Alstom has secured two major accolades at the Young Rail Professionals (YRP) Awards 2026 in the United Kingdom, highlighting both individual achievement and large-scale operational success within the rail sector. The recognition underscores the company’s continued commitment to advancing talent, collaboration, and innovation across the industry.
A key highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Distinguished Service Award to Kathryn Lancaster, Communications Manager at Alstom. With a career spanning nearly four decades, Lancaster has played a pivotal role in shaping communications and engagement across the organisation and the wider rail community. Having joined the business in 1988, she has consistently contributed to building a culture rooted in collaboration, mentorship, and inclusivity.
Reflecting on the recognition, Ms Lancaster described the rail sector as her professional home and acknowledged the collective effort of colleagues across the industry. The award celebrates individuals whose sustained dedication and leadership have created lasting value for both organisations and the broader rail ecosystem.
In addition to the individual honour, Alstom’s flagship public engagement initiative, “The Greatest Gathering,” received the Operational Excellence Award. Introduced as a new category for 2026, the award recognises teams delivering exceptional performance in railway operations while maintaining high standards of service and reliability.
Held in August 2025 at Alstom’s historic Derby Litchurch Lane Works, “The Greatest Gathering” marked the bicentenary of the modern railway. The three-day event brought together more than 40,000 visitors and showcased over 140 rail vehicles, making it the largest railway festival of its kind. Millions more participated virtually, extending its reach to a global audience. The event also raised over £100,000 for charitable causes and marked the first time in nearly half a century that the Derby facility opened to the public.
The YRP Awards ceremony took place on 26 March 2026 in London, with Alstom receiving multiple nominations across categories. Among emerging talent, George Creed from Derby was named runner-up in the Apprentice of the Year category, reflecting the company’s ongoing investment in workforce development.
These achievements build on a strong track record, with Alstom employees also receiving top honours in previous editions of the awards. The dual recognition this year reinforces the organisation’s role in supporting both people and projects that contribute meaningfully to the future of rail transport.
