Elham Asaad Buaras
A young engineer from Walsall has been named Graduate of the Year at one of the UK’s most prestigious rail industry award ceremonies, recognising her exceptional contributions within the first two years of her career.
Yasha Siddiqui, 24, who works for global transport firm Alstom, received the award at the RailStaff Awards on November 27 at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre (NEC). The ceremony, established in 2007, celebrates outstanding employees across the rail sector, from frontline staff to technical specialists, and recognises those demonstrating passion, creativity, leadership, and innovation.
Siddiqui, a graduate of Alstom’s engineering development programme, was praised for her impact in improving the scheme for future intakes. As Chair of the graduate programme, she developed initiatives such as a comprehensive graduate handbook and the InspirHer outreach programme, aimed at encouraging inclusion, diversity, and gender balance. She has fostered an engaging, supportive environment for new talent, championing underrepresented groups and inspiring colleagues and future engineers alike.
A graduate of Coventry University, Siddiqui earned a First-class BEng (Hons) degree in Aerospace Systems Engineering in 2023. Since joining Alstom, she has completed placements across multiple engineering divisions at the company’s Litchurch Lane Works in Derby, one of Europe’s largest train-manufacturing sites, before taking up a permanent role as a Product Cost Engineer. In her current role, she contributes to identifying cost-efficient design solutions for new trains built at the Derby factory.
“It is an honour to have been nominated alongside some of the best rail graduates in the UK, as we represent the future of rail,” Siddiqui said.
She told The Muslim News, “Winning an award like this within my first two years in the industry is a true reflection of how well Alstom supports its people. Engineering has traditionally been a male-dominated field, largely because many girls do not see it as a good fit for them. I have incredibly supportive parents who encouraged me to pursue engineering despite the challenges. This award is not just for me; I hope it serves as an inspiration for girls and young women considering a career in engineering, especially those from Indian and Muslim backgrounds like mine.”
She added: “This achievement is also a ‘thank you’ to all the women who came before me and helped shape the rail industry into an inclusive and diverse space where everyone can thrive. I am excited to continue my journey at Alstom and even more excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.”
Siddiqui’s award was part of a strong showing for Alstom at the ceremony. The company, which employs 6,000 people across the UK and Ireland and supplies nearly 40 per cent of the UK’s mainline fleet, secured several national awards over the week. Two awards celebrated the success of The Greatest Gathering; a public event staged in August 2025 to mark 200 years of railways. Hosted at Alstom’s Derby site, the event featured the largest collection of historic and modern trains ever assembled, attracting thousands of visitors and a significant global online audience. The event’s organising committee received the Project Team Award at the RailStaff Awards and the Star Team Award at the Heart of Gold Awards, which honours individuals and teams who make notable contributions to the rail community.
Rob Whyte, Managing Director of Alstom UK and Ireland, praised Siddiqui and her colleagues, saying the company’s success reflected the “talent and dedication” within its workforce.
The RailStaff Awards ceremony was hosted by broadcaster and former politician Michael Portillo, while the Heart of Gold Awards were held in London a day earlier and presented by Railway Benefit Fund President Pete Waterman OBE and the charity’s chief executive, Jo Kaye.
