Recently Edinburgh Trams, introduced you to one of its TSA's. This is just one of the roles at the transport company.
Calum Reford has spend his summer at Gogarburn learning about the company and some of the different jobs there.
Here, he shares his summer with you.
A bit about yourself, family & hobbies:
This is a difficult one…I am student who is currently working at Edinburgh Trams this Summer period to gain a better understanding of my university course in the field. I have two jobs – one here at the trams and also work as a casual theatre technician closer to home.
I live in Motherwell and regularly visit Edinburgh by parking at Ingliston Park & Ridde and taking the tram to the town. I always enjoy being out and about, whether it be with friends or family. I’m a bit of a general knowledge geek who could bore you to death of useless facts! Like most students, I probably spend most of my time watching TV shows when I should really be studying!
What University do you attend and what are you studying:-
I’m currently in second year of a 4-year BSc (Hons) Environmental Management Degree at Glasgow Caledonian University. This entails mostly management of resources such as waste, water and energy as well as looking at urban development and how this can all be achieved in a sustainable manner. The course also covers Health & Safety and other workplace legislation in a very comprehensive manner.
Probably one of the great things about this course, is not just the knowledge, experience and other opportunities provided, but the people in which I have become friends with through the course.
Current Role:-
I am the Safety, Quality & Environment Assistant and work in the SQE Function with the Edinburgh Trams SQE Manager Michael Powell and the Training and Competence team.
What Does that Entail:-
A lot of things! Essentially, I assist with overseeing that Edinburgh Trams operates in a safe manner, ensuring safety of passengers and colleagues. Safety is essential the Edinburgh Trams operation and the compnay want to stress that as much as it can. I am currently looking at how we can develop our safety message further.
It’s not just safety though, as well as this, I am also assisting in the environmental side of the operation, ensuring that the company is compliant with its Environmental Management System as well as monitoring its waste, energy and water usage. I am always looking a new ways to involve people in becoming more environmentally friendly.
Why you picked Edinburgh Trams for your work internship:-
Good Question! Well, I took some advice my lecturer gave us in classes…to go out and look for work experience relevant to the course during the summer period to gain an insight into the real working-life of an Environmental and Safety Manager. I sent many CVs and letters into many companies and since I wanted to specialise in the transport industry, I immediately thought of Edinburgh Trams and Transport for Edinburgh. I’ve always wanted to be part something new!
What have your enjoyed most:-
Definitely the experience and skills which I have gained as a result of being here. Also the fact that right from day 1, I was accepted as part of the team and felt like I have been here for a lot longer than just a few months. I have been involved in a lot of tasks and projects allowing me to work closely with the senior management team as well as front-line colleagues and have also been provided opportunities to create contacts with those at other light rail operators - not that I’d want to leave Edinburgh Trams of course!. Undoubtedly, I picked the right place to enquire about a possible internship.
A funny thing that’s happened at Edinburgh Trams:-
While shadowing our TSAs for the day at the Airport, I was asked by someone if the trams went to Glasgow…