03-11-2008, 11:05 PM
Not quite sure what you are asking. You mention IRSE recognition - is this to get into the industry or are you looking to pass the exam for fun!?!?!
Passing the exam can only really be achieved by someone with some industry experience simply because the examiners are looking for you to be able to apply sound engineering in the context of what the railway needs. The exam is not an entry level qualification for an engineering career on the railway.
As an employer, certainly an understanding of the context is going to be an advantage, but recognising transferability of skills is also important. There is a "conversion engineer" programme in parts of the industry where someone with relevant engineering expertise in a not necessarily related field is converted to a railway engineer. If you have technology skills that are directly relevant as well as an engineering mind, you are two steps there!
I would imagine that there are some of the IRSE exam questions on equipment that you could get good marks on, but would understandably struggle on some of the system safety parts because you have not been exposed to the context.
This site is primarily here for discussion of topics related to the exam, but hey, since we are quiet as this year's exam was October and people are waiting for results (out at Christmas), a bit of careers advice nearly fits the remit! Let us know what you are looking for and maybe someone has some answers.
Passing the exam can only really be achieved by someone with some industry experience simply because the examiners are looking for you to be able to apply sound engineering in the context of what the railway needs. The exam is not an entry level qualification for an engineering career on the railway.
As an employer, certainly an understanding of the context is going to be an advantage, but recognising transferability of skills is also important. There is a "conversion engineer" programme in parts of the industry where someone with relevant engineering expertise in a not necessarily related field is converted to a railway engineer. If you have technology skills that are directly relevant as well as an engineering mind, you are two steps there!
I would imagine that there are some of the IRSE exam questions on equipment that you could get good marks on, but would understandably struggle on some of the system safety parts because you have not been exposed to the context.
This site is primarily here for discussion of topics related to the exam, but hey, since we are quiet as this year's exam was October and people are waiting for results (out at Christmas), a bit of careers advice nearly fits the remit! Let us know what you are looking for and maybe someone has some answers.