Signalling technician
Signalling technicians identify problems and repair, test and maintain the equipment that moves trains safely.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
As a signalling technician, you could:
- install new signalling systems
- carry out routine maintenance checks
- measure and record equipment test readings
- upgrade radio and electronic communications networks
- find and fix equipment faults on site, and repair complex faults in a workshop
Working environment
You could work on rail tracks, in a control room or in a workshop.
Your working environment may be noisy, outdoors some of the time and you'll travel often.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could move from junior to senior technician jobs and become a team leader.
With more qualifications and experience you could become a signalling designer or incident investigator.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- knowledge of public safety and security
- the ability to work well with others
- to be flexible and open to change
- knowledge of transport methods, costs and benefits
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Restrictions and Requirements
As a signalling technician, you'll work in a safety critical environment around live wires and on train tracks. This means you'll have a medical test as part of the selection process. This will include checking your hearing and vision.
You might also need to:
- take regular drug and alcohol checks
- have a driving licence so you can drive rail company vehicles
- live no more than an hour away from the location you wish to work
How to become
You can get into this job through and apprenticeship or by applying directly.
You could do a:
- Rail Engineering Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
- High Speed Rail and Infrastructure Technician Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
- Rail Engineering Technician Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
Apprenticeships are offered by rail and tram operating companies, Transport for London and Network Rail.
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 might be able to apply directly to rail engineering companies if you've got experience and qualifications in electrical or electronic engineering from another industry, or from the armed forces.
Professional and industry bodies
You can join the Institution of Railway Signal Engineers (IRSE) for professional development training.
Further information
You can find out more about careers in the rail industry from Network Rail and Routes into Rail.
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This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.