Mikki Madden, 46, from Edgmond, Shropshire, has faced some of life’s toughest challenges in recent years. 

“When you’ve been at rock bottom, there’s literally nowhere else to go. After losing my dad, who I cared for daily, I fell into a deep depression. I lost my job, my routine, and then my dad. I couldn’t have been any lower.” 

“I came out as non-binary four years ago and began self-medicating with HRT. Growing up in the ’80s and ’90s, you kept everything bottled up. Coming out was like lifting a weight off my shoulders.” 

“I found NIS Group by accident on City of Wolverhampton College’s website. I watched the video with Reign Lawrence and Wayne Hardman a dozen times. It was the first time I felt genuinely excited about something in ages.” 

“When I got the text saying I’d been accepted, I just cried. I’d been through so much. I just wanted to make my dad proud.” 

“This course helped me find my confidence and community again. It gave me a reason to get out of bed. I’ve been welcomed, supported, and not judged. People are curious, and that’s okay — I’d rather they ask.” 

“I was buzzing when I scored 100% on the CSCS test. I was genuinely proud, and I knew my dad would be too. He’s probably stood in this room right now.” 

“It’s like that scene in Labyrinth — I was falling, and the hands came out to catch me. NIS Group was that helping hand. They’ve saved me in more ways than one.” 

“Now, I’m adamant I want to work on the railway. For me, it’s not just a job. It’s a career. It’s purpose.”