Rebecca Shepheard
Hampshire
Summary
Experienced Distribution & Plant Technician with a proven record leading frontline teams in safety‑critical rail environments. Skilled in planning, implementing and managing Safe Systems of Work, including Level A and Level B E&P isolations and COSS duties. Delivers high‑quality inspection, faulting and maintenance activities that minimise disruption and meet Network Rail standards. A clear, structured communicator, confident in leading briefings, sharing safety‑critical information and supporting real‑time decision‑making. Leadership strengthened through formal First Lieutenant responsibilities within the Sea Cadets and previous aviation engineering duties in the Royal Navy, demonstrating consistent professional growth and readiness for increased responsibility.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
Work history
E&P Technician
Network Rail
2018.07 - Current
- Frontline maintenance — Delivered maintenance, inspection and fault‑finding tasks across E&P assets in all weather conditions and on rotating shifts.
- Operational leadership — Acted as Team Leader when required, organising work, allocating duties and ensuring all team members held correct competencies.
- Fault response — Responded rapidly to infrastructure faults, diagnosing issues and restoring service with minimal disruption.
- Clear communication — Delivered concise written reports, safety briefings and verbal instructions to colleagues, supervisors and external partners.
- Safety compliance — Followed Safe Systems of Work, isolation procedures and Network Rail standards to ensure safe and correct task delivery.
- Technical problem‑solving — Applied analytical judgement to diagnose electrical and plant issues, implementing practical solutions to restore service quickly.
- Removed and replaced worn and damaged components to reduce risk of breakdowns.
First Lieutenant
Sea Cadets and Royal Marine Cadets (Volunteer)
Bournemouth
2022.12 - 2026.12
- Second‑in‑command duties — Deputised for CO/OiC, overseeing unit activities and maintaining consistent routines and standards.
- Routine & discipline management — Formulated and administered ship's routine, ensuring discipline, correct procedures, and adherence to dress regulations.
- Safety & welfare oversight — Identified and remediated safety or welfare issues, reporting promptly to CO/OiC and Health & Safety Co-ordinator.
- Training coordination — Produced daily, weekly and monthly orders; delivered structured briefings; and created training programmes when required.
- Cadet & volunteer development — Supported personal development, reinforced routines, and mentored junior cadets and volunteers.
- Unit cohesion — Worked with Detachment Commander and Juniors Training Officer to maintain common routines and promote cohesion across the unit.
- Representation duties — Represented CO/OiC at UMT and District meetings, liaising with District and Area volunteers.
- Morale monitoring — Monitored morale within the unit and escalated concerns appropriately.
Detachment Commander
Sea Cadets and Royal Maine Cadets (Volunteer)
Bournemouth
2015.03 - 2022.12
- Safety leadership — Completed risk assessments, applied control measures and ensured safeguarding compliance across all activities.
- Operational planning — Planned and delivered structured training sessions and events, adapting plans to changing priorities.
- Team leadership — Allocated duties based on competence, coached volunteers and maintained high performance and behavioural standards.
- Clear communication — Provided concise briefings, written reports and accurate record‑keeping including attendance and incident logs.
- Collaboration — Built strong relationships with parents, community groups and senior volunteers, representing the detachment at local events.
- Developing others — Mentored young people, promoting teamwork, confidence and positive behaviour through structured guidance.
E&P Apprentice
Network Rail
2015.09 - 2018.07
- Supported maintenance tasks — Prepared tools, equipment and materials to ensure safe and efficient workflow.
- Followed safety procedures — Used PPE correctly, identified hazards and worked in line with risk assessments.
- Assisted inspections & repairs — Helped with inspections, basic repairs and routine checks under supervision.
- Clear communication — Coordinated tasks and reported issues clearly to team members.
- Hands‑on learning — Shadowed experienced technicians and gradually took on more complex tasks.
Aircraft Fitter
Cobham PLC
2013.07 - 2015.03
- Aircraft assembly & fitting — Installed and aligned aircraft components to engineering specifications, following strict aviation safety procedures.
- Technical accuracy — Worked from detailed engineering drawings and maintenance documentation to ensure high‑quality, compliant installations.
- Safety inspections — Conducted functional checks on hydraulic, brake and control systems to maintain compliance with aviation standards.
Aircraft Engineering Technician
Royal Navy
2008.11 - 2013.02
- Cab responsibility during live flight operations — jointly responsible with Leading Hand for the aircraft, including giving hand signals to the pilot and maintaining direct headset communication during rotor‑turning launch and recovery operations .
- Team‑based engineering tasks — worked within a technical team to complete maintenance, inspections and rapid fault response in a disciplined, safety‑critical environment.
- Training and mentoring — supported and trained Phase 2 trainees, developing their technical skills and safe working practices.
Education
Safety Critical Role
Network Rail
2020.01 -
Rail Infrastructure Engineering (Electrical)
Network Rail
2015.09 - 2018.07
Apprenticeship -
Royal Navy
2008.11 - 2012.05
Twynham School
Skills
-
Level A isolations — Planned, prepared and issued safety documentation for E&P isolations, ensuring compliant arrangements and clear communication to workgroups
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Level B isolations — Carried out and supported E&P isolation activities, safely securing, testing and confirming isolation boundaries before work commenced
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Safe Systems of Work — Planned and implemented compliant SSoW, applying Level A and Level B competencies to protect staff in safety‑critical environments
-
COSS responsibilities — Established safe work zones, delivered clear briefings and ensured all protection arrangements were correctly applied
-
Leadership & development — Experience leading teams, delivering structured briefings and supporting the development of junior staff in safety‑critical environments
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Problem‑solving & diagnostics — Methodical approach to diagnosing faults, resolving issues and making safe, informed decisions under pressure
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Organisation & planning — Highly organised, able to plan work efficiently, coordinate resources and maintain accurate operational records
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Team coordination — Confident working with colleagues, contractors and signallers to deliver tasks safely and efficiently
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Communication & reporting — Clear, concise communicator with strong written reporting and briefing skills
Timeline
First Lieutenant
Sea Cadets and Royal Marine Cadets (Volunteer)
2022.12 - 2026.12
Safety Critical Role
Network Rail
2020.01 -
E&P Technician
Network Rail
2018.07 - Current
E&P Apprentice
Network Rail
2015.09 - 2018.07
Rail Infrastructure Engineering (Electrical)
Network Rail
2015.09 - 2018.07
Detachment Commander
Sea Cadets and Royal Maine Cadets (Volunteer)
2015.03 - 2022.12
Aircraft Fitter
Cobham PLC
2013.07 - 2015.03
Aircraft Engineering Technician
Royal Navy
2008.11 - 2013.02
Apprenticeship -
Royal Navy
2008.11 - 2012.05
Twynham School