This month, we speak to Ian Phillips, Aaron Rail’s Engineering Supervisor, to find out more about his role and how he spends his time outside of work.
Could you share a bit about your background and journey to your current role within the company?”
In 2003 I was made redundant due to the advent of ADSL fast internet. I was working in the IT department of a sensor manufacturer based in Germany.
On hearing this news, I was approached by a pioneering railway business that utilised some of my previous employer’s sensors in their systems. I joined them on Monday following my redundancy on the Friday prior. Whilst working here, I first attended the site as a TVP and soon afterwards obtained my PTS and then my IWA.
My first shift as a PTS was a 125mph Red Zone. I couldn’t believe the speed and just how close to the trains I actually was, what a rush, the adrenaline, no time for complacency, I was hooked!
During this time, I installed several remote monitoring systems and became the data analyst for the company. I handled the alarm conditions and also found my way to assisting a surveyor. I worked all over the British Isles during this time.
The surveyor left the company to start his own business and within a couple of months, approached me to join the business as the General Manager. Most of the work was London-centric and south of the Thames.
The company continued to grow and I managed to obtain ISO9001:2000 accreditation for the business, which became quite successful. I decided I needed a new challenge after this and having now obtained my COSS and in need of an income, I found myself stumbling into safety-critical work. I trained in Lookout, Site warden and Hand Signaller. I joined a Possession Management company in the Manchester LNW area.
During this time I further trained as a PICOP and ES and worked on and off for 15 years. I used this as my fallback profession.
From 2008, having trained, I worked as an IRSE-licensed S&T installer, installing new works signalling systems in Rugby, London and the Evergreen projects.
After a lifestyle review and identifying what was important to me, I decided to give up travelling the length and breadth of the country and stay local to home and went back into Possession Management on the LNW in Manchester. Sleeping in your own bed may seem underrated, but those who know know!
Working through the Covid pandemic acting as PICOP and not seeing another person was quite surreal. Towards the end of the pandemic, I was drafted into support the office and became the delivery coordinator for the possession management team for Manchester. I was TUPEd over to the new supplier in 2022.
Again seeking a new challenge, I decided to leave possession management and approached the TRU West project through Aaron Rail and have been working in Worksite Management retraining as an ES, LXA and a points operator. I enjoy working on the blockades and seeing the railway landscape changing before my very eyes. Considering that I only have nine years before I retire, I think this will be my forever job.
I am proud of the work I have done over the last 19 years and the lasting contributions for the generations to come.
What motivates and inspires you in your work?
Both my mother and father were late to parenting but hard working. Losing my father at 17 and my mother at 21 left a profound sense that I needed to make them proud of me. Similarly, being a parent of a 36, 29 and a 25-year-old, I try to set a good example. I strive to be always professional and do my best work every day.
What are some of your proudest accomplishments or moments in your career so far?
Having left school without any formal qualifications, I have been blessed to have had many interesting experiences. From obtaining an NVQ L3 in computer networking to gaining employment in the IT sector, going through a shortlisting process of 120 well-qualified candidates. Becoming a general manager of an up-and-coming surveying company, walking away from that company and knowing my worth. And only being unemployed for two weeks in the last 42 years.
How would you describe your approach to teamwork and collaboration?
Teamwork is so important. It is nice to be independent, but working together is key. What one person can achieve on their own is nothing compared to what a team can do. Collaboration just makes the wins and the losses easier. It’s not about me, it’s about the outcome.
What do you enjoy most about working at Aaron Rail?
Aaron Rail has a really good reputation, I can’t say we haven’t had some challenges, but the positive is that the company listens to its employees and provides feedback. With the recent appointments, I think Aaron is going places.
I’ve enjoyed the steady work for the last 21 months that I’ve been employed with Aaron. The worksite management team that I work with are a great gang.
What are some personal or professional goals you’re currently working towards?
Personal goals- I’m a relatively new granddad for the fourth time. Reign has just turned nine months old and I would love to spend more time with him and his mum. He’s growing so fast and I know that before I know it he will be in school.
As for professional goals, that’s a conversation that needs to be had with both Aaron and TRU West. I think I can turn my hand to anything, but it will need to catch my attention, it’s about believing in yourself.
Can you share a hobby or interest outside of work that you’re passionate about?
I no longer have any real hobbies. I used to avidly follow Formula 1, travelling to races. Sadly, I fell out of love with it when it became politicised. I like to dabble in cryptocurrency and investing, but I’m no Gordon Gekko!
Is there a particular value or principle that guides your decision-making or approach to work?
I believe that you should never affect another person’s livelihood if you can help it. Do your best work every day, and when you say something, say it without fear of contradiction.