Rolling stock engineering technician
Rolling stock engineering technicians service, maintain and repair train engines, carriages and other rail vehicles.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
As a rolling stock engineering technician, you'll:
- follow written technical instructions
- install lighting, control panels and communication systems in engines and carriages
- inspect bodywork and undercarriages for defects or damage
- repair or replace parts
- make regular checks on brakes and couplings
- take apart, test and reassemble mechanical, electrical and pneumatic systems
- write service reports and update maintenance records
Working environment
You could work on rail tracks or in a workshop.
Your working environment may be dirty and outdoors some of the time.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
Career path and progression
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.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to operate and control equipment
- the ability to work well with others
- concentration skills
- observation and recording skills
- excellent verbal communication skills
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
Restrictions and Requirements
You'll need to:
- pass a medical check
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.
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
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
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
More Information
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
More Information
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.
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
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:
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This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.