NEWSLETTER

Q1 | 2024

As we enter Q2, we are met with mixed emotions—a blend of hope for the future and sadness for the loss of our dear colleague, Alistair. A talented welder and beloved member of our OTT Family, Alistair's presence brought warmth and camaraderie to our team.

Though his passing weighs heavy on our hearts, let us find strength in one another as we honour Alistair’s memory and carry forward his legacy. Together, let's embrace the challenges ahead with resilience and unity, drawing inspiration from his spirit of kindness and dedication.

In memory of Alistair, let us journey into this new chapter together, guided by compassion and solidarity.

Message from Daryl Irwin

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A male construction worker in an orange high-visibility jumpsuit with reflective stripes, a gray safety helmet with protective face shield lifted, posing against a brick wall with mud stains on his pants.
A yellow machine tool with a vertical support arm, connected to a device with wires, positioned over technical drawings of a mechanical system on a grid.

TENDER SUCCESS
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On Track Technicians is thrilled to announce that we've won a new project with our esteemed client, Translink, with delivery partners GRAHAM Group and Novus Rail Ltd

We’ll be undertaking works on the rail network such as Line Speed Surveys and Investigation works. Our team is geared up and ready to ensure all works are planned and undertaken in a safe manner and provide accurate data collection. Stay tuned for updates as we embark on this key element of work together!

Sunset with clouds and birds, logo at the top, and event announcement for 'Golf Day' on July 5th, 2024, organized by On Track Technicians Charity.

OTT GOLF DAY 2024 IS OPEN FOR REGISTRATION!

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This year, we have a NEW FORMAT!

Meet | Greet | Breakfast For ALL Golfers

Shotgun Start | TeeOff at 12:00 for EVERYONE

Prizes & Barbeque!

Split-screen image of a man with headphones and a woman wearing glasses, both smiling, with a "RailPeople RailChat" logo in the center.

RAIL PEOPLE, RAIL CHAT

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This quarter on the 'Rail People, Rail Chat' OTT podcast, we had the pleasure of hosting some exciting guests who brought diverse perspectives to the table!

Our podcast recently featured insightful conversations with Heidi from Irish Rail, Joan Heery from PWI, Clare Crooks from Translink, and OTT Apprentices Adam, Glen and Raymond.

We've delved into sustainability, Women in the railway industry and what it is like to be an apprentice.

If you're eager to be part of the podcast, don't hesitate to fill in the form and share your thoughts with us.

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Colorful graphic of vertical and horizontal elongated oval shapes in blue, red, yellow, and green on a black background.
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PLAYS

1,783

SPOTIFY FOLLOWERS

67

MONTHLY IMPRESSIONS

5,238

Logo of RailPeople with a stylized train wheel and wireless signal icon, and a woman's portrait next to text that reads ‘Ard Éireann = Sustainability’ in orange and black, with additional text ‘RailPeople = RailChat’ in orange and black.

Heidi Hopper Duffy - Irish Rail

Illustration of a train logo with the words "Railpeople" and "Raichat" below it. To the right, a woman with red hair smiling, seated in front of a microphone, with the text "Clare Crooks" and "Apprenticeship" below her.

Clare Crooks - Translink

Three railroad workers in safety gear standing outdoors with a blurred background of green trees and a blue sky, promoting a new episode of RailPeople RailChat.

Apprentice Week

APPRENTICESHIP RECRUITMENT

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We're thrilled to announce that we've embarked on our On Track Technicians Apprenticeship Programme, and the response has been phenomenal.

The enthusiasm and interest shown towards our 2024 apprenticeship intake have been truly inspiring. As we forge ahead, we see a future filled with promise and potential, symbolized by the vibrant hue of orange.

It represents our dedication to innovation, growth, and success as we nurture the talents of our apprentices and pave the way for a bright future in the realm of technology and engineering.

Together, we're laying the tracks for a journey towards excellence, where every step forward is illuminated with the optimism and energy of an orange-hued horizon.

IRSE Annual AGM - Dublin

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Andrew Irwin, OTT Strategic Director, attended the IRSE Annual AGM in Dublin with Nick Tzanos Smith BA Hons EngTech and John Woods

It was a great experience as they used the Train Simulator and experienced real-life scenarios such as low adhesion on the track.

They could also see the equipment required in the test lab for the Traffic Management System.

Colin McVea of Translink and Sean Burns of Larnród Éireann Irish Rail shared lessons learned from historical incidents. Thanks to all the organisers for an interesting and informative day.

#OTT #OnTrackTechnicians #Innovation #Translink #IrishRail #IRSE #Railway #Development #Learning #Event

A man in a train simulator cockpit operating controls, with a scene of train tracks and station outside the large front window.

IOSH Managing Safely

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Health and safety competence at OTT isn't just about one person being the 'health and safety manager'. We ensure that all our management team have the required skills, knowledge and experience to assist on health and safety matters.


As part of our commitment, we recently trained the below managers on the IOSH Managing Safely Programme.

This gives them the skills to identify hazards and ensure effective controls are put in place keeping our workforce and those on-site safe.

(Pictured left to right: Wes Calvin, Chris Baxter, Tommy Roy, Adam Faloon)

Four men standing outside, holding certificates, in front of a sign that reads "On Track Technicians." They are dressed in casual business attire with jackets featuring the company logo.

Kurt Walker…

W.B.A Intercontinental Europe Champion!

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HE'S DONE IT AGAIN!


Congratulations to Kurt Walker, our sponsored athlete, who has just secured his 11th professional win & now the W.B.A Intercontinental Europe Champion! !

What an incredible achievement! We couldn't be prouder to support you on your journey to greatness.

Here's to many more belts! Keep going, Kurt!

We had Kurt on our podcast where he talked about his journey!

Two shirtless male boxers with tattoos fighting in a boxing ring, one wearing yellow shorts with red and blue stripes, the other in colorful shorts with the name 'LAYLA' on the waistband, engaged in a close exchange of punches during a match.
A victorious boxer with arms raised in a boxing ring, with referees and other boxers nearby, celebrating his win.
A shirtless male boxer with tattoos on his left arm and chest, sitting on a sofa, holding a championship belt over his shoulder, with a serious expression.

OTT PHOTOGRAPHY

It's no secret that On Track Technicians are skilled at maintaining and repairing railways, but what many people don't know is that they also have some amazing photographers among their ranks, capturing stunning images that showcase the true artistry of this mode of transportation.

You might say that these technicians have a knack for capturing the rail-y great moments!

A railway track with a light dusting of snow and fallen leaves, stretch into the distance during sunset with a cloudy sky and leafless trees on either side.

Photo by Shaun Bremner

Workers in orange safety gear repairing a damaged railroad track at night, with a construction vehicle and multiple lights illuminating the scene.

Photo by Barry McGuigan

Nighttime scene of railway maintenance or rescue operation with workers in reflective orange clothing around a railway track, illuminated by construction equipment and a crane, snow covering the ground and trees.

Photo by Barry McGuigan

LETS SUPPORT JAMES

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On Track Technicians (OTT) is raising funds for James McMahon, who recently received a devastating diagnosis of a glioblastoma brain tumour after suffering a seizure at work. The family, including his partner Katherine and young children Ruby and James, faces significant financial challenges due to James's inability to work.

Following major brain surgery, he will undergo further treatments. The fundraising aims to alleviate the financial burden on the family during this difficult time, supporting them as they navigate through the uncertainties of James's diagnosis and treatment.

If you can, please support James and his family.

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Say “Hello” to our team

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James Swan

Head Of Operations

About James:

I first worked on the Railway 13 years ago as an RRV operator; I left the railways for 3 years to work on Civil Sites before returning with OTT in 2019. I started as a supervisor on small fencing and civil projects before moving into the office full-time in 2020 as a Project manager.

As OTT grew, I moved into my role within senior management as operations manager, overseeing the business's day-to-day operations.

Hobbies:

Football and having my kids look after me. 

Close-up of a woman with long blonde hair, blue eyes, and a subtle smile, in front of ornate gold and floral decor.

Elizabeth Kennedy

Head Of People & Culture

About Elizabeth:

I am delighted to have taken on the head of people and culture role within OTT. I have been asked to help foster organisational growth and individual development.

I strongly believe in the power of investing in people and the unique values they contribute to a business. I have carved a professional journey driven by compassion, leadership, and continuous learning. 

I am deeply committed to nurturing a vibrant and inclusive workplace culture where every individual feels valued, empowered, and inspired to excel.

Hobbies:

I am actively engaged in the world of sports, serving as a hockey and athletic coach. Through coaching, I channel my passion for teamwork, fun and personal growth, instilling these values in the athletes I mentor and myself.  I proudly embrace the role of Mum to three wonderful children.