Alstom is celebrating the achievements of two Plymouth-based trainees who have been recognised for their skills and high standards in the Devon city’s annual Apprentice of the Year Awards.
Kieren O’Donnell, an industrial engineering apprentice at Alstom – and studying at Aston University – was named Final Year Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year. Meanwhile, Marcel Dybek, also an industrial engineering apprentice and an undergraduate at Aston University, was named Rising Star Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year.
During the last four years, Plymouth-born Kieren has worked on various projects including being part of the team that developed Alstom’s new SmartIO system. This technology connects trackside equipment, such as signals and points, directly to a central control system, making signalling safer, more efficient and easier to maintain.
“I’m over the moon for winning this award, I want to say thank you very much to PMG,” said Keiran. “It is really good to see how as apprentices our hard work and efforts are being noticed by external people outside of our companies which brings us a lot of confidence that we are on the right track, doing the right thing especially with our mentors and supporters.”
Meanwhile, Polish-born Marcel moved to Southampton when he was seven years old and is currently working with the new product implementation team as part of his degree apprenticeship.
He said “I’m honoured to receive this apprenticeship award. It reflects not only the hard work I’ve put in, but also the outstanding support, guidance, and opportunities I’ve been given throughout my time at Alstom. I’m grateful to everyone who has helped me grow, and I’m excited to continue developing and contributing to the team.”
Both are now based in Plymouth and work at Alstom’s site in the city.
Apprenticeships at Alstom offer trainees the chance to earn while they learn. Alongside their day job, apprentices will spend at least six hours of their undergoing learning at university or college, additional training and studying.
Chris Parker, industrial and services director at Alstom, said: “Alstom is very proud of its apprentices, and their hard work and dedication. This is well-deserved recognition of everything Marcel and Kieren have achieved, and is a great example of what the rail industry can offer to the next generation looking for a long-term, rewarding career.”
The awards took place during National Apprenticeship Week 2026, with this year’s theme being ‘Skills for Life’. At the awards ceremony, finalist, highly commended, and winning apprentices were all celebrated for their success and commended for the high standards they have shown in their achievements and skills developed during their apprenticeships.
Alstom has around 6,000 employees in the UK and Ireland, who are based at 37 sites. Alongside apprenticeships (from Level 2 to 6) Alstom also offers a postgraduate apprenticeship (Level 7) and a two-year graduate programme, as well as work experience in a number of functions.
For more information about apprenticeships at Alstom and to apply, visit www.alstom.com/work-alstom-uk-ireland.
Image credit: Alstom
