12.06.14
Network Rail takes national title in battle of apprentices
Network Rail apprentices have fended off the strength of the military services claiming first and second place in the national final of the Junior Leaders Field Gun Competition.
Held at held at HMS Collingwood in Gosport, Hampshire on 6 June, the annual event is the ultimate show of strength, endurance, speed, accuracy and teamwork.
The competition, organised by the Royal Navy, was open to crews formed of trainees or apprentices aged 16-25. Each crew of 18 was required to run, dismantle, reassemble and fire an antique 12-pounder field gun – equivalent in weight to a small car – in the shortest possible time.
Network Rail’s winning team triumphed over 11 other crews drawn from the RAF and Royal Navy and other organisations including BAE Systems and Chichester College.
In addition to taking first and second place in the main event, a third Network Rail team also triumphed in the “plate” contest – fought between those crews that make an earlier exit from the competition.
Michelle Nolan-McSweeney, apprentice development manager for Network Rail, said: “The hard work of the apprentices saw them justly rewarded taking three trophies on the day. They have done us proud.
“The teamwork and dedication that they showed in the competition and during their training should serve them well as they go on in their careers. Excellent teamwork, attention to detail and good communication are a vital part of maintaining the railway, and the Network Rail crews in this competition demonstrated these qualities in abundance.”
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