I have always been interested in the various forms of engineering and so it was a natural choice of career for me. I undertook a BTEC Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering course during 1997-1999 which entitled me to progress to degree level. This was performed in the form of a BEng in Mechanical & Computer-Aided Engineering at Sheffield Hallam University during 2000-2004.
I then undertook a Knowledge Transfer Partnership Project between the university and Independent Forgings & Alloys, developing a Titanium hollow tube extrusion process. During this time I completed a PgD Advanced Engineering course and therefore gained the qualifications required for CEng status.
I recognised that to further my professional career a move to the rail industry would be an excellent choice so I enquired about vacancies with ESG Ltd and was successful with my application.
Training
I am currently one year into my employment with ESG and very happy I made the move. I am enrolled on an IMechE MPDS program which is organised through the APEDS (ATOC Professional Engineer Development Scheme) scheme for developing young engineers in the industry to Chartered Engineer level. Through this I undertake work placements experiencing the differing ‘blocks’ that operate together to run a rail network e.g. traction systems, operations, infrastructure etc.
This has involved lots of variety from spending a month at Toton TMD to travelling to manufacturing facilities in Czech Republic and Poland. Another interesting placement I went on was during the construction of a new LNER Peppercorn Class A1 mainline steam locomotive compliant with the latest group standards.
Commissioning of new Class 66 Locomotives upon delivery into the UK at Newport Docks
Projects
Since the ‘year’ of work placements is stretched over two years it provides me the opportunity to work on ESG projects during my development.
Typical projects being:
Class 58 locomotive - Feasibility study of an increased track-gauge version
MEA wagon - high track force investigation
Class 60 – Implementation of Silicon Nitride camshaft rollers
Class 58 locomotive – Wheelset design
Class 66 locomotive – Commissioning 8 new locomotives at Newport Docks
3D / FEA of various components
FEA model of a wagon suspension damper bracket using Ansys Workbench
I am particularly happy that I’m working with experienced engineers that I can learn from and gain confidence in the tasks I do. I feel this is important for developing engineers and ESG satisfies this with most engineers serving the rail industry from the days of British Rail.
Future Plans
The unique situation of the rail industry being split into differing companies still does not detract from the fact that all are striving for the same goal, to help run a modern and efficient rail network. This fact means you feel part of the industry ‘family’ and get to meet many people from other companies.
I therefore am very much enjoying my position at ESG and wish to continue as I have over the last year, trying to identify particular areas to specialise in and build up my competence to satisfy my CEng requirements
