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Rachael Lyas
Planner and Signalling Apprentice
Rachael's Q&A
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What are your key roles and responsibilities?I've actually got two roles at Amaro - as a signalling apprentice my role varies massively but as a planner it's far more structured. My main responsibilities include checking for access and planning possessions, worksites and line blocks, creating Safe System of Work Packs (SSOWP), attending access and integration meetings and just generally assisting our PMs with day-to-day project planning.
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What does a typical day look like for you?It's difficult to say as - and I know almost everyone else will have said this! - there really is no such thing as a typical day. In no particular order, however, I'll attend a number of meetings with the project managers, construction managers and planners to discuss any upcoming requirements and create plans for project implementation, booking any necessary access. I'll also update the various systems and databases we use to keep track of things and will then discuss all manner of technical requirements with the PICs/TICs.
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What qualities do you need to be good at your job?Excellent organisational and time keeping skills are essential, and a good eye for detail and problem solving skills are a must!
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What do you particularly enjoy about your job?Meeting amazing colleagues! The satisfaction of seeing a project from award, throughout all stages of planning right through to project close out is a massive selling point for me. Opportunities to learn are always available through courses and development and you can sit pretty much any training course you like. Another major plus point for me is the flexibility to work as both a planner and a test assistant, giving me the opportunity to see the project from ‘behind the scenes’ but also in person, on site with the install and test teams, bridging the office/on-site gap.
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Describe your journey since being at AmaroI started part time as a Mod5 (an assistant signalling tester, basically) around four years ago before undertaking the SSOW planner course nine months later. I became PAYE in June 2021 - I'd been a contractor before then - and was enrolled as an apprentice in August 2021. I'm now working towards my IRSE Installer license as part of this, something that's been organised and paid for by the business. I took my 3C course in February 2022 and I am now looking at developing my installation/test skills. I've come so far, so much faster than I'd expected to.
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How has the business supported you in your role?I've had so much support from senior management, and that's not something you see in too many companies. They have put me through multiple courses and supported every decision I’ve made in terms of how I would like to progress my career. I'm now lucky enough to be in a position where I have several possible paths I could follow – planning, testing, installations and even project management. We have regular CPD reviews and meetings with senior management to catch up and discuss ongoing development/issues/concerns, just to make sure we're all happy with the direction I'm taking and the progress I'm making.
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Would you recommend Amaro to someone looking for a job?I love being part of a growing company which offers and supports opportunities to progress, making me feel valued and appreciated. To me it's more than just a job, it’s a career with many avenues that can be explored. You’ll never be bored!
