+- IRSE Exam Forum (https://irse.signalpost.org)
+-- Forum: BEGINNING- Just starting out? (https://irse.signalpost.org/forumdisplay.php?fid=19)
+--- Forum: Introduce yourself (https://irse.signalpost.org/forumdisplay.php?fid=87)
+--- Thread: New, completely new. Where do i start? (/showthread.php?tid=85)
New, completely new. Where do i start? - paterson00 - 01-08-2008
I would like, eventually, to hold the knowledge to be able to take the exam/s. I am way way off yet so will need to study for a good while. Where do i start. I am a licenced installer and SMTH and would like to further my career.
Would it be smart to look for associate membership to the IRSE so that I can use their library? Is there a study group in Kent?
RE: New, completely new. Where do i start? - PJW - 01-08-2008
paterson00 Wrote:I would like, eventually, to hold the knowledge to be able to take the exam/s. I am way way off yet so will need to study for a good while. Where do i start. I am a licenced installer and SMTH and would like to further my career.
Would it be smart to look for associate membership to the IRSE so that I can use their library? Is there a study group in Kent?
Very sensible approach. A lot of the motivation for working for the IRSE examination must be personal pride. It is not the only way to achieve professional standing, but it is the most widely recognised and indeed available earlier in a career than otherwise likely. It is not a key to any one specific door; however it is a valuable weapon in the armoury in a range of circumstances including when attending job interviews etc. Of course it is the learning itself which will stand you in good stead throughout your professional life- details of the technology evolves so such knowledge does date, but much of the IRSE exam is about understanding WHY and the guiding principles- these tend to change slowly, if at all. At that level you can appreciate the thread of continuity from mechanical signalling, through panels and RRI, VDUs with SSI and into ERTMS where the driver has a computer screen but no lineside signals to look at; hence the learning you'll do for the exam will be different from a technical course and should make you more future proof as the world changes.
To take the exam you need to have joined the IRSE. I get very confused when Student / Associate membership is applicable but I think that as you are obviously well established in the industry that it'd be Associate for you. I think the world has moved on and it would not be access to the library which would be the benefit- it would be the articles every month in IRSE News, the chance to attend meetings and visits etc. Books in libraries do have interest but become dated; there is value in the history but I think the future is more by making things available in softcopy over the internet etc; in our small way we are attempting to do so via this website. There are several useful things I'd like to get posted here, but I need to find time to get agreement from their authors first!
I do not believe there is a Study Group in Kent; it was one of the intentions of setting up this website to get more local groups organised. It requires a few like minded people within striking distance of some meeting room to get together- trouble is how would these people necessarily know each other existed. We hoped that everyone would fill up their "Bio" section (via the User CP link at top of page) to say roughly where in the world they are, give an idea of background and experience, what modules they'd be interested in etc.
Unfortunately the vast majority of the 200+ who have registered for some reason have chosen not to do so. Hence apart from putting a few people in contact with each other via email, so far we have failed in that objective. We better try harder for next year. In the meantime
1. please set an example and complete your Bio (the sort of info that you put in your post, whether work for NR or a contractor, number of years of experience, whether directly from education or via some other jobs etc) and
2. get a membership application form from IRSE (think you can download from IRSE site that is linked from the IRSE Exam Forum). You'll need a couple of signatures from full Members- if that poses a problem then get in touch.
Installation and SMTH background mean that module 5 would be the one to start with. We did a national event in 2007 with GM Rail for that module which was well received; this year we have / are about to do events for module 2 & 3. No firm plans for 2009 but tacit understanding that we'd re-run the mod 5 event and are also wondering exactly what / how to do for module 1.
Recognising that studying takes time and therefore starting early is also an approach that I would applaud. There is the Aspect 2008 Conference in London this September (3 day event held normally every few years); the first day is especially for "Younger Members" (doesn't necessarily mean biological age but more "relative newcomers") at a very reasonable cost for such events (so get that membership fom submitted asap). If you want to know more there is probably something on the IRSE main website, or look up Lynsey Hunter on the Member list at this site and email her.
PJW
RE: New, completely new. Where do i start? - Jerry1237 - 07-08-2008
Hello,
I've replied to your other post.
Jerry