Train Planning Placement Review

Daily tasks include investigating incidents attributed to train planning and keeping tabs on and documenting special events around the network. Regular tasks then include creating documents summarizing engineering works, producing statistics using Excel and collating them together. You will host meetings and document and minute their outcomes. All this whilst learning how to utilize the various specialized Train Planning software.

There are a lot of important responsibilities delegated to the placements - some of which are business critical! You must be on top of all your work at all times, and that can take some getting used to when there are so many different tasks taking place simultaneously. When hosting and minuting meetings, it is the placement's responsibility to ensure confidential information is dealt with in a suitable manner and that personal data is protected.

In order to carry out this placement successfully, you will have a keen eye for detail and analysis. I've come to realise that detail trumps speed, and also the importance of effective organization of work. From the continual liaison with colleagues, I've been lucky to have learnt a lot about railway policy, the British rail industry (both in an historical and contemporary context) and the technicalities and processes behind a safe, reliable railway.

Lots - everyone in the department is friendly and approachable and have a lot of time for the placements. This placement scheme actually runs for 14 months - there is a 2 months overlap at the start where you will receive full-time training from the previous placements, and a 2 month overlap at the end for existing placements to give training to next year's cohort. Software and acronyms can be daunting at first - but don't worry!

GTR provides comprehensive training on data protection, company ethos, anti-discrimination law etc. Train Planning requires continual liaison between so team bonding is commonplace. The department is inclusive, and evening socials are commonplace.

As a railway enthusiast beforehand, I absolutely loved the placement and relished in the expertise of more experienced colleagues. I feel I've come out a better person - both in terms of furthering railway knowledge, and also of general transferrable skills. The fact you are in the 'deep end' of railway decision making is also highly motivating.

Yes