Obi Mbonu: Amey graduate
Employer: Amey
University: University of Plymouth
Subject: BSc electrical and electronic systems
I’ve always been interested by rail – when travelling on the train, I used to think about what makes the trains go and how the equipment by the side of the tracks makes it work. Until I started looking for a job, I had no idea that I could work in it. I came across my employer’s website and the work sounded interesting.
Electrical and manual work
I’m an electrical engineer, working with the signalling and telecoms department in Bristol – and I’m currently on a placement with the Bristol Depot installation team. I work on site at stations and on railway lines: one day I could be working on the railway line at the station; the next day I might make up track leads out on the track; another day I might work on cables in the location cabinet and in the relay room. I do both electrical and manual work and I’m usually based on site, but I spend some time in the office too. I enjoy getting my hands dirty – and it’s great to know that I’m making the world a better place.
A recent project included changing and putting in two new points machines using the high performance switch system (HPSS) for a station near Bristol. This also involved putting in new track circuits, disc boxes and location cabinets, and running new cable where required. We removed huge pieces of track, brought in new ones and welded them onto the rail. It was amazing to see the details up close. Recently I helped to build a level crossing: we ripped out the old level crossing, got rid of the old equipment, and put a new crossing in. It took a couple of weeks of full possession, so we had to close the railway. We had no problems with the local people: they were told in advance that it had to be closed, and they appreciated the work we were doing. Being there from the start until the end of the project was a real highlight.
A rewarding industry
The industry is different from everything else I’ve experienced. People think it will be boring but it’s not. Some days are quiet, other days are busy, but it’s always challenging. It’s hard work but it’s rewarding. I’ve had to adjust to working on the night shift. If you have to close the railways, it’s inconveniencing other people so you have to do the work as fast as possible and work at all hours. I sometimes feel that I should be in bed but instead I’m working on the track. I’ll get used to it, though. Working in the cold can be tough, but I enjoy working outside in the hot weather. I also enjoy the work because I work in a team with amazing people.
I tend to ask a lot of questions: it’s the best way to learn. When people have done the job for 20 or 30 years, they are happy to pass on their knowledge. One day, I hope that young engineers will be coming up to me and asking the same questions.