STEM

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, then look for a trainee position.

Courses include:

• mechanical engineering
• electrical engineering
• maintenance engineering technology

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do a:

• Rail Engineering Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
• Rail Engineering Advanced Technician Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship

These apprenticeships take from 3 to 4 years. You would learn skills that are common across all rail technician roles alongside specific training for traction and rolling stock work.

Apprenticeships are offered by organisations like:Network Rail; Transport for London; engineering companies that build and maintain railway systems and rolling stock

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
• Network Rail apprenticeships|https://www.networkrail.co.uk/careers/apprenticeships/
• Transport for London apprenticeships|https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/careers/apprenticeships

Work

You could start out as a rail track maintenance worker.

With experience and further training, you could then apply for rolling stock engineering technician jobs.

Direct application

To apply directly, you'll usually need experience and qualifications from other engineering jobs, like:

• mechanical fitter
• electrical maintenance technician
• automotive or aircraft maintenance
• engineering craftsperson
• coach builder
• construction plant technician

Requirements and restrictions

You'll need to:

• The medical check will include tests of your hearing and vision as you'll be working in a safety critical environment, around live wires and on train tracks.
• You can also expect to be regularly tested for drugs and alcohol in this role.
• It can be helpful to have a driving licence and your own transport to start shifts outside public transport hours.
• pass a medical check

More information

Career tips

Rail technicians employed through an agency on short or medium term contracts may be paid a higher hourly rate.

Further information

You can find out more about working in rail engineering from:Network Rail; Routes into Rail; Transport for London

View all vacancies in this region

There are opportunities to move on in your career with:train operating companies; London Underground; light rail and metro companies; rail freight and leasing firms; specialist rail engineering maintenance companies

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

You may wish to go on to study for a degree to become a qualified engineer.