The RailStaff Awards 2024

Andrew Massey - **HAS LEFT**

Said the following about Trevor Wheeler:

“Described by colleagues as knowledgeable, supportive, honest, collaborative and well respected, Trevor Wheeler is one of the few telecoms PICOTs (Person in Charge Of Testing) in Rail. During his 20-year career in Telecoms, Trevor has introduced several initiatives which have led to new working practices, creating both cost and time efficiencies, mitigate train delays and has mentored many individuals from apprentice through to fully licensed engineers.

Whilst working on the ECML, renowned as one of the most congested fibre cables on Network Rail’s infrastructure in terms of data traffic, Trevor had to plan not one but four full cuts to this cable over the course of several planned disconnections.

Although meticulously planned, on the first attempt in excess of 100 vital GSM-R terminals failed in Scotland which was unexpected. However, in planning the works, Trevor introduced a ‘cooling off’ period when the equipment was disconnected rather than the traditional cut it and no going back approach. As a result of the ‘cooling off’ period, the equipment was quickly reconnected, rectifying the issues and mitigating the risk of causing significant train delays.

The 'cooling off' period - for which telent and Trevor were highly commended by Network Rail - is now incorporated into all telent planned fibre works and is recognised as a vital planned period by Network Rail for cable cut overs.

Trevor was instrumental in the introduction an innovative IP train describer system circuit, using ethernet extenders. The new IP link has been through the safety case process and creates efficiencies by using existing infrastructure alongside ethernet extenders to carry the signal further without the need for more expensive equipment. Again, suggested and implemented by Trevor’s forward-thinking and engineering knowledge.

A true team player, Trevor involves his colleagues when planning site works and holds rehearsal meetings before all major activities to ensure the engineers are 100% comfortable with what’s expected of them. He is passionate about his team, always thinks about the bigger picture and how any decision will affect the workforce. If something doesn’t go to plan, Trevor uses the experience as a learning exercise and ensures it does not impact his team's morale. With an honest and open approach, Trevor works with both the team and the client to address any issues upfront and because of this, he is held in very high regard by others.

As an IRSE member, licensed system tester and assessor, Trevor is involved in developing others in the telecommunications discipline. Working with others to achieve professional qualifications and develop practical knowledge, Trevor has mentored more than 20 individuals from apprentice, accredited engineers and up and coming TIC’s (Tester in Charge). As part of this mentoring, Trevor has planning meetings to discuss where the individual is now, what they need to do to progress and carries out site assessments.

Trevor’s engineering knowledge is outstanding, he is always striving to improve methodologies for standard working practices. He is committed to finding new ways of working to improve safety, reliability and value for money for the passengers and workforce. Passionate about his team and developing others, Trevor is a great role model and a worthy nomination for this years Rail Staff Awards Engineer of the Year.“