A Hull Trains train driver who swapped an 18-year career in the fire service for the railway after turning 50 has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award.
Joanne Pyman-Smith, known as Jo to colleagues, has been shortlisted in the ‘Emerging Talent Person Award’ category at the Rail Staff Awards after successfully completing Hull Trains’ Apprentice Driver programme and qualifying as a train driver.
After spending 18 years with Humberside Fire and Rescue Service, Jo decided to pursue a new challenge and follow her passion for driving. Since joining Hull Trains, she has impressed colleagues with her commitment to learning, positive attitude and determination to succeed.
The Rail Staff Awards is a prestigious event. Since 2007, it has proudly shone a spotlight on the remarkable individuals who power the rail industry.
Hull Trains was named the UK’s number one rail operator for customer satisfaction earlier this year. The open access operator is passionate about making the rail industry accessible to those from all backgrounds, regardless of their previous experience. Hull Trains is a proud partner of the training provider Train’d Up, with a high proportion of its workforce having completed an apprenticeship.
Tom Guthrie, Interim Head of Driver Operations at Hull Trains, said: “From the outset, Jo displayed all the qualities required to succeed as an Apprentice Driver and to become a valued member of our driver team. She brought a positive outlook to every aspect of the programme and quickly earned the respect of colleagues and trainers alike through her work ethic and determination.
“Her journey is an inspiring example of what can be accomplished through hard work, determination, and self-belief, regardless of what stage you are at in your professional career. She is not only a credit to herself but also to Hull Trains, and I can think of nobody more deserving of this recognition.”
Jo added: “I have always had a passion for driving, I hold a boat licence and LGV licence so when I saw the opportunity to apply to Hull Trains as an Apprentice Driver, I knew this would be perfect for me. There are many transferable skills such as safety procedures, teamwork and working with the public. The process is in depth, but I succeeded and was offered an apprentice position which I was ecstatic about!
“The training is both theoretical and practical, well-structured, but intense, especially coming from a non-railway background. To gain my licence has been one of my proudest achievements and the support and encouragement from my fellow apprentices, Hull Trains colleagues and management have been outstanding.”
Hull Trains, which has revolutionised rail travel between East Yorkshire and London, offers a total of eight direct weekday train services, connecting Hull with destinations including Doncaster, Grantham, Selby and London King’s Cross.
A number of other talented Hull Trains colleagues have also been shortlisted for this year’s Rail Staff Awards finals. They include Zac Botham, Hull Trains’ new Safety and Security Manager, who is being recognised in the same category as Jo. Meanwhile, Gemma Scott, Planning and Performance Manager, has been shortlisted in the ‘Rail Manager of the Year’ category for her exceptional leadership. Vote for them here: https://railstaffawards.com/RSA26/en/page/voting-is-now-open