Andy Hill, Competency Development Specialist at Freightliner, channelled his passion for safety and educating others into an online tool which is now used widely across the UK. For this, and his daily efforts towards teaching and developing rail workers, he earned the RailStaff Awards’ Learning and Development Award, sponsored by Heathrow Express.
Andy was praised for his extraordinary skills when it comes to blended learning, development, and online web applications, and for spending much of his spare time helping those who need a hand. He does this for the love of supporting others and ensuring they are safe in the real world.
When delivering training, Andy takes and innovative approach, injecting technology into his classes, such as electronic polling which turns any smartphone into an interactive device and allows him to assess any knowledge gaps.
A colleague commented: “In the short time I have been at Freightliner, Andy has been friendly and more than approachable, willing to help and always has time all staff. He has an extensive knowledge base and has always given me guidance throughout my training.”
Andy used his skills and his own time to create a digital platform based on operational rules for staff to use as a resource. He didn’t realise this would go viral from word of mouth and spread across the UK’s train operating companies. Andy uses his spare time to study assessment results and intervenes when he sees potential risks – educating as needed. This helps rail personnel across the UK to stay safe and help to minimise incidents and accidents on the network.
On winning the award, Andy said: “I’m shellshocked! I’ve just always been passionate about making sure that everyone is safe on the railway. I want to thank say a big thank you to everyone that’s supported me. From the candidates to the drivers, and the managers to the directors. Thanks also to my wife. This has been a labour of love and has involved me working in my own time – she’s been very patient.”
Congratulations Andy!
Highly commended
Alan Godding, Greater Anglia
Peter Woodbridge, Siemens
