Rail Engineering Technician

Typical Salary

£18,000 To £35,000

Typical Hours

45 to 47 a week

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

How To Become a Rail Engineering Technician

You can get into this job through:

a college course
an apprenticeship
working towards this role
applying directly

College / University

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

2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

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 an advanced apprenticeship as a rail engineering technician. You can do apprenticeships with transport operators such as Network Rail, Thales or Transport for London.

5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Routes into this Career

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

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.

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

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

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.

Career Path & Progression

You'll take work-based qualifications in personal track safety, installation, testing and maintenance.

You may work for train operating companies, London Underground, light rail and metro companies, rail freight and leasing firms. Specialist rail engineering maintenance companies are also big employers.

With experience, you could become maintenance team leader or engineering workshop manager.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a rail engineering technician from Network Rail and Transport for London.

Restrictions & Requirements

You'll need to:

pass a medical check

You may have to take an aptitude test to assess your existing skills and knowledge.