When passion, hard work and the right support come together, great things happen — and for Keelie Hall, that’s exactly what her apprenticeship journey has proved. After completing her Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship with London North Eastern Railway (LNER) through Heart of England Training (HOET), Keelie has been recognised nationally as a finalist for Apprentice of the Year at the Rail Staff Industry Awards.
This incredible achievement reflects not only Keelie’s dedication but also the quality of support she received throughout her training — a shining example of how apprenticeships can transform both skills and confidence.
Developing Professional Confidence
From the beginning of her apprenticeship, Keelie found that the support and guidance from her educator at HOET made all the difference.
“If I had to pinpoint one thing about HOET, it would be my educator, Beth Peirce,” Keelie shared. “She was always there for me — from answering my questions to celebrating my success. Beth’s teaching style helped develop my soft skills for the workplace, building my confidence and helping me grow as a professional.”
Keelie credits this ongoing encouragement for helping her progress from a learner into a confident and capable professional — someone ready to take initiative and make a real difference within her organisation.
Making an Impact at LNER
Keelie’s apprenticeship gave her the opportunity to apply her learning directly to real-world challenges. One of her most notable achievements came when she identified a gap in the industry’s understanding of Railway Performance.
“I consulted with our Operations Director and proposed a solution,” Keelie explained. “This was a skill I developed and practised during my apprenticeship, where the course focused on proposing solutions to management.”
Her initiative, problem-solving, and communication skills — all developed through her Business Administration training — have directly contributed to her recognition as a Rail Staff Awards finalist.
Inspiring Others Through Rail Safety Week
Beyond her day-to-day role, Keelie has also made a significant impact on community safety. As part of Rail Safety Week, she led sessions teaching over 1,000 children about railway safety using LNER’s Driver Training Simulator.
“The regular professional discussion sessions I had with Beth gave me the confidence and skills around public speaking,” Keelie said. “That was invaluable when discussing safety with the children.”
She also played an active role in supporting a Network Rail event, engaging with key stakeholders and demonstrating strong organisational and communication skills — both core outcomes of her apprenticeship learning.
The Best of Both Worlds
Keelie’s success story demonstrates how apprenticeships offer the perfect balance between education and experience.
“Doing an apprenticeship is the best of both worlds,” she said. “You gain the experience of working in industry while working towards a formal qualification. Both offer valuable skills that will help equip you for success in the future.”
Her journey also highlights what makes Heart of England Training stand out as a trusted apprenticeship provider.
“The Business Administration course stands out with HOET due to the personal level of guidance you receive,” Keelie added. “The resources provided are a great help, as well as the level of guidance from your educator.”
A Bright Future Ahead
Now preparing to attend the Rail Staff Awards ceremony at the NEC in Birmingham, Keelie is looking forward to celebrating with other finalists from across the rail industry — and whatever the outcome, she’s already achieved something remarkable.
Her story is an inspiring reminder of the power of apprenticeships to unlock potential, build confidence, and shape successful careers.
Heart of England Training is proud to have been part of Keelie’s journey — supporting learners like her to achieve, grow, and thrive in their chosen industries.
