Feature THE VIEW FROM HERE Richard Catlow has taken New Zealands earthquakes and freezing Canadian winters in his stride. Hes weathered the heat of Australia, and has enjoyed an electrifying career spanning the continents Words Andrew Bennett Photo Andrea Stenson S easoned power supply engineer Richard Catlow has travelled vastly further than he ever expected both in his career and in terms of miles on work assignments. Hes delivered rail electrification projects in 14 countries in total and worked in seven and lived in four while working for SNC-Lavalin. Since 2016, he has been based in Toronto, Canada. Keep an open mind, and dont underestimate the effects of extreme weather, advises Richard, if you are contemplating an international assignment. Starting working life as a British Rail apprentice electrician in 1987, Richard has since helped solve railway electrification problems around the world. Hes now SNC-Lavalins Director for Power Supply & Distribution for Canadas Central Region. He leads a team of around 20 experts involved in delivering Canadas biggest P3 project, the Eglinton Crosstown Light Rail Transit programme. Despite initially never expecting to leave Londons Selhurst Depot, he has quickly embraced different working cultures. Even if you go on assignments abroad for short periods, you will come back with knowledge that will differentiate you from those who havent, says Richard, who has been accompanied overseas by partner Heidi and son Haydn, aged seven. SNC-Lavalin has supported his family well and, while there are huge positives to enhancing your career by working abroad, he says relocation will not suit everyone. Moving around with families is hard, particularly if your partner has a career. He says the experience has widened his horizons. Having travelled the world for 10-12 years, many clients value hearing about different ways things are done elsewhere. While some countries like this approach New Zealand is very receptive to doing things the best, most economical way others are not so open, for reasons that can include local trade policies, cultural differences and world geo-politics. Culturally, you can meet people from many different countries more so than if you had stayed in your own market. It broadens the mind. Culturally, you can meet people This international experience clearly helps with ones CV, and expats from many different countries learn most from the locals: In Ireland, we had a very interesting discussion about the Easter Rising and heard the Irish perspective one Id never read more so than if you had stayed or been taught. in your own market. It broadens the mind Climate changes Richard Catlow At work, Richard advises: Dont expect to enforce the solution in your home Director, Power Supply & Distribution country onto your hosts. Canada Central Sometimes they want this, but other times they will think you are imposing your will. The idea may not work perhaps because they have a different climate. Although all rail systems have set local standards, the huge variation in climates and environmental factors keeps engineers on their toes. Severe Canadian winters can, potentially, play havoc with overhead power lines years ago, clinging ice brought down transmission lines in Quebec and crashed the provincial grid. Not only do engineers factor in a vast range of temperatures in Canada, they must consider natural hazards in New Zealand, such as earthquakes and potential volcanic eruptions on the North Island. Living in Windy Wellington Richards family needs three sets of clothing throughout the year in Ontario: When we arrived in August there were days above 40C. In contrast, for most of the year in Windy Wellington, New Zealand where they also lived residents are comfortable in shorts and a t-shirt. Temperatures govern the expansion and contraction of overhead wires, and in hotter climates such as Australia, passenger trains have large auxiliary power demands for beefy air conditioning systems. You dont get many street-running light rail vehicles with 130kW auxiliary demand in the UK, he says. For Richard, every country has its appeal.The UK offers tremendous choice, diversity, and opportunity, while in Ireland he liked the pace of life, the rugby and friendly locals and the Guinness is better. Australia, he says, is a land of opportunity; incredibly varied wildlife, some of which will kill you and it has an annoyingly good cricket side! Frustrating, professionally, is its sometimes on-off rail investment. New Zealand is probably the best place to live we enjoyed stunning scenery, the great outdoors, a benign climate, earthquakes and volcanoes and few traffic jams. Canada is possibly the most ethnically diverse country I have lived in my team comprises personnel from eight nationalities. Its very rich culturally and refreshingly here, there is little animosity. viewpoint@snclavalin.com snclavalin.com