James Rayer

Top marks in college have landed Coleg y Cymoedd learner James Rayer a future in railway engineering, after securing him an apprenticeship with a leading manufacturer.  

The 20-year-old from Cardiff has landed a two-year apprenticeship with Pullman Rail Ltd – which has been serving Wales’ rail industry for the last two decades, providing technical expertise and quality workmanship – after his dedication to the trade impressed bosses at the firm.  

James initially completed a Level 2 mechanical engineering course at Coleg y Cymoedd, during which he was offered the opportunity to undertake aa placement with Pullman Rail. Following a successful time at the firm, he is now starting a full apprenticeship at the company, spending four days on site and one day a week in college. 

Having been interested in trains and railways since the age of two, James became a member of Cardiff Model Engineering society when he was 14 years old. Since then, he has spent many hours volunteering on heritage railways in Pembrokeshire, undertaking roles such as a guard – responsible for the safety of the train, checking tickets and dispatching the train when it is time to depart – as well as working as an engine cleaner, keeping engines looking smart, clean and polished for tourists, while reducing the risk of wear and tear. James also spent time cleaning out the smoke box of steam engines, shovelling out mounds of ash and soot that gathered following the steam train been in operation all day. 

It was through the advanced qualification at Cymoedd that James was able to secure his apprenticeship. During this time, he shadowed and assisted engineers conducting repairs in the refurbishment department.  

The experience cemented James’ ambition to work in the sector, and his obvious passion and commitment to developing his career paid off, impressing bosses at Pullman Rail who subsequently offered him the apprenticeship. 

James said: “I am thrilled to have been offered this two-year apprenticeship following my placement with Pullman Rail. One of the reasons I chose the mechanical engineering course was due to the opportunity it provided to undertake practical work experience. I already feel I’ve learnt so much from this and am really looking forward to continuing that journey.” 

So far James has worked across various departments such as the refurbishment shop, the bogie shop and the wheel shop which have specially equipped facilities that allow for trains to be inspected and tested for faults and refurbished, bogies to be stripped, renewed and rebuilt, and various different wheels for rolling stock to be repaired. 

He will also qualify as a fitter on completion of his apprenticeship, meaning he will be qualified to assess mechanical issues, remove broken parts and fit replacements to railway stock. 

Speaking about his decision to pursue an apprenticeship, James said: “I never wanted to go down the traditional university route. Choosing an apprenticeship will give me the best chance to learn and develop skills on the job, allowing me to learn from the very best in the field.”  

“Having already spent a year on placement at Pullman Rail, I’m really excited to move into the industry full time and pursue my passion of working on trains. 

Speaking of his future ambitions, James added: “I would like to stay with Pullman Rail and eventually work my way up to drive trains for the national network. My childhood dream has always been to drive steam engines, so my dream job would be driving for a company who run mainline steam engine hauled rail tours. 

“I can’t thank Coleg y Cymoedd enough for the support and encouragement they’ve given me during my time studying. Over the last few years, I’ve been provided with opportunities I wouldn’t have had elsewhere, and the standard of learning has been great. I’m excited to take the next step in my career and I have the college and Pullman Rail to thank for that.”  

Pullman Rail is one of 1,200 employers to work in partnership with Coleg y Cymoedd. With over 27 subject routes on offer, the college has one of the most diverse apprenticeship provisions in the UK.