NYMR marked National Apprenticeship Week with HRA finalist

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR), the registered charity and heritage attraction, marked National Apprenticeship Week (9–15 February) by highlighting the achievements of mechanical apprentice Charlie Bauckham, who has been shortlisted for the Rising Star category at the Heritage Railway Association Annual Awards.

The NYMR operates a long‑standing apprenticeship scheme that develops skills in traction and rolling stock as well as lineside conservation. The programme equips young people with technical capabilities suitable for a career in heritage rail, with many apprentices progressing into permanent paid roles within the organisation. Training spans a mix of academic qualifications, practical engineering experience and hands‑on exposure to railway maintenance and operations.

Charlie Bauckham joined the mechanical apprenticeship cohort in September 2023 after previously volunteering at Grosmont Motive Power Depot. Initially working on the steam fleet, he quickly demonstrated strong aptitude for diesel engineering and has since become part of the diesel department. His decision to relocate to the area in 2023 enabled him to combine daily engineering work at the MPD with Level 3 studies at Middlesbrough College and TTE, where he continues to progress through a range of engineering competencies.

Wider organisational responsibilities
His responsibilities include routine diesel examinations, locomotive preparation and fuelling, liaising with operating crews and ensuring locomotives are ready to meet the NYMR’s heavy traffic demands. In addition to depot duties, he has taken on wider organisational responsibilities, including fire patrols, first‑aid training and developing towards diesel and steam duty fitter roles.

Nick Simpson, head of mechanical engineering at NYMR, said: “Charlie’s star quality is his eagerness to learn. He always tackles projects methodically with an excellent standard of work. He goes the extra mile by always following this work up with ride outs, test trips and learning on the footplate. We could not ask more of the way he supports the team, deals with the pressures of workload and puts his all into supporting the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.”

Reflecting on his nomination, Charlie said: “My journey of loco engineering started when I was 10 years old when I worked with Richard Gibbon CME (NRM) on 5” steam locos. Since then I was hooked and it’s an honour to be part of the NYMR team and be recognised as a Rising Star in the HRA Awards.”

The results of the HRA Annual Awards will be announced in March 2026.