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(1) Explain your problem, don't simply post "This isn't working". What were you doing when you faced the problem? What have you tried to resolve - did you look for a solution using "Search" ? Has it happened just once or several times?

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Likelihood-- Cheer or Dismay

6 replies [Last post]
Sun, 2008-08-10 05:31
Marc De Vall
User offline. Last seen 7 years 5 weeks ago. Offline
Joined: 31 Jul 2008
Posts: 35
Groups: None
Hi People
I have had 28 years in construction,manual working and 2 years in railway,working up from trackman to possession planner (1 year assissting the senior planner)and during that time i was using p3 and my interest kicked off,so in november this year im self funding p3 and P6 basic courses,so and a big so,what do you think my chances will be of breaking into planning-even as tea boy! lol,with my limited knowledge ,go for it,many thanks for your time,marc
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Replies

Fri, 2008-08-15 10:33
#1
Marc De Vall
User offline. Last seen 7 years 5 weeks ago. Offline
Joined: 31 Jul 2008
Posts: 35
Groups: None
Thank you very much guys for all your supportive words,have taken them on board and am also enrolling on an APM course,many thanks again,marc
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Fri, 2008-08-15 05:05
#2
Steve Burrows
User offline. Last seen 13 years 5 days ago. Offline
Joined: 1 Mar 2005
Posts: 21
Groups: Civil Engineering
The fact that you have hands on experience will count for a lot!! I have a site background rather than an academic planning background and nines time out of ten it has helped me in gaining contracts.
I agree that 2 years minimum in paye will give you a great strating point, then look to go contract.
Another point - if you end up as a site based planner, the fact that you have years of hands on will be appreciated by the construction lads around you.

Steve
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Fri, 2008-08-15 04:12
#3
Samer Zawaydeh
User offline. Last seen 6 years 29 weeks ago. Offline
Joined: 3 Aug 2008
Posts: 1664
Groups: Civil Engineering, Regional Representatives
Dear Marc,

With your years of experience, knowledge of work, and your computer skills, I am sure that you will be hired immediately. keep sharpening your skills and your best job is coming.

Cheers,

Samer
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Fri, 2008-08-15 03:19
#4
Oliver Melling
User offline. Last seen 5 years 51 weeks ago. Offline
Joined: 24 Apr 2007
Posts: 595
Groups: The GrapeVine
Marc,

There is little chance of going contract with little or no planning experience. You would be best of going PAYE for around 2 years.
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Fri, 2008-08-15 02:03
#5
Mike Testro
User offline. Last seen 42 weeks 3 days ago. Offline
Joined: 14 Dec 2005
Posts: 4420
Groups: Building Information Modelling, Content Moderators, GPCCAR Editors
Hi Marc

Definitely good cheer.

Have you looked at the jobs in the job page for railway planners?

If you can work the software you will be shooed in.

You may have to relocate to the work until you can find something more local.

Your main decision however is whether to stay PAYE or go on Contract.

Best regards

Mike T.
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Mon, 2008-08-11 04:20
#6
Oliver Melling
User offline. Last seen 5 years 51 weeks ago. Offline
Joined: 24 Apr 2007
Posts: 595
Groups: The GrapeVine
Marc,

You should be able to get a start somewhere. I recommend looking into a project management course such as an APM, PMI or PRINCE2 course.

This (along with all your ’on the tools’ experience) will give you the theroretical knowledge you require to be a planner rather than scheduler.

Good Luck,
Oli
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