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Industry innovation
As our conversation ends , Peter reflects
on his career with Alstom . “ I ’ ve come full circle in my career since starting in the railway industry in 1996 as a commercial graduate trainee for Adtranz ,” he recalls . “ Although I ’ ve worked for a few different companies over the course of my career , I now sit at a desk just five meters from that of my first job at Adtranz , as the business was acquired by Bombardier in 2001 , which was then later acquired by Alstom in 2021 .
“ I ’ ve had the privilege to work in several departments , projects and operations within a variety of roles , as well
At Alstom , we offer an extensive apprenticeship scheme ... as developing my commercial knowledge in both the UK and China . I think the rail industry is one of the best kept secrets in terms of your ability to progress and develop within a career . At Alstom , we offer an extensive apprenticeship scheme , as well as bringing in graduates and military leavers to broaden our talent pool and offer progression .”
Peter ’ s vision for Alstom ’ s future is dominated by sustainable progress . “ 2024 will see us introduce a brand-new fleet of electric trains on lines across South West London and the West Midlands , which is very exciting for rail passengers in those areas ,” he reveals . “ We ’ re also currently in the application process for an operating license for open access passenger trains between Wrexham , Wales and London , which will be a slight change of direction for us as we look to strengthen our presence as a train operator in the UK market .
“ Further afield , we ’ ll see HS2 trains – built by us in a joint venture with Hitachi – coming into service alongside other interesting developments across the industry ,” Peter adds . “ Our factory in Derby has huge potential , especially as demand for sustainable solutions and hydrogen technology continues to rise . Hydrogen is an interesting solution that we ’ re already running in Germany , France and Italy , but it ’ s attractive to the UK market too . Alongside production capabilities , we ’ re looking to enhance our portfolio of signalling and digital systems by using technologies like AI to improve reliability and sustainability .” ■
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