Meet Lilly and Sammie, two timetable analysts at Network Rail who work in the team creating the hundreds of train timetables that help keep Britain moving.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Lilly: “A general day would be looking at a lot of trains on a line graph screen and coming up with the best and most inventive ways of planning them. Interspersed with this are a lot of meetings to present our findings, where we talk to our industry partners like the Department for Transport.”
How does your role help our railway?
Lilly: “Our team helps the industry understand the impacts of proposed timetable changes, new infrastructure projects or changes to train vehicles.
“For example, we may help advise on whether building new train tracks is a good idea. Other times, we help people understand how many trains can use the tracks we already have.
“It’s a complex job but helps ensures that we keep millions of people and essential goods moving on our railway every day – now and in the future.”
What’s one of the most surprising things about your job?
Sammie: “I think the thing that surprises most people is that we’re currently planning for a timetable for the year 2045. Not many people know that plans are made so far in advance.”
Lilly: “That it’s extremely creative. I think people look at the job title analyst and they think it’s all about reporting and numbers, but it takes a lot of problem solving and creativity.”
How did you find yourself in this job?
Sammie: “I have a degree in fashion design so landing a job on the railway was a happy accident.
“I knew a couple of people that worked at Network Rail in this field and they recommended that I apply for an operational planner role in the timetable team because it’s a good entry level role with lots of opportunity. I went for it and was fortunate to be placed into a team with a great work culture, where I’ve progressed to become a senior advanced timetable analyst. I still love working in the team six years later and that’s what keeps me here.”
Lilly: “To be honest, I needed a job and Network Rail has a good reputation in my circles. I don’t have a science, technology, engineering or maths background in the slightest, I was into theatre and creative writing. But I’m so glad that I ended up here because I love it.
“I started off planning test trains on the network, which I really enjoyed. I did that for two years and then moved on to a senior advanced timetable analyst role, which I’ve done for three years. I love working in the team and the work is so diverse, which is why I’m still here.”
What are the key skills needed for your job?
Sammie: “An analytical mind, good communication, good organisation and time-management. The rest can be taught on the job.”
Lilly: “Plus, a curious brain and a willingness to learn. The team really invests in its people so there’s lots of training and support to help you.”
What’s the best part of your job?
Sammie: “For me, it’s just the culture of the team and the ability to be involved in many aspects of Network Rail outside of the day job. For instance, I’m an equity, diversity and inclusion champion and on the leadership team for our employee network for gender equality, Inspire. Every day is different.”
Lilly: “Coming up with interesting creative ways of making a timetable and really breaking the boundaries of what’s possible to help build a better railway for years to come. I also get to contribute to the culture of the company through my role as an equity, diversity and inclusion champion and the co-chair of Archway – our LGBT+ employee network.”
What advice would you give to anyone looking for a similar role?
Sammie: “Just go for it. You don’t necessarily need to have a background in train planning to become an advanced timetable analyst and there is plenty of room for progression.”
