Railway Engineering Technician

Rail Engineering Technicians provide technical support to Rail Engineers. The engineering disciplines cover the following areas of “The Railway” (infrastructure and trains); track (including minor works), overhead line, electrification, signalling, telecommunications, traction & rolling stock and rail systems. Apprentices will undertake the core learning and also specialise in one particular discipline.

Those working within the occupation of Rail Engineering are responsible for the safe construction, installation, maintenance and renewal of The Railway to provide a safe and reliable railway for customers. The Rail Industry has a high level of safety critical work activities requiring a disciplined and responsible approach.

TYPICAL JOB ROLES FOR THIS APPRENTICESHIP

Track Technician – Understanding of: track geometry including track gauge, alignment, elevation, curvature and track surface and the impact of train wheels; the requirements, methods and techniques for the installation and maintenance of the track (rail, fastenings, sleepers) and the load bearing capacity of the track foundation; the impact of the railway environment e.g. tunnels, embankments, vegetation and drainage. Able to undertake detailed inspection and analyse the performance and condition of track and where appropriate conductor rail systems, diagnose and correct faults and to use track specific plant and equipment.

Electrification Technician – Know how to and be able to work to high and low voltage power rules, isolation and earthing of AC/DC electrical systems at different voltages and frequencies, reinstating power supplies by local and manual switching. Working on live battery & inverter systems. Understand and manage and maintain harmonic & power quality systems, transformer rectifiers, motor generators and transformers, DC traction breakers, protection and SCADA control systems & other substation plant. Knowledge of compressed air systems and power generation.

Overhead Lines Technician – Knowledge of excavation, ground works, different ‘piling’ methods and foundations. Understand construction design and bonding layouts, electrical clearance, insulation installation wiring and risks around radial load and correct methodology. Ability to erect different types of overhead line structures, pre fabrication and installation of main structure and small part steelwork, running of wiring systems including sectioning, insulation, registration and in- span components and the installation, enhancement and renewal of earthing and bonding. Able to use lifting and access equipment while working at heights.

Traction & Rolling Stock Technician – Understanding of vehicle design, construction, maintenance and operation. Working knowledge of the traction and rolling stock systems, sub systems and components which include mechanical, electrical, process controller and fluid power equipment. Systems include traction, wheel sets, brakes, train protection, air conditioning and ventilation, customer information, doors, vehicle trim and fittings Able to find, diagnose and correct faults, identify potential faults & defects within electrical circuits and maintain and renew a range of types of traction and rolling stock. Able to use a range of fastenings including crimping and torque correctly.

Signalling Technician – Understanding and application of safety integrity and fundamental signalling principles as applied to train control systems, the varying types of signal control and the signalling symbols and alphabet used in signalling design drawings. Apply installation & maintenance techniques and processes including wiring, cable access requirements & terminations, adjustment of signalling assets, locate and replace components and methods for signal component handling working on isolated and live signalling equipment. Undertake integrity checks and carry out testing of components and equipment, writing test plans in accordance with specifications.

Telecoms Technician – Understanding telecoms principles and associated operating procedures for railway communication and information systems (and systems interfaces) including optical networks, passenger alarm, customer information, CCTV and wireless networks.

Installation, maintenance repair and testing of telecoms and transmission systems, equipment and components including fibre optics and copper materials. Understand the types of operational constraints when carrying out telecoms installation and maintenance activities.

Rail Systems Technician – This is a specialism in its own right and requires knowledge and skills from across the rail engineering disciplines above to be able to provide technical support and direction across a number of disciplines including traffic management systems, new train control systems, wheel/rail interface, remote condition monitoring and the requirements of a digital railway.