Railway maintenance engineering technicians (distribution and plant) install, inspect and maintain the systems which keep power flowing and trains moving.
The Work
There are three areas:
Contact systems – the overhead lines and tracks from which the train picks up electrical current
Distribution – getting the power from the National Grid to the train
Plant – the fixed trackside machinery which keeps the railway running.
You could be:
inspecting and maintaining high and low voltage power supply equipment such as transformers, switchgear and cables
identifying the cause of a fault and resolving it
installing and maintaining electricity wiring for overhead lines or conductor rails
measuring the current within a cable
measuring the overhead line equipment (OLE) to make sure it is aligned properly
isolating and earthing electrical equipment before starting engineering work to ensure workers’ safety
heating electrically operated points in winter so that they don’t freeze
checking and maintaining standby generators for back-up power for signalling equipment and control centres
checking and maintaining track and tunnel drainage pumping systems.
Pay
Employment is with Network Rail. The first year salary for Network Rail Level 3 Engineering Apprentices as of October 2022 is £10,609 plus £1,347 bonus after successfully finishing the year. Your salary will increase yearly up to £17,290 in the third year.
Once you have completed the apprenticeship you can earn up to around £30,000 a year and more with further experience.
Conditions
You would work outdoors in all weathers, day and night, and in lineside substations.
You would work in a wide range of locations, including on the line, in signal boxes, in tunnels and on swing bridges.
You would have to travel to different sites.
You would have to work shifts, including evenings, nights, public holidays and weekends.
You would sometimes be on call for emergencies and have to work overtime.
You will have to wear protective clothing such as high visibility jacket, hard hat and safety boots.
Network Rail offers a three-year Level 3 Engineering Apprenticeship Scheme which trains Maintenance Engineering Technicians in areas such as: Signalling, Track, Distribution and Plant, Telecoms or Overhead Line.
Entry requirements: 4 subjects at National 5 including English, Maths and a science or engineering subject.
Network Rail normally have two intakes a year, March and September. You can find the link for the apprenticeship scheme on the Network Rail website.
To qualify you need to be 18 years of age or older by the time you start your training.
If your online application is successful, you will then complete some aptitude tests followed by a telephone interview. If you pass these then you will attend the assessment centre for practical tests and an interview.
You need a good level of physical fitness, and have to pass a medical examination, which includes sight and hearing tests.
You will undergo regular drug and alcohol tests to make sure you are not under any influence during working hours – Network Rail have a zero tolerance policy.
Jobs are with Network Rail, which is responsible for maintaining around 3,000 miles of track and related infrastructure in Scotland.
awareness of health and safety regulations and practices
a responsible approach
an understanding of engineering and electrical principles.
You need to be able to:
meet deadlines
deal with emergencies quickly and calmly
pay attention to detail
work on your own as well as in a team
work quickly and accurately.
Training
Training is on the job combined with off the job training.
All apprentice technicians must attend the Westwood training centre in the midlands region of England, for their first 23 weeks of training. Accommodation, meals, work clothing and safety equipment is provided. The remainder of training is based at a depot close to your home address.
In year 1 you study NVQ Performing Engineering Operations Level 2, and a Level 3 Engineering Award.
In years 2 and 3 you study NVQ Level 3 in Railway Engineering and ILM Level 3 in First Line Management.
Network Rail has a training centre in Larbert near Falkirk for training Scottish staff in new techniques and updating their existing skills.
Getting On
Once you have qualified, you may be able to do further study and gain more advanced qualifications in engineering.
Network Rail offer a range of programmes at all levels from NVQ to postgraduate.
With these advanced qualifications, you may be able to register as an Engineering Technician (EngTech) or as a professional engineer (IEng or CEng).
Whatever your specialism, there are opportunities to move on within the organisation and become a team leader.
Network Rail is the company with responsibility for all aspects of the railway infrastructure, including the track, bridges, viaducts, tunnels, level crossings, stations and signalling systems.
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