How did you start your career in the rail industry?
Moving away from a structural steelwork draughtsman’s role in a warm office to working weekend nights site delivering renewals for BRIS, British Rail Infrastructure Services and immediately loved this new world of rail.

Tell us a little about your career experiences to date.
I have been extremely lucky over the years in my Rail Career. With over 20 years in total working at Manchester Metrolink I have seen how it has shaped into the machine that it is now. Some areas are still young but to accept the challenge in maturing these practices and embracing new concepts.

What does an average day look like for you? 
Managing the daily challenges that maintenance creates. Challenging production and inspection performance. Escalating items of concern and ensuring good communications are maintained internally and with our client TfGM.

Why did you want to present in a PWI technical seminar? 
The light rail industry has many common elements to that of the heavy rail sector. The opportunity to promote the light rail sector is appreciated.

What’s the best bit of advice you have for someone looking to work in the rail industry? 
Embrace the opportunities that this amazing world has to offer. Every day is a school day.

What are some of the biggest challenges of your current role?
Sharing consistent information with non-rail people within our small industry. I sometimes miss out on the details and take things as a given to others who have little knowledge.

A lack of good useable data on the track quality, rail defects and developing problems.

What do you enjoy most about your current role? 
The challenges from all the above plus many more and the great people I have met over the years who are equally passionate about the industry.

Join us for Chris’ presentation with Pete Sommers, on Mitigating Risks and Enhancing Collaboration between 14:20 and 14:45.