Newbie to Signalling and Forum

[manners1985]

Morning all,

I am interested in entering into the world of Signalling. It is an industry that I believe has significant potential and opportunities available, as well as scope for the future (Crossrail, LU upgrades, Network Rail and HS2 to name a few).

My background is actually Civil and Structural Engineering, but for the last four years I have been Project/Contracts managing in the telecoms and M&E industries (in LU and outside of rail). For a 'youngster' I have had a wide range of experience and feel that signalling may offer a rewarding path for the next stage in my career.

I have a couple of contacts in the signalling industry but at the moment I am unsure as to the best way to build my experience and qualifications to ensure that I can be successful in applying for jobs. I am not interested in the design or development stages of systems/processes, as I know my strengths lie in the implementation of other peoples hard work! I am very much an operations management type of person.

I have read the IRSE website and the methods of gaining membership. Frankly with the (lack of) experience that I have, Associate membership seems to be most appropriate. The examinations are the part that seems like it could present the greatest problems - as they appear to be technically biaised.

So, I suppose the advice I would appreciate would be:
Is applying for Associate Membership a good starting point?
What kind of time commitment would it take for a (generally bright) person to pick up the gist from background reading to take the 4 modules required?
Are the reading materials advised available to loan (I realise it may be a tad specialised for my local library!)
Would I require practical experience to stand a chance of passing said modules?

If you have read the waffle thus far - many thanks! I look forward to receiving your feedback.

BR
Manners

[Jerry1237]

So, I suppose the advice I would appreciate would be:
Is applying for Associate Membership a good starting point?

Yes. Membership is a more rigorous path than other institutions but we worth the effort. IRSE is a highly regarded institution and will certainly be a very useful few letters on your CV. Also, the institution gives you what you put into it so feel free to get invovled, meet some senior members and enjoy it.

What kind of time commitment would it take for a (generally bright) person to pick up the gist from background reading to take the 4 modules required?

I'd suggest you wouldn't be able to just from reading. My take is that the exam is vocational and competence based (competence is a mixture of training, experience and assessment). The management and safety modules are easiest if you've rail/project experience.

The gist can be obtained from the study packs and sylibus documents but they will not provide the level to pass, just a foundation to base your studies upon.

Are the reading materials advised available to loan (I realise it may be a tad specialised for my local library!)

There are some you can download, some to buy and some in the IET and IRSE libraries. Most people beg or borrow! However, the reading list is vast and a study group a good place to go for handouts and advice.

Would I require practical experience to stand a chance of passing said modules?

Good but, and it is a BIG BUT, the exam is not easy. It requires much knowledge, a good exam technique but you do not need to be a designer to pass the design modules (the maintenance modules tend to be a steep cliff unless you are a maintainer).

The learning experience of the exam is great but it requires self-discipline, extra work, study, some experience and a lot of effort. The prize is a potential full membership of the IRSE (and often pay raise, making the candidate more employable etc.).

Good luck and here is a good place to start.

Jerry

[manners1985]

Thanks for the response Jerry, greatly appreciated.

My real problem is that old catch-22; I don't have the experience to confidently apply for a position within the industry or begin to think about the IRSE examinations, but, without working within the industry I cannot build the experience.

I think I may begin by submitting an application for Associate Membership. I presume that I would be covered under the following route: 'Actively interested in the promotion, development and practice of the profession'.

From there I may be able to rely on my 'transferable' skills to be able secure a position as I will not be 'hands-on', but looking for a managerial position. Do you feel if this is likely to be feasible? From there I could then build on my knowledge base in conjunction with study and move on from there.

Again, any relevant thoughts or insights would be appreciated.

BR

Manners1985

[PJW]

A few thoughts:

1. There are many Project Managers and Project Engineers working in the industry without too much in the way of signalling knowledge. Personally I think that's not great, but the better ones do pick up what they need to know quite quickly. Getting started can be a problem of course, but given an upturn of work particularly in and around London then I guess that transferable skills will be much in demand

2. I am assuming that you are within striking distance of London. If so why not come along to a monthly IRSE London meeting (from October to April only) in Westminster. If not, then there are some local section meetings in other regional centres such as Bristol and York.

3. You give no indication of age, but do note that the "Younger Members" is a bit of a misnomer since they are receptive of all new-comers whatever their chronological age. They have a day seminar, normally with a technical visit on the following day each year in November; I believe it will be held in Swindon this year and they aim to be offered free, so it is only your travel / accommodation if need and time away from job costs for people to fund.

Thanks for the response Jerry, greatly appreciated.

My real problem is that old catch-22; I don't have the experience to confidently apply for a position within the industry or begin to think about the IRSE examinations, but, without working within the industry I cannot build the experience.

I think I may begin by submitting an application for Associate Membership. I presume that I would be covered under the following route: 'Actively interested in the promotion, development and practice of the profession'.

From there I may be able to rely on my 'transferable' skills to be able secure a position as I will not be 'hands-on', but looking for a managerial position. Do you feel if this is likely to be feasible? From there I could then build on my knowledge base in conjunction with study and move on from there.

Again, any relevant thoughts or insights would be appreciated.

BR

Manners1985