NatEx marks Len’s 72-year career
National Express West Midlands’ is celebrating the remarkable 72-year career of Len Stanton, its longest serving engineer.
87-year-old Len from West Bromwich started as an apprentice aged just 15 with what was then the West Bromwich Corporation. He has been at the West Bromwich garage since 1951.
Joining a six-year apprenticeship straight from school and boasting an engineering career spanning over seven decades, his expertise and knowledge has earned the admiration and respect of his peers throughout National Express West Midlands.
“Whatever happened I just got my head down and did my job” – Len Stanton
During his time at National Express West Midlands, Len has witnessed the evolution of the transportation industry. When asked what has changed over the years, Len explained: “Things here have definitely changed. We used to start engines with a starting handle! But it’s like an old coat, you just fit it on. Whatever happened I just got my head down and did my job.”
“He’s a rock – he’s always been there” – John Guest, a fellow National Express West Midlands engineer
John Guest, a fellow National Express West Midlands engineer, said: “I’ve known Len since 1978 when I started here as a youngster myself. Over the years I’ve learnt a lot from him. He’s a rock – he’s always been there.
“He’s become part of the furniture here at West Brom garage – half the garage was built around him and everybody knows him and what a character he is.”
“Len is a true gentleman and a father figure to everyone that comes to the garage” – Nigel Thomas, Fleet Engineer
Nigel Thomas, Fleet Engineer at the West Bromwich garage started as an apprentice learning from Len. He said: “Len is a true gentleman and a father figure to everyone that comes to the garage. He’s always willing to share his wisdom and experience with the next generation of engineers.
“I first met him in 1983 when I was an apprentice myself and what I learnt from him was invaluable. He’s always been very friendly, knowledgeable and a real good chap. On behalf of all of us at the garage we would like to say thank you to Len for all of his years of hard work.”