At UGL, we’re proud to shape the future of Australia’s rail and transport industry — and that future is powered by people. Today, we celebrate the achievements of our Newcastle-based apprentices, who’ve completed their training and stepped into skilled trades roles with confidence and purpose.
Meet the class of 2025
- Ben Hobson – Electrical Apprentice
- Sarah Pringle – Electrical Apprentice
- Andrew Akerman – Mechanical Apprentice
- Cameron Couper – Electrical Apprentice
- Riley Ferguson – Electrical Apprentice
- Ben Tierney – Mechanical Apprentice
- Adam Lawrence – Vehicle Building Apprentice
Inside the apprenticeship program
UGL’s apprenticeship program includes structured six-monthly rotations across departments — exposing apprentices to everything from bogie builds and vehicle assembly, to test and commissioning.
Craig Palmer, UGL Quality and Technical Support Manager, and a proud 32-year company veteran, has been instrumental in developing and expanding the apprenticeship program.
“We’re not just building tradespeople — we’re building future leaders,” explains Craig. “The skills, the rotations, the safety sessions, and the mentoring are designed to give each apprentice the best foundation.”
Award-winning talent
Many of the apprentices have previously been recognised at the Hunternet Industry Excellence Awards, including:
- Sarah Pringle – Winner, 2025 Apprentice of the Year
- Ben Hobson – Finalist, 2025 Apprentice of the Year
- Riley Ferguson – Winner, 2024 Excellence in Safety Award
- Cameron Couper – Co-winner, 2022 1st Year Apprentice of the Year
UGL was also named Host Employer of the Year by Group Training Australia in 2022 and has been a finalist in 2023, 2024, and 2025 — underscoring our commitment to growing the next generation.
Career Pathways: Where Are They Now?
All seven graduates have now secured roles with UGL, continuing their careers across a variety of specialised teams in our transport business.
- Ben Hobson is a key member of the test and commissioning team, playing a vital role in commissioning C44 locomotives for the Aurizon contract and delivering the first tranche of EVO builds. He’s now completing the final C44s before moving on to Tranche 2 of the EVO locomotives.
“What I enjoy about working at UGL is the constant change in my role. I enjoy being challenged to find new solutions, and the support from my colleagues makes all the difference,” says Ben.
- Sarah Pringle is a technician at UGL’s Hunter Valley Maintenance Centre (HVMC), where she contributes to locomotive servicing and fault rectification. Her diagnostic skills and attention to detail ensure smooth operations across the fleet.
“The complexity and diversity of the work at UGL made the four years really engaging,” says Sarah. “UGL supports new-to-industry recruits and upskilling current employees. It’s been the best start to a meaningful career.”
- Andrew Akerman has transitioned into a mechanical fitter role at HVMC, applying his hands-on experience to reliability upgrades and component change-outs across the Hunter Valley rail network.
- Cameron Couper is now a qualified electrical tradesperson at HVMC. Known for his innovation, Cameron designed a lifting device still used for traction motor coil installation. He now leads the CF4403 mid-life overhaul.
- Riley Ferguson began in test and commissioning and now works on the main build line as an electrician, trusted with complex wiring tasks on the second tranche of EVO locomotives.
- Adam Lawrence specialises in final-stage locomotive assembly. His precision was recognised during Tranche 1, and he now plays a key role in assembling EVO11 ahead of testing and commissioning.
- Ben Tierney applies his mechanical skills to bogie overhaul work for the Mariyung fleet, after gaining experience rebuilding Wabtec 7FDL locomotive engines and components.
Congratulations to the class of 2025, your journey is just beginning!
