Changing careers can feel like a big step, especially if you’re already working and unsure what will come next. We spoke to Alex, a student training at the EKC Training’s Rail Engineering Centre (Shepherdswell), about why he decided to make the move into the railway industry and what the experience has been like so far.
Why I applied for the course
Before this course, I was working at McDonald’s. It wasn’t my favourite job in the world and knew I didn’t want to work there forever, if I’m honest. My dad works on the railway, so I’ve always had an inclination I’d like to get into it too, and when my mum saw this course come up, we thought I’d apply and see how it goes.
I didn’t really know what to expect, but I knew I wanted something different, and this felt like a good opportunity to go for it. The application process was actually very easy. It was just an email at first. Then I had to attend an induction day, and about a week later I was already enrolled and starting the course. It was very straightforward and a quick turnaround, which helped a lot because it didn’t feel like a massive hurdle just to get started.
Learning what the job is really like
The first couple of weeks were classroom-based. We were learning Personal Track Safety (PTS) questions and everything you really need to know before you get on the track.
Once our PPE arrived, we were ready to get straight out on the track, working as much as possible. All of the PPE gets ordered and paid for by the College, which is great. It’s one less thing we have to worry about getting sorted or paying for.
So far, we’ve done four weeks and already learnt how to change ballasts, move sleepers, and fix the rails. We’ve covered a lot in a short space of time, but it’s been very good and our tutor, Jason, is great. It hasn’t been overwhelming. He can have a laugh in the classroom and makes things very interactive and funny, but when we’re on the rail, he takes it very seriously. You’ve got to take it seriously, especially when you’re training for a real job.
He definitely knows what he’s doing, which is very helpful, and that gives you confidence in what you’re learning.
Life on the course as a student
Once we were on the tracks, I’d say we spent about 80% of our time out there. Usually, we’d come back at the end of the day and spend the last half an hour in the classroom going over questions and track safety.
It really varies as well. Some days we won’t do any classwork because we’ve excelled in it, but other days we’ve obviously lacked, so we need to do more. It depends on the work we’re doing and the day, which I think works well.
I’m also really enjoying the group of people I’m learning with, they’re very funny and charismatic. There are definitely a few who can tell some jokes and have a good time, but when there’s work to be done, they know what to do.
It’s a good experience because you can crack on and get the work done, but you can also enjoy it. We’ve got a really good group, a lot of us even go out after work, so it almost feels like we’re just friends. It’s a lot better than a lot of other jobs I’ve done.
We also have some friendly competition that spurs us on to do our best work. On our first day on the tracks, we were changing sleepers. Jason paired us up and we had to see who could do it quickest. Me and one of the guys came first by a while. It was one of those moments where I thought, you know what, maybe I actually could do this. It felt really good — and I did get to rub it in their faces a bit.
What next?
Hopefully, I’ll go on to work for Network Rail. I know it’s hard to get into and it’s highly competitive, but that’s the end goal – a full contract.
Even if it takes time to get to where I’d like to be, this course has helped me understand what the work is really like and what’s expected so I can apply for jobs and already have an insight into the role.
That’s one of the best things I’ve learnt – if you’re in a job you don’t really like and you’re worried about changing careers, you’ve just got to go for it. Your life’s never going to change if you’re not going to change it yourself.
Thinking about a career in the railway industry?
Alex’s story is just one example of how practical, hands-on training can help people build confidence and move into a new job.
Find out more about training opportunities at the EKC Training Rail Centre at Shepherdswell.