Workforce Profiles On the hunt for signal unicorns

Train signalling is the nervous system of any rail network. It’s the complex system of wires, computer software and mechanical equipment that allows trains to run safely.

When there is any incident involving the signal system, these specialists that are called on to fix the problem.

They are also busy delivering an unprecedented $90 billion investment in transport infrastructure across Victoria:

• As level crossings are removed, the signal setup is upgraded.

• As the Metro Tunnel is built and commissioned, signalling is required.

• As the state plans and begins works on the Suburban Rail Loop and Melbourne Airport Rail, signallers are designing, installing and testing the systems that will make it all work.

WHAT’S THE PROBLEM?

Often referred to as the ‘unicorns’ of the rail industry, experienced rail signallers are fast becoming a rare commodity.

Due to the pipeline of transport infrastructure projects under Victoria’s Big Build, there is a need to find the next generation of signal specialists.

The industry is looking to secure the skills and knowledge required to transform signal systems to the latest modern technology, while at the same time maintaining safety and ensuring services continue to run with maximum reliability.

The most impacted and in demand roles are principal testers, testers in charge and senior designers. Over the next 15 years the number of people working in these roles are expected to triple.

Old And New Blood

Name a Melbourne rail project from the past 30 years and Ron Cranston and Selvadurai ‘Selva’ Nithianandan have worked on it.

Rail signalling engineers Ron, 69, and, Selva, 67, have worked alongside each other for 25 years on some of Melbourne’s most iconic rail projects, including:

• Melbourne Underground Rail Loop –the City Loop

• Jolimont Rationalisation, which saw Flinders Street rail yard reconfigured to accommodate construction of Federation Square the final projects they work on – the biggest underground rail project since the City Loop.

Train signalling is the nervous system of any rail network. It’s the complex system of wires, computer software and mechanical equipment that allows trains to run safely.

In practical terms, Ron and Selva are two of the only ‘unicorns’ in the country who know how to work systems like ‘geographical interlocking’. They’re known as the people to call when there is a signalling problem.

These systems are being phased out – but remain in situ at busy interchanges including Southern Cross Station, near Jolimont and Bell Street, Preston.

Both men have passed on decades of knowledge to the next generation of signalling engineers, including Priannka Kumar, 35, who counts both as significant mentors.

Priannka has worked with Ron and Selva on projects including:

• William’s Landing

• Pakenham East Depot

• In a growing trend, these highly experienced industry technical specialists are reaching cross sections on a piece of paper, until you see

“We would never have thought Melbourne would have the population to support the Metro Tunnel.”

Selva said he and Ron had solved many problems and helped each other a lot over the years. “And we’ve helped a lot of other people too,” he said.

“I love to spread my knowledge and information with everybody. The industry is small, everyone gets to know your name and everyone wants you to work on their project.”

Priannka said she first met Selva when he was seconded as a team leader.

“Selva cares about the person as well as the task. If you’re not sure of where to go or what to do about something, Selva’s the first person I would call. He just shares that information freely, and doesn’t hold information back. If you show that initiative, he’ll show it back.”

“Ron is direct, very professional and polite. He’ll take the time to work through with you how to solve the problem, rather than just telling you the answer. He doesn’t just answer the ‘what’, he answers the ‘why’ as well.” maintenance skills.

Eight technicians recently graduated at a ceremony at V/Line’s Wendouree maintenance depot.

They completed a three-year course and will be based at various depots across the V/Line network.

V/Line commenced the in-house training program to support technicians in gaining more specialised knowledge of the Victorian network, compared with training through an external course.

The technicians are responsible for the construction, installation and maintenance of signaling and communications equipment, which is vital to the safe and efficient operation of V/Line services – they also work on level crossing equipment, train detection equipment, safety monitors and related telecommunications equipment.

The graduates all had previous experience as electricians and completed a Certificate IV in Electrical Railway Signalling to qualify.

Another five technicians are also due to finish the course in 2023.

Training includes classroom learning, on-network experience with trained competency specialists and classes at the Wendouree depot, where apprentices get to practise on specialised signalling equipment