Fast tracking a career in planning and scheduling in Rail Projects Victoria

Rail Projects Victoria (RPV) is helping to deliver Victoria’s largest ever rail infrastructure pipeline. There is currently more than $30 billion invested in Victoria’s metropolitan and regional rail infrastructure which makes it a very exciting time to be a Planner and Scheduler in the rail industry.

Rail Projects Victoria (RPV) is helping to deliver Victoria’s largest ever rail infrastructure pipeline. There is currently more than $30 billion invested in Victoria’s metropolitan and regional rail infrastructure which makes it a very exciting time to be a Planner and Scheduler in the rail industry.

Delivering these large and challenging projects requires many skilled resources, and to help upskill the next generation of planning and scheduling experts RPV have established the Professionals Program for Planners and Schedulers; a course that offers a unique and rare opportunity for the rapid development of Engineers as highly skilled practitioners in the field of planning and scheduling.

Over a 2-year period involving in depth training within carefully structured learning modules participants are introduced to best practice planning and scheduling methods and techniques from a high performing team of senior Planners within RPV, many with more than 15 to 20 years’ industry experience.

Embedded within RPV’s project delivery teams and working closely with RPV’s Planners, participants can apply their existing and developing skills and techniques into practice as they assist with the development, management and reporting of programs and strategic plans for RPV’s portfolio of major rail infrastructure projects.

Planning and scheduling is a crucial function at RPV, and robust programs that have the project team’s buy-in are fundamental for the successful delivery of all RPV projects. Being a ‘program led’ organisation means that RPV’s Senior Management understands the value and importance of robust and accurate planning and scheduling to ensure project success. Over the last six years we have developed a culture where program is front and centre; from the earliest stage of business case development all the way through to project completion.

In August 2019 the first cohort of five Professionals Program Planners and Schedulers joined RPV and they are now more than 18 months into the 24-month program. The experience for everybody involved has been incredibly positive and the skills and understanding that the cohort have demonstrated in such a short period of time is impressive and inspiring.

I am very grateful to the fantastic mentors I have been fortunate enough to meet over the years. Much more than just how to use the software or the mechanics of developing and updating programs, they introduced me to the many soft skills required to be a good Planner – how to build strong interpersonal relationships, gaining people’s trust, the importance of clear communication, what to do when things go wrong, ethical reporting and being transparent. To have the opportunity to now pass on skills, experience and knowledge to the next generation of Planners in a carefully structured and strategic way, and to see them use these to achieve great project outcomes in such a short period of time has been extremely rewarding for myself and for the whole RPV Planning Team.

The Professionals Program is not just another job; it is an amazing opportunity for individuals looking to move into the hugely rewarding discipline of project planning and scheduling whilst being mentored and trained by a team of Planning experts and professionals with a diverse array of experience and knowledge.

This can be a life-changing opportunity for those who are motivated and keen to take on the challenge of working in a high-performing organisation delivering Victoria’s largest and most challenging projects.

RPV is currently recruiting for the next cohort of Professionals Program Planners & Schedulers. For more information on how to apply please visit:

https://railprojects.vic.gov.au/jobs/job-programs/professionals-program-planners

“This program has greatly helped me develop my skills as a planner and I am certain that the experience and knowledge I have gained from this program will benefit me.”

“In the 2-year program I developed real ‘on the job’ project planning skills on real world projects of a truly global scale.”

“The major benefit of this program is the high quality of education that we receive, not only in the module sessions, but during the various team workshops & meetings. The planning team at RPV is greatly experienced and demonstrate a strong desire to research & implement best practises from around the globe. This gives me confidence that the knowledge and practises taught here will put me in the best position to grow my planning skills to a high standard.”

“I am grateful to be working on an important infrastructure project with a brilliant team. I have the freedom to make my own judgements and at the same time I have the support and guidance from experienced planners.”

“One of the best aspects working with the planning team is the continuous striving for excellence and concerted effort to do better.”

“It was extraordinary to be part of Rail Projects Victoria’s first Professionals Program for Planners & Schedulers. The work life balance at RPV is second to none in construction. The work itself is both interesting and challenging. There is a real team environment at RPV, and the team really helps you achieve your goals.”

“The collaborative approach and experience with working at RPV has developed fantastic relationships and opened several opportunities that were previously not even on my radar.”

“Since I’ve joined, I’ve been involved directly in a project, working closely with directors and coordinating with various stakeholders.”

“The overall working environment at RPV has been very positive, enabling good collaboration efforts and cross-learning between projects.”

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