Simon Mills

“Once I got into Queensland Rail, I realised how big the electrical field in the sector is. And how many different avenues in rail there are."
Rail electrician standing in front of substation.
Rail electrician standing in front of substation.

Substation Electrician, Queensland Rail

"As a substation electrician, I’m responsible for the installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical equipment in substations. I work in a team that ensures the reliability and safety of the rail network, and keeps the trains operating.

Substations provide the essential link between the transmission network and the distribution network. They convert high-voltage electricity from transmission lines to lower-voltage electricity that can be used by homes and businesses and, in our case, the railway. There are multiple substations in our rail system.

In 2018, when we were preparing for the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, we put a spare transformer in a substation yard just in case something happened during the Games. Essentially, the transformer was in the yard so we could have a quick fix if we needed to. It’s remained in the yard since then.

A few days ago, we discovered the old transformer had a significant leak and the oil was low. We brought in the spare unit and tested it to make sure there was no leaks or other problems.

We have an ‘isolation' booked for next week so we can change them over. An isolation involves turning off the track and the overhead power allowing us to disconnect from the overhead and move the new transformer into place which should turn on leaving nobody the wiser. My job is to try to make sure that things flow.

When I left school I worked for a stainless-steel company for seven or eight years  I ended up being a sales rep.  Then I went overseas, to England and Ireland, to play hockey. When I came back to Brisbane I wanted to try something different. I thought I’d get a trade.

I was 28 years of age. Being a bit older, I thought a big company would be more likely to give me an opportunity to take up an apprenticeship. Once I got into Queensland Rail, I realised how big the electrical field in the sector is. And how many different avenues in rail there are."

 

To find out more about how to become a Substation Electrician check out our training pathways pages.