No Degree Required: I missed out on university, but found a rewarding career in rail operations

I graduated with a diploma in Electronic and Computer Engineering from Ngee Ann Polytechnic in 2011 and planned to further my studies.

My family, however, was struggling to make ends meet and could not afford university tuition fees. So, I joined the workforce straight after graduation to help support them. 

I was disappointed, but little did I realise that this would set me on a path to something meaningful and rewarding. 

As I was strongly inclined towards hands-on work in school, I started my career as a technician at Hewlett-Packard, working in a team responsible for producing printer heads. 

After my contract ended, I joined SMRT Trains in 2014 as an assistant engineer. 

Part of my role involved doing preventive and corrective maintenance. It involved tasks such as troubleshooting faults, replacing worn and defective parts, and periodic cleaning of equipment. 

Switching industries and adjusting to a new environment and demands was challenging initially. 

Fortunately, the company provided me with a six-month training programme to equip me with the skills necessary to perform my role.    

Leading a team of two technical officers proved challenging too, as effective communication with other teams was essential to support train service.   

Over time, I overcame these communication challenges by taking notes and clarifying with my supervisors and colleagues any areas I was unsure of to better understand how to perform the work competently. 

In 2017, I had the opportunity to help establish a new base of operations in the newly built Tuas Depot. I volunteered to be part of the pioneer trainborne signalling team there. 

Setting up a new depot was exhilarating. 

It involved installing new workspaces and workflows to commission trains with new Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) systems installed. 

Simply put, CBTC is a railway signalling system that uses telecommunications for train management and control. It is an upgrade from traditional fixed block signalling systems which detect trains in discrete sections of the track. 

Trains had to be retrofitted for the new system and I was involved in the commissioning of the equipment needed. I also ensured that it was properly installed and helped to test it to make sure it was functional. 

Every early morning, before the launch of the day’s train service, we needed to make sure there were sufficient serviceable trains. 

I was promoted last July to the position of deputy engineering maintenance manager and am now leading trainborne signalling and communications maintenance operations at SMRT’s Ulu Pandan Depot. 

I now supervise a team of assistant engineers and technical officers to manage train-related maintenance. 

Not only do I ensure that we have the resources required, I’m also responsible for their safety and welfare. I assist my team with the more complex faults that may require an experienced eye. I also provide recommendations to the management regarding train faults and recovery. 

This significant change in my life has opened doors to strengthen relationships with colleagues and build wide networks in the industry. 

My previous supervisor and I now work together as colleagues at the same professional level. It allowed me to attain a greater appreciation for the work my supervisors had done in the past and the challenges they faced. 

For those considering a career in the rail and public transport industries, I would say there is a world of diverse opportunities. 

My career in SMRT has enabled me to meet, interact and learn from professionals from various fields, including the Land Transport Authority, our signalling system supplier Thales, and other contractors. 

I’ve also had the chance to delve into the intricacies of operating new trains and acquire fresh skills that I was not acquainted with previously. 

I may not have been able to further my studies after graduating many years ago, but when I look back, I am glad it led me to this. 

There is never a dull moment, and the prospect of networking and continuously learning with professionals from different domains, knowing that at the end of the day, commuters are the ultimate beneficiaries with safe, reliable, and comfortable journeys, has made this job truly fascinating, meaningful and rewarding. 

ABOUT THE WRITER:

Kwek Siew Bo, 39, is a deputy engineering maintenance manager at SMRT’s Ulu Pandan Depot. His hobbies include swimming, playing badminton and going to the movies.

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