Simon Skinner, Engineering Director at SPL Powerlines, will join us at the upcoming Electrification Seminar to co-chair our breakout session on MVP and take part in the day’s panel discussion. Read on to learn more about Simon and the valuable experience he brings to the industry.
About Simon
Simon Skinner is a Chartered Engineer and a Fellow of both the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and the Permanent Way Institution (PWI). With more than 20 years of experience in the rail industry, Simon has led major infrastructure projects across design, construction, and engineering management. He played a pivotal role as Engineering Lead on the £500 million Midland Main Line Electrification Programme, delivering over 300 km of electrification systems. Now a board member at SPL Powerlines UK, Simon continues to drive innovation and best practices in rail electrification. He also actively contributes to the wider engineering community through his volunteer work with the PWI.
How did you start your career in the rail industry?
I started as a CAD Technician with what was WS Atkins, now AtkinsRéalis, in September 1999. My job was supporting the remodelling of Proof House Junction, the main throat into Birmingham New Street.
Tell us a little about your career experiences to date (slightly different from the information in your bio, please feel free to be more anecdotal, talk about specific projects, your personal achievements etc)
I started in design then moved onto site for a period of years. I spend several years “working behind a tamper” on track renewals on the MML and WCML doing Heights and stagger assessments and associated adjustments. This was a good baseline in understanding the OLE system and how the OLE integrates into the railway in terms of construction planning including Isolation Management. I moved into more project works and fortunate enough to work on some amazing and award-winning projects such as Hitchin High Grade separation project and Nuneaton remodelling. I ended up the working for MML and was asked to be the Electrification CEM (Contractors Engineering Manager) for the £350m scheme, my first CEM role.
What does an average day look like for you?
Very varied, lots of strategic planning for the business, resource planning and attempting to stop my self diving into day-to-day engineering project matters!
Why did you want to present in a PWI technical seminar?
I sit on the Electrification Committee for the PWI and as a Fellow. Part of being part of the Engineering community, I have an engineering responsibility to give something back. It’s important that we and the industry continuously learn, from the good and bad experiences we all have. The PWI seminars are a great platform to do this.
What’s the best bit of advice you have for someone looking to work in the rail industry?
Work hard, push boundaries and don’t be scared to ask questions, particularly around what any acronym stands for!
What are some of the biggest challenges of your current role?
Pipeline and continuity of skills. The Railway pipeline is hugely fluctuating now; ensuing we maintain skills and our supply chains, such as supporting SME’s is vital to maintain a safe and future fully decarbonised railway.
What do you enjoy most about your current role?
It’s very varied, can be hugely stressful but incredibly fulfilling.
Huge thanks to Simon for sharing his insights – we’re excited to have him join us!
