NTS’s rail division – Direct Rail Services (DRS) – engineering apprentice has been recognised for her commitment, dedication and outstanding work, at a national awards ceremony.

Molly Cooke was awarded ‘runner up’ in the Young Rail Professional category at the prestigious Rail Freight Group (RFG) awards on 7 September.

Molly, who’s in her final year as an apprentice at DRS’s Kingmoor depot in Carlisle, was praised by the judges for her passion, drive and determination. The judges were also impressed with Molly’s commitment to encourage more young people into the rail engineering profession.  

Molly said: “I was absolutely thrilled to have just been nominated but to come home with a trophy was really special.

“I want to thank all of my colleagues, who have been nothing but supportive since I started, and want to encourage any young people out there who might be thinking of a career in engineering, I wouldn’t want to be doing anything else.”

Julie Nerney, interim managing director for rail at NTS, added: “We’re very proud of Molly and what she has achieved at DRS, she’s an example to us all.

“It’s not just Molly’s exceptional work and attitude that’s fantastic but she takes time out to visit schools and speak to the next generation about their future career options and to encourage them into taking up STEM vocations.

“I know everyone at the depot and across NTS will be as thrilled for Molly as I am, and I can’t wait to see how she develops her career in the future.”