how do i become a overhead lines designer?

[ian3mith]

Hi guys
Im 20 years old, i have been on the rail industry for over a year now and i am looking to go into designing overheads. I have a few qualifications that might give me an advantage like Having a level 3 diploma in electrical installations but that for building and structures lol. I also have a level 2 diploma in engineering.

could someone give me contacts and point me into the right direction.
Thanks Ian.

 

[jay252]

Just out of curiosity, but what is wrong with the current OHLE? Seems to be working perfectly fine as is....

 

[ian3mith]

Just out of curiosity, but what is wrong with the current OHLE? Seems to be working perfectly fine as is....

I think its because its shorter to say if you said OLE. nothing wrong though lol

 

[jay252]

It's the same thing. I'm just unsure as to why you want to be an overhead designer when there's nothing wrong with the current system. I can't see anybody pumping money into a new design that will do the same thing. The old saying, if it ain't broke, don't fix it comes to mind.
I'm not trying to take a dump on your ideas here. Are you saying you can make a design that uses electricity more efficiently or?

 

[edwin_m]

It's the same thing. I'm just unsure as to why you want to be an overhead designer when there's nothing wrong with the current system. I can't see anybody pumping money into a new design that will do the same thing. The old saying, if it ain't broke, don't fix it comes to mind.
I'm not trying to take a dump on your ideas here. Are you saying you can make a design that uses electricity more efficiently or?

You're thinking of designing totally new OLE systems, which I agree is unlikely as Network Rail have just done that.

However for each electrification scheme, designers are needed to decide where and what type of supports, brackets etc are used - generally choosing these components from the existing ranges that have already been "designed". A rather more specialised form of design is to determine whether the power supplies are adequate for the train service that is likely to operate and where the grid supply points need to go. With the number of electrification schemes scheduled to happen in the next few years, these skills are going to be much in demand.

Many of the major engineering companies have departments that do OLE design and Network Rail probably has some in-house expertise too. A good start would be to check the websites of these companies to see who may be advertising vacancies or apprenticeships - if you don't know who they are then do some research! This is probably be a better approach than simply to register with agencies, as it allows you to research a specific employer and the employer is probably more likely to take on someone who doesn't come with a fat fee to the agency.

 

[Gazbangor]

Jay, why invent the car when there was nothing wrong with the horse and cart. Never settle for what we have, always look to the future

"We will see further by standing on the shoulders of giants"

 

[ian3mith]

Jay, why invent the car when there was nothing wrong with the horse and cart. Never settle for what we have, always look to the future

"We will see further by standing on the shoulders of giants"

Yes, true.
I managed to find someone recruiting and applied fingers crossed i hear something soon .

 

[civ-eng-jim]

Ian,

Where are you based? Do you have experience in CAD? What work have you been doing in the rail industry to date?

The company I work for has a couple of high-profile electrification schemes on the go at the moment.

Feel free to send me a personal message and I can get the ball rolling.

 

[ian3mith]

Ian,

Where are you based? Do you have experience in CAD? What work have you been doing in the rail industry to date?

The company I work for has a couple of high-profile electrification schemes on the go at the moment.

Feel free to send me a personal message and I can get the ball rolling.

Ok mate, I sent you an PM.