TRC vs IC!

[sal1991]

Hi hope your all having a nice day

I'm currently a TDA (Train Delay Attributor) at York ROC. I'm seriously thinking of one of the 2 controller jobs (Train Running Controller & Incident Controller) to progress to ; I feel it might be more suited to me than signaling - even though a lot go into signaling because it pays well for me how you go home at end of night is very important.

I wanted to know if anyone has done both jobs before (TRC and IC) or has insight of both enough to give some career direction in regards to what each is like and which you would recommend? Also interested to know which is easier to transition from TDA and is more a natural fit with the TDA role.

Just lastly, Iv'e heard control is like a rock to get into from delays, what kind of things should I be doing/learning to have the best chance to get an interview and be successful in it.
Is there a general roadmap for careers someone going into a controller job must have e.g. specific competences, courses? Any specific communities/networks that can help in this?

thanks for taking a look at this thread
Sal

 

[godfreycomplex]

PM sent

 

[Horizon22]

TDA might more naturally going to Incident Controller than a Train Running Controller, but both are quite distinct roles of course and are a decent step up.

I say this because Incident Controllers are generally more involved with logging, obtaining detail, arranging resources and communicating with multiple parties (not that TRCs don't do this) which is slightly more in line with some TDA competencies than TRC, in my view. TRC is a bit more "operational" than that, speaking to signallers and TOCs and working out contingency plans and train movements more specifically. Still some similarities, but perhaps less so.

Key competencies are going to be things like ability to work under (sometimes severe) pressure, multi-task, prioritise, strong communications (internally and externally), ability to deliver clarity in complex environments as well as a bunch of non-technical skills. Also ultimately it will depend which one actually interests you more. As you're already at York ROC, perhaps you can ask to do a shift shadowing both roles in coming months? That will certainly show you are interested.

One other thing to consider is how GBR might change some control roles in future, as there's certainly lots of discussion and thoughts about that, even if nothing is concrete.