I've just applied to do an access course to study to be a paramedic as I yearn for a change in career.
You'd think so but they don't. The track is split into sections, typically anything from a few hundred metres to more than a mile long. Each section is electrically isolated from the next, and a voltage is applied across the two rails; when a train occupies a section the wheel sets short out the voltage and this is detected by lineside equipment and a 'section-occupied' message transmitted to the signalling control system. This is known as a 'track circuit' and you only really get to hear about them when they go wrong ('we are sorry to announce a delay to your journey because of a track circuit failure at Willesden Junction'). Funnily enough the project I work will put transponders on the trains and do away with track circuits... It's the future, and you predicted it!
Been a project manager for the last 16 years. Done some great stuff (Global Retail PM for Nokia and Roll-out PM for Imperial Tobacco) which gave me opportunities to work in just about every European country, the US, Hong Kong, Russia, Ukraine, Turkey etc etc. Now in a new office about 4 miles from my home. I don't miss sitting about in airports, or the monthly taxi bill, that's for sure!
It's alright mate cheers. It's weird working for a little local firm rather than a multi-national. The bosses actually know your name for a start!
Decided at a young age, to only do things I enjoy... So only took school subjects I enjoyed, working on the principal if I learn what I enjoy I will never have bad days at work.... I qualified as a Robotic Engineer, then took a bit of time to work out what jobs I could actually do with the qualification... then when the penny dropped travelled the world installing plasma and laser cutters for a few years, then moved into Aerospace... 16years on I have been privileged to witness some amazing first flights, test some incredibly expensive toys, and overall have had a proper laugh with some of the brightest buttons in the box... Actual work is colouring in spreadsheets, simple stuff, but it took a bit to learn which colour goes into which square and what to do when the coloured pens run out! I am happy to say I love my job, and love the fun and adventure it brings.... I try to learn something each day, and always have a five year plan to keep pushing me on to better things, but the bit about only doing what I enjoy has never left me... once I don't enjoy something I move on... life is too short, and the world is a stunning place to discover
Dead interesting! Don't know a guy called John Cooper do you? I think he was one of the project managers on untangling the knotted ball of wool that is London Bridge.