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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)
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
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
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.Similar occupations
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