Rolling stock engineering technician

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.

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

• 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

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:

• Network Rail
• Routes into Rail
• Transport for London

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

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.