20 Sep 2023
Along with our partners, Transport for Wales is proud to support the Armed Forces community. As part of our ambition to be one of Wales’ leading inclusive organisations, we’re continuing to support those who have served in the Armed Forces, both as an employer and a service provider.
We spoke to army veteran Sam Yaw Oppong-Druyeh about his role within Siemens Rail, an organisation which forms part of the Craidd Alliance.
Tell us about your story within the military
I’m a proud veteran with over 15 years remarkable career in the British Army. I served with Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) Aviation Units as an Aircraft Technician Manager and as an Aviation Support Assets Controller. I solved problems regarding safety and quality critical engineering within defence environments. I left regular service in November 2019 to go into Aircraft Maintenance as a contractor and later into Construction Site Management.
What is your current role within the Craidd Alliance and how did you join?
I joined Siemens, part of the Craidd Alliance, through the Military2Rail scheme in January 2022 as a project planner and I’m now working on the Core Valley Lines (CVL), Treherbert, Aberdare and Merthyr line (TAM) and Cardiff to Rhymney line (CAR). My role involves co-ordinating and planning the completion of projects to ensure everything runs to schedule as well as reviewing and reporting on progress to senior management and clients. The role has allowed me to develop my risk and stakeholder management skills.
What does it mean to you to work for an employer which is supportive of the armed forces community?
I have been able to network and integrate with teams within the Craidd Alliance which has further enhanced my profile. It is encouraging to be in an environment where the culture closely aligns with my core values and association with the forces. It is equally heart-warming to know that the value you add is appreciated. My experience working within the alliance has highlighted to me that my employer appreciates that ex-service personnel possess diverse transferrable skills which makes us ideal candidates for varied roles within engineering and project delivery environment whilst demonstrating a willingness to take a chance on us.
