Network Rail Interview, Overhead Line Tech

[SandyJ]

Hello all, new to the forum. Found this while looking for info about a Job Interview I have coming up. Its with Network Rail as an Overhead Line Technician. I have almost 20 years experience as an industrial electrician and I am really hoping to do well at the interview and do my best to secure this job.
If there is anyone who has any tips about what to expect at the interview, or about the job itself that they would be willing to share then I would be very grateful. I have been reading up about Network Rails safety vision, and writing possible questions and answers that I might expect based on previous interviews, albeit not in the rail industry.

 

[The One]

I can tell you it’s 25000 volts and AC just remember safety at all times.

It’s operated by what they call a ECO Electrical Control Officer basically they have control over the electrical network.
When on track I believe you have to be in the possession of a C form not that tells people it’s been isolated and the limits
That’s all I can say really but remember safety at all times

Good luck

 

[The One]

Correction sorry lol

C form it tells people it has been isolated within those limits

 

[BMoore]

You will be askes about network rails safety vision which is 'Everyone home safe every day' and there are 10 lifesaving rules, you will find these on the following link https://www.networkrail.co.uk/who-we-are/our-approach-to-safety/our-safety-vision/

 

[Unknockable]

Form C*

Good job getting the opportunity to work on Overhead lines. That’s A department I wouldn’t mind going to (been on pway 3 years and S+T almost one year now)
From my experience with NWR operative interviews you’ll be asked basic scenario based questions which can be thought of on the spot like ‘Can you give me a time when you challenge authority’ or Can you give me a time when you’ve had to take charge of a group’ and you’ll be asked basic electrical questions to test your general knowledge on electrical like ‘What’s the voltage of a plug socket’, ‘what does a transformer do’ or like ‘What kind of power runs through a car battery’ you’ll have no problem there if you have electrical experience like yourself. Always relate safety to your answers

 

[SandyJ]

Thanks for the replys folks, very helpful, appreciated

 

[steverailer]

Depending what depot you're based at and what they do it'll either be CAPEX or OPEX.

CAPEX is the capital expenditure side and deal with renewals and replacement, so you'll do more changing of the wires and the upgrading side
OPEX is the operational expenditure, so more of what we call the tippy tappy work, checking whats already up there is where it should be and what condition its in.

Training is good with NWR, you will be attending your full shift hours per day, but not working those full hours (maybe 3 or 4 hours of actual work). Pay wise its a decent rate, and decent work schedule, they usually provide you with tools as well.

Good luck with the interview

 

[thecrofter]

I have almost 20 years experience as an industrial electrician and I am really hoping to do well at the interview and do my best to secure this job.

Don't want to disappoint you, but as an Electrician you should be aware that in Network Rail's Electrification & Plant (E&P) departments, Overhead Line is essentially a mechanical discipline. The electrical elements (Volts & Amps) and equipment such as HV (& LV) switchgear and control systems will be under the jurisdiction of Distribution & Plant teams. If your interview is with either Maintenance or Works Delivery (as mentioned above in OPEX/CAPEX terms), OLE Technicians will generally be the people who maintain the infrastructure following prescribed OLE Work Instructions.

 

[Unknockable]

Don't want to disappoint you, but as an Electrician you should be aware that in Network Rail's Electrification & Plant (E&P) departments, Overhead Line is essentially a mechanical discipline. The electrical elements (Volts & Amps) and equipment such as HV (& LV) switchgear and control systems will be under the jurisdiction of Distribution & Plant teams. If your interview is with either Maintenance or Works Delivery (as mentioned above in OPEX/CAPEX terms), OLE Technicians will generally be the people who maintain the infrastructure following prescribed OLE Work Instructions.

You sound clued up, do you work on OLE? I wonder if it’s a department worth applying to. I’ve been on NWR since 2015 (Pway 2 years and S&T almost a year now)

 

[thecrofter]

Without giving too much away, I am part of that sector yes and am well versed in the business of E&P.
As to whether any individual would suit a particular role or discipline is very much down to that person and their qualities and aspirations.