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Rail Engineer • March 2015
Ilford Depot. Many more projects have been undertaken since those early days, some with total design, install and test responsibility. These latter include the Doncaster North Chord, Ilford Depot expansion and associated signalling and the Killingholme turnback facility. ‘Bread and butter’ work remains signalling works design and testing projects and these recently include Selby swing bridge, Tyne Dock, Winsford, North Yorkshire, Cambridge CD/RA, Bromsgrove, Low Moor, Brierfield and Huncoat. A significant contract won directly from Network Rail is to test and commission the upgrade of 10 AOCL+B (automatic open crossings, locally monitored, with barriers) level crossings. The 10-year national programme for switch and crossing renewals always involves signalling changes and, as part of this, TICS has a relationship with both Colas and Amey-Sersa for the associated signalling design and works testing. Currently, TICS has testing resources deployed on the Balcombe resignalling project in the Brighton area as part of Three Bridges ROC introduction and at Hereford where a major signalling scheme is underway. In addition, and outside the Network Rail arena, TICS is working with Associated British Ports (ABP) and Graham Construction at Killingholme - carrying out signalling design, install, test and commissioning activities on the remodelling of the sidings as the port expands its operations.
Nor is TICS (Global) work confined to the UK. A contract in NW Australia in connection with the double tracking of a freight railway near to Port Hedland led to 17 staff being deployed there for testing responsibilities. Some apparently enjoyed it so much they decided to stay, but this is all part of the competitive pressures for recruiting experienced signal engineers worldwide. Other testing work overseas has included the Oporto (Portugal) and Athens Metros.
Future prospects Like many others, TICS has grown from a small to medium size company and this brings new and more demanding responsibilities such as ensuring all staff have the correct technical credentials. For design, installation and testing engineers, the qualification needed is an IRSE licence. All TICS engineers hold suitable
categories, and this not only has to be worked for in the first place but kept up to date through five and ten year reviews. As companies grow, they should accept the need to recruit and train new staff, especially school leavers. TICS is proud that it has taken on eight apprentices who are busy learning the intricacies of the signalling profession as well as studying for a Level 3 Diploma in electrical/ electronic engineering and NVQ Level 2 in performing engineering operations. Doing ‘real’ work as part of this training all adds to both the satisfaction and usefulness of the trainees. As with all organisations in the signalling business, the introduction of new technology is outstripping the supply of engineers and technicians to both design and maintain the ensuing systems. TICS is well aware that it has to learn the intricacies of ETCS, CBTC, new level crossing techniques, radio transmission and other emerging technologies. This will not be easy and it will mean investment in training, test equipment and worldwide familiarisation visits if the appropriate skill sets are to be obtained for the company to adapt. So, is small beautiful? Certainly, a niche market has evolved for small signalling companies which can capitalise on the expertise of the ‘grey haired’ brigade who, for whatever reasons, left the mainstream rail industry in the postprivatisation era but who wish to continue using their hard gained knowledge for the benefit of the profession. Most companies of this type have succeeded, perhaps beyond their wildest dreams, but the workforce is ageing and many employees will have to face retirement before too long. The more enlightened companies will recognise this and plan for recruiting new staff to cover the technician, engineer and management roles. TICS can already boast having 25% of staff who did not previously work in the rail industry. Career progression is recognised as important, resulting in a very low staff turnover. The company ticks all the relevant boxes and must be wished well with its endeavours. Thanks to TICS chairman Les May and managing director Mark Cusack for facilitating the visit.