apprentices as my career progresses, in repayment of the overwhelming support I have received throughout my apprenticeship journey.”

As well as his studies and full-time role he volunteers as a science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) ambassador, trained to give talks to teachers and young people to help inspire the next generation of STEM professionals.

Degree Apprenticeships offer work-based routes to higher education to those who are already established in their careers as well as school leavers. They are designed with employers and professional bodies to fill skill gaps in business and industry, apprenticeships give learners the knowledge and know-how to further their career and obtain a full degree.

All of the learning is designed so apprentices can directly apply their new knowledge and skills in the workplace on a day-to-day basis. Personal and professional performance will also improve with the support of coaches and mentors from both Aston University and their employer.

Dr Ahmad Baroutaji, interim head of the University’s Aston Professional Engineering Centre said: “It is wonderful to hear about Billy’s success at Alstom and how he has demonstrated how degree apprenticeships can be an excellent route towards a fulfilling and successful career.

“It is one of the University’s priorities to prepare our students for work and life through contemporary learning experiences enriched with professional practice across all disciplines and courses – and our degree apprenticeships do just that.”

Alstom held a virtual awards on 7 February to coincide with National Apprenticeship Week which this year is being held between 6 and 11 February.

James Stanley, principal engineer technologist at Alstom said: “Billy has demonstrated countless times how much of an exceptional individual he is. His meticulous approach to his work, his enthusiasm and his drive for success is evident in all that he does. 

“He truly is a role model and it’s fantastic to see such a bright young individual within Alstom that – even from this early stage in his career – is showing great promise of a bright future with us.”

 

Notes to editors

National Apprenticeship Week https://naw.appawards.co.uk/

Alstom™ is a protected trademark of the Alstom Group. 

•    With 37 locations and 6,000 employees, Alstom is the UK and Ireland’s leading supplier of new trains and train services, and a leading signalling and rail infrastructure provider. 
•    Alstom have built, or are building, just under 40 per cent of the UK mainline train fleet; as well as the entire fleets in service with London Underground and Dublin Luas.
•    Half of all UK rail journeys are made on an Alstom train, while its portfolio of smart products is the widest on the market.
•    For more information, please visit www.alstom.com


About Aston University
For over a century, Aston University’s enduring purpose has been to make our world a better place through education, research and innovation, by enabling our students to succeed in work and life, and by supporting our communities to thrive economically, socially and culturally.
Aston University’s history has been intertwined with the history of Birmingham, a remarkable city that once was the heartland of the Industrial Revolution and the manufacturing powerhouse of the world.
Born out of the First Industrial Revolution, Aston University has a proud and distinct heritage dating back to our formation as the School of Metallurgy in 1875, the first UK College of Technology in 1951, gaining university status by Royal Charter in 1966, and becoming The Guardian University of the Year in 2020.
Building on our outstanding past, we are now defining our place and role in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (and beyond) within a rapidly changing world.


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