Apprentice Case Study: Craig Smith

Q: TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF

I had a troubled past and grew up in care from the age of five.

This gave me an opportunity to escape from the trauma I was experiencing at the time and is where I found my interest in steam engines and the railway.

When I was 12 years old, I became a volunteer supporting the trains and tracks and enjoyed every minute of it.

I also love horses and for the last four years have been competing in Horseball tournaments. My other hobbies include looking after tropical fish, watching football and gaming.

I have ADHD. I feel I am a good example of how someone that is on the neuro-diverse spectrum can fail at school but go on to achieve success in life.

I always dreamed of a career in the infrastructure industry, and I am now living this dream on a Railway apprenticeship with McGinley.

Q: DID YOU ENJOY STUDYING AT SCHOOL?

I hated it, I couldn’t sit in a classroom for more than 10 mins. I was diagnosed with ADHD when I was a child but was given no support or medication.

I learn things in a different way from most people and because of this, I felt that I never fitted in and that nobody understood me.

I would get angry and kick off with everyone looking at me. I tried to make people laugh in a bid to be accepted and included but it didn’t work.

I excelled in Art and Design & Technology but struggled with all the other subjects.

By working hard and with determination I did manage to pass some of my exams. A fact of which I am really proud.

Q: WHAT CAREER DID YOU WANT TO PURSUE WHILST AT SCHOOL

Rail infrastructure, I never wanted to do anything else.

Because of my ADHD and feelings of not fitting in and being excluded, I didn’t do anything for a couple of years and was receiving benefits whilst having therapy.

I really struggled for a time but after sessions with a therapist, I found the confidence to work for a building firm and did some labouring to gain experience.

Q: HAVE YOU EVER FELT EXCLUDED FOR ANY REASON IN LIFE?

Yes, ADHD is a disability and as a result of having this, I have felt excluded. That I was different from others.

Growing up I was very confident outside of school but in school, I was just labelled as a troublemaker as no one knew what was causing my behaviour or how to support me.

I am now so eager to learn. I make friends easily and love to chat. I feel included 100% with McGinley and particularly my team when I am on the job. They are so supportive.

Q: WHY DID YOU CHOOSE AN APPRENTICESHIP IN RAIL?

My foster mother spotted the McGinley ad and when she showed me, I found myself thinking, is this for real?

Because it was everything I wanted. I applied but was told the roles had all been filled and I would be added to the waiting list.

Thankfully for me a couple of the candidates were not suitable, so I was given an opportunity to attend a last-minute interview. I was nervous as it was all very quick but, it went well and was very happy when I met Janet and Mia from McGinley.

They were so supportive, and this helped me to overcome my anxiety and nerves – so much so that I was told I ‘smashed it’ and offered a place. It feels so good to say I am a Rail Engineer.