RailStaff Newspaper March 2012

ISSUE 172 MAR 2012

RailStaff

Nationwide Network Maintenance, Repair, Improvement & Plant Hire

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In this issue...

Blackfriars Underground reopens blackfriars Underground station has been completely rebuilt over three years as part of the thameslink project.

Page 2

Rail Chiefs discuss Olympics services rail chiefs have been meeting to make sure rail services cope with the london Olympics. © 2012 blast films ltd / bbc / jack barnes

Page 4

Training Focus training and education are essential for the continued success and growth of the rail industry.

London Underground staff are starring in ‘The Tube’ a BBC2 production giving a behind the scenes look at LUL and the daily challenges they face. nal monitoring technology and automated track monitoring systems.

Staff training is focusing on keeping passengers better informed. Many LUL staff now have radios. London Underground is increasing its incident response capabilities and plans to place engineering and operations staff in one command and control centre so it can speed up the time it takes to recover from incidents.

Pages 16-25 BS L RA BS JO A - O IL JO I - B IL R BS IL - RA BS L JO RA S - JO AIL JO I - B IL R BS JO R RA BS L JO RA S - JO AIL - BS R O IL - R BS IL RA BS JO AI BS JO A - JO IL - B L S R IL - BS IL RA BS JO A - J JO RA - JO IL - R BS IL RA JO B I R B J RA S L JO AI S - OB AIL - R BS L A S R B J BS IL RA S JO A - O IL - JO IL - BS IL RA BS JO L RA BS JO RA - JOB IL - R JO IL - B IL RA S JO A R S I B J A S JOB AI - R OB IL - R BS JO A IL L S A S R JO IL - B IL R J

Londoners and the millions of people looking forward to the London 2012 Games.

‘The latest figures show that our commitment to drive up reliability is paying dividends, and we will continue to build on these impressive results.’

A range of new techniques are being brought in to predict when maintenance on the lines is required in order to prevent unexpected equipment failure. This includes advanced sig-

Recruitment: All the best rail jobs this months recruitment section is bustling with job opportunities right across the rail industry and the world.

A

The figures are good news for TfL which took on the Underground ten years ago. The news comes ahead of the London Olympics and as London Underground prepares to celebrate its 150th anniversary next year.

Says Mike Brown, Managing Director London Underground, ‘We know what a vital year this is for the capital and we are focused 100 per cent on delivering an even more reliable service for

Rail Safety Summit 2012 19th April 2012

Holywell Park Conference Centre, Loughborough

www.railsafetysummit.com

Pages 25-30

SEE PAGE 9

SEE PAGE 9

london Underground is on target to achieve its most reliable year for ten years.

Passenger numbers are soaring and average delays are at their lowest since 2003/4 according to the latest performance figures for the Tube.

Hard work by London Underground staff has seen customer satisfaction for the third quarter of 2011/12 power up to the highest level ever achieved for this part of the year.

2 | RailStaff | March 2012

RailStaff Editorial Appropriately enough Justine Greening announced her response to the McNulty review on International Women’s Day. The idea of the day is that women should be further empowered and encouraged.

Railways might seem old fashioned but for years the industry has acted out the aspirations of the wider society long before they became fashionable. New immigrants right from the start of railways have both built and enriched the industry.

Long before the politically correct nostrums of our age, railways were employing men and women from overseas. Irish navigators cut and laid out the original tracks. During both world wars women helped out, staffing trains and stations. Happily many never left.

Shortage of labour meant rail chiefs recruited men from Italy after the last war and later the wider Commonwealth. What might once have been thought drawbacks came to be seen as wild strokes of good fortune.

Greening’s Command Paper presents a similar affirmation of confidence and encouragement in the emerging new rail industry. It might once have been thought expensive, fractured and inefficient.

That’s all changing now.

Britain’s railways enjoy Swiss-style punctuality performance figures. Projects are routinely delivered on time and on budget. Costs are falling as the industry gets a grip on supply side economics and the scandal of abatement charges. Despite the hysteria of the London press, passenger satisfaction continues to climb. This is down to the strength and professionalism of the vast majority of railway staff.

However, union leaders are right to be concerned at the potential for ticket office closures and lay offs. Passengers want to see guards and drivers on trains and staff on platforms. These are dangerous times. Crime and terrorism mean we owe our public no less. Few industries have quite the same degree of face to face customer - supplier relationships. We should always honour this.

Greening is saying empower the people who know about railways. Give them the freedom to run railways better and cheaper. This is not just a message for commercial operators of rail services. It is an encouragement for the men and women who invest their careers in this industry.

A London rail chief once said the good thing about this industry is that you can make a decision and see it play out on the railway. That’s as true for an ops director avoiding a gap in service as it is for a platform dispatcher talking down a potential suicide.

The future of the industry is in the hands of those who deliver it. It might not be quite what Whitehall intended but looking at a work force made up of people from almost every culture and country in the world makes Greening’s logic appear unassailable.

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Blackfriars underground reopens

blackfriars Underground station has reopened.

The station has been completely rebuilt over three years as part of the Thameslink project.

New lifts and escalators give easier access and a curved glass façade floods the entrance hall with natural light.

The new Underground station is part of a complete redevelopment of both the Tube main

line parts of Blackfriars stations by Network Rail. Main line platforms for national rail services now span the River Thames on a reconstructed Victorian rail bridge, making way for longer trains on the Thameslink route through central London.

The station can also now be accessed from the south bank of the river. A new entrance hall on

the north bank provides convenient access to both Thameslink and London Underground services. The mammoth project has also provided jobs for 13,000 people over the last three years, with 2,000 people working on the site each day at the busiest times.

Says Howard Collins, chief operating officer at London Underground, ‘The re-opening of

the newly renovated Tube station is fantastic news for our customers, who can now reap the benefits of the huge improvements that have taken place at Blackfriars. The 40,000 people who use the station every day is set to grow significantly and I’m sure that all who pass through will find that the improvements have been well worth the wait.’

Smart thinking drives rail reform a national smart card railway ticketing system, greater freedom for longer franchises and local devolution are among the ideas set forward by the secretary of state.

The new Command Paper backs the McNulty report and hopes to cut costs by £3.5 billion a year. Justine Greening reinforced moves already being made by the industry to bring costs down and end the shortcomings of the train/track split.

Says Justine Greening, ‘Network Rail is really grasping the nettle in responding to the challenges facing the rail industry.’

The government wants to devolve more power to professional railway people. ‘We will seek where appropriate to devolve more accountability and decision-making to the professionals who run our railways.’

This policy includes more power for PTEs and local authorities as well as train companies. With over 14 franchises up for re-letting over the next four years the government plans to introduce new long term commitment regimes and end DfT micromanagement.

Investment and better value for money will be expected in return for greater profitability and security. The new moves have

been broadly welcomed by rail chiefs, although union leaders expressed concerns over potential staff reduction at stations.

Says Tim O’Toole, who heads the Rail Development Group set up by the industry in the wake of the McNulty review, ‘The Rail Delivery Group is pleased that the Government has recognised that the Group is talking and shaping the industry’s agenda for a sustained programme of improved management and running of the rail network.’

Kidman for Railway Man nicole kidman is to play colin firth’s wife in the film, ‘the railway man.’

Rachel Weisz was to have played the wife of World War II officer Eric Lomax in the real life drama. However, filming commitments to The Bourne Legacy and Oz: The Great And Powerful, both under production mean, she has been forced to pull out.

The film tells the true story of Eric Lomax, a second lieutenant in the Royal Corp of Signals, who was captured by Japanese forces in World War II and sent to a prison camp in Thailand. Kidman will play Lomax’s second wife Patti, who helps him to come to terms with the war and the depredations and ill treatment he suffered. Jeremy Irvine stars as the young Lomax in the war scenes.

Jonathan Teplitzky directs.

© eva rinaldi

RailStaff | March 2012 | 3

Responsible procurement urged for Crossrail fleet

Rail News in brief > Bluebell Railway running Lorna Webb is training hard for the London Marathon on the 22nd April. Lorna, a member of the Bluebell Railway, hopes to raise money for the Northern Extension Project at the railway. The Bluebell Railway is extending the line into East Grinstead where Lorna lives.

Lorna has run a marathon before but always for larger charities. This time she wants to support the Bluebell, where she has been a volunteer fund raiser for about a year. To support Lorna and the Bluebell Railway please go to: www.justgiving.com/Lorna-Webb

> Adoring Goring Goring station looks better and brighter thanks to the efforts of local school children.

Pupils from Chatsmore Catholic High School staged an artwork competition and the results were put on display in the waiting room. Passengers voted for their favourite picture. The theme of the competition was the Circus, as in around 1932, a circus came to town and travelled through the station.

> Forth Bridge memorial planned secretary of state for transport justine Greening wants the new crossrail fleet to bring jobs and boost business in britain.

Four bidders have been shortlisted to deliver 60 new trains. Each 200 metre train must be fully air conditioned, provide walk through carriages and carry 1500 passengers.

The four bidders are: CAF, Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles SA of Spain, Hitachi Rail Europe Limited of Japan, Siemens plc of Germany and Bombardier Transportation (UK) Limited of Litchurch Lane, Der-

by. The contract will be awarded in 2014.

The Secretary of State has let it be known that she is keen to understand and communicate the benefit of this contract to the economy. ‘A number of outcomes from the Government’s review of public procurement have been reflected in this procurement, which could bring opportunities to UK businesses. This includes a ‘responsible procurement’ requirement that means bidders will need to set out how they will engage with the wider supply chain and pro-

vide opportunities for training, apprenticeships and for small and medium size businesses within their procurement strategy.’

The requirements follow a review of procurement procedure announced last August by the Government, in the wake of the popular protests that erupted after the Thameslink contract went to Siemens of Germany. The capital cost of new Crossrail rolling stock and depot facilities at old Oak Common is in the region of £1bn. This is the largest single contract that Crossrail will let.

The men who lost their lives building the Forth Bridge are to be commemorated with two special memorials as part of an event to celebrate the recent completion of a 10 year restoration project.

The twin memorials will be put up in prominent public locations in North and South Queensferry by Network Rail and principal contractor, Balfour Beatty. Both memorials will consist of a 7ft upright bronze section built into a stone base.

The upright will bear the names, ages and occupations of all the men who died during construction. The base will be engraved with the words: ‘To the Briggers, past and present, who built, restored and continue to maintain this iconic structure.’

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4 | RailStaff | March 2012

Cold comfort award east coast has won a public relations award for its campaign to keep passengers informed via the media during the big freeze of 2010, when temperatures plummeted to as low as 20c on its network.

The company’s Communications Team was awarded the ‘Freshest Issue or Crisis Management’ prize at the prestigious Fresh Awards in Manchester.

Says East Coast Communications Director, Paul Emberley, ‘We are delighted to win this prestigious award, which recognises the speedy response and exceptional effort put in by East Coast’s communicators to get our message across that we

were keeping Britain moving during the big freeze.

‘Within 90 minutes of the start of major disruption on the evening of Sunday 19 December, we were live on national television to explain alternative travel options, and when services resumed throughout the route, a live report on BBC1 from York station showed East Coast trains getting people home for Christmas in front of an audience of millions.’

The worst winter for 30 years saw temperatures plunge below minus 20 degrees C, affecting all transport, road, rail and air.

Flights were grounded, passengers slept in airport departure lounges, and driving conditions

were atrocious with many roads impassable.

Railways too were not immune, but fared better. Ice and snow damaged overhead power lines at two locations south of Peterborough, delaying services.

East Coast’s then Chairman, Elaine Holt, joined directors at London King’s Cross and Peterborough stations to explain what was being done to keep customers informed. Together with train and station staff teams worked together round the clock to get passengers safely to their destination.

East Coast managed an effective passenger communication exercise during the big freeze.

© jOnathan webb

Easter bus pledge

the number of replacement buses in use this easter during engineering works is expected to drop by a third.

Although rail engineers will be working round the clock to lay new track, improve stations and repair bridges train disruption will be kept to a minimum. In some instances improvement work has been brought forward, as Network Rail has pledged that there will be no disruptive work on mainline routes over a three month period this summer covering the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Says Robin Gisby, Network Rail’s managing director, network operations, ‘Passengers will see fewer buses and a better service this Easter as our vital improvement work uses new techniques and equipment that reduces the impact on train services. This will be the model for the years ahead as we invest heavily to build a bigger, better railway and support Britain’s economic growth.’

Rail Chiefs limber up for Olympics will be open longer and later at night with extra services later in the evening on the busiest days.

Network Rail’s Games timetable was published in July of last year, a year in advance rather than the usual 12 weeks, to allow spectators to plan their travel well ahead.

Says Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, ‘We are now entering the final straight of our preparations to ensure we put on the greatest show on earth this summer. Transport is a vital element and the required upgrades have been completed, lines extended, and plans put in place for extra services to meet surging Games-time demand.

‘But we are not complacent

and this gathering of key transport bodies is seeking to ensure unprecedented coordination is in place, that no stone has been left unturned or eventuality unprepared for.’

Network Rail is suspending all disruptive engineering works on rail routes serving Olympic venues and other suburban rail in London from the end of June to early September, covering both the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Transport for London is also suspending all planned weekend engineering closures on the Tube and DLR networks during the summer. Boris Johnson is up for re-election on Thursday 3 May 2012.

Theatre at St Pancras

© shUtterstOck.cOm

st Pancras international is to play host to a series of theatre productions live on the concourse.

Called ‘Producers Platform’ performers will put on a range of new productions before they move to mainstream London theatres. The showcase will feature a range of quality companies from the innovative Political Arts Company, to the performance trio Mitsotu, as well as regular work from the ScenePool Creative Producers and Quirkas Productions.

The scheme, which will give theatre producers a much welcomed showcase, has been endorsed by the 14 Camden Theatres venue managers who praised the station for supporting small scale theatre in a time of recession. The shows will be staged on Sunday afternoons.

Says Wendy Spinks, of High Speed 1, which runs St Pancras International, ‘St Pancras International has a strong history of being a hub for culture, supporting the best of local talent across music, dance and now theatre.

© lUke mckeran

rail chiefs have been meeting in london to make sure rail services will be able to cope with the london Olympics this summer.

Mayor Boris Johnson held a Rail Summit at City Hall to discuss plans to ensure London is kept moving and open for business during the Games. The rail industry plans to provide thousands of extra services during the Games, running longer trains, earlier services and additional late-night trains to get spectators home.

Javelin services will ferry an estimated 25,000 people each hour to and from St. Pancras International and Stratford International. The London Underground

Producers Platform is a brilliant opportunity for those passing by to get a real taste for fringe talent in Camden and in turn it

provides a much needed space for emerging producers to showcase their work to a large diverse audience.’

PEOPLE MOVES

RailStaff | March 2012 | 5

New Chair for Network Rail the former chief technical officer of the ford motor company in the Uk, Professor richard Parry-jones cbe, is to chair network rail.

He will replace Rick Haythornthwaite after the annual general meeting in July. Says David Higgins, chief executive, ‘I am very pleased that Richard has agreed to become our new chairman following the end of Rick’s tenure in July. His very strong engineering background will be invaluable to us and I look forward to working with him in his new role.’

Born in 1951 Richard Parry-

Jones joined Ford as an apprentice and in 38 years with the company rose to be group vice president in charge of global product development and chief technical officer.

Network Rail is proposing to streamline its board reducing public members from 80 to 40. In a further development the current senior independent director, Steve Russell, has decided not to stand for re-election at the 2012 AGM. His position will be taken

by Keith Ludeman, who has been a member of the board since July 2011.

Says Richard Parry-Jones, ‘It is

a great honour to have the opportunity to serve Great Britain’s railway network and its users, and I very much look forward to working with my fellow directors and supporting the executive team in continuing the strong progress being made to make up for lost time during past decades of underinvestment.

‘I am encouraged by the strong cross-party support for increased investment in our railways to deliver a better service to our customers and to put in place the foundation stones that will provide better value for taxpayers in the future.’

New Chaplain for east of Scotland nicola Goncalves has joined the railway mission as chaplain for edinburgh and the east of scotland.

Her parish stretches right up to Aberdeen and Inverness. Nicola’s role will complement the work of Steven Black, Railway Mission Chaplain responsible for Glasgow and the west of Scotland.

Nicola, who comes from Edinburgh, became a Christian at a Youth Outreach Weekend aged

17. She lived abroad for some years and studied Theology in Australia. Nicola has extensive experience of pastoral work and is looking forward to her new job.

Says Keith Rose, chairman of the Railway Mission, ‘We are really pleased to have Nicola join us and look forward to seeing the positive impact of her work in the lives of rail staff in Scotland over the coming years.’

Chris joins Invensys Rail invensys rail has appointed chris whawell as commercial director.

Says Will Wilson, vice president, Invensys Rail, ‘I’m delighted to welcome Chris to the company, at a time when his commercial skills and experience will be a great asset to the business.’

Chris Whawell joins from Gal-

liford Try where he was commercial director and brings with him a solid 20 years experience of railways and infrastructure projects.

Educated at Leeds Metropolitan University, Nottingham Trent University and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors Chris first worked for John Laing Construction and

was involved with the Sizewell B Nuclear Power Station.

Moving to the Far East he worked on the new airport at Hong Kong for Kier Hong Kong and later the city’s successful railway system, MTR. He has also worked for Amec, WSP Group and Signalling Solutions Ltd before joining Galliford Try.

Signal appointment for PB Parsons brinckerhoff has appointed ian bridges as its new head of signalling in britain.

The company’s UK rail activity includes engineering consultancy for some of Network Rail’s major projects including the Thameslink and Northern Hub programmes, Crossrail’s South East Section and its recent appointment on HS2 for railway systems design.

Ian will have responsibility for a signalling team of around 35 design specialists in Manchester and Glasgow. He was previously engineering director for Signalling Solutions Limited, a joint Alstom/Balfour Beatty company, where he was responsible for the technical delivery of all the company’s products including the introduction of Alstom’s Smartlock 400 product into the UK market.

During his 34 year career in the railway industry, Ian has primarily worked in signalling, initially focusing on design, followed by testing and latterly, technical management. He has been deeply involved in the development of computer aided design techniques, particularly on the King’s Cross and proposed Eurotunnel terminus de-

velopments. He is also a specialist in occupational training, particularly of testers.

A Chartered Engineer, Ian also has a Masters Degree in Rail Systems Engineering. He is a Fellow of the Institution of Railway Sig-

nal Engineers and the Institution of Engineering & Technology, and is a member of the Engineering Council and the Federation Europeene d’Associations Nationals d’Ingenieurs.

Nicola Goncalves (right).

6 | RailStaff | March 2012

Glasgow gates complete

New tram in Croydon start the first of six new stadlerbuilt trams has taken to the streets of croydon.

The new trams represent an investment of £16.3 million. All six trams will be used on the new line between Elmers End and Therapia Lane when it opens in

June. The new six will not be dedicated to this service and will mix with the current fleet of 24 trams.

Tramlink confirmed that consideration is being given to exercising the option, valid for 36 months, to order an additional 8 vehicles.

Driver Stephen Duckering with tram 2554 at Therapia Lane Depot. Thought to be a first for light rail in the UK, the new Croydon trams have a light strip, that is illuminated green when doors are open and red when they are closing, for the visually impaired.

© jOnathan webb

© jOnathan webb

the final batch of automatic ticket gates at Glasgow central high level is now open for business, or closed if you haven’t got a ticket.

This marks the completion of the ‘claymore clang’ at stations in and around the city centre, with gates already introduced at Anderston, Charing Cross, Argyle Street and Glasgow Central Low Level stations. Gated stations reduce ticketless travel and reduce anti-social behaviour.

Says Steve Montgomery, Scot Rail’s managing director, ‘I welcome the completion of this project.

Revenue protection and reducing ticketless travel have always been priorities for us because it is honest, fare-paying passengers who bear the burden in lost investment in Scotland’s railway.’

The £5.7m scheme covering the Glasgow stations was funded by Network Rail.

Young people turn to rail 950,000 who had a Railcard in 2005. On average, young people with a Railcard make an annual saving of £159 a year off the cost of their rail travel and make around 40 journeys by rail a year.

Hefty car insurance premiums penalise young people.

The average premium quoted for young women recently topped £1,800. Young men face

even steeper quotes averaging over £3,100.

On top of this forecourt fuel prices have also climbed by almost a quarter - 23% - over the past two years to 133.7p per litre by the end of 2011, adding even more pressure to the cost of motoring faced by young people.

Record numbers of young people are using the 16-25 Railcard © jOnathan webb

Angel cat in book triumph a cat which shot to fame at angel station on the london Underground has had his own Oyster card issued and a book published about him.

James Bowen, working as a busker, found an injured, ginger street cat curled up in the hallway of his sheltered accommodation. Mr Bowen was living hand to mouth on the streets of London and did not feel he had the resources to take on a cat.

However the cat was still there the next day and not looking at all well. James took in the intelligent tom cat, whom he named Bob, and slowly nursed him back to health. He then sent the cat on his way.

However Bob wouldn’t leave. The two became inseparable and their comic and occasionally dangerous adventures transformed both their lives, slowly healing the scars of each other’s troubled pasts. ‘A Street Cat Named Bob’ is published by Hodder and Stoughton.

Desiros increase capacity in the North a fleet of 20 new four-car class 350 desiro trains will soon be boosting capacity for london midland and first transPennine express.

Angel Trains will be financing the deal worth a total of £131million. Siemens will supply ten Class 350/3 units to strengthen the existing London Midland fleet and ten Class 350/4’s to First TransPennine Express.

Angel Trains already has 937 Desiro vehicles in the UK and the new order for the two train operators for 80 vehicles, taking Angel Trains’ total fleet to 1,017, means the leasing company now leases vehicles to all of the 19 franchised train operators in the UK. Says Kevin Tribley, Chief Operating Officer for Angel Trains, ‘Angel Trains has always been supportive of expanding our standard platform Desiro EMU portfolio to increase capacity and the finalisation of these contracts with London Midland and TPE is a significant milestone. We are also delighted to add First TransPennine Express to our list of customers.’

The new trains will start to enter service in winter 2013, with the final batch for London Midland expected to enter service in April 2014. First TransPennine Express will use the 350/4s on services between Manchester and Scotland boosting capacity

© jOnathan webb

Young people are increasingly using the railways as costs of petrol and car insurance soar.

Record numbers of young people are using the 16-25 Railcard, making 50 million journeys by rail every year. This is an increase of 60 per cent compared to five years ago, according to ATOC. There were over 1.2million 16-25 Railcard holders last year, almost a third higher than the

by 80 per cent on this route.

This new fleet also allows the redeployment of FTPE’s existing trains to increase capacity across FTPE’s other routes, including the busy Manchester to Leeds route where capacity is planned to increase by over a third.

Says Nick Donovan, FTPE’s Managing Director, ‘This is really good news for customers across our network. We know that many of our services are busy and the procurement of an additional 40 carriages will help to provide a much needed increase in seating capacity in response to growing customer demand. I am also really pleased that this project will create about 200 new jobs across the North of England, including drivers, conductors and train maintenance staff.’

FTPE will retain its 51 class 185 and 9 class 170 trains, which will be deployed to offer more seats across the North. Says Patrick Verwer, Managing Director of London Midland, ‘We are very excited at the prospect of introducing higher speed services for our customers. These new trains will create significant extra capacity for our customers travelling into London Euston and the West Midlands.’

Desiros are popular with train operators and public alike. Says Hans-Jörg Grundmann, CEO of the Rail Systems Division at Siemens, ‘Last year, our fleet travelled a total distance of more than 615,000 kilometres within four weeks without a technical fault. That’s nearly as far as a trip to the moon and back. And it’s the new British record for a passenger train.’

8 | RailStaff | March 2012

Dial Frethun

eurotunnel is installing a telephone system in the channel tunnel that means passengers on high speed trains and le shuttle will be able to make and receive mobile phone calls under the sea.

Passengers will be able to enjoy a wi-fi service 100 metres below the Channel. The system will cost €14 million. The addi-

tional, mobile telecommunications service has been made possible as Eurotunnel is already in the process of installing the latest version of GSM-R1 railway signalling equipment.

The choice of the same equipment supplier for both GSM-P and GSM-R, Alcatel-Lucent, will ensure the compatibility of the infrastructure and enable costs

Improve Ore Else

to be controlled.

The French operators will provide an extension of their 2G/3G coverage through the south running tunnel (running FranceUK) via a radiating cable and repeaters positioned every 750 metres. The North running tunnel (UK-France) will be covered

by British operators after the Olympic Games.

the original architectural drawings of the forth bridge, Paddington station and other great railway structures have been published for the first time on a new network rail virtual archive.

Some of the drawings carry Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s signature. Visitors to the site can chart the history of the railway’s most significant structures and stations including the Forth Bridge, the Tay Bridge, Box Tunnel, and many main line stations.

The archive holds records by most famous railway engineers including Isambard Kingdom Brunel, Robert Stephenson, Joseph Locke and William Henry Barlow. The website www.net-

workrail.co.uk/virtualarchive celebrates the heritage of today’s railway infrastructure and provides public access to view a special selection of the Network Rail archive, which holds over five million records.

Says Network Rail’s archivist Vicky Stretch, ‘The history of the railway is fascinating with some of the oldest records dating back to the 1680s and Charing Cross station with Sir Christopher Wren’s signature.

The drawings and documents we hold are an absorbing window on understanding the incredibly detailed and beautiful architectural work carried out by some of the world’s greatest engineers, and are still important for engineers working today.

‘We can’t yet showcase anywhere near the five million records we hold but we’ll publish new images and documents all the time and through the ‘ask the archivist’ and blog sections we can share more. We hope this will be a great resource for enthusiasts, historians, architects and students alike.’

The oldest records Network Rail holds are from the deeds collection. This collection charts the history of all the land the railway is built on. A set of deeds from 1684 relating to the land Charing Cross is now built on, bears the signature of Sir Christopher Wren. Land he once owned was sold to the railway in the 19th century.

Bristol Temple Meades station.

improvement work on the Ore tunnel, and other infrastructure work between hastings and ashford international is forging ahead on schedule.

Says Network Rail’s Route Managing Director (Kent), Fiona Taylor, ‘The improvement works in Ore Tunnel and those being carried out to upgrade track, bridges and embankments along the route between Ashford and Hastings are progressing well. We are on schedule to complete the work and re-open the line on 11 March as originally planned.’

Inside the tunnel the side wall repairs have been completed and new measures introduced to better drain away water. Engineers are spraying concrete on top of the bricks which form the tunnel roof.

Prime time for Crossrail Political interest in crossrail remains high with david cameron and spanish Prime minister, mariano rajoy, visiting the westbourne Park site in west london recently.

The premiers were on site to see the tunnel boring machines and meet engineers and construction workers. Construction of Crossrail’s western tunnels between Royal Oak and Farringdon is being undertaken by a joint venture comprising BAM Nuttal, Kier Construction and Ferrovial Agroman - the British subsidiary of Spanish multinational Ferrovial. A total of eight tunnel boring machines (TBMs) will construct 21km of new twin-bore tunnels.

Virtual Archive goes live

Villiers to open Infrarail transport minister theresa villiers will formally open infrarail 2012 at the nec in birmingham on 1 may.

Later that morning the minister will deliver a keynote address as part of a seminar programme devised by our sister publication the rail engineer in partnership with show organisers Mack Brooks Exhibitions.

Theresa Villiers’ speech is expected to set the tone for an event that brings together leading suppliers of rail infrastructure products and services. By early March the number of companies participating in the exhibition had risen to nearly 180, covering signalling and communications, track products, plant and tools, civils products,

cable supplies and much more.

Visitors will be able to discover more about industry developments and trends by sitting in on free seminars running throughout the exhibition. As well as technical presentations, the programme includes further speeches by Howard Smith, Chief Operating Officer, London Rail at Transport for London, and Simon Kirby, Managing Director, Investment Projects at Network Rail.

Also featured will be The Platform, a series of panel discussions addressing hot industry topics. Panellists will include senior figures from the rail industry and outside specialists.

Sessions will be open to all. And the 2nd Infrarail Awards dinner

will take place at the NEC on the evening of 2 May. More details at www.infrarailwards.com Infrarail opens at 10.00 on May 1st and runs for three days. Entry is free for pre-registered visitors, who also avoid a £15 entry fee on the door. To register, visit www.infrarail.com and follow the on-screen links.

How will vertical integration

impact on safety?

Are there different standards applied to different parts of the rail industry?

With four speakers representing Train Operators and four representing Infrastructure - and one of the most sought-after leadership presenters in the US - this is the Safety Conference of the year not to be missed.

08.30 – 09.30

Registration and Exhibition Viewing

09.30 – 09.40

Conference Opening

Colin Wheeler

09.40 – 10.00

Preparing for and dealing with emergency incidents

Willie Baker Emergency Incident Consultant

10.00 – 10.20

FirstGroup’s Approach to Influencing Behavioural Safety

Seamus Scallon Safety Director, UK Rail FirstGroup

10.20 – 10.40

Q&A

19th April 2012

10.40 – 11.10

Coffee / Exhibition

11.10 – 11.30

Railways: Where are we on the ‘Safety Awards Rostrum’?

Steve Diksa Assurance Services Director Bridgeway Consulting

Holywell Park Conference Centre, Loughborough

11.30 – 11.50

The road to ‘World Class’

Catherine Behan Head of HS&E Capital Programmes Transport for London

11.50 – 12.15

A Perspective on Safety

Gareth Llewellyn Director of Safety and Sustainable Development Network Rail

12.15 – 12.30

Q&A

12.30 – 13.30

Lunch / Exhibition

13.30 – 13.55

Leadership and Zero-Accident Cultures in the Workplace

Jeff “Odie” Espenship President Target Leadership

13.55 – 14.20

Better Together

Steve Enright Head of Safety and Operational Standards Southern

14.20 – 14.35

Q&A

14.35 – 15.00

Coffee / Exhibition

15.00 – 15.25

Safe use of road-rail vehicles

Liesel Von Metz HM Inspector of Railways

15.25 – 15.50

Improving Safety in Train Maintenance depots

Christian Fletcher Director Zonegreen

15.50 – 16.00

Q&A

16.00

Conference Close

Rail Safety Summit 2012

Tickets priced at £199 Order online at:

railsafetysummit.com

10 | RailStaff | March 2012

Join the Rail Alliance now

log on to www.railalliance.co.uk

Rail Alliance membership starts

email jo.bennett@railalliance.co.uk

from just £500 per year

or call 01789 720026.

© jOnathan webb

Rail Alliance prepares for Infrarail Packed programme for Rail Alliance the rail alliance is organising a packed programme of events designed to boost the involvement of all members in the railway industry.

The programme includes a Joint Seminar and Networking Event with the Midlands Aerospace Alliance on 27th March 2012 at the Manufacturing Technology Centre, Ansty Park, Coventry. To register go to: www.midlandsaerospace.org.uk with only a few weeks to go before infrarail 2012 at the nec (1-3 may 2012), the rail alliance is putting the final touches to its boulevard-style exhibition space.

So far, we have allocated 130+ square metres to the following members: ArcGen, Bernstein, Coe, Coffey Construction, Flexicon, Nightsearcher, Sapa Profiles, Wireless CCTV, Wor Rail/Wor Lifts, York EMC Services with more to come!

Visitors to Infrarail can find out more about the Rail Alliance by visiting our stand. Better still during the early evening of 2 May 2012 on the middle day of the show, the Rail Alliance will be hosting a networking event for Rail SMEs at the NEC. More information on this event will be published in the April edition of RailStaff.

Rail Alliance Liaison Manager, Neil Stevens gives a brief introduction to exhibitors: ArcGen is a leading manufacturer and distributor of a range of on-site equipment through their brands, ArcGen Hilta, SMC, Alcon Pumps and TW Pressure Washers. With bases in the West Midlands, Lincolnshire and Scotland they supply lighting towers, generators, water pumps and pressure washers.

Bernstein is a worldwide manufacturer of safety switches, sensors and enclosures. Bernstein has a wealth of technical expertise accumulated over many years developing products that achieve optimum performance. Bernstein’s Aldridgebased warehouse allows them to hold a comprehensive stock, ensuring next day UK delivery on standard products.

COE Limited, established in 1989, has provided high quality CCTV video surveillance equip-

ment for over 20 years. With a comprehensive range of products, COE is responsible for faultless video surveillance, transmission and management at over 10,000 locations, including some of the most complex high profile sites in the world.

COE’s technologies may be used in establishing IP networks, analogue networks, hybrid network solutions and also to facilitate incremental network migration from analogue to digital.

Coffey Construction is the construction arm of the Coffey Group which operates throughout the Republic of Ireland and United Kingdom. Coffey Construction is involved in all aspects of Civil Engineering from Infrastructure Projects to Rail Projects and is one of the largest civil engineering and public works contractors in Ireland.

Coffey Construction carries out a wide range of contracts covering earthworks, substructures, roads and drainage, bridges, surface and underground car parks, external works and infrastructure for clients in both commercial and public sectors.

Flexicon will be showing many new products, demonstrating a powerful commitment to innovation. Flexicon designs and manufactures cable management products and can now boast over 47 different conduit systems to choose from. Flexicon has experienced major growth in both home and overseas markets. The company continues to operate as an independently-owned family business.

NightSearcher In 1989 Colin Howard, managing director, began manufacturing NightSearcher products, designing and specialising rechargeable

lighting solutions specifically for the Police, Fire Services and industrial markets.

Nightsearcher has an in-house research and design department which allows them to fully develop lighting products to suit any application. Currently, Nightsearcher makes the most powerful portable LED floodlight in the world. It completely replaces inefficient halogenbased lights operating off generators thereby eliminating heat, weight, emissions, fuel, trailing cables.

SAPA Profiles is a leading producer of extruded aluminium profiles. Design solutions featuring aluminium profiles are used in virtually all industries.

Sapa’s profiles replace other materials and design methods. Aluminium can be a substitute for steel, copper, plastic or wood.

Extrusion can replace costly techniques, such as forging and injection moulding.

Sapa Profiles has extensive operations for the processing and finishing of profiles through the following: cutting, bending, CNC processing, hydroforming, fusion welding, friction stir welding, anodising, painting.

Wireless CCTV (WCCTV) provides rapidly deployable, portable CCTV and surveillance systems. The systems operate over wireless technologies including 3G, LTE and CDMA mobile phone as well as via satellite, WiFi networks and broadband technologies.

This makes the systems ideal for redeployable solutions in temporary, mobile or semi-permanent situations. WCCTV wireless security systems have been developed in conjunction with integrators, government agencies, transportation, rail

and utility companies, police forces, retail, housing, construction and commercial organisations.

Worlifts, established in 1976, has over 35 years of lifting equipment related trading expertise spanning all sectors of industry.

Worlifts is dedicated to being your ‘Single Source Solution’ for all your mechanical lifting equipment, hydraulic lifting equipment, material handling equipment and LOLER thorough examination requirements. Worlifts has grown to become a UK leading independent supplier of lifting equipment related products and services that meet with all current LOLER & PUWER regulations.

York EMC Services can help you with CE Marking: York EMC provides guidance for your Declaration of Conformity & Technical Documentation UKAS-accredited EMC & electrical safety (LVD) testing and Notified Body Assessments.

training & cPd: York EMC Services has a 25year track record of delivering continuing professional development with a range of scheduled and ready-to-run courses and workshops, from one to five days’ duration. Additionally, York EMC Services can provide bespoke courses selected from their extensive portfolio … or design and use material especially developed for your requirements.

The Rail Alliance wishes all readers preparing for Infrarail (whether they be exhibitors or visitors) a successful exhibition and we look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at our Networking Event on 2 May at the NEC.

The Infrarail Networking Event and Members’ Reception, as part of our presence at Infrarail, will be held on the early evening of 2nd May 2012 at the NEC, Birmingham. Do come and join us.

As part of our co-sponsoring of the sixth Railway Strategies Live! Conference on 21st June 2012 we will be holding a Networking Event, Conference and Exhibition at the National Motorcycle Museum, Birmingham.

New members Torrent Trackside | www.torrent.co.uk ( Providers of Specialist Portable Rail Equipment Hire, Trackside Lighting, Traffic Management, Operator Plant and Training through out most of the UK Mainland) Crescent Machinery Ltd | www.crescentmachinery.co.uk (Providers of Quality New & Used Machinery with Service & Maintenance to the Metal Pressing and Sheet Metal Fabrication Industries)

EVENTS joint networking event with midlands aerospace alliance 27th march - location... mtc, coventry members’ meeting & networking event apr tbc - location...trac Global, skelmersdale - tbc infrarail 2012 1st-3rd may - location... nec, birmingham infrarail networking event with european cluster representation 2nd may - location... nec, birmingham railway strategies 2012 21st june - location... motorcycle museum, birmingham macrorail 2012 12th-13th sept tbc - location... long marston innotrans 2012 18th-21st sept - location... berlin, Germany

9th International Railway Infrastructure Exhibition

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1-3 May 2012 Hall 3, NEC | Birmingham, UK

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Featuring: On Track Display, Seminar Theatre, Networking Area, Opening Ceremony, The Yard, Networking Reception, hundreds of exhibitors, thousands of products. *SV QSVI MRJSVQEXMSR 8IP ` -RJVEVEMP$QEGOFVSSOW GS YO ` [[[ MRJVEVEMP GSQ 7YTTSVXMRK 3VKERMWEXMSRW

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12 | RailStaff | March 2012

InterRail ticket celebrates 40 years

wifi access is being increased at 23 stations on first Great western’s network.

WiFi provider, The Cloud, will be implementing the scheme.

Says First Great Western Station Contracts Manager, Robert Jackson, ‘Travellers now expect to be able to access the internet wherever they are, especially to pass the time during their commutes.

‘The popularity of WiFi - as seen in stations with existing connectivity - made the decision to expand and upgrade a very easy one to make.’

the interrail Pass celebrates 40 years of cross-border rail travel this year.

The initial 20-country ticket was launched on the 1st March, 1972. It allowed students and young people under 21 to explore Europe by train. The launch marked the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the international railway union, the UIC the Union Internationale des Chemins de fer.

Although originally a temporary idea to mark the UIC’s birthday it proved so popular that InterRail Passes have been in use ever since. The scheme has expanded to cover 30 countries.

Says editor Andy Milne, ‘There is no finer way to see Europe than by rail. I still vividly remember inter-railing as a student. Sharing garlic sausage with Yugoslav soldiers on a crowded train one day, helping an aged Greek woman retrieve

This deal with The Cloud enhances the WiFi network at those stations and extends it across many other busy stations, improving the service we provide to millions of passengers every year.

The upgrade planned for March 2012, will introduce WiFi to 13 stations across First Great Western routes, including Oxford, Ealing Broadway and Maidenhead. A revamp of existing Cloud WiFi installations is also planned for 10 further stations including Bristol, Reading and Bath.

© tinOU bOa

Wifi in the west

Atocha Station, Madrid.

© shUtterstOck.cOm

two chickens on a rural parliamentary the next made for unforgettable experiences. The experience of arriving in a major capital like Berlin or Rome first thing in the morning is always memorable. I’d recommend it.’

To celebrate the anniversary the Eurail Group, which organises the scheme, has released

the third edition of ‘Europe by InterRail’ which contains a special compilation of InterRail itineraries written by three train enthusiasts.

The InterRail Pass is now available for all ages. Last year over 248,000 passengers used the pass. Says Eurail’s Ana Dias e Seixas, ‘Whilst InterRail has long

been associated with youths, it has clearly evolved into a product for everyone. Travel by rail is romantic, offering a sense of freedom and independence not associated with any other form of transport, and it’s this aspect which we hope will continue to appeal to a broad target group for the next 40 years.’

Rail stride for walking festival the settle-carlisle walking festival looks like being a huge success this may.

Everest mountaineer, Alan Hinkes OBE (left), will start two guided walks from Garsdale station on Friday 4th May, during the week long Settle-Carlisle Walking Festival.

The festival lasts from 1st to 7th May. ‘The May 4th walks are Wensleydale Railway’s contribution to the festival,’ says Ruth Annison of Askrigg. ‘In the past, Garsdale station served both railways, although there is now an 18 mile missing link between the two lines. However it is a long-term goal of Wensleydale Railway to rebuild the missing link and reinstate a rail connection with the Settle-Carlisle line at Garsdale. We are very

Bluebell Cheque doncaster staff at Unipart rail raised £640 for the bluebell wood children’s hospice in north anston, sheffield.

The money was raised by holding raffles and mini Christmas concerts. George Tillier, General Manager for Unipart Rail Doncaster presented the cheque to Rachael Dawes, Area Fundraiser at the Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice in North Anston, Sheffield.

Says George, ‘We are delighted to be able to present this cheque to such a worthwhile charity. I visited the hospice and was very impressed with the dedication and care provided by the team at Bluebell Wood to all the local children and their families in their care. This hospice receives no statutory funding and therefore relies solely on the contributions of supporters.’

George Tillier presents cheque to Rachael Dawes.

grateful to Alan for his interest and for joining us on May 4th.’

Alan Hinkes is the first Briton to reach the top of all 14 of the world’s mountains over 8000 metres high. Garsdale station, on the remote Cumbria-Yorkshire border, is served by Northern Rail. On 4th May trains arrive from Carlisle at 10.02 and from Leeds at 10.21. Walks will start from the station at 10.30: a strenuous 10 mile high level walk and an alternative moderate 6 mile walk, both ending in Hawes. Return to the station is by bus (£3 fare).

There is no need to book for the walks but bring suitable footwear and clothing, packed lunch and drinks. More Details on www.ride2stride.org.uk

Weatherley launches Weather Eye hove mP, mike weatherley has launched southern’s eyewitness safety initiative at hove railway station.

Mr Weatherley joined Southern Rail staff to launch the low-level crime reporting system which operates by email. Passengers using services between Hove and Warblington along Southern’s West Coastway route can report suspicious behaviour in confidence. The scheme is based on a highly successful in-house system whereby rail staff can email members of Southern’s Safer Travel and Revenue Protection Teams to report incidents of vandalism, anti-social behaviour and fare evasion.

The system allows safety per-

sonnel to respond quickly. It can also identify crime hotspots and enable the more intelligent deployment of Rail Neighbourhood Officers and Revenue Protection Officers. Following a successful public trial on the Arun Valley Line, Southern has decided to roll out the scheme to the remainder of the Southern network, starting with the West Coastway.

Says Mike Weatherley, ‘The Eyewitness scheme uses technology in a clever way to share information on those causing anti-social behaviour on our train services. It is an inexpensive system to crack down on what is a significant problem. I welcome this pro-active initiative wholeheartedly.’

Passengers witnessing crime between Hove and Warblington stations can report what they’ve seen, where they saw it, when they saw it and a brief descrip-

tion of the offenders by sending an e-mail to the dedicated address found on posters at leaflets at staffed stations between the two stations.

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Loco naming honours Battle of Britain

One of east coast’s recordbreaking locomotives, 91110, will be named ‘battle of britain memorial flight’ on 2nd june.

The RAF’s Battle of Britain Memorial Flight preserves fully operational Spitfires, Hurricanes and several bombers. The loco naming will be staged under a fly past at York at the start of the Railfest 2012 celebration organised by the National Railway Museum. Carol Vorderman will conduct the ceremony.

The locomotive will carry a

specially-designed livery featuring the planes and insignia of the Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (RAF BBMF). 91110 achieved a national speed record for electric trains at Stoke Bank, north of Peterborough, on 17 September 1989, a record which stands to this day.

Says Carol Vorderman, ‘It would be a privilege to be asked to name any train. But to be asked to unveil this particular East Coast locomotive, named ‘Battle

© jOnathan webb

The Battle of Britain - never was so much owed to so few.

of Britain Memorial Flight’, is a deeply moving honour.

‘I’ve been a friend and supporter of the RAF BBMF for a long time, and I’m thrilled to be invited to carry out this important ceremony. It’s firmly in my diary and I am very much looking forward to being part of such a landmark event.’

East Coast’s Director of Communications Paul Emberley said, ‘Our named and liveried locomotive will be an ambassador for the RAF BBMF, and everything it stands for, along the East Coast Main Line between London, Leeds, York and Edinburgh.

‘Bestowing the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight name on this electric locomotive is highly appropriate, and the commemorative plates kindly donated by the National Railway Museum will continue to emphasise the power and prestige of the East Coast route, just as Sir Nigel Gresley’s streamlined locomotive ‘Mallard’ did in the steam age.’

Action urged in Africa the railway children charity is urging the kenyan and tanzanian governments to tackle violence against street children in africa.

A new study, Struggling to Survive, by the Railway Children says a silent war is being waged in Tanzania and Kenya against children forced on to the streets. The children who took part in the study have been exposed to a relentless ordeal of extreme physical and sexual violence.

Says Pete Kent, East Africa Country Director for Railway Children, ‘Children end up on the streets as a last resort, often forced to leave home due to family conflict. The cycle of violence then follows them on to the streets and is aggravated by a general acceptance of abusive behaviour towards street children.

‘The children themselves are viewed as the ‘problem’ rather than the communities that have failed them. Children are routinely treated as criminals and put in prison cells with adults where sexual abuse is rife. And the absence of adequate child protection measures explains why one in three girls in Tanzania who have sex for the first time are forced.’

The Railway Children wants to see the launch of a coordinated plan to tackle the violence against street children by the Tanzanian and Kenyan government. Urgent action is also required to help the most traumatised children, who without better support will remain trapped in poverty on the streets and continue to be exploited as they battle for survival.

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Broad sweep for Yarmouth spring is coming early to Great Yarmouth station thanks to the hard work of staff and local people’s generosity.

Greater Anglia’s Ann Kirkham and Jane McLeman, of the Great Yarmouth Customer Service team, together with colleagues from the Customer Service North team have planted a vast array of seasonal flowers in hanging baskets and tubs at the Norfolk station.

The colourful plants and flowers were provided by local Norfolk firm Moulton Nurseries.

Great Yarmouth station is the terminus of the Wherry Lines, which connects this thriving seaside town with the historic city of Norwich, via the scenic Norfolk Broads.

Says James Steward Greater Anglia’s Rural Area Manager, ‘The flowers really brighten up the station, cheering up the station environment for everyone who visits. These new floral displays are just the first step in a range of improvements we have planned at Great Yarmouth station, including a thorough deep clean, weeding, a newly marked car park, some new signage and display boards which will both enhance the station environment and improve information provision for visitors.’

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TRACK SAFETY

14 | RailStaff | March 2012

Network Rail’s future ‘Vision for Safety’ ...a handful of rules together with the right Safety Culture colin wheeler writes... i met with Gareth llewellyn (right) late last month. as director safety and sustainable development for network rail he has an interesting and useful past.

He spent eleven years as Head of the National Centre for Risk Analysis and Options Appraisal at the Environment Agency. Also he worked for seven years as Group Corporate Responsibility Director for the National Grid. He joined Network Rail last September.

too many rules I asked about working with the devolved Route Managing Directors to improve Network Rail’s safety performance. He replied his main concern was the lack of coherence. He believes too many standards, processes and rules demanding compliance do not improve safety performance. I agree!

He plans to move to a system aimed at creating the right culture throughout the rail industry. He is committed to doing all that he can to ensure that everyone “goes home safe at the end of every day”.

We discussed the splitting of technical standards etc. into red, amber and green categories. He sees “life-saving rules” as falling within the red category and green ones as matters that should rely on the competence of individuals”.

twelve life-saving rules only To reach his goal he intends to mandate only things that must be mandated. The example he quoted was from Shell who had just twelve “life-saving rules”. It is left to trained people to use their competence and knowledge, a principle I support.

I referred to the project cur-

lookout only had a whistle!

rently underway at the Rail Safety and Standards Board to simplify the Rule Book. Gareth recalled how his father, who worked for the railway, read up his Rule Book before promotional interviews.

He was impressed at the time, but is far from convinced of the future relevance of the Rule Book in improving safety. Yet again I agree. Simplifying it down or even out of existence would really only upset the lawyers!

a network rail sanity check Having led the way through a complete Dupont Safety programme, he admitted to “still having all the scars to prove it!”

He told me that a Dupont “sanity check” has already been carried out at Network Rail.

Amongst a string of quotable slogans he included the following: “Zero is achievable, safety is not optional, being safe is the best way of increasing business and everyone needs to focus on today.” (I leave you to choose a favourite.)

route safety improvement managers He has been working with the ten appointed Network Rail Route Managing Directors interviewing and appointing their Route Safety Improvement Managers.

Half of the appointees come from outside of the industry.

Together they will form a national safety strategy group working with Allan Spence (Deputy Chief Inspector of Railways from the Office of Rail Regulation) who has been seconded to Network Rail for six months.

The Route Safety Improvement Managers will work with 250 area level safety representatives.

He believes the culture change must come from a shared “aspirational vision” and a small number of life-saving rules endorsed and shared (as they were at Shell) by contractors and sub-

contractors. More encouraging still was the assertion that a devolved focus onto every individual is critically important.

ciras “sticking plaster” I asked about CIRAS - the confidential incident reporting and analysis system for the rail industry. I had seen issue 39 of their newsletter “The Reporter”.

It features a report of a contractor allegedly working on track without either Lookout protection or a Controller of Site Safety (COSS) on site.

The Network Rail response after investigation was “it was felt there was sufficient merit in the concerns to review the contractor”. What weasel words! I trust the word “review” was an understatement!

Gareth Llewellyn was forthright about CIRAS, describing it as “sticking plaster to be used if the safety culture is rubbish.”

450 incident investigations in 2011!

He plans to tackle the problems by changing the culture that last year (2011) led to just 1,200 near miss or close call reports being made to Network

Rail. Gareth suggested that comparing this to Shell’s annual figure of around 35,000 indicated the current situation in respect of the safety culture.

I suggested the investigation into what RSSB and the Unions described as a “climate of fear” was the main factor. He drew my attention to the safety effort used last year to investigate 450 separate safety incidents and said that the time would have been better spent in preventing the incidents occurring in the first place! Agreed!

As I made ready to leave Kings Place I was reminded that the industry may expect to see the publication and release of the new “aspirational” Vision for Safety this month. I look forward to reading it!

near miss between clapham and earlsfield The need is evident. The latest report released by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) reports on two incidents between Clapham Junction and Earlsfield Stations around 0600 on the morning of 8th March 2011.

Either of them could have resulted in a fatality and the cir-

cumstances are far from unique. Both gangs were setting up Emergency Speed Restriction (ESR) Boards following the discovery of Class 1 A rail defects by planned ultrasonic rail testing.

The RAIB report concludes that “staff did not follow the rules for setting up a safe system of work” but it qualifies this saying the cause was “excessive workload, pressure to complete the work, tiredness/fatigue, the complexity of the rules, the absence of checking arrangements by a third party, the ineffectiveness of Network Rail’s competence management process and a shortage of staff”.

The defects had been discovered earlier that same morning.

The more senior COSS (Controller of Site Safety) was contacted at 0335 hours whilst working under possession and advised of the additional work he was required to do following the ultrasonic testing.

He discussed arrangements with the Signaller and expected to hand back the planned possession and then re-take possession for the erection of the two ESR boards.

The COSS’s involved in the incidents were both working in the same area during the night.

Their worksites finished work at 0432 and 0500 hours respectively and the third rail electrification isolations were re-energised at 0539 hours.

When the PICOP (Person In Charge of Possession) handed back at 0539 the Signaller asked him if the ESR work was complete and he answered that he believed everyone was now clear of the running lines in what is a red zone working prohibited area.

The COSS who had completed his work at 0432 spoke to the signaller at 0517 and requested a line blockage to erect his ESR board, but this was refused since the possession was still in place. He later spoke to the other COSS and advised him of this before briefing his staff that all lines were open and asking his lookout who had no equipment, except for a whistle to look out for them.

luckily they had 20 seconds rather than just 8!

The red zone working prohibition is due to restricted sighting (see pictures right). The RAIB reports that at line speed only 8 seconds warning time is available, but that morning the empty coaching stock trains were travelling at well below line speed giving around 20 seconds.

In the event the first gang was passed by a train with no casualties. The second train experienced a near miss with the gang and stopped following the resultant emergency brake application at 0610 hours.

Both trains were 8 coach long Class 455 Electric Multiple Units.

The four track layout can be seen in the diagram taken from the RAIB report (top right).

assessment in the line It is inevitable that ultrasonic rail testing teams will find defects. That is their purpose. In my experience the discovery of

TRACK SAFETY

RailStaff | March 2012 | 15

19th April 2012

Holywell Park Conference Centre, Loughborough

SEE PAGE 9

Rail Safety Summit 2012 www.railsafetysummit.com

defects requiring immediate ESR’s is far from unusual. Surely contingency plans should have been made in advance?

Network Rail’s assessment in the line system is criticised. I believe it needs to be re-examined.

I presume the local manager with delegated power to undertake in the line re-assessment of track-competences is also under pressure to pass individuals so as not to worsen his manpower situation for day to day working.

The criticism of the complexity of the rules is also in line with

Gareth Llewellyn’s approach.

The initiatives he proposes in his “Vision for Safety” I suggest would have prevented this incident provided the staff concerned were motivated to always put safety first!

struck at 100 mph, off for 18 weeks More lessons can be learnt from the recently released RAIB report of the accident that happened on January 8th 2011 at Torworth Level Crossing. Whilst walking with his back to traffic

a Tamper Driver was taken unawares by a passenger train travelling at 100 mph. He took evasive action when he heard the train’s warning horn.

He was struck a “glancing blow” and his bag was torn from his shoulder. He was off work for 18 weeks but recovered. Again a shortage of staff was involved.

He was a member of HOBC 4 (High Output Ballast Cleaning Machine 4 team located Willesden).

The work was being undertaken by the Doncaster based

team but due to shortage of Tamper Drivers they requested a volunteer for the 8/9 January shift. The Site Access Control was at Bawtry Old Station but the tamper driver could not find it having not visited the site before the work began.

He found the level crossing at Torworth. Believing that both tracks were under possession he took the shortest route towards the tamping machine, walking in the four-foot of the Down Main with his back to traffic.

bristol for willesden and sometimes doncaster!

On the 6th January there had been a “White Board Meeting” led by the Site Supervisor but the Tamper Driver did not attend.

Before his shift he had driven to the Doncaster area from his Bristol home.

The report gives the cause as the “unsafe actions of the driver” but also points out that “he did not have the information he needed to get to his tamper safely” and that “it was not uncommon for drivers to walk to trains

in work sites without having first received a safety briefing”.

The implication of the latter to me is that there existed an acceptance that safety briefings were not needed by tamper drivers! I suggest the thinking behind a Willesden based organisation with a member of staff living in Bristol and then driving to Doncaster needs review!

These two RAIB reports illustrate the importance, relevance and urgency of Network Rail’s “Vision for Safety” and why we all need to get behind it!

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16 | RailStaff | March 2012

Training for success

training and education are the sure fire ways to success, not only for individuals entering the rail industry but for the railways as a whole.

This spring sees a tremendous boost across the whole field of railway training. Even the Prince of Wales has taken part, learning how to drive a tube train under the capable tutelage of Rag Gahonia, a test driver at Bombardier.

The recession and continuing uncertainty in Europe has made getting work difficult for many young people and running a business challenging for entrepreneurs. However, the rail industry offers a bold, bright hope for us all this spring.

railways continue to boom Nara Pina, 21, from Goodmayes speaks for many when she says ‘2011 was a hard year, but everything came together in the end.’

Contemporary Britain looks broke with its boarded up pubs, houses for sale, shops and firms closing down but railways continue to boom with increased ridership and more freight. An urgent bid to catch up by building new railways is gathering pace.

For its part the rail industry is issuing increasingly strident calls for more trainees, students and apprentices. The skills gap could prove a real constraint as more major projects come online.

Crossrail, High Speed Two, new tram ways and stations need a

huge new army of engineers and designers to deliver them.

Moreover the industry has need of new signallers, drivers and track workers to build and crew the new services.

This industry is a good place to be. Stability and job security are as important as pay and conditions. The railway’s core strength remains the professionalism and dedication of rail staff, new and old. No one should underestimate the enormous efforts being made by railway staff studying, re-training and learning the talismanic arts necessary to sustain the new railway.

‘I was accepted into college studying civil engineering and started this job as a trainee engineer,’ says Nara who is at Crossrail’s Tunnelling and Underground Construction Academy. She goes on, ‘Everything you want in life is hard. When you want something you just have to pursue it otherwise there is no point in having dreams.’

Many of us would have benefited from similar wisdom at the age of 21. We wish Nara and all those working, studying and training in railways every success this spring and in what we hope will prove long and fruitful careers.

The Midlands Leading Training Provider What do we offer?

The full range of sentinel track safety competencies:

• • • • • •

Machine and crane controller and operator RMMM OTM and RRV A wide range of machine attachments and specialist machines Track induction training First aid Fire safety and manual handling skills Powered plant proficiency assessment MC CC SSOWP COSS IWA and ES assessments inc (P)

What else do we do?

Competence management for a variety of disciplines A1 A2 and V1 awards C&G Railway competencies Operational competencies, Orange card PTS DP T&RS competencies.

Where do we do it?

In our bespoke training centre at Fradley on the a38 near Lichfield, or at your premises if suitable.

What do we charge?

Courses range from as little as £60 per delegate, discounts for quantity.

Who delivers the training?

Male and female fully qualified and experienced teaching staff with a friendly sympathetic approach and a high degree of relevant occupational competence.

A one stop shop!

Contact:

For Bookings, please contact Nick or Jenny on Tel: 01283 792633, Fax: 01283 792622 or Email info@amtrain.co.uk

Please visit our web site www.amtrain.co.uk for further details of our rates and forthcoming courses

amtrain midlands ltd, A38 Southbound, (next to Total garage), Fradley, Lichfield, Staffs, WS13 8RD

Don’t delay - enquire today!

Cameron visits Crossrail Academy Prime minister david cameron and skills minister john hayes recently visited crossrail’s new tunnelling and Underground construction academy.

Apprentices and staff met the pair and talked of progress being made in training and education as the project gathers pace.

Among the trainees is Nara Pina, 21, from Goodmayes, who after a spell of unemployment is hard at work building a new career in civil engineering.

The Tunnelling and Underground Construction Academy will train up to 3,500 people to work on Crossrail. Once it is built the academy will carry on as a world centre of tunnelling construction training.

At least 400 apprenticeships will be created over the life of the Crossrail project. More than 70 apprentices have already started work.

IRO makes Qualifications Affordable the irO aims to make its qualifications more easily affordable for the rail industry.

The 2012/13 prices have now been agreed by the IRO Board. The aim is to continue to provide access to learning to all railway operators at any stage of their career. The three qualifications the IRO offers are each worth 120 credits each. Altogether they form 360 credits which is the number of credits needed for a degree to be awarded.

The Certificate of Higher Education is aimed at people who might have left school at 16 and not really done much formal education since. Much has been done to make sure that more people can take the step towards gaining a qualification at this level.

Measures include: • Clarifying the entry requirements so that people can be more confident about getting on the course by writing up their work experience rather than worrying about their academic results of years ago.

• Substantially reducing the price. For a limited time the certificate course will be £2,500+VAT instead of last year when it was £4,400. On the zero interest payment plan offered to self funding students there is an initial deposit of £1500 after which the monthly payment is just £100. The IRO has also made the registration and application process easier.

‘The Board is very committed to increasing access to learning to railway people at all stages of their career. We do not want price to be a barrier to anyone,’ said Fiona Tordoff CEO. ‘The Certificate is a great way to get back into learning and the IRO staff and tutors offer support throughout.’ She recommends anyone with even a passing interest to call the IRO or register online at www.railwayoperators.co.uk/register‘When people return to learning it can be quite daunting. We are really keen to help people over the barriers that can seem very big at the beginning.’

The cost of an IRO distance learning degree (360 credits worth) is £13,860 which is £1140 less than an English Open University charge. The IRO charges of circa £3,000 per annum for diploma and degree level qualifications obviously compares very favourably with the full time study equivalents many of which cost £9,000 per annum.

The Institution of Railway Operators is now widely recognised as the organisation of choice for those seeking to develop their career within the rail sector. Membership of the IRO opens the door to a wealth of professional expertise, networking opportunities and access to a programme of courses, tailored specifically to the needs of the industry.

Delivered in conjunction with leading education provider, Glasgow Caledonian University, the IRO’s Professional Development Programme provides nationally recognised qualifications, from Certificate through to Degree level. Courses are delivered through a tried and trusted combination of distance learning and direct tutorials from leading professionals within the rail sector.

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RailStaff | March 2012 | 17

Going Lineside discussing railway training with Grant mcnab, business development manager of stobart rail, has unforeseen consequences, Paul curtis reports.

One cold morning in Cumbria I watched, shocked as a Pendolino sped past just three metres away. What shocked me most was the absolute silence before the train arrived and then the noise once it was upon us. It brings home to you the absolute importance of railway safety for all staff who have to go lineside.

Stobart Rail runs PTS, Lookout, IWA, COSS, Protection Controller & Engineering Supervisor courses. Grant McNab read about the Training Focus and suggested I come and do my PTS Course with Stobart Rail. This means when they are working on rail projects I could come along and report on them and inform the rest of the industry.

my medical A few months later I was peeing into a bottle, hopping on one leg, reading an optician’s chart with a patch over one eye and listening to noises in both ears in a sound proof box at Healthcare Connections.

Here I was being tested to see if I was physically able to work

on the railway. Claire Bainbridge, the training course administrator, organised my medical at a site convenient to me in Birmingham.

On my first morning with Stobart Rail near Carlisle I was greeted by George Jarvis, course tutor and a railwayman, man and boy. George shared his 34 years experience with me and my fellow trainees over the two days with passion and enthusiasm.

It was first suggested to me when I joined the rail industry four years ago that I was now part of a family. George made me and my colleagues on the course understand that we were embarking on a journey that may mean we are passing on our knowledge in 35 years time.

sentinel George explained the Sentinel Scheme and what it was like going on the railway today. He taught us what to do when walking and working in a group on or near the line. He instructed us how to communicate clearly and what to do in an emergency.

We were shown Safety 365 videos by Network Rail and there

was plenty of time for questions and discussion.

The next day we got to make an emergency call as if we were using the emergency telephones to the signalman. Then we were taken to get our high visibility orange clothes, boots and blue hat before we were taken to a siding on the West Coast Main Line.

lineside When we arrived at the site our COSS, Kevin Tinkler, gave us our first COSS briefing. Jeff Broadhurst acted as the Site Warden, whilst George, our trainer, acted as a regular worker.

Once the PTS cards had been shown to Kevin he took us

through the safety of the site and then prepared to take us lineside.

Nothing in my life could prepare me for watching a Virgin Pendolino from one mile away arrive upon us within 29 seconds. We were just three metres away.

What shocked me the most, and remains my abiding memory of that minute, was the absolute silence before the train arrived and the noise once it was upon us. I’ve been on a platform at Rugby station when one has gone through but being at ground level makes them seem ten times bigger.

warning sirens After the experience with the West Coast Main Line we went off to the Plant Training Department where all manner of road rail vehicles were moving around with warning sirens flashing and audible warning signs going. Here we practiced walking across a Third Rail site and placed three detonators on a track 20 metres apart.

After the practical we made

our way back to the training division where we sat the test. I haven’t taken an exam in years so I was hoping that I would remember everything from my Network Rail Guide to Personal Track Safety.

Forty minutes later I was informed I had passed the test with flying colours and after a company induction I would be a PTS Certified worker.

I would like to thank Claire, Grant, George, Jeff, Andy and Kirk for making this happen and I hope to see some of my fellow trainees out on a Stobart Rail possession some night or weekend where I will be able to now report on the work taking place.

TRAINING COURSE TARIFF

“Expert training from a name you can trust”

Course Title

Max Number

Course Duration

Tariff Per Delegate

Personal Track Safety PTS Re certification

Ten Ten

Two One

£170.00 £95.00

Lookout LKT Re certification

Eight Eight

One One

£95.00 £95.00

Individual Working Alone IWA Re certification

Eight Eight

Three One & ½

£250.00 £120.00

COSS OLP/CRP COSS Re certification

Eight Eight

Five Three

£400.00 £250.00

Protection Controller PC Re certification

Eight Six

One ½

£95.00 £75.00

Engineering Supervisor ES Re certification

Six Six

Two One

£170.00 £95.00

Machine/Crane Controller

MC/CC Assessment

Four Two

Min of Seven Two

£POA £POA

On Track Plant OTP Re certification

Two Two

Various Various

£POA £POA

CPCS Theory Tests CPCS Practical Tests

---------

---------

£90.00 £130.00

All charges are inclusive of: Additional charges: VAT @ 20%

• Registration and clerical/ NCCA fees.

• Medicals (incl. D + A Screen) £135.00 per head • Rule Books - POA • Machine Hire – POA • MC/CC/OTP Attachments – POA. These may add additional training days • CPCS notifications fees at £25 per notification plus plant hire where required.

We can also offer CPCS plant Training and Testing and follow up with the appropriate NVQ; for more information please contact a member of the Training Team on the details below.

For multiple delegates and dedicated courses please contact a member of our training team as we can offer discount on the above rates.

This tariff is for training carried out at our facilities.

For training at customer’s own premises the cost may be different. Price on application.

CONTACT US:

Solway Business Centre, Kingstown, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA6 4BY. Tel: 01228 882 300 Fax: 01228 882 301 claire.bainbridge@stobartrail.com jeff.broadhurst@stobartrail.com

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18 | RailStaff | March 2012

Rag Royal Training

rag Gahonia, a test driver at bombardier in derby shared the media spotlight as he taught hrh the Prince of wales to drive a train.

Prince Charles, a keen supporter of railways, visited Litchurch Lane to lend his support to the train building works. As part of his visit he took the controls of a new Sub Surface Line (SSL) train, one of the new fleet being built at Derby for London Underground.

Says Rag Gahonia, 51, ‘I showed Prince Charles how to drive and he followed all the instructions and was really good. Did it perfectly. He also stopped nice and smoothly.’

The Prince described the accompanying press corps as hugely relieved after he concluded his training run. The future of the Derby works had looked uncertain since Bombardier lost out to Siemens in the bid to build the new Thameslink fleet.

However the company managed to secure the £188 million Southern Railway carriages contract and is currently bidding to build and supply the new Crossrail fleet.

On his tour of the works the Prince stopped and chatted to staff. He met Leverne Vasey, 46, of Derby, whose husband Brian also works at Bombardier as a welder. ‘His visit has really picked everyone up.

It’s been a tough eight months since we lost Thameslink. But now we know that the factory is staying open, the mood among the workforce has really changed,’ says Leverne.

Meeting apprentices was high on the Prince’s list and he talked to three, Adam Wormald, 18, Nathan Fox, 20 and Dijon Douglas-Green, 21. Says Dijon, ‘The factory staying open was good news for us and the Prince’s visit was great recognition for us. He told me that he thought we made beautiful trains.

To hear something like that from a person like the Prince of Wales is really gratifying and has spurred us on. Eight months ago we were in a bad place.

But things have completely turned around now.’

Prince Charles also met Nick and Kane Jellyman, a father and son team, and the third and fourth generation of the family to work at Litchurch lane.

Kane’s great grandfather, Frank, and grandfather, Maurice, also worked at Litchurch Lane.

The Prince of Wales was shown round by Sir Neville Simms, Non-Executive Chairman of Bombardier Transportation UK, and Dr Francis Paonessa, President of UK Rolling Stock. Train driving could offer another career option for the Prince who already holds a pilot’s license and is responsible for a thriving organic farm business.

‘I must admit, I was nervous about teaching the Prince how to drive but I shouldn’t have worried,’ said Rag Gahonia. ‘He’s a really nice guy and has a great knack of putting people at ease. I think he could well get a job as a tube train driver if he fancied it.’ Rag Ghonia has worked in the rail industry for nearly 35 years.

Apprenticeships network rail is using a new facebook campaign to recruit 200 people for its three year advanced apprenticeship scheme.

Would-be applicants can ask questions and receive a direct answer from someone who is already on the scheme. It is also using Facebook to attract more than a million women to the site with targeted advertising. Last year nearly 8,000 people registered an interest in the scheme, but only 3.2% were women.

The advertising will appear on more than a million 16-25

year old female Facebook users’ pages. These are people who have shown an interest in engineering, apprenticeships, rail, careers, or are studying for their GCSE and A-levels.

Says Network Rail’s head of digital marketing Greg Taylor, ‘Our apprentice scheme grows in popularity each year but we want to make sure we are attracting the very best talent. By exclusively using Facebook we’re able to target specific groups which we have previously struggled to attract, including young women interested in an engi-

neering career.

‘Facebook is the biggest social network for young people, so it makes sense for us to use it. The ability to connect with people by age, sex, geographic location and interests, mixed with the truly interactive and open dialogue offered by the platform means we can really get across the benefits and challenges of the scheme.

TQ Catalis top training tQ catalis, among the Uk’s largest specialist rail training providers, delivers training and assessment of the highest quality in all rail engineering, safety and operational functions.

Now part of Pearsons PLC, top education provider and with a rail pedigree extending back over 70 years, we have been keeping people safe and businesses performing to higher levels of achievement, because of our client focussed bespoke training packages.

We understand that one size does not fit all and can tailor our current packages or develop completely new training materials for your business in your chosen client corporate branding.

Solutions for safety critical environments

TQ Catalis deliver a high quality professional training and assessment service in several market sectors, specialising in safety critical rail engineering and track safety competencies. We are proud of our long established rail training business centrally located in Derby with additional sites in Clapham, York, Manchester and Crewe.

We offer a wide selection of open programme events and dedicated solutions. Current products include: • Track Safety Competencies • Signalling & Telecommunication Engineering Design, Installation, Testing & Maintenance • Health and Safety, IOSH, NEBOSH, Working at Height, Confined Space Training, Manual Handling • Behavioural Based Safety • Electrical Engineering - 17th Edition Wiring Regulations, PAT Testing, Inspection & Testing, Electrical Skills Training • Automation Systems - Programmable Logic Controllers

innovative and inspiration training

• Rail Engineering Apprenticeships • IRSE Licensing • Track Engineering, Permanent Way skills training • Plant Training - all types of small plant and tools • Rail Operations • Traction & Rolling Stock • Overhead Line Training

TQ Catalis

• Leadership & Management

The Derby Conference Centre, London Road, Derby DE24 8UX T: 0845 880 8108 E: hotline@catalis.co.uk www.catalis.co.uk

• Bespoke Training Solutions

Contact us on 0845 880 8108 or send an email to hotline@catalis.co.uk to discuss your requirements.

Just recently we have developed a suite of training modules for a major transportation company who required innovative and inspiration training for engineering staff maintaining the latest state of the art electronic control systems for railway signalling.

Developing course materials has become a major strength for us and we are now heavily engaged in developing training modules for a variety of clients that require high quality train-

ing materials but at realistic costs representing true value for money.

we are developing and delivering training and assessment in the following areas: • Track Safety, Track Engineering and Permanent Way Competencies • Train Control & Communications Engineering Training, including: Design, Installation, Testing and Maintenance training on modern and legacy equipment/systems for both main line and metro systems • Health and Safety including: IOSH and NEBOSH for Rail Personnel • Rail Operations and Traction and Rolling Stock, including:

Rail Accident Investigation Training, Rail Vehicle Driving and Shunting, Incident Management, Train Refurbishment and Overhaul • Electrical Engineering and Automation Systems, including: Electrical Skills Training, Electrification Systems, Programmable Logic Controllers, Rail EMC, 17th Edition Wiring Regulations, PAT Testing and Inspection and Testing • Construction Skills Training and Assessment, including: Plant & Construction Health and Safety, Small and Heavy Plant Operator and Maintenance, Building Regulations, CDM, Contractor Management, etc.

Please call us today on 0845 880 8108 to learn more about our innovative solutions.

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RailStaff | March 2012 | 19

Emergency Management a university campus was transformed into an emergency village to launch two innovative degrees recently.

More than 25 emergency vehicles, including a helicopter and a boat were pressed into use at the University of Wolverhampton. The event launched two higher degrees, an MSc Emergency Planning, Resilience and Response and a Postgraduate Certificate in the Management of Passenger Transport Emergency Incidents.

The new courses have been developed with input from industry experts and aim to equip emer-

gency and passenger transport professionals with the skills to deal with major incidents, such as accidents or terrorist attacks. Both courses will be delivered by the University’s School of Health and Wellbeing from April 2012.

The Management of Passenger Transport Emergency Incidents course has been developed by retired BTP superintendent Willie Baker, who has personally been involved with a number of major rail incidents. Mr Baker will help deliver the courses.

He has worked closely with the Institution of Railway Operators and Confederation of Pas-

senger Transport to identify industry requirements. Students have 12 months to complete the three modules. These cover all aspects of passenger emergency incidents including communications, planning and risk.

The emergency equipment and vehicle zone in use at the university on the day of the launch included an Air Ambulance helicopter, a Severn Area Response Association boat, a front-line fire engine from West Midlands Fire Service, a West Midlands Ambulance Service motorcycle and rapid response car as well as several vehicles from the WM

Ambulance Service Hazardous Area Response team.

Professor Linda Lang, Dean of the School of Health and Wellbeing said, ‘These two courses have been developed with significant service and industry input and are aimed at equipping emergency planning professionals and managers, including the emergency services and the passenger transport industry, with enhanced skills to effectively prepare and deal with major incidents.

‘We’re delighted to be hosting such a high profile event to officially launch the two qualifi-

cations and look forward to welcoming colleagues from the relevant sectors.’

Anthony Marsh, Chief Executive of West Midlands Ambu-

lance Service, said, ‘This exciting new programme draws together the unique partnerships that the University of Wolverhampton has established.’

Track and Train is no fool the rail industry is renewing its efforts to attract more graduates onto the metals.

Selection is now underway for the ‘Track and Train’ scheme. Graduates will be starting the vertically integrated programme on 1st April. Figures show many graduates turn down job offers feeling they are over qualified or that the job wasn’t for them.

Moving into industry from the familiar surroundings of academia can prove challenging. The rail industry is helping put that right with an 18 month project which acts as an introduction to the railways – both infrastructure and train operations.

The scheme is backed by 27 railway companies.

‘Track and Train’ provides an all-round paid-for industry experience lasting 18 months. Graduates take three, six-month placements: one at Network Rail and two at either a passenger or freight operator or another company within the rail sector.

Says Neal Lawson, Managing Director of First Capital Connect, which is backing the scheme, ‘This is a fantastic initiative and I am very pleased that First Capital Connect is playing an important role.

‘Track and Train’ addresses the gap presented by our industry structure, which separates train operations from infrastructure management. This program allows graduate trainees to appreciate how the whole machine works, improving our effectiveness in developing the next generation of railway professionals.’

The scheme effectively foils the ‘what experience do you have’ stickler that unnerves so many new graduates. For the rail industry it represents another initiative aimed at attracting the brightest and the best to the leading transport industry in Europe.

Patrick Butcher, Network Rail’s Group Finance Di-

!"#$"%&' ()%)$"!"%* +&,--./-0/1").*,/ )%2/3"..4"5%$ rector is responsible for the scheme. ‘We know that there are many smart, talented individuals out there that haven’t had their break yet and as a growing industry we can work together to provide challenging, valuable and paid work experience to kick start their careers.

‘What sets this scheme apart is those involved will work across the rail industry and by linking it all together, develop a fantastic knowledge and understanding of the challenges we all face and the opportunities for the future,’ said Patrick.

Typical roles in Track and Train include network operations, station and train teams, customer service, sales and marketing, route strategy, asset management and project management. Additional coaching and mentoring classes will be provided at Network Rail’s development centre where those on the scheme will receive advice on how to present a great CV, interview techniques and presentations skills.

The University is proud to have worked with partners across the passenger transport and emergency services sector to have developed two innovative new courses: • MSc Emergency Planning Resilience and Response • PGCert Management of Passenger Transport Emergency Incidents

65%2/-7*/!-#"8/ 999:9.;:)&:7<="!"#$"%&'!)%)$"!"%* !"#/>?>>/@AB/BCCC// $%&'"#/D,)9E"%F75#5"DG9.;:)&:7<

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20 | RailStaff | March 2012

More apprentices for Wales

expansion of rail projects in wales means more skilled engineers are needed to support its continuing growth.

Network Rail Wales has launched its latest advanced apprenticeship scheme for 2012.

The intake of apprentices is being stepped up particularly in the field of electrical engineering. Rail chiefs want to be well prepared for the forthcoming electrification of parts of the railway in south Wales. The company will be actively promoting its apprenticeship

scheme outside major cities in a bid to encourage more applicants from rural areas.

Says Mark Langman, route managing director at Network Rail, ‘The railway in Wales is growing and we have big plans, including the £200m re-signalling and enhancement project in Cardiff and main line electrification. We need talented and ambitious young people to join us and be part of a 1,300 strong team in Wales helping millions of people get to their destinations safely and reliably.

‘We have six depots across Wales generating potential employment opportunities to prospective applicants from across the region, including those from rural areas. Beyond their apprenticeships, employees have the opportunity to undertake a higher national certificate, a foundation degree and then a full degree in engineering. They can earn while they learn and go as far as their aptitude, attitude and ambition can take them.’

Apprentices will spend a year training alongside the Royal

Make your life experience count If you want your work and life experiences to give weight to your application for an IRO qualification, you simply write a report on yourself and submit it for approval.

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Navy at Europe’s largest engineering training facility at HMS Sultan in Hampshire. Here they will develop the technical skills required to work on the railway and learn about leadership and teamwork.

Practical experience includes five week placements with the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways to assist with renewing infrastructure. Further training

involves two years on-the-job at depots across Wales before returning to HMS Sultan for additional courses.

Says Adam Sargeant, a second year Network Rail electrification and plant apprentice from Newport, ‘I applied to Network Rail to seek a career in electrical engineering. I researched the scheme and it ticked all the right boxes offering me the opportunity to be involved in developing Britain’s railways. With so much investment and vision for the railways there was no better time to apply.’

In the first year, apprentices

will be paid £8,400 + £1,150 when they successfully finish the year; the salary will rise to £11,750 in the second; and £14,000 in the third. In the first year, Network Rail will also feed, pay for accommodation and provide the clothing and personal protective equipment that they need, including safety boots, cargo trousers and a fleece.

There are plenty of holidays: 28 days plus bank holidays in total.

Network Rail will pay for apprentices to travel home for long weekends and Christmas, Easter and summer holidays.

ARTP welcomes speakers the association of railway training Providers (artP) was formed in 1997 and during this time, the artP has been considered across the industry as a key stakeholder and was instrumental in the initial development of what is today known as sentinel.

The membership and Board membership has varied but it is reassuring to note that many of the original founder members are indeed still members of ARTP and it’s board today. Today’s railway sees many different challenges and with the current skills shortages in the rail industry, the ARTP’s role will be working with Network Rail and the National Skills Academy for Railway Engineering (NSARE) in helping drive forward changes to meet the challenges of skills shortages.

ARTP represents its members’ interests by actively raising the profile of rail training and assessment providers and competence assessors across all disciplines and encouraging professional trainer and assessor development through events, knowledge and information.

the artP aGm 2012 The AGM was held on the 7th February 2012 at the Wellcome Institute in London. The guest speakers included:

• Martin Biggin, Network Rail – The Future Strategy of Track Safety Training • Robin Goodfellow, Network Rail – Sentinel 2 • Bill Alexander, NSARE – The NSARE inspection process and strategy update • Tom Healy, LUL – The LUCAS System • Iain Ferguson, The Office of Rail Regulator - The ORR Railway Management Maturity Model.

All of the speaker presentations can be downloaded from: www.artp.co.uk

benefits of artP membership There are a number of reasons why rail training and assessment providers should become an ARTP member, including: • Training and Competence workshops • Continuous Professional Development events • Networking Opportunities.

All members also receive a discount of 15% for Network Rail training and assessment plans including: • Track Safety • Auxiliary Operating Duties • Machine Controller • Crane Controller • Authorised / Nominated Persons.

artP special interest Groups ARTP have a number of special interest groups that members can and are encouraged to attend. The special interest groups include: • Track Safety Training and Assessment • On Track Plant & Standards • Rule book and handbook modules • Electrification • Permanent Way.

artP: a valued stakeholder ARTP has provided representation on Network Rail training and assessment review groups for: • Personal Track Safety, • Controller of Site Safety • Person in Charge of Possession The ARTP also worked closely with NSARE and have provided support for the following stakeholder working groups: • Training & Assessment Provider Licensing & Accreditation • Skills Passport Scheme.

Contact ARTP 22 Headfort Place, London, SW1X 7RY. Tel: 020 7201 0778 Email: info@artp.co.uk Website: www.artp.co.uk

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RailStaff | March 2012 | 21

Exciting times for Training and Assessment Services

in the last training matters edition, bridgeway consulting announced the launch of a new training academy at west horndon in essex.

The interest and footfall at the Academy centre has exceeded Bridgeway Consulting’s initial expectations. Pino De Rosa, Bridgeway Consulting Managing Director, says, ‘These are exciting times for Bridgeway’s rail training and assessment services. The opening of the West Horndon academy has been a really positive venture for us and reinforced our position in the market place.

The academy is proving to make a valuable contribution to the rail industry.’

Supporting the West Horndon Academy is a dedicated training and administration team, which has many years of experience of successfully delivering rail training and assessment services to the rail industry. This is proving to be pivotal in its successful operation.

range of training Bridgeway Consulting delivers the following rail training and assessments,

which are available nationally: • NCCA Sentinel Track Safety • Permanent Way Engineering • Small Tools & Plant Equipment • Machine Crane / Controller / Operator • Health and Safety.

Bridgeway’s proactive approach to delivering a quality service is underpinned by a detailed management process. Steve Diksa, Assurance Services Director says, ‘Bridgeway has become synonymous with excellent

rail training, mentoring and assessments.

‘We appreciate the simple fact that in today’s business place providing an average or good service is just not enough. We are committed to providing a customer service level, which can only be regarded as EXCELLENT! I am pleased to see that our vision of delivering a service that makes a real difference to the rail industry is being achieved.’

The commitment to achieve excellence is reinforced by rail industry expertise within the Training and Assessment Services Department. This knowledge base permits Bridgeway Consulting to provide a dynamic and innovative style of training that equips individuals to carry out duties efficiently, professionally and more importantly safely.

Further features of the Bridgeway training and assessment service include: • A national online track safety training open programme • Pre/Post training advice and support • Trainers and assessors that carry out operational roles on a regular basis - theory backed with first hand experience that is CURRENT TODAY • Electronic archiving and 24/7 availability of all training / competence documentation

national coverage Bridgeway Consulting operates a national programme of Sentinel Track Safety courses and with a wide range of training facilities around the country, Bridgeway are able to deliver its training services to meet demand.

24/7 service Bridgeway also has the flexibility of sending its trainers to a venue of the client’s choice. This is also applicable for their assessors who are available to deliver workplace assessments anywhere on the rail network.

In addition to this, Bridgeway provides a mentoring service that is available to suit the client’s requirements. This allows our clients to call a Bridgeway mentor or assessor 24/7, making Bridgeway distinctively available midweek days or nights and also during weekends.

Competence C oNottingham mpetenc0115 eM Management a na1111 gem/eWest nt S Solution... oHorndon lution.... ..

919 0 Can C an you you afford afford not not to to use use Bridgeway’s Bridgeway’’ss OCTAS OCTAS system? system?

You can book the following Sentinel courses via OCTAS: !"#$%&'()!*$(+,!-(.#/0!! ! !1&&,&2/!3!-4/#!5($6#' !7'648462()!5&$,4'9!:)&'#! ! !;&'/$&))#$!&.!-4/#!-(.#/0!<4'+!=1"3;>"? !"$&/#+/4&'!;&'/$&))#$! ! !@'94'##$4'9!-2A#$84%&$ !1#8#)!;$&%%4'9!://#'6('/! ! !B('6%49'())#$ !"&4'/%!=A#$(/&$! ! ! !-(.#!-0%/#C!&.!5&$,!")(''#$ !D(+E4'#!3!;$('#!;&'/$&))#$! ! !:2/E&$4%#6!3!F&C4'(/#6!"#$%&'% !B('6!*$&))#0!;&'/$&))#$ 5#!+('!()%&!6#)48#$!/E#!.&))&G4'9!$(4)! /$(4'4'9!('6!(%%#%%C#'/%H !-#'/4'#)!:%%#%%C#'/% !>(4)!@'94'##$4'9!! !>(4)!")('/ !>(4)!=A#$(/4&'%!!! !B#()/E!I!-(.#/0

Bridgeway Consulting has a reputation of delivering both innovative and creative solutions.

We have recently developed a pioneering Sentinel competence management system called OCTAS. OCTAS is a unique online Sentinel competence management system that has been designed to improve the management of Sentinel competences and associated administration. OCTAS will also allow you to book Sentinel training courses on our national open programme online, !"#$%!&'()*('+,#'-,!.('/%""',#(',!'*!+'%!%(%*0',$'$ 1 $(%21*(%,!'($*%!%!&' !& 3 !("4' Key features of OCTAS include: !"#$%!&'()*('+,#'-,!.('/%""',#(',!'*!+'%!%(%*0',$'$ 1 $(%21*(%,!'($*%!% Easy access and simple to use No phone calls required when you book online Real time visibility of training events and availability Instant joining instructions Reduced administrative burden

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T: Nottingham 0115 919 1111 / West Horndon 01277 1277 812855 E: training@bridgeway-consulting.co.uk W: www.bridgeway-consulting.co.uk

TRAINING FOCUS sponsored by... RailwayPeople.com

22 | RailStaff | March 2012

Vital Recognition vital rail has received national recognition from transport for london and the national apprenticeship service for its support for apprenticeships.

Vital Rail recently recruited its 88th apprentice and plans to employ 270 by the end of 2012.

The firm was recognised, along with other apprentice employers, at an event to mark National Apprenticeship Week 2012.

Hosted by Transport for London, a certificate was presented

by Peter Hendy, London’s transport commissioner to John Smith, CEO of Vital Services Group and Newham apprentice, Yasin Ali. Apprentices are currently working on a project to maintain the Epping Ongar Railway heritage line.

The project is being overseen

by Lawrence Dobie, Director at Vital Skills Training. ‘We are extremely proud of our apprentices and are delighted to have received this national recogni-

tion,’ says Lawrence. ‘It is a pleasure to be working with Transport for London and the National Apprenticeship Service to offer such fantastic opportunities to budding apprentices.

‘It’s an extremely exciting time for them, and us, with so many infrastructure projects coming to the fore over the next few months and it’s humbling to be in a position to support so many young people with their future career prospects.’

London’s transport commissioner, Peter Hendy, Vital apprentice, Yasin Ali and Vic Grimes, divisional director, National Apprenticeship Service.

Trauma Support course to help suicide witnesses the railways experience on average 210 suicides a year.

As well as the families and friends of the deceased the tragedy affects railway staff involved often resulting in trauma and distress.

Railway suicide affects the industry as a whole with front line staff - particularly drivers - traumatised by the experience. Although much work has been put into preventing incidents, the industry is increasing its efforts to ensure that the trauma experienced after a suicide is managed effectively.

Two training courses have been developed by Samaritans, which are funded by Network Rail as part of the suicide reduction partnership.

The new ‘Trauma Support Training’ course addresses what to do after the event and is aimed at Train Driver Managers, Operations Managers and Union Representatives. The course helps equip people to help colleagues who have been directly traumatised by a suicide on the railway.

The rail industry has long realised that managers and colleagues need to be equipped to help these members of staff. Many already do so with commendable respect and sensitivity.The course aims to spread the techniques and skills learned. People affected by railway suicide often experience misplaced feelings of guilt, flashbacks, self-doubt and anxiety. Much can be done to help people suffering this.

Steve Tollerton, Training Officer for Samaritans, runs the course. He said: “It’s not hugely complicated stuff. Just understanding trauma, having the right

communications techniques and being confident will help. And it’s those skills the course offers.”

The second course ‘Managing suicidal contacts,’ helps those most likely to come into contact with people in distress who may be considering suicide.

Station staff, Operations Managers and British Transport Police Officers can enrol on the course which is aimed at learning how to approach people that are experiencing feelings of distress, including those which may lead to suicide.

Skills taught include using straightforward communication techniques to start a conversation with the person in distress and then encourage them to return to a place of safety.

To book a place on a course or to learn more, email: railcompanies@samaritans.org

Human cost of suicide

Register now… ffor or R Railway ailway Operators Operators Management M anagement Qualifications Qualifi fic cations » IRO Degree » IRO Diploma » IRO Certificate “I am doing the IRO Diploma to enhance my knowledge of how the railway operates, especially as I would like to further my career.

I am self-funding because I was determined to do the course, it’s a struggle financially but will be worth it in the long run. So far the diploma has changed the way I work and enabled me to understand as to why some things are the way they are! I have particularly enjoyed the Customer Service and Safety, Law and Management Modules.”

Ellyn Camacho » Driver » Southeastern

Register your interest now at…

www.railwayoperators.co.uk/register

the samaritans estimate that there were 5,608 suicides across the Uk in 2010 - that is one every 94 minutes.

Approximately 4 per cent of those attempts took place on the railway and currently about 210 people take their lives on the railway each year.

More men actually take their own lives, and around 80% of railway suicides are by men,

with those aged between 30-59 in the highest at risk group.

Women are far more likely than men to have strong social supports, and to seek psychiatric

and other medical support.

Samaritans are available 24hours-a-day and are contacted more than five million times a year - once every six seconds.

Siemens apprentice wins siemens apprentice, adam france, has won the ‘against all Odds’ award at the inaugural leeds apprenticeships awards.

The awards, organised by Leeds City Council in partnership with the National Apprenticeships Service, recognise apprentices across the city. Says Adam’s manager, Richard Durham, ‘We are delighted for Adam and believe he has a bright future ahead in the company. He demonstrates daily the commitment and dedication that are the building blocks of

any successful apprenticeship.’

Siemens has a longstanding and highly successful apprenticeship scheme. With 200 apprentices currently on its scheme, Siemens is creating at least 150 more places across its four sectors this year.

Says Siemens HR director, Toby Peyton-Jones, ‘Siemens was founded in the UK almost 170 years ago with a pioneering spirit. Today, our apprenticeship scheme upholds that same ethos and is key to bridging the skills gaps and developing our engineers and leaders of the

future. Many of our own managing directors came through this route. By supporting apprenticeships we are offering young people another route into vocational training and employment.’

BRIDGEN TRAINING SERVICES Open programme, reserved events and bespoke Rail Training solutions provided E RC FO RK W O RO W R ’S MO AY O D &T TO Y A G IN TOD N AI R TR FO

Bridgen Training Services are one of the railway industry's leading providers of Safety and Practical Track Skills Training, including Track Safety, Maintenance, Renewals, Welding, Small Plant, Technical, Over Head Line Electrification (OHLE) and Signal and Telecommunications (S&T).

Accredited by London Underground as a provider of LU Category 1 Training Services.

Accredited by London Underground Compliance and Licensing (CaL) as a Provider of Safety Critical Staff and Assessment Services.

Accredited by Network Rail as a Safety Training and Assessment Provider.

Accredited by the National Skills Academy for Railway Engineering (NSARE) as a Training and Assessment Provider.

Accredited by City and Guilds (C&G) as a provider of National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ) in Railway Engineering.

Linkup Approved supplier of Health, Safety & Environment Training.

Accredited by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) as a Training Provider.

Accredited by the Prefabricated Access Suppliers’ and Manufacturers’ Association (PASMA) as a Training Provider.

Accredited by the Rail Industry First Aid Association (RIFAA) as a First Aid Training Provider.

Ferrocarriles del Norte de Colombia S.A. (FENOCO) Safety and Technical Training Provider.

Bridgen Training Services Unit 21-22, Horndon Industrial Park, West Horndon, Essex, CM13 3XD

Tel: 01277 811300 Fax: 01277 810 232

Bridgen Training Services - Columbia South America

training@bridgentraining.com www.bridgentraining.com

TRAINING FOCUS sponsored by... RailwayPeople.com

24 | RailStaff | March 2012

This Inaugural Lecture marks his transition to a full professorship and is a further achievement in his extensive academic career.

Felix received a warm introduction from Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor John Heath, who provided a biographical history of the speaker. In his hour-long lecture Felix offered a theoretical and practical insight into the effects of gravity and adhesion on the railways.

Overcoming challenging gradients

Trains, Mountains, Gravity and Adhesion Over 150 guests from railway academia and industry gathered at the University of birmingham recently for Professor felix schmid’s inaugural lecture, ‘can railways cheat adhesion and triumph over gravity?’

Born in Switzerland, Felix established himself in railway Research

and Education at the University of Sheffield in 1994. He moved to the University of Birmingham in 2005.

Until summer 2011, he was Associate Professor in Railway Systems Engineering at the Birmingham Centre for Rail Research and Education (BCRRE). At Sheffield, he created the

MSc in Railway Systems Engineering.

When the programme moved to Birmingham, the title was lengthened to include ‘and Integration’, reflecting the systems approach adopted at Birmingham.

Over 400 postgraduates from around the world have completed the pro-

gramme over the past 17 years. And more than 100 are currently registered on the different versions.

full Professorship Felix’ research interests include railway capacity, human factors, and organisation in safety-critical businesses.

Felix illustrated both conventional and less conventional systems conceived and employed over the years for overcoming challenging gradients in railways. With his strong sense of humour, imagination, storytelling ability, cultural knowledge and anecdotes, Felix kept the audience engaged and entertained throughout the complex and niche lecture.

Professor Richard Williams, Head of the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, brought the occasion to a fitting end by warmly thanking Felix and admitting to be a member of the Trevithick society himself. The closing speech was followed by a wave of applause for Felix, from an audience who will forever remember the locomotive axle arrangement called “B0zz B0zz”.

The Birmingham Centre for Railway Research and Education is home to the largest railway multidisciplinary research group in the UK and is involved in a wide range of activities that are funded by public and private sources.

APPOINTMENTS

RailStaff | March 2012 | 25

MAKING TOMORROW A BETTER PLACE

Is your career on the right track?

If you are looking to join a first class rail organisation with genuine opportunities for career progression, then read on.

First-class careers

Senior Supervisor

Senior Engineer

Carillion Rail has been awarded a five year contract by Network Rail to deliver all packages of track works for their £900 million flagship project “Reading Station Area Redevelopment”. Carillion are one of five first tier suppliers to Network Rail and are working as part of an integrated collaborative project team to deliver 36 kilometres of plain line track and 126 units of S&C in a complex and highly dynamic environment.

c£40k. Preferably trained to raise speeds to level 4. Ref: 14909

c£35k. HNC/HND. Track Stressing L3, Handback L4 (desirable). Ref: 14914

Reporting to the Construction Manager. You will be responsible for the day to day supervision of track gangs including subcontractors and will form a link between site teams and site management.

Reporting to the Engineering Manager. A job owning lead engineering role with responsibility for managing the site engineering team. You will oversee all aspects of the engineering process, procuring materials and coordinating subcontractors whilst ensuring high quality and best value costs.

Project Manager c£60-£65k. Preferably ONC/HNC/HND. Ref: 14906 Reporting to the Snr Project Manager. You will be responsible for day to day running of track construction whilst interfacing with civils, construction and signalling including cost control, subcontractor management and safety in line with the contract programme.

You will be able to demonstrate a strong background and track record in delivering major track renewal programmes on time and to budget. Excellent communication and people management skills are a necessity with the ability to demonstrate and implement correct process and strategy to the client, site teams and Carillion management. A sound knowledge of resource planning is essential.

You will be an established Senior Supervisor or be an experienced Supervisor looking to take the next step in your career. You will be able to demonstrate a strong safety ethic with the ability to plan and organise track renewals works. A thorough knowledge of p-way and man management skills are essential for this role.

You will have the ability to plan, resource and implement engineering aspects of large complex packages of track renewals works whilst having a knowledge of other rail disciplines. Sound management skills are also essential.

Site Engineer

Rail Planner

c£25k. ONC/OND. Track Stressing L2 (preferable). Ref: 14913

c£30k. Preferably experienced in NROL, PPS, SSOWS or similar. Ref: 14915

Reporting to the Senior Engineer. A key member of the engineering team with responsibility for survey, setting out, machine control and TO duties.

Reporting to Planning Manager. A key member of the planning team you will have responsibility for inputting into PPS and NROL to secure worksites, engineering trains and tampers.

Working with site Supervisors, you will demonstrate a sound engineering knowledge of track construction including either GPS or Trimble 3D machine control. You will be able to set out new alignments from primary control using total stations and completing as-built surveys. The ability to create ALC or Geko files is an advantage. You will also be competent in determining resource requirements for planning and estimating purposes.

Able to communicate with both site and office teams you will be able to work to deadlines and demonstrate logistical skills whilst producing essential safety critical documentation and plans to issue to work teams. The ability to negotiate with Network Rail and contractors to ensure planned access is maintained is also essential.

To apply for any of these roles, please email your CV quoting the reference number and job title to Paul Orme - paul.orme@carillionplc.com Visit www.carillion.com/careers

We are not taking enquiries from agencies at this time.

P ERM

AND

C ONTRACT O PPORTUNITIES

PTS Electricians PTS Ground Workers PTS Cable Pullers / Jointers Hand Back Engineers T002 / 003 Crane / Machine Controllers / Tandem Lift Barrier Attendants Points Operators Lookout / COSS / ES Track Gangs with Small Tools & Site Access Controllers

IN

R AIL N ATIONWIDE

Project Engineers – Signalling, OLE, Civils, P-Way Project Managers Tunnelling Engineers Planning Engineers Asset Engineers Risk Managers Licensed Installers Team Leaders SMTH Testers SWTH Testers

D E L IVER I N G S K ILL S , A PP LYIN G E X P ER T I SE www.morson.com

0161 707 1516

0207 633 2040

01483 748 200 rail@morson.com

APPOINTMENTS

26 | RailStaff | March 2012

MSD

> RAIL STAFF REQUIRED COMPETITIVE RATES OF PAY

CONSTRUCTION

ROUTEWORK GANGS REQUIRED

UK. LTD

MSD are looking for ready-made gangs from the following areas for ongoing projects: Yorkshire, North-West & Midlands Each gang must have 5-6 members and include the following: At least 1 x COSS 2 x LOOKOUTS 1 x 4-day first-aider 2 x cat scanners Small tools tickets

Due to an increase in contracted works TES have an urgent need for safety critical staff at all grades to work on various contracts throughout London, South East and West Coast (South):

• Experienced OLE Linesmen • Nominated Persons / Authorised Persons • Machine/Crane Controllers (TL/MEWP/SRS an advantage) • SPICOP or PICOP • Possession Support Staff (minimum IWA/COSS) • Qualified Track Staff • Technical staff with Hallade and stressing • A1 qualified Track Safety Competency Assessor Full driving licence and access to transport is essential for most roles. Track staff must be trained in Track Induction and will ideally have completed their learning support.

Training and development opportunities will be provided for candidates of the right calibre.

If you are interested in finding out more about these vacancies or other opportunities within TES please contact the HR team on:

Each gang must be experienced in troughing and cable works.

Tel: 01206 799111 E-mail: human.resources@tes2000.co.uk

Full gangs only please apply.

Call 01709 878988 or email jobs@msdconstruction.com

www.msdconstruction.com MSD Construction (UK) Ltd, Manvers House, Pioneer Close, Wath upon Dearne, Rotherham, South Yorkshire, S63 7JZ.

Creating safe railway working environments

www.TES2000.co.uk

DRIVERS WANTED Nationwide vehicle delivery company requires drivers on a self-employed basis to collect and deliver cars all over the UK. For further information please fill an application form online at: www.pro-driver.org Or call Ken Fairweather on 01162 777 774

Railport Manager

Bristol

Freightliner Limited is a dynamic logistics company dedicated to he movement of freight by rail. With a modern fleet of locos, rail wagons and lorries we are the top performing and largest haulier of maritime containers in the UK. A vacancy has arisen for the above post at our Bristol Railport on South Liberty Lane.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone wanting to be involved within a small team who possesses an enthusiastic and hands on approach at a relatively new location which is driven by specific customer needs.

Previous management experience in rail freight and or road freight operations is essential coupled with a good understanding of Health & Safety and Environmental issues associated with this line of work, in addition a commercial background would be advantageous.

The successful candidate will have a flexible approach to working, provide sound leadership for the operations team and possess the capability to adjust operational resource to meet the customer’s expectations. In addition be able to maintain and improve standards in a changing environment and assist in the development of this evolving Freightliner location.

Ideally applicants should understand the fundamentals of preparing budgets and understand the financial implications of their decisions. Some occasional unsociable hours and on call will be a requirement of this post.

For further details and an application form, please visit www.freightliner.co.uk/careers We are an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

MAKING TOMORROW A BETTER PLACE

Is your career on the right track?

If you are looking to join a first class rail organisation with genuine opportunities for career progression, then read on.

Help us make tomorrow a better place

First-class careers

Carillion plc is one of the UK's leading support services and construction companies, employing around 50,000 people. We have an annual revenue in the region of ÂŁ5bn and operations across the UK, Europe, Canada, the Middle East, North Africa and the Caribbean.

Carillion have secured major rail projects UK wide and currently have key vacancies within their rail systems group for experienced railway professionals to join a dedicated and committed team for delivery and facilitate our growth aspirations to grow the in house capabilities further.

We have a portfolio of award winning work in areas vital to society: rail, road, defence, commercial property, health, regeneration and education.

From first concept to ongoing facilities management and support services, we provide high quality, cost effective and sustainable solutions, tailored to the needs of our customers.

Engineering Managers (S&T, OLE and Power-HV/LV)

Design Engineers (Signalling, OLE and Power)

Various Locations

Various Locations

Carillion are looking for proven experience in a technical lead type role for a specific discipline.

Carillion are looking for proven experience in a design role for specific or multi disciplines.

These are senior positions within the engineering group to ensure that projects are technically, CDM2007 and standards compliant, scope and specifications are understood and that delivery is safe and achievable to programme.

You will be able to demonstrate experience of multidiscipline interfacing on rail projects and be able to link the design and project delivery teams together.

You will hold appropriate qualifications and competencies, have attained a CRE role and be able to work, from time to time, on your own initiative for the benefit of the business.

Project Managers and Project Engineers Various Locations Carillion are looking for proven experience in a Project Management or Project Engineering role.

These are important positions within the project delivery group to ensure that designated projects are delivered safely, to budget, and to programme.

You will be able to demonstrate experience of multidiscipline interfacing on rail projects, client liaison and be able to link the engineering, design and delivery teams together.

You will hold appropriate qualifications and competencies, and be able to work, from time to time, on your own initiative for the benefit of the business.

OLE and Power-HV/LV Design Group Manager Location Flexible Carillion are looking for proven experience in a senior multidiscipline design management and technical lead role.

This is a senior position within the design group to ensure that design delivery is effectively managed and resource allocation is properly monitored and managed.

You will be required to identify resource requirements and recruit to grow the design team in support of current and future project works.

You will be able to demonstrate experience of multidiscipline interfacing on rail projects and demonstrate understanding of CDM2007, design risk review and design management.

These are highly respected positions within the design group to ensure projects can deliver safely, comply technically and to the required standards.

You will be able to demonstrate experience of delivering designs to programme, understanding of design risk review and design management.

You will hold appropriate qualifications and competencies and be able to work, from time to time, on your own initiative for the benefit of the business.

Signalling Testing Engineers Various Locations Carillion are looking for Signalling Testing staff of all levels, from Module 3C upwards.

You will hold appropriate qualifications and competencies and be able to work, from time to time, on your own initiative for the benefit of the business.

You will be joining an experienced Testing Group involved in multidisciplinary contracts nationwide.

Signalling Installation Managers Various Locations Carillion are looking for Signalling Installation Managers to join an experienced team reporting to the Installation Supervisor that have or who are working towards IRSE license 1.2.140 v3.

You will be capable of managing a signalling installation group engaged in the installation of signalling equipment and be able to work, from time to time, on your own initiative for the benefit of the business.

You will be able to demonstrate that you are capable and can be responsible for signalling installation activities including correct interpretation of installation requirements, efficiently schedule installation activities, in line with organisational requirements implement the installation plan, monitor and ensure the quality of the installation product, review the installation process and identify improvements, ensure integrity checks are completed to support commissioning and hand over equipment to the satisfaction of the client.

You will hold appropriate qualifications and competencies, have preferably attained a CEM/ CRE role and be able to work, from time to time, on your own initiative for the benefit of the business.

To apply for any of these roles or speculatively, please send your CV quoting the job title to paul.orme@carillionplc.com Visit www.carillion.com/careers

We are not taking enquiries from agencies at this time.

APPOINTMENTS

28 | RailStaff | March 2012

www.trsstaffing.com

Rail and Infrastructure Vacancies TRS Staffing Solutions are international engineering recruitment specialists. We recruit for major National and International projects for leading National Rail organisations, main contractors and consultancies. Currently we have vacancies for the following:

Signal Designers, Engineers and Managers

Like to get paid great money while holidaying in Western Australia?

Senior Planning Engineer

We are currently searching for !"#$%&'()"$#(*&)+,--&# looking for an exciting career opportunity in Australia!

UK & Australia - £350/day or £40-60K IRSE license or significant relevant experience

London, York & Birmingham £320-400/day or £55K Rail & construction experience

Senior P-Way Design Engineers

Junior P6 Engineers

London & Warrington - £350/day or £60-80K Working on major new rail projects + station upgrades

London, York & Birmingham £200-280/day or £35K Rail & construction experience

Senior Rail, Construction Managers / Superintendents

Rail Project Delivery Managers

You will join one of Australia’s leading rail maintenance companies and be working on critical rail infrastructure projects that will support the regions booming mining industry.

West Africa, UAE & Australia - £60-100K Heavy Haul Rail, Mining and Port Design

UK, UAE, Australia, Far East & Africa - £50-80K Experience on heavy haul and high speed rail projects

Tamper Track Machine Fitters

Commissioning Engineer

Australia - AUD$20-35/hour Track Machine Maintenance Experience

London - £52K 11 & 33KV commission experience

Please send your CV or if you’d prefer to discuss a role in more detail and in confidence, please contact one of our specialist consultants on

+44 (0)20 7419 5800 or email rail@trsstaffing.com

Rail, Infrastructure & Construction TRSAdvert_March2012.indd 1

To be considered for this exciting opportunity you must have British track accreditation and a minimum of three years’ experience.

If you are keen to have an adventure down under, contact Industrial Recruitment Partners NOW, or register to meet one of our recruitment consultants who will be in London and Manchester between 19th – 30th March 2012. !"#$%&'()* +,-&#'%.,!%* /(&%!,&$* '$* (* -,&%'0,"* .'1&(%'2!* agent and can assist with your holiday VISA application and relocation to Australia.

We are looking for people with the following skills and experience: 3* TO’s, STO’s SM2 & SM3 3* Perway & Thermit Welders 3* Categories RW1-RW6 3* Signal Electrician & Communication 3* Track Maintenance 3* Track Protection 3* WP15 & WP21 Rail Bearing Refurbishment 3* Track Machine 3* Track Back

Don’t miss this limited opportunity!

Contact Rosita TODAY to register your interest rosita@IRP.net.au or Tel. +61 8 9477 7999 www.IRP.net.au

6/3/12 15:10:45

Job Opportunities for Rail Staff with CarmichaelUK Rail Division Due to the growing demand from major clients within the railway infrastructure, CarmichaelUK Rail

Register your CV today online or via email

Division are looking for skilled personnel for Permanent and Contract opportunities.

in word format to:

We would like to hear from the following for prestigious projects starting in London, South East and South West of England:

rail@carmichaeluk.com or call one of our consultants on:

+44 (0) 208 522 8888

Engineers

Surveyors

Engineering Managers

Planners

Agents

Commercial personnel

Sub Agents

Safety Critical personnel

Project Managers

General Foreman

Works Managers

Site Managers

Job vacancies posted daily on our site

www.carmichaeluk.com ENGINEERING PERSONNEL RAIL DIVISION

Change tracks.

Build your rail career in Western Australia.

Cottesloe Beach, Perth, Western Australia

Brookfield Rail is an independent rail infrastructure provider operating over 5,100km of standard, narrow and dual gauge track in the Western Australia.

Spanning an area twice the size of Great Britain, Brookfield Rail’s network extends from Geraldton in the north, to Leonora and Kalgoorlie in the east and south to Esperance, Albany and Bunbury.

A lifeline in the State’s growing economy, Brookfield Rail’s network sustainably transports over 55 million tonnes of freight each year, worth in excess of AUD$20 billion.

With freight volumes set to increase by over 45% in the next two years, from 55 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) to over 80mtpa, we are an ever expanding company with employment opportunities in many fields.

MULLEWA

We are currently seeking Train Signallers.

GERALDTON

NARNGULU

LEONORA MORAWA PERENJORI MENZIES

KALANNIE

MILLING

BEACON

MOORA

KOOLYANOBBING

AD IN G QU A

IR

AV ON

ND LA MID

PERTH

ME R

GOOMALLING

At Brookfield Rail, we can offer you;

KALGOORLIE

MUKINBUDIN RE DIN

With an attractive climate, friendly people and unique landscapes, you have the opportunity to have a lifestyle envied across the world. We are seeking Train Signallers with the right skills, qualifications and experience to join us as we embark on our next phase of growth.

ENEABBA

NAREMBEEN

t t t t t t t

Sponsorship/Visas Relocation assistance Attractive remuneration and great benefits package Excellent working conditions with a focus on work/life balance Training and career development opportunities A support network of employees who have undertaken the same move from the UK to Australia The opportunity to be part of a dynamic organisation responsible for critical infrastructure

We are conducting interviews in the UK throughout March.

If you have experience in the rail industry, contact us TODAY. Toll Free Number: 0808 234 9822 Email: recruitment@brookfieldrail.com Web: www.brookfieldrail.com/yourcareer.html

KWINANA CORRIGIN

BROOKTON YEALERING

KONDININ KULIN

HYDEN

NARROGIN NEWDEGATE

BRUNSWICK JCT BUNBURY

COLLIE

WAGIN

GREENBUSHES ESPERANCE MANJIMUP

ALBANY

APPOINTMENTS

30 | RailStaff | March 2012

www.sw-gr.com

Merseyrail Fleet Engineer Circa £50k pa plus benefits - Located Birkenhead North Depot Manpower

Rail

Recruitment

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced engineer to join us at this exciting time as Fleet Engineer, with the prime purpose of developing and delivering technical innovation and improvement in the performance and customer presentation of Merseyrail’s Class 507/508 fleet of trains.

As a direct report to the Engineering Director, and member of the Engineering Senior Management team, you will have responsibility for devising solutions to product and vehicle reliability issues. Not only will you be a key player in delivering current fleet strategy, but you will also work with key stakeholders in influencing and shaping plans for future fleet replacement.

Key responsibilities of this role include: • Lead and manage the Birkenhead North Depot technical team, delivering technical support and expertise to the depot production staff and management • Develop best practice asset management of the Merseyrail fleet to meet the on-going needs of the fleet, maintain asset condition and deliver optimal whole-life costs • Engage with and influence key stakeholders in the development of plans for fleet replacement • Production and analysis of fleet performance data, providing detailed information that enables informed decisions to be reached to address reliability issues • Undertake feasibility studies, condition assessments, whole-life cost modelling and prepare business cases in support of fleet reliability and enhancement proposals • Develop instructions, bulletins, fault finding guides, inspection and test equipment to assist in fault diagnosis and defect rectification • Deliver the programme of fleet enhancement modifications, including preparation of designs, technical instructions and engineering change submissions

Opportunities throughout the UK for Railway Staff (Competitive Salaries) Due to the fulfilment of on-going contracts and continuation of investment being made in Railway Infrastructure throughout the country, SWGR are keen to hear from the following individuals in a variety of locations throughout the UK.

We have an urgent requirement for: SSoWPs (Safe System of Work Planners) Possession Planners Isolation Planners Track Engineers Project Managers Structures Managers: We are particularly keen to hear from experienced Structures Managers. The right candidates are required for an immediate start on a long term contract.

Main duties will include performing on-site examination of structures to client specifications in order to determine structural condition along with producing high quality condition reports for submission, in line with company procedure and strict timescales.

Candidates should have a sound Structural/Design Engineering knowledge, backed up with a relevant degree or equivalent qualification, awareness of railway Infrastructure and a full, clean UK driving license.

To apply for any of the posts above please send your CV in Word Format to: billyf@sw-gr.com in the first instance or call Billy Franks on 0844 6920692.

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• Liaise with suppliers in the investigation of product defect and failure and in the development of product improvements • Provide project management in the formulation and on-time delivery of rail vehicle modification and other related projects • Keep abreast of modern products and technologies that may have applicability for use in the field of rail vehicle maintenance, monitoring, overhaul and refurbishment EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED • High standard of general education • Significant experience in rail vehicle engineering in a technical and/or depot management role • The ability to lead by personal example, motivating and engaging with the depot technical team in developing innovative solutions • Strong, engaging interpersonal and communication skills • Proven track record of project management, delivering to time, cost and quality • Ability to engage and influence key stakeholders QUALIFICATIONS DESIRED • Qualifications and/or experience leading to membership of an Engineering Institution To apply, please send a copy of your CV in addition to a covering letter explaining why you feel you would be suitable for the role, to Merseyrail, HR Support Centre, 9th Floor, Rail House, Lord Nelson Street, Liverpool, L1 1JF. Those shortlisted to go forward to the next stage will be invited to attend an interview.

For further information please contact the HR Support Centre Team on 0151 702 2416.

The closing date for this vacancy is Friday 30th March 2012.

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Head of Customer Service - Trains Circa £45k pa plus benefits Merseyrail is the leading suburban passenger train operating company for Merseyside, employing over 1,100 staff. With around 800 trains it is one of the most intensive rail services in the country, delivering a reliable journey for more than 100,000 passengers per day.

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Operations Team as Head of Customer Service – Trains. The primary purpose of the role is to lead and direct the effective delivery of a safe, reliable train service including compliance with operational safety standards and service targets.

• Assisting the Operations Director to ensure that all Guards contractualised arrangements are fully documented, audited and budget targets for pay bill, stores and utilities are met • Management of employee and industrial relations issues, ensuring systems are in place for the efficient and economic administration of Human Resource Policies and Practices EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED • High standard of general education • Competence in operational rules / regulations

The role will also focus on assisting in the development of the Merseyrail Customer Service Strategy and the implementation of Customer Service Initiatives.

The post holder will be responsible for all aspects of Guards Management activities including:

• The ability to create an environment of commitment within the team through engaging leadership and defined senior management competencies.

• Supporting the Operations Manager to ensure that Merseyrail train operations are operated safely in accordance with defined Rules, Regulations and Industry Standards

• Aptitude to hold senior level negotiations with internal and external bodies

• Ensuring all Guards-related operational incidents are managed effectively through liaison with the Operations Manager

• Experience in the delivery of training

• Ensuring compliance with documented competency management standards in respect of Guards, thereby ensuring that all achieve statutory competence levels • Ensuring that Merseyrail on-train customer service standards are defined, documented and delivered to support the company’s Customer Service Proposition

• Proven interpersonal skills and excellent communication skills

QUALIFICATIONS DESIRED (can be obtained upon successful application)

Commercial Manager North West London, Attractive Package An exciting new vacancy has arisen for a Commercial Manager to work within the Projects division of our company. Based at our North West London offices and operating primarily within the South East of England.

You will liaise on a day to day basis with our Director of Construction and report to the Commercial Director.

You will be expected to oversee the full range of commercial activities of tenders and contracts within this portfolio from inception to completion.

Within this role you will develop and maintain internal procedures and monitor compliance with contract obligations.

• Competent in strategic safety management

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• A1 Vocational Assessor • VI Internal Verification To apply, please send a copy of your CV in addition to a covering letter explaining why you feel you would be suitable for the role, to Merseyrail, HR Support Centre, 9th Floor, Rail House, Lord Nelson Street, Liverpool, L1 1JF.

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• Supporting the Operations Manager in the delivery of the defined Passenger Service Requirement through effective management and allocation of appropriate resources

Those shortlisted to go forward to the next stage will be invited to attend an interview.

•

For further information please contact the HR Support Centre Team on 0151 702 2416.

•

• Ensuring Guard’s Conditions of Service and associated Local Agreements are applied correctly

The closing date for this vacancy is Friday 30th March 2012.

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Key responsibilities include: Compliance and achievement of Division and Group targets To manage commercial activities with a high degree of acumen To identify opportunities and risks To lead and prepare the complete commercial pricing element of a tender To produce a detailed control document at handover to the delivery team To manage and control the commercial team within their portfolio

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You will be: Degree qualified (or equivalent by experience) with strong understanding of commercial management.

Advantageous criteria: NWR and LUL Infrastructure Experience Experienced and proficient in utilising NEC3 & JCT Contracts.

Desirable qualifications: MRICS and extensive experience with NEC suite of contracts Construction Law.

Please send your CV to Jessica Gray, HR Department, Cleshar Contract Services Ltd, Heather Park House, North Circular, London, NW10 7NN or email jessica.gray@cleshar.co.uk www.cleshar.co.uk

Principal Signalling Designer £Excellent – London

Fibre - Copper Engineers (COSS) £19k to £24k + company van and pension, SE Midlands, Warwickshire

Contact: James Tidman / 0208 600 1618 / james.tidman@talascend.com

Contact: Ewen Alcorn / 01373 464005 / ewen.alcorn@talascend.com

A leading UK rail company is currently searching for an experienced Signalling Designer to work on cutting edge new projects. Please get in touch if you are working towards or currently hold an IRSE Principles Signalling Designer License. The position is available for both contractors and permanent designers.

Talascend are recruiting for a leading rail supplier who are again experiencing growth.

They require two Rail Fibre Engineers with fibre, copper and COSS (Controller of Site Safety - now or previously) status to work on their UK rail projects (on-site allowances and overtime available).

Signalling Designer £Excellent – York, Birmingham and London

Project Manager, Comms - Operational or SISS £40k to £45k + pension, Midlands / Warwickshire

Contact: James Tidman / 0208 600 1618 / james.tidman@talascend.com

Contact: Ewen Alcorn / 01373 464005 / ewen.alcorn@talascend.com

There are currently vacancies at UK locations including York, Birmingham and London for IRSE Licensed Signalling Designers. Now is a great time to make a move in the Signalling market.

Talascend have both permanent and contract positions available for experienced Designers.

Please get in touch to discuss these opportunities further.

Talascend are working on behalf of a leading provider of rail communications solutions to operational or retail / SISS communications systems in a Network Rail environment. Budgets between £0.5M and £2M. Able to negotiate and manage the contract. Good opportunity to join a growing company.

Operation Systems Team Leader (x2) Circa £50,000 - Midlands

Rolling Stock Electrical / Mechanical Engineer Midlands – Circa 50K (International)

Contact: James Tidman / 0208 600 1618 / james.tidman@talascend.com

Contact: Matthew Roberts / 0208 600 1610 / matthew.robetrs@talascend.com

A top UK rail company is currently seeking two Operation Systems Team Leaders. Requires a sound knowledge of electrical engineering in the context of control systems design.

Familiarity with real time embedded software languages and their use in electro-mechanical control systems is also essential. Knowledge of Ethernet technology and user interfaces, along with typical programming languages used in the development of these would be of significant benefit in this role.

An exciting opportunity has just opened up for an experienced Mechanical / Electrical Engineer to visit with contractors and suppliers across the world to ensure purchased materials comply with approved specifications for dispatch to project sites. The successful candidate will be Degree educated and have at least 10 years experience in Manufacturing, maintenance and inspection of railway equipment and materials. The role will involve regular international travel to Europe, South America, Asia and Africa.

Signalling Project Engineers £Excellent – UK Wide

Rolling Stock Project Engineer Derby – Excellent Salary Package

Contact: James Tidman / 0208 600 1618 / james.tidman@talascend.com

Contact: Matthew Roberts / 0208 600 1610 / matthew.robetrs@talascend.com

A large client is currently seeking Signalling Project Engineers from a mainline or LU background for a variety of projects in 2012. There are currently opportunities for both contractors and permanent staff in various locations across the UK for IRSE Licensed Project Engineers. Please get in touch to discuss further.

An excellent opportunity has just opened up for an experienced Rolling Stock Project Engineer to work on a large newly awarded project in Derby. As well as having a strong technical engineering background, the successful applicant will have experience of LU standards, customer facing roles and commercial issues. Great career development opportunities.

Project Manager - Operational / SISS Comms £45k to £68k + benefits - London or Midlands

Senior Planning Engineer London - £435 per day – Long Term Contract

Contact: Ewen Alcorn / 01373 464005 / ewen.alcorn@talascend.com

Contact: Matthew Roberts / 0208 600 1610 / matthew.robetrs@talascend.com

Working for a leading supplier within the UK rail infrastructure, we require experienced Communications Rail Project Managers for projects on Network Rail infrastructure.

Experienced working for one of the rail contractors along with commercial, budgetary, formal project management qualification and solid operational comms experience in rail. Two roles; London or the Midlands.

An excellent opportunity has opened up on a large civil infrastructure project in London. If you have 5 years + planning experience at a senior level (P6), have worked on large multidiscipline rail and civils projects and have a good understanding of NEC projects this could be your opportunity to secure a 5 year contract. On-site construction planning experience would be an advantage.

Your first stop for rail jobs...

www.talascend.com

Currently Hiring We have a number of open positions for Recruitment Consultants in our London office. Please contact Matthew Roberts on +44 (0)20 8600 1600 or email matthew.roberts@talascend.com

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