Originally from Venezuela, design engineer Jonathan Telesca joined the enGauged team in 2021. He explains how, with the support of his team, he’s forging a successful career in rail.

'If I could offer newcomers to the UK rail industry one piece of advice, it would be ‘spend time around knowledgeable people, and ask them as many questions as possible.’

It’s an approach that served me well when I emigrated to the UK from Venezuela and secured my first role in the rail industry, as an assistant design engineer with specialist design practice enGauged. With the support of enGauged’s team, I’m now studying for a master’s degree in engineering and working towards chartered engineer status.

New opportunities in the UK

A qualified civil engineer, I struggled to find work due to the economic and political climate in my home country of Venezuela. After emigrating to England, I secured an engineering role, but soon recognised that it wasn’t the right fit for me.

When I interviewed with enGauged, I knew very little about the rail industry – besides the fact that trains run on two rails! Nevertheless, I was aware that the role would involve some civil engineering, and felt ready to gain experience in a new sector. After learning more about the projects enGauged undertakes – and being impressed by managing director Steve Whitmore and principal engineer Chris Seagar – I realised it was the kind of company I wanted to work for.

I started out as an assistant but explained that I was keen to become a design engineer – something I’ve since achieved. Today, I’m involved in the design of everything from temporary works and lineside buildings to footbridges, depots and platforms.

Bridging knowledge gaps

But a lack of rail knowledge initially threatened to hold me back. It was during this period that I realised just how important the right guidance is for newcomers to the rail industry. Unlike Venezuela, the UK has countless industry bodies and organisations; Steve and the team helped me to understand them, providing all the information I needed.

And, to qualify for a Personal Track Safety Card, you need basic knowledge of the rail industry. To prepare, I had a series of sessions with Steve and Lee, who also took me to Crewe station and showed me around.

I quickly realised that designers should take every opportunity to go onsite. These visits were very beneficial for me, helping me to understand the assets I was designing. Ultimately, getting out of the office and gaining practical experience is essential for industry newcomers.

Being willing to ask questions (even if they seem silly) is equally important. At enGauged, I work with some incredibly experienced engineers – but they’re always keen to share their knowledge with me. In my first three months with the business, I asked question after question, even having hour-long sessions with Steve to discuss the industry. I was never overwhelmed; the team fed me information gradually, ensuring that I could take it on board. I learned that, if you don’t know something, you should just ask.

Mastering a new industry

The team’s support has also enabled me to pursue a master’s degree in engineering via the Open University. I began the home-based course (which includes modules on project and business management) shortly before joining enGauged. Today, the business allows me to take study breaks, and grants me time off when I need it. While I’m able to complete most of my work at the weekend, it requires real effort, and meeting deadlines can prove challenging. Those days off make a big difference.

I’m also working to become a chartered engineer via the Permanent Way Institution (PWI). There are so many industry bodies to choose from, and I wasn’t sure which one was right for me. Steve pointed me in the direction of PWI, explaining that I could always join different organisations in future.

New responsibilities

And being new to the industry doesn’t mean you can’t progress – again, it’s often just a case of asking. I regularly ask for more involvement in projects, and Steve will always strive to make it happen.

I’ve been afforded some great opportunities. My first project was an industry-first report for Network Rail; it focused on replacing the concrete surrounding piles with gravel and has since been accepted. I’ve also been involved in the Wixams station development and am just starting work on the electrification of route section two and three on the Midland Main Line. It’s a large project and Steve gave me that responsibility, showing that he believes in me.

In the future, I’d like to become a senior design engineer, perhaps bringing my business or project management expertise into play. And if I’ve learned one thing as a newcomer to the rail industry, it’s that finding the right team is key. The environment at enGauged is very supportive, and if you’re unsure of something, a colleague will guide you. You might find yourself working for a great company – but if you don’t have a supportive and experienced team, the job becomes harder. 

If you are looking for a career in the rail industry, check out our careers page for opportunities work with us

Check out this months issue of Rail Professional to catch our MD Steve Whitmore in conversation

https://issuu.com/railpro/docs/rp_uk_june_2023_issuu_v2?fr=sMDY4ZjYwMTIxNTg 

UK rail is facing a significant skills crisis with The National Skills Academy for Rail (NSAR) warned the combination of increased demand, an ageing labour force, and reliance on European workers is driving the industry ever closer to an employment "cliff edge".

We strive to empower our team and support them to access further education, and hopefully contribute in reducing this gap. Our commitment to our employees and their future is paramount to our business and we are proud to have supported two employees, senior design engineer Lee Ratchford and trainee technician engineer Finley Haigh to access further education.

Read more here: https://issuu.com/raildirector/docs/rdmay23/26 

We have some amazing news to share!  Investors in People have assessed us… and we are thrilled to let you know that we have achieved We invest in people silver accreditation!

We believe that the success of our organisation begins and ends with people and that it is people that make work better

We are looking forward to exhibiting at the RIN event at Derby Arena on 8th September 2022.

This event is always a great success and we are looking forward to meeting everyone there! For more information on the event visit - www.rinevents.co.uk/venue/derby

Finley and Luke are joining us for the summer for work experience.  We will be providing them with an insight into civil engineering and the rail industry.

Finley has just completed his first year of a T-Level 3 course in Design, Survey & Planning.

Quote from Finley ”Working at enGauged has really expanded my knowledge about civil engineering as well as how a company works.  I think it is the best experience I can possibly get, the planning system of work they have in place is really useful when it comes to projects.” 

Luke has just completed his second year of a General Engineering degree.

Quote from Luke ”Working at enGauged has given me an incredible insight into how a professional engineering company operates. It has given me the opportunity to further develop my CAD skills, learn new software and put my university studies to practical use.”

We would like to welcome David McLaughlin to the team as Technical Director.  David has 22 years’ experience in the rail industry in a mix of client, contractor and designer roles.  He has held senior positions managing both design production and construction delivery of multi-million pound projects across the UK.  David is a Chartered Engineer and a member of the Institution of Civil Engineers.

The event will take place on 10th March 2022 at

The Business Design Centre
52 Upper Street
London,
N1 0QH

We hope to see you there!