So I'm joining Network Rail - anyone else there?
Discussion
Hi all,
Very long time lurker and sparse poster, but I frequent the forums every day and they've been great for advice for everything from my MX5 through to job advice.
I am interested to find out if anyone on here works for Network Rail - I'm starting for NR in 3 weeks as a Scheme PM, and I'm looking for some advice on what to expect in terms of working culture, attitude, learning curve, responsibilities of a Scheme PM.
I'm coming from an engineering/PM background but no rail experience - can anyone recommend any background reading that will help me hit the ground running? I'm going to be working on Electrification, Plant and Signalling, though I suspect this is a huge wide ranging area. I don't have much more info available although I do know the programme of works, but it covers a huge area and a budget of £1bn or so over the next 6 years.
Finally, I will be joining on a 4 month contract with an extension or permanent job at the end of it - any info on how day rate contractors are perceived within NR, any particular etiquette etc? what determines my likelihood of securing a future contract apart from performance?
Any advice, stories, inside info or recommending reading would be really appreciated!
Very long time lurker and sparse poster, but I frequent the forums every day and they've been great for advice for everything from my MX5 through to job advice.
I am interested to find out if anyone on here works for Network Rail - I'm starting for NR in 3 weeks as a Scheme PM, and I'm looking for some advice on what to expect in terms of working culture, attitude, learning curve, responsibilities of a Scheme PM.
I'm coming from an engineering/PM background but no rail experience - can anyone recommend any background reading that will help me hit the ground running? I'm going to be working on Electrification, Plant and Signalling, though I suspect this is a huge wide ranging area. I don't have much more info available although I do know the programme of works, but it covers a huge area and a budget of £1bn or so over the next 6 years.
Finally, I will be joining on a 4 month contract with an extension or permanent job at the end of it - any info on how day rate contractors are perceived within NR, any particular etiquette etc? what determines my likelihood of securing a future contract apart from performance?
Any advice, stories, inside info or recommending reading would be really appreciated!
I work for Network Rail, but in a different part of the company, so can't offer much info on project management I'm afraid. In general terms though, they are pretty good to work for, although pay rises for band 1-4 staff (I think a SPM is band 4), have been suppressed compared to lots of other areas of the company, and I don't see this situation changing, so make sure you negotiate a good salary if/when you join full time, as it's not likely to go up much annually thereafter, unless you get a promotion (there a good progression opportunities so this should be a possibility).
NR are also one of the few companies to still offer a final salary pension, but you only get a one off chance to join it, after 3 years service - my advice is to take it!
Happy to try to answer any other questions....
NR are also one of the few companies to still offer a final salary pension, but you only get a one off chance to join it, after 3 years service - my advice is to take it!
Happy to try to answer any other questions....
I work for NWR, in projects, have been a Scheme PM although more track than signalling or E&P.
Working for a project there is no difference between how contract staff and company staff are treated as it is very much the norm in this environment and the industry. You will be without a doubt better paid as a contractor than a full time employee. SPM is a band 4, generally known as the worst band to be, a lot of responsibility without the high salary/benefits of the 1-3 bands. Starting salary for a band 4 is 24k pa, ranging up to late 50's early 60's, if you are offered a job with no real railway experience expect a massive pay cut from being a contractor.
But all that aside you can progress well with the right attitude, the training offered is basically as wide as you want it to be and nearly everyone I've ever met will be friendly and helpful.
Only thing I would say is that it is very intense, most projects expect band 4 and above to be available 24/7, do long hours, be on call (not all the time) and work weekends. So be prepared for that, they will probably chuck you in at the deep end, harsh but easiest way to learn quickly
Other than that enjoy. It's not a bad place to work.
PM me if you have specific questions.
Working for a project there is no difference between how contract staff and company staff are treated as it is very much the norm in this environment and the industry. You will be without a doubt better paid as a contractor than a full time employee. SPM is a band 4, generally known as the worst band to be, a lot of responsibility without the high salary/benefits of the 1-3 bands. Starting salary for a band 4 is 24k pa, ranging up to late 50's early 60's, if you are offered a job with no real railway experience expect a massive pay cut from being a contractor.
But all that aside you can progress well with the right attitude, the training offered is basically as wide as you want it to be and nearly everyone I've ever met will be friendly and helpful.
Only thing I would say is that it is very intense, most projects expect band 4 and above to be available 24/7, do long hours, be on call (not all the time) and work weekends. So be prepared for that, they will probably chuck you in at the deep end, harsh but easiest way to learn quickly
Other than that enjoy. It's not a bad place to work.
PM me if you have specific questions.
Thanks for both of your replies, some reassuring info there and good advice.
Well aware of the financial difference down from contracting, this is my first contract and took it as saw it as a good 'in' to the rail industry.
I'm happy to be in at the deep end, confident I can learn quickly.
Anonamoose, I may well get in touch when I have started with any specific questions - thanks for the offer, very kind.
Fingers crossed!
Well aware of the financial difference down from contracting, this is my first contract and took it as saw it as a good 'in' to the rail industry.
I'm happy to be in at the deep end, confident I can learn quickly.
Anonamoose, I may well get in touch when I have started with any specific questions - thanks for the offer, very kind.
Fingers crossed!
Gareth1974 said:
NR are also one of the few companies to still offer a final salary pension, but you only get a one off chance to join it, after 3 years service - my advice is to take it!
Which part of the company are you in, as I required 5 years of service and the final salary has been replaced with an average salary one, it changed about 6~9 months ago.I work for NR too and I think it's a good company to work for. It can be very varied and challenging, if that's what you're after.
Thanks for the advice in here.
7 months in and its been great. Already been through my first re-org and survived.
Its been a great challenge and there is much to learn, far my complex than my previous sector.
I think I've already established myself as particularly competent, given I was poached by another PM during the re-org. Now in a new delivery team managing some...topical...projects.
There are a lot of politics; there is also a severe lack of accountability, enthusiasm, common goals and terrible communication/planning. But this will just make successful commissionings that much more satisfying.
7 months in and its been great. Already been through my first re-org and survived.
Its been a great challenge and there is much to learn, far my complex than my previous sector.
I think I've already established myself as particularly competent, given I was poached by another PM during the re-org. Now in a new delivery team managing some...topical...projects.
There are a lot of politics; there is also a severe lack of accountability, enthusiasm, common goals and terrible communication/planning. But this will just make successful commissionings that much more satisfying.
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