Rail engineering technician
You'd build and repair railway engines and carriages. This means people can travel in safe and comfortable trains that are energy efficient.
About the job
Salary
Source: National Careers Service
Weekly
£577
Entry level
£865
Experienced
Monthly
£2,500
Entry level
£3,750
Experienced
Yearly
£30,000
Entry level
£45,000
Experienced
Information not available
people are currently employed
Low growth
No change in number of jobs in 5 years
These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics
What it's like
You'd build and repair railway engines and carriages so people can travel in safe and comfortable trains.
You'll install, check and repair the mechanical and electrical systems in train engines, passenger carriages and other railway vehicles.
Your tasks might include:
helping build new engines and carriages
fitting new carriages with upholstery, lighting, control panels and communication systems
inspecting bodywork, roofs and under-carriages for wear and tear or damage
repairing or replacing parts
making new parts where necessary
doing regular checks on systems like brakes and couplings
testing mechanical, electrical and pneumatic systems
writing reports and updating maintenance records
For most tasks you would use different hand and power tools, including welding equipment. You’d follow technical plans drawn up by senior technicians or engineers.
You'dwork closely with other craftspeople such as carpenters, painters, upholsterers and sheet metal workers.
It would be important to know about safe working practices and quality standards for the industry.
Green job
In this job you could be doing work to help the environment. You could:
help build and repair sustainable systems on trains including lighting, heating and cooling
working on projects to integrate renewable energy into rail infrastructure
Hours
Environment
Travel
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Here are some of the skills you'll need to do this job:
- understanding
- recalling
- time management
- attention to detail
- working with numbers
- problem solving
- evaluating
- cooperating
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.
You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.
Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Design and Manufacture
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Engineering Science
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Mathematics
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Physics
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Practical Craft Skills
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Practical Electronics
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Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
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Applications of Mathematics
The main employer of railway engineering technicians in Britain is Network Rail, which offers an advanced apprenticeship and requires four National 5 qualifications (SCQF level 5) or equivalent for entry.
You can also apply with relevant engineering, mechanical or construction work experience and qualifications.
If you have a Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8) or degree (SCQF level 9/10) in electrical, mechanical or systems engineering you may be eligible for an electrical engineering conversion course or graduate scheme.
If you are an undergraduate you can apply for a work placement with Network Rail to gain relevant experience.
Relevant work-based experience and qualifications such as a Scottish Vocational Qualification in Rail Engineering (SVQ level 2) or be willing to work towards qualifications once in a job.
You need to be 17 years old in the year that you are applying.
You will initially complete an online application and if this is successful, you will then complete aptitude tests. If you pass the aptitude tests you be asked to attend an assessment centre for practical tests. You will also have to pass a medical.
You need to be physically fit, with good eyesight and hearing and normal colour vision.
Network Rail has a zero tolerance policy for drug and alcohol in the workplace and as a result you will undergo regular drug and alcohol tests to make sure you are not under any influence during working hours.
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