signaling engineer career

[stretch]

Hi all,

I am looking to change my career path, and am looking for a way into becoming a signaling engineer. What would be my first port of call? would i be right in thinking I need to get the BS1 and BS2 under my belt first. PTS ticket and medical?

When I say a career change, i mean a change. I have been in the construction industry as a plasterer for over 15 years, but having said that I have worked on LUL before installing signals and cabling. I have also got my sparkys ticket.

I am no stranger to a learning or classroom environment so this does not phase me and I relish a challenge, any help or advice would be much appreciated.

 

[t o m]

BS1 and BS2 are now known as SEM1 (Signal Engineering Maintenance) and SEM2. You say you have a "sparkys ticket", you don't need to be a qualified electrician to work on signalling equipment, you only need to be trained in SPWEE and of course you'll need PTS.

 

[The Snap]

Also depends on what you mean by 'engineer'. Do you want to be on the tools?

Generally 'engineers' on the railway are qualified with some form of diploma or degree in the relevant discipline and take up supervisor and management roles, and aren't on the tools. That's my experience of it anyway, having been an Rail-Civils Engineer for 5 years!

 

[Nym]

Also depends on what you mean by 'engineer'. Do you want to be on the tools?

Generally 'engineers' on the railway are qualified with some form of diploma or degree in the relevant discipline and take up supervisor and management roles, and aren't on the tools. That's my experience of it anyway, having been an Rail-Civils Engineer for 5 years!

Indeedy...

Railway Signalling Engineers are chartered by the IRSE in order to be able to practice and sign off documents and designs in this country.

For entry into this there are a lot of things you need to fulfill.

 

[stretch]

Yes, am looking to get on the tools at first, get some experience under the belt and then if it suits look to move up the ladder. It is a subject that has always interested me. And if there is opportunity, then it sounds ideal for me. Just looking for some experienced input to make sure it's doable. I have reached the top of the ladder where I am and need challenges!

 

[Johnnie2Sheds]

I can recommend this as a career move. In my experience, you'll always have work and you will be challenged!

For entry though, I would imagine you'll need some form of Electrical qualification, I got in with an HND, and some operating experience of railways.

I also started on maintenance, faulting, installing work.

We have taken on a couple of "trainees" a while ago, and are sending them to college, but they are in their 20s.

 

[stretch]

I can recommend this as a career move. In my experience, you'll always have work and you will be challenged!

For entry though, I would imagine you'll need some form of Electrical qualification, I got in with an HND, and some operating experience of railways.

I also started on maintenance, faulting, installing work.

We have taken on a couple of "trainees" a while ago, and are sending them to college, but they are in their 20s.

Thanks John,

I appreciate the input. I was involved some time ago with westinghouse on an LU project, upgrading signals on the jubilee line, which is where I discovered an interest for the signals work. When you say you took on a couple of guys, do you mean the company you work for?
What sort of money did they start on?
Really am itching for a break if you know of any companies looking to take someone on.

Thanks again.

Barry.

 

[Johnnie2Sheds]

They are in their 20s and they started on minimum wage(ish) But they have been at it for two years, and they are good, so their potential is excellent. They are already being pestered by agencies, etc.

Edit: Try writing to all the signalling companies and Network Rail. There is a mountain of work out there so someone may take on a willing pair of hands with potential.