Media centre

Wednesday 15 May 2013

Network Rail boldly launches Star Track trainee engineering scheme

Region & Route:

National

School leavers stepping into the world of work are being offered the chance to take up 20 places on a new trainee engineering design scheme, where they will earn as they learn and gain a foundation degree.

Network Rail has launched Star Track – a new two year scheme in collaboration with some of the country’s top design consultancies, the Permanent Way Institution and Sheffield Hallam University. An industry first, it will help train and develop the track design engineers of the future.

The organisations have worked together to develop a foundation degree in railway engineering that will provide a blend of on-the-job training and classroom-based learning for students on the scheme. Placements in design offices, with Network Rail delivery teams and courses at Sheffield Hallam University will provide a unique learning and employment opportunity.

Joan Heery, Network Rail’s head of track engineering said: By 2020 our railway will see a further 400 million journeys each year. Improved track designs are a pivotal part of our strategy to increase capacity to meet this additional demand, whether it is remodelling existing track layouts or adding completely new routes. This is why we’ve worked with the industry and educators to develop this new scheme and develop the track design engineers for the future.”

Kelly Dickson, assistant track design engineer for Network Rail talked about her role and the qualities that make someone right for this career: “I really like the fact that you see something from concept, through the design process to installation. You feel really proud that you have made a difference and improved the railway. To get on you need an inquisitive mind, be prepared to ask questions and challenge assumptions. You need to have logical thought processes and be able to solve problems. A sense of humour helps as does wanting to own the design.”

Richard Quigley is a track design engineer for Network Rail. He explained how he got into the role: “I had a number of jobs that I didn’t find very fulfilling until my dad suggested I try the railways – he had worked for them for over 20 years. I landed a job with a consultancy using CAD to produce drawings for track designs. I really enjoyed what I was doing, showed some initiative and started to get more involved - it never hurts to ask questions. One thing led to another; I went to college and did a BTEC before starting the HNC in Civil Engineering I am currently completing.

Applications are being taken online now until 31 May 2013 http://www.networkrail.co.uk/careers/schemes/trainee-track-engineering-design-scheme/