Merton College student lands job with Alstom rail project

Terrell Rose, 20, from Crystal Palace, secured a permanent role as a trainee technician with Alstom after impressing managers during a summer placement.

He studied for an Extended National Diploma in Engineering at South Thames College Group’s Merton campus and was the only student to volunteer for a week’s placement at Subsea7.

He later secured another opportunity at Alstom after staying behind to speak with company representatives following a college talk and asking about internships.

Mr Rose said: "I’ve wanted to be an engineer for as long as I can remember. From primary school onwards, I was constantly coming up with ideas for projects I wanted to build.

"By being polite, engaged, and prepared, I was able to secure an internship that was never even advertised publicly. Without taking that initiative, I wouldn’t be where I am today."

He worked on the Northern Line and impressed the team so much that he asked to stay for the rest of the summer. Although unpaid, he treated the work like a full-time job and remained eager to learn.

He said: "I explained that since it was the summer and I didn’t have any other commitments, I would be keen to stay on. They agreed, and I continued working there for another two months without missing a day."

His commitment paid off. The following February, he received a call about a permanent trainee technician position.

Mr Rose added: "I was over the moon because my hard work had paid off. I volunteered for as many tasks and projects as possible and got involved wherever I could. Everyone had positive things to say about me, and that reputation goes a long way in a professional environment."

Merton College has helped develop both his technical knowledge and employability skills.

Angela Woolnough, head of employability, said: "We’re very proud of Terrell and we wish him success and happiness in his chosen career."