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Rail engineering technician Opportunities

Rail engineering technician

Rail engineering technicians install and service mechanical and electrical systems across the rail network

Salary

£18,000 Starter - £35,000 Experienced

Typical hours

37 to 39 a week (between 8am and 6pm)

Learn More

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need: 

  • knowledge of transport methods, costs and benefits 
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail 
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations 
  • the ability to operate and control equipment 
  • the ability to work well with others 
  • concentration skills 
  • physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace 
  • observation and recording skills 
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Restrictions and Requirements
You'll need to pass a medical check. You may have to take an aptitude test to assess your existing skills and knowledge.

How to become Rail engineering technician

You can get into this job through

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly

  • College

    You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job. Relevant courses include: 

    • Level 2 Diploma in Rail Engineering Operative Competence 
    • Level 3 Diploma in Rail Engineering Technician
    You'll usually need 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a Level 2 course. You'll also need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a Level 3 course. 

    Apprenticeship
    You can get into this job through a Level 3 apprenticeship as a rail engineering technician. You can do Apprenticeships with transport operators such as Network Rail, Thales or Transport for London.

    You'll usually need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for a Level 3 apprenticeship.

    Work
    You could start out in a rail track maintenance worker. With experience and further training, you could then apply for a technician role. 

    Direct Application
    To apply directly for rail technician jobs you would normally need experience and qualifications as a mechanical fitter, electrician or craftsperson with a rail engineering company, or from elsewhere in engineering. For example, a background as a coach builder or construction plant technician may be helpful. 

    What you’ll do

    Day-to-day tasks

    In your day-to-day tasks you may: 

    • help to build new engines and carriages
    • fit out carriages with lighting, upholstery, control panels and communication systems 
    • inspect bodywork, roofs and undercarriages for wear and tear or damage 
    • repair or replace parts 
    • carry out regular checks on brakes and couplings
    • take apart, test and reassemble mechanical, electrical and pneumatic systems 
    • write reports and update maintenance records
    Working environment
    You could work on rail tracks or in a workshop. Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time and dirty. You may need to wear protective clothing.

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