Name: Elen Jones
University attended: Cardiff University
Degree obtained: MEng Electrical and Electronic Engineering

After graduating from Cardiff University, Elen joined Network Rail on their electrical engineering scheme. Currently working in the Electrification & Plant Test Section, she is about to move into Overhead Line Equipment.

I initially thought my career options would be limited to heavy industry manufacturing companies. However, when I chatted to representatives from Network Rail at a careers fair, I began to realise the amazing opportunities they offered electrical engineers. The variety of work impressed me, as well as the fact that I could use my interest in the power-related area to go into Electrification & Plant (E&P). I’ve never wanted to be stuck in an office, so I jumped at the opportunity the engineering scheme offered to get out and about and see different parts of the country.

Genuine interest

The application and assessment process was straightforward - although the assessment day coincided with the day I had to hand in my final year project, which made it doubly nerve-wracking! The interviews were particularly rewarding, as the managers seemed genuinely interested in what I’d been studying and in my work experience. That’s the thing about Network Rail: you get a real sense that they’re keen to attract engineering talent and show an ongoing interest in your development.

The induction process was useful - especially meeting everyone else who had joined at the same time - and we gained some technical understanding of the railway, which helped on my first placement. My first few weeks were spent across the disciplines - Signal Maintenance, Telecoms and E&P. I struggled to decide which to specialise in as all appealed, but I finally went for E&P. It has always interested me and the equipment was familiar from my previous work experience.

Wide experience

Since then, I’ve had real breadth of exposure. I’ve worked in operations with the route director’s organisation in Swindon and Cardiff, which has given insight into how engineering affects operations. I’ve spent time in London on a signalling power supplies project, which involved surveying and developing a plan for testing the system. I’ve also worked on traction and rolling stock with First Great Western looking at train maintenance, as well as spending a few months in the London head office with the professional heads of E&P, looking at setting policies and standards and giving advice to territories. This also saw me help develop a database for renewals work.

I am currently working in the E&P Test Section based in Lewisham, although the work covers the whole country. The team tests the electrification system and assesses elements such as voltage profiles, taking equipment such as rectifiers out of service to monitor results and see the effect on voltage and any potential impacts on train service. We also investigate faults and make recommendations.

Challenging future

I am about to move into Overhead Line Equipment (OLE) as an OLE technical officer based in Crewe. I helped to establish a new team there and I’m going back to do another placement. If all goes well, I hope to stay there and am looking forward to seeing a project through from start to finish. Eventually, I’d like to move into Project Engineering or Project Management. I’m also keen to get my Chartership, which the company fully supports and assists its graduates in achieving - an encouraging thought.

I was expecting some negativity about being a woman in engineering, especially as I had encountered some resistance in a previous job. But I must say I’ve only found Network Rail to be welcoming and encouraging. I think it goes back to the organisation being passionate about bringing in fresh talent whatever their gender or background and seeing it develop within the industry.