On National Engineering Day, we’re shining a spotlight on the people who keep London’s railways running — and one story is particularly ‘steeped’ in experience. With 34 years on the rails, Duncan Wilkins has journeyed from apprentice electrician at British Rail to head of engineering at ARL. He’s passionate about sharing his knowledge with the next generation – and never says no to a good cuppa!

Q: Duncan, you’ve been in the rail industry for 34 years. How did it all begin?
A: “I was looking to go into agricultural engineering and I had my place at college all lined up. But when I was at secondary school, I’d done two weeks’ work experience with Regional Civil Engineering in Reading, and they sent me the application for the apprenticeship at British Rail. I hadn’t heard anything, and then out of the blue, I got invited to do an aptitude test and got the job.”

Q: What areas have you worked in since then?
A: “My first 13 years in the industry were spent working on plant and machinery. I moved into traction in 2002 with technical roles at companies including SouthWest Trains, Porterbrook and Greater Anglia. I then joined Arriva Rail London in 2023.”

Q: What brought you to Arriva Rail London?
A: “It seemed like a very good fit. As head of engineering, I’m responsible for the technical safety of the fleet. We look after the Class 378 and Class 710 – from handling any projects on the fleet to managing the maintainer Alstom. We also investigate any safety issues.”

Q: You’re a Chartered Engineer and mentor graduates from across the industry. What’s that like?
A: “The energy they have is very inspiring. The person I’m currently mentoring has a Master’s in Electronic Engineering from Cambridge. It’s a pleasure to spend time with him and learn more about his specialism. It’s given me a fantastic insight into how technology is evolving.”

Q: You’re also mentoring colleagues in the company. How has that influenced your work?
A: “I’m supporting a colleague on the bus side of the business. The sessions focus on different leadership styles and thinking more strategically, as well as different ways to manage your own well-being in a high-pressure environment. It’s helped me to take stock and prioritise better.”

Q: Do you ever miss the hands-on side of engineering?
A: “I never get to the nuts and bolts any longer. I miss the camaraderie of depot environments – they’re very unique.”

Q: What’s kept you in the industry for so long?
A: “I enjoy the interaction with the wider business and across functions, whether that be customer service or operations. Fantastic people work in this industry.”

Q: And finally, we hear you’ve got a bit of a reputation for tea?
A: “I’ve got a bit of a reputation for cups of tea. If things are getting a bit tricky, it helps me to have a cup of tea and think things through. Milk, no sugar, and fairly strong – in case anyone’s offering.”