Rail Engineering Technician Careers

WORK ENVIRONMENT:-

A rail engineering technician installs and repairs the electrical and mechanical systems which are found on passenger carriages, train engines and other rolling stocks.

Your responsibilities can include:

• help in making new engines and carriages
• scrutinizing the roofs, bodywork and under-carriage for scratch
• refurbishing and replacing parts
• fitting fresh carriages with the control panels, upholstery and communique system
• building new parts where essential

• performing normal repairs check on systems like couplings and brakes
• updating records and writing reports
• carrying out the tests of electrical, mechanical and pneumatic systems prior to reassembly

For many tasks you will have to make use of hand and power tools which includes welding equipment and you will have to pursue the technological plans which are drawn up by the senior engineers or technicians.

You will work in partnership with the crafts person like painters, carpenter, upholsterers and sheet metal workers.

QUALIFICATION, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:-

You must have the experience as an electrician, mechanical fitter or a crafts person in the different industry to become a rail engineering technician. For instance, an experience as a motor vehicle technician or a coach builder may be useful.

At the interview stage, you will have to pass the medical in which your eyesight, physical fitness, color vision and hearing will be tested. Your aptitude test might be taken to review your accessible knowledge and skills.

A Rail Transport Engineering Apprenticeship might give you another route in this profession. These are presented by the rail engineering firms, train operating companies and Network Rail. You will also get schemes with "Tube Lines" on the London Underground.

You will basically need four GCSEs (Grade A-C), which includes subjects like English, Mathematics and Science to get an apprenticeship scheme.

For more details on training, jobs and apprenticeship go through the website of Careers in Passenger Transport Website.

TRAINING DETAILS:-

As an apprentice rail engineering technician, you will be given training on the essential engineering craft skills in the workshop. You will have to spend your time by working under the guidance and supervision of the technicians and fitters. You will have to institutions on a day-release basis.

Your employers might support you to work towards the National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ) in Railway Engineering (Level 1 to 3). The NVQ has numerous alternatives, depending on your accurate responsibilities, but covers errors finding, testing systems, reassembling parts and preventive maintenance.

Personal Track Safety:

You should hold a track safety card before you will work track side. Your employer might place you in the Personal Track Safety i.e. PTS course and on finishing you will be given a safety card. Check the website of National Competency Control Agency for details on training providers and safety cards.

SKILLS and KNOWLEDGE:-

• excellent electrical and mechanical skills
• ability to solve the problem easily
• ability to work individually and as a team member
• excellent communication (both oral and verbal) skills
• ability to make proper use of technological drawings and write reports
• excellent knowledge of secure working practices
• enthusiasm to work flexibly for covering unsocial hours and shifts
• understanding of industry quality standard
• excellent level of fitness

SALARY AND OTHER BENEFITS:-

• Apprentice can make between £ 12,000 and £ 16,000 a year, depending on age.
• Skilled staff can be paid between £ 19,000 and £ 30,000 every year.

Free or economical rail travel might be an additional advantage.

WORKING CONDITIONS:-

You will normally work for 38 to 40 hours in a week, basically on the shift basis, which will also include bank holidays and weekends.

You will have to spend much of your time in the engineering workshop or rail depot, though you might have some tasks outside on the sidings. Some tasks might be fatty and grimy, but your employer will give you protective footwear and clothing.

DIFFERENT OPPORTUNITIES:-

Classic employers comprise London Underground, training operating companies, light rail leasing and rail freight firms and metro companies in big cities. You will get the chance to work with the specialist engineering maintenance companies that are contracted by rail operator.

If you are having good experience of working, you might be promoted as a engineering workshop manager or team leader.

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