NEWSLETTER
Q1 | 2025
Every year, the OTT team amazes me with your commitment and attitude. I am incredibly proud to have you represent this company. Honestly, I’ve run out of ways to express my gratitude.
This past year, we’ve shared laughs, losses, successes, and challenges. Your resilience and teamwork have been inspiring.
So far this year, one of the standout achievements has been our geographical expansion, securing work with Irish Rail and Network Rail in Scotland. It’s a massive step forward for OTT. I couldn’t be prouder of the team for taking on new opportunities, delivering exceptional work, and making a real impact across the railway network.
As we enter 2025, let’s move forward with the same drive and dedication as last year. Together, we will continue to grow as a business and as individuals.
Here’s to another successful year ahead. Let’s make it a great one! Thank you all
Message from Daryl Irwin
-
OTT IN SCOTLAND
-
On Track Technicians teams working across three different areas in Scotland!
Our crew is supporting DJ CIVIL ENGINEERING LIMITED in East Kilbride, Edinburgh, and Fort William, delivering top-class work and keeping the railway moving!
💥 Proud to see our team expanding and making an impact across the network.
Great work, everyone!
APPRENTICES MAKING AN IMPACT
-
Graphic shows hard work and dedication of our On Track Technicians Apprentices on major Translink railway projects! 👏💪
From learning the ropes to making a real difference on site, our apprentices are gaining hands-on experience in the railway industry and contributing to key infrastructure projects. Their passion, commitment, and teamwork are shaping the future of railway engineering! 🚀
Apprentice Involvement Across Key Projects:
🔹 Belfast Transport Hub – 5092.5 hours
🔹 Cullybackey Project – 2025 hours
🔹 Derriaghy – 205 hours
🔹 Lagan Junction to Yorkgate – 1992 hours
🔹 Lisburn Project – 2782 hours
🔹 Overbridge Track Renewals – 304 hours
💥 Grand Total: 12,400.5 hours of dedication! 💥
We’re proud to support the next generation of railway professionals. Keep up the great work, team!
THIRD PARTY WORKS
Working within 50 meters of the railway boundary?
Working within 200 meters of a level crossing?
Working with the potential to cause ‘blocking back’?
Need advice? Contact our team
STORM EOWYN
-
When Storm Eowyn hit, our team rose to the challenge, delivering exceptional work across the Translink network. From rapid response to ensuring safety and efficiency, every member of our team played a vital role. Here’s a look at the impact of your hard work:
✅ 54 incredible employees
✅ 7 key competencies in action
✅ 91 shifts covered
✅ 0 accidents/incidents – safety first! 🙌
A massive thank you to every single one of you for your hard work and dedication during Storm Eowyn. Your efforts around the Translink network have been outstanding, ensuring everything runs safely and efficiently.
2024 NEW CAPABILITY DOCUMENT
-
We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our updated 2025 Capability Document!
Discover our complete range of services, cutting-edge expertise, and the skilled team that makes it all happen. Whether you’re planning a major project or need tailored railway solutions, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s make 2024 a year of innovation, collaboration, and success on the tracks!
YOUR FACE FITS
-
Our marketing and innovation skills are on full display with the Your Face Fits campaign—an inspiring initiative by the Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Sectoral Partnership.
This campaign is all about breaking barriers, highlighting opportunities, and ensuring everyone can see themselves in the world of engineering.
Your support and enthusiasm are invaluable, and we look forward to seeing the impact this campaign will create. Stay tuned for more insights from today’s event and speakers!
Health Champions at On Track Technicians!
-
We are delighted to announce that, in conjunction with the Northern Ireland Chest Heart And Stroke and the Public Health Authority, On Track Technicians now has four trained Health Champions!
Congratulations to Hazel Kerr, Jay McCutcheon, Scott Larmour, and Elizabeth Kennedy, who completed two training days to become certified Health Champions.
They will contribute to developing the Year 1 Action Plan for the Work Well, Live Well programme initiative. This committee aims to:
• Assess workplace health needs
• Plan and implement activities and events
• Increase awareness of various health topics
• Cultivate a positive and healthy workplace culture
In addition to their current training, our Health Champions will soon receive Mental Health First Aid training, further strengthening their ability to support staff well-being.
OTT 5TH CHARITY GOLF DAY
-
We’re thrilled to announce that registration is now open for our 5th Annual OTT Charity Golf Day in support of Emerge Counselling Services, a mental health charity making a real difference in our community.
With a shotgun start and limited spaces, now is the time to secure your team’s place for a fantastic day of golf, networking, and fundraising. This year, we’re pushing to reach an incredible £20,000 milestone – and we need your support to make it happen!
📅 Register now!
Contact Graeme.Beck@ontracktechnicians.com to book your spot.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM RECENT EVENTS
-
HLA Industry Dinner at Queen’s University Belfast
Our Strategic Director, Andrew Irwin, had the honour of attending the HLA Industry Dinner at the stunning Great Hall, Queen’s University Belfast.
A huge thank you to BBC Newsreader Mark Simpson for hosting such a fantastic evening, bringing together industry leaders, course directors, past students, and employers to celebrate the success of Higher Level Apprenticeships (HLAs).
The event was filled with insightful discussions, a panel featuring HLA Course Directors, inspiring stories from past students and employers, and an engaging Q&A session—highlighting the real impact of apprenticeships in shaping careers.
We’re proud to support the next generation of talent and strengthen the connection between education and industry!
Department for Transport SME & VCSE Supplier Event
We attended the Department for Transport SME & VCSE Supplier Event at the Europa Hotel in Belfast.
It was a fantastic opportunity to connect, learn, and explore innovation in the industry. The event provided valuable insight into SME-friendly frameworks, supply chain opportunities, and best practices for becoming subcontractors.
A huge thank you to the speakers for sharing their expertise and making it an insightful day:
Ann McChesney, Paul Rodgers, Jennifer E., David Civil, Amy Williams, Callum Rubery, Robert Vaughan, Michael Lindsay, Lara Da Rocha-Faria.
Great to see so many industry professionals coming together to drive collaboration and growth!
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!
Photo by Craig Jones
Photo by Andrew Woods
Photo by Joe Wilson
Photo by Shaun Bremner
Say “Hello” to our team
Colin Goodman
Creative & Marketing Manager
About Colin:
I’ve been part of the OTT team for four years now, and in that time, I’ve had the privilege of shaping how we tell our story. My background is a mix of exhibition design, graphic design, product design, visual merchandising, podcasting, and marketing—essentially, I love creating things that connect with people. Whether it’s through visuals, branding, or storytelling, I’m always looking for new and engaging ways to communicate our message.
At OTT, every day is different, and that’s what keeps things exciting. I thrive on creativity and problem-solving, whether it’s designing marketing campaigns, producing content, or developing brand strategies. The challenge of taking an idea and turning it into something impactful is what drives me. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing our work resonate with people—whether that’s our clients, partners, or the OTT team itself.
Hobbies:
Outside of work, my world revolves around family and, of course, running—lots and lots of running. Watching my three boys explore their creativity is one of my greatest joys, and as a football coach, I love helping them and their teammates develop their skills.
When I’m not busy with that, I’m out there pushing my own limits, taking on ultramarathons and testing how far I can go. Running isn’t just a hobby; it’s a way of life. That passion led me to start Run OTT Run, our very own OTT running group, where we encourage each other to keep moving forward.
Whether I’m designing a campaign or running mile after mile, I believe in pushing boundaries and enjoying the journey along the way.
Shannon O’Rawe
Finance Assistant
About Shannon:
I graduated from UUM with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Studies with Accounting and found this helped me fit into OTT finance team perfectly. Although I have no prior knowledge or experience working in the railway industry, I was welcomed warmly - the team are continuously offering their knowledge and experiences that I can gain from.
I mainly run the Purchase Ledger within my department and find it rewarding meeting deadlines, liaising with suppliers & balancing accounts. I am met with new tasks weekly which enables me to enhance my skillset.
Hobbies:
I am a mum of a 2-year-old which keeps me busy! I’m a 3rd Dan Black Belt in Taekwondo that I started when I was a child. While I don’t actively compete anymore, I now take my daughter to classes which she loves and enables me to train & coach with a different perspective. I have recently started running and have been enjoying the journey so far.