@ RTC Aldershot - Rail industry signals and telecommunications

Rail industry signals and telecommunications training update

In August 2003 Quest announced the introduction of new Rail Industry Signals and Telecommunications courses at the Resettlement Training Centre. These are currently run in conjunction with McGinley Recruitment, which is both a recruitment organisation and an employer in the rail industry. With two successful courses behind us we are on the right track (excuse the pun) regardless of railway politics.

The rail industry is not always an obvious career move post-Forces. However, with more job vacancies than skilled workers, ambitious plans for an improved rail network and substantial investment planned for the next five years, there are many exciting opportunities. One area of growth is signalling engineering, and McGinley Recruitment is offering Service leavers the opportunity to take a one-week course that will provide an in-depth introduction to the principles of the railway signalling system, which is of practical assistance and value to a prospective employer.

The course is a must for anyone wishing to enter signalling engineering. Through being immersed in the basics of the subject, Service leavers will be able to apply for signalling positions with a far better understanding of what this area achieves and how it achieves it. This makes them desirable employees for the many companies that operate in the rail industry.

To be eligible for the course Services leavers must have:

- at least City & Guilds Parts 1 and 2 and/or a recognised apprenticeship

- general work experience to include the servicing/maintenance of electrical/electronic/control equipment

- the ability to interpret circuit diagrams and wiring diagrams

- worked with equipment for testing of cables, control circuitry testing and relays

- working knowledge of mechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic systems.

The aim of the course is to ensure that students have enough knowledge of the rail signalling systems and processes to secure a career in railways. By the end of it they will be able to:

- state the essential elements of the signalling system

- identify and state the purpose of the main types of semaphore signals

- identify and state the purpose of the main types of multi-aspect, position light and other signals

- recognise the most common symbols used in railway signalling diagrams and plans

- using diagrams, describe the method of operation of main and other commonly used signals

- describe the operation of both AC and DC track circuits

- describe the operation of electric point machines and rail point clamp locks.

Certificates are issued after theory assessments and an optional occupational ability questionnaire, which will grade students against a comparative skill group. At the end of the week, all students will be actively marketed by McGinley Recruitment to a wide range of rail contracting and civil engineering companies, and their names will be published on McGinley’s website as course graduates.

A case in point: David Stokoe

David Stokoe, 39, didn’t know what he wanted to do when he left the Forces, but the similarities between working on the rail network and working a Forces career – moving around, working outside, in teams and in a safety-critical environment – led him to identify the opportunities in rail early on. ‘I am just about to leave the Services after over 23 years. As a Warrant Officer Class 1 in the REME and avionics specialist, I didn’t really know what I wanted to specialise in on returning to “civvy street”. I attended a Career Transition Workshop in Tidworth to look at the options available and by the end of the workshop I had a much clearer idea of where I wanted to go and started looking towards the rail network.

‘With the revitalisation of the rail network there is a shortage of people with the skills that we take for granted within the Forces. I noticed a course being run in Aldershot called Introduction to Basic Rail Signalling Principles and Associated Circuitry, and decided to see what it involved. The course was well run with clear instruction. Topics covered included the basics of railway signalling, drawings and plans, basic lighting circuitry, track circuitry and points. Knowledge covered very old systems right through to the modern day. My only real problem was how to deal with rail industry acronyms rather than military ones.

‘Attending the course has opened the door to a career in rail. I have been offered a place on Network Rail’s Signal Conversion Programme, and I have been offered a job with Tubelines, which should start in the spring. The course in Aldershot gave me an invaluable insight as to what to expect and some support in moving into a new area of employment.’

Other students also found jobs with Tubelines and Network Rail.

For dates and bookings contact the RTC on Military: 94222 3520/3637 or Civil: 01252 348520/637

For technical enquiries contact Geoff Burman on 01923 725600