Train Planning Interview Advice

[waterboo]

Good afternoon all,

I am very fortunate to have an interview tomorrow for the role of Resource Planner, with Northern. The advert mentions that knowledge surrounding Train Crew Planning "T & C's" would be advantageous, including knowledge on "Safety Cases, company and group standards."

If anyone would be able to provide any assistance or knowledge surrounding the above, it would be immensely appreciated.

Regards.

 

[306024]

Firstly good luck with the interview.

The bit about Train Crew Terms and Conditions is straight forward enough. It relates to the rules you need to know to be able to produce traincrew diagrams. Examples include minimum and maximum diagram length, agreements on where the meal break (usually referred to as a PNB - Physical Needs Break) can fit within the diagram, walking times, unit preparation and disposal times, continuous driving limits (which can be defined in different ways), and route and traction knowledge applicable to each depot. Every TOC now seems to have different diagramming parameters, some TOCs even have different parameters within the same TOC depending on historical agreements at various depots.

Resource planner could include unit diagramming, so knowledge of maintenance depot and stabling locations, traction types and fuel ranges (for diesel units) would be useful.

As for safety cases, company and group standards, that is not so obvious why you need that detail. A rough knowledge of what they are perhaps, but I’ve interviewed many people for resource planning (diagramming in old money) jobs, and never asked about that. Knowledge of the geography and services Northern operate would be more important to me.

But don’t worry about knowing too much detail, that can be learnt. Demonstrating an ability to work logically, accurately, and be part of a team are just as important.