A train maintenance technician maintains and repairs trains and other railway equipment and machinery to the highest standards, ensuring safety and comfort for both passengers and crew. They are also known as traction and rolling stock technicians or engineers or fleet maintenance engineers.

The Work

You could be:

• cleaning, maintaining, servicing and repairing a wide range of railway equipment and machinery
• working on engines, wagons, carriages and other rolling stock, cranes and power supplies
• working on both diesel engine and electric trains or specialise in one of these
• making regular checks on equipment according to a planned schedule
• carrying out regular maintenance work such as cleaning and oiling
• locating faults, carrying out repairs and replacing parts
• checking and adjusting instruments to make sure they are working correctly
• using various technical manuals and a wide range of tools and electronic testing equipment.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:

• where you work
• the size of the company or organisation you work for
• the demand for the job.

Starting salaries may be based on the National Minimum Wage (NMW). At present the apprentice rate, for those aged under 19 or aged 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship, is £3.70 an hour (April 2018). Some companies pay their trainees around £18,000 a year. Qualified technicians earn between £30,000 and £40,000 a year or more.

Conditions

• You would work mainly indoors in a workshop.
• Sometimes, you might have to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• You may have to lift heavy items.
• You would work with oily and dirty machinery.
• You would wear protective clothing such as overalls, hard hat and safety boots.
• You will work shifts including evenings and weekends.

Getting In

• To get in as a skilled team member, you would need at least National 4 or 5 level qualifications in English, Maths and a science subject.
• You could gain entry through a Modern Apprenticeship in mechanical or electrical engineering. You would normally require National 5 English, Maths and a science or technological subject.
• Many entrants have a Higher National Diploma (HND) or degree in an electrical/mechanical engineering discipline.
• You need to have good physical fitness, good eyesight and normal colour vision and good hearing.
• You have to pass a medical examination which includes drug and alcohol tests.
• You may need a clean UK driving licence.

Job Outlook Scotland

Job Outlook Scotland and UK

  Scotland

2018

176

2.3 %

FALL

2023

172

  United Kingdom

2018

5215

3.2 %

RISE

2023

5380

LMI data powered by EMSI UK

What Does it Take?

You need to be:

• good at working with your hands
• reliable and responsible
• aware of health and safety matters
• observant
• flexible
• self-motivated
• patient and methodical in your approach
• good at solving problems.

You need to be able to:

• work quickly and effectively
• work as part of a team and on your own initiative
• follow instructions
• understand technical drawings and data
• prioritise tasks and work to deadlines.

Training

• A Modern Apprenticeship normally lasts around 18 months. During this time you would have a mix of practical experience and block release at college.
• You would train on the job under the supervision of experienced members of staff.
• You may also attend college part time as part of the company training scheme.

Getting On

• Experienced technicians may be able to work towards registration as an Engineering Technician (EngTech).
• Further studies could lead to degree-level study and eventually to registration as a professional engineer (IEng or CEng).
• These advanced qualifications can lead to further promotion into management jobs.

Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.