Ahead of International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) on June 23, nijobfinder caught up with Clare Crooks, a Railway Signalling Design Engineer with Translink to discover more about her role, how she felt about entering a male dominated industry and what advice she would give to other women wishing to pursue a career in the sector.
Read how she became a Railway Signalling Design Engineer at Translink
What is your job title and what does your role involve?
My job title is Railway Signalling Design Engineer. It has many different aspects but mainly involves producing design for new projects being installed across the railway network to Network Rail Standards and updating the site records when completed.
I provide technical support to many other departments within Translink including Rail Operations and Permanent Way (track), and to contractors when issues need resolved. I also participate on the Signal Sighting Committee to ensure signals, signs, etc. are positioned in compliant positions so that train drivers can read the information correctly. Recently, I was part of a team of Engineers who assessed all the level crossings on the network producing reports for remedial works.
What was your career background/training?
In 2005 I started my apprenticeship in Railway Engineering (Traction and Rolling Stock), once I completed it, I was offered a permanent role in the mechanical workshops as a Fleet Technician overhauling the trains. Whilst in this role I commenced a part time BEng Hons Engineering (Electrical/Electronic) sponsored by Translink.
Whilst undertaking my apprenticeship I won the GoSkills UK Railway apprentice of the year in 2007 and the ETC (Engineering Training Council) Northern Ireland maintenance apprentice of the year in 2009.
In 2012 I moved to the infrastructure department within Translink to work in Signalling and Telecoms as a Fault and Maintenance Technician. In this role I maintained the signalling equipment on the railway line and would respond quickly to any faults or issues which arose. I work in all weather conditions to get the passengers to their destination.
Then in 2017 I applied for the role of Signalling Design Engineer. I have been fortunate that Translink have supported me throughout my career, helping me to develop and affording me the opportunity to undertake further training to ensure that I can achieve my goals.
Had you any apprehensions about entering what is seen as a male dominated industry?
I always had the support and belief from my Mum and Dad to pursue whatever career I wanted but it wasn’t until my first day that I actually realised how intimidating it can be to walk into a workshop of over 100 men and zero females!
Now 16 years later I’m still here and really enjoying my role. I have been fortunate to be working alongside knowledgeable people who are supportive and have mentored me to become the engineer that I am today.
Is the industry what you expected it to be?
To be honest I didn’t know what to expect and even now, every day, I face different challenges and issues I need to overcome, but I wouldn’t change anything or go back.
As a woman in engineering have you faced any challenges and if so what support have you received?
Of course, at the beginning it was difficult, I was the only female in the workshop, but things are changing and it’s good to see! I kept my head down, did my work and asked for help if I needed it. Managers and colleagues have been supportive throughout, a previous supervisor did acknowledge that he worried how I would do the job but soon the workshop was a better place with me in it. That meant a lot and I’m glad I overcame my initial apprehension allowing me to develop skills and a career I love.
What advice would you give to other women considering a career in engineering?
Just go for it! Life is too short not to do something you enjoy.
Is there anything that you know now that you wish you’d known sooner?
That I can do as good a job, if not better, as everyone else and I need to believe in myself more.
For current employment opportunities with Translink visit nijobfinder.
Follow nijobfinder on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn to see the latest jobs and to ensure your dream job won’t pass you by.