My Story Owen Naughton – from Apprentice to Signalling Designer
🎯 Taking a Leap into the Unknown
I never really knew what I wanted to do when I left school. I took A-levels in coding, science, and maths, but they didn’t challenge me the way I wanted. I needed something that made me think every day, something that pushed me. That’s how I found railway signalling design—almost by accident. At 17, I took a chance, telling myself, if I don’t like it, I can always leave. Four years later, I’m still here, and I’ve never looked back.
🔥 The Challenges of Being an Apprentice
Starting as an apprentice in 2021 was a huge learning curve. The biggest challenge? Growing up. The rail industry was my first full-time job, and it took time to realise that people were investing in me, & trusting me to deliver. I had to be accountable, work hard, and constantly improve.
One of the most valuable lessons I learned was simple but crucial: ask lots of questions. It’s easy to feel like you should know something, but no one knows everything from day one.
🤝 The People Who Made a Difference
One of the best parts of my apprenticeship is the people. I’ve met some of my closest friends through this journey, and I’ve been lucky to have an incredible mentor, Olly Pickin from Q1tm 🙏 . He didn’t just see me as another apprentice—he genuinely wanted me to succeed, and the lessons he taught me will stay with me inside and outside of work.
🏆 From Apprentice to Qualified Designer
Fast forward to today, and things have changed. I have more responsibility, my input is valued, and I’ve earned my signalling design licence—a career milestone I’m incredibly proud of.
The most rewarding moments now? When I hear a conversation and realise, I know the answer. When someone trusts me to handle a task, and I can just get it done. That’s when you realise the job isn’t just a job anymore—it’s a skill you’ve mastered.
💡 Advice for Future Apprentices
For anyone considering an apprenticeship in signalling design, my advice is simple: just do it. There’s no “right” moment to start something new. If it’s not for you, you can always change direction—but you’ll never know unless you try.
This industry has opened doors I never even knew existed, and for that, I’m truly grateful.
🚆 Digisig Rail in Three Words:
Caring. Honest. Smart.