The Graduate of the Year award recognises outstanding individuals who have completed a graduate program and are already making significant contributions to the rail industry. Our judges are on the lookout for those who embody passion, creativity, and leadership, and demonstrate exceptional talent and innovation.
In 2022, Louis Szymanski, then a junior project controls assistant at D2 Global, proudly took home what was then named the ‘Graduate or Newcomer of the Year’ award after making a significant contribution to the business in a short space of time. He had made himself an integral part of both the D2 Rail Project Controls Team and the TransPennine Route Upgrade (TRU) West Alliance Planning & Controls Team, since joining the company in August 2020.
Louis proved in a very short space of time that he was extremely competent and adaptable, with incredible people skills and emotional intelligence, and had impressed colleagues with his dedication, compassion, and professionalism. On top of this, Louis also founded the Equality Diversity and Inclusion group at D2 Rail and was a volunteer on the TRU West Equality Diversity and Inclusion group as an ED&I Champion.
Here, he tells us how things have changed since the big night.
Has winning the award opened up any new opportunities for you?
Absolutely. D2 Global places significant focus on training and development, and through a combination of on-the-job learning from industry experts and recognised professional qualifications, I’ve been able to progress from more junior project controls positions into my current role as a risk analyst. Winning the award certainly added to my confidence and visibility within the industry.
Can you tell us about your new role?
As a risk analyst I am now supporting the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) West Alliance. TRU West is an upgrade to the Transpennine Railway between Manchester and Leeds and is one of the largest infrastructure projects in the UK.
In my role, I’m responsible for establishing the framework that enables delivery teams to effectively identify, assess, evaluate, and manage project risks that could impact the budget or schedule.
It’s a varied role that involves engaging with a wide range of project stakeholders, and it’s a privilege to contribute to a project that will bring tangible benefits to the region’s population – myself included!
Why are the RailStaff Awards so important to the industry?
I think it’s hugely important to recognise the professionals who have made a significant contribution to the rail industry, and the RailStaff Awards continues to lead the way in doing just that. The wide range of award categories gives centre stage to the ‘unsung heroes’ who keep our fantastic industry moving forward.
