Rail track maintenance worker | Explore careers (2024)

You might find it useful to take an engineering qualification at college before looking for work.

Courses include:

• Level 2 Certificate in Mechanical Engineering
• Level 2 Diploma in Maintenance Engineering Technology

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• funding advice
• search for courses

You could do a Rail Engineering Operative Level 2 Intermediate apprenticeship.

You might be able to find apprenticeships with companies like Network Rail and Transport for London.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships
• Network Rail apprenticeships
• Transport for London apprenticeships

You could apply directly to work as a rail track maintenance worker. You'll usually start as a trainee.

You'll find it useful to have:

• experience of manual work in a related role like construction or engineering
• GCSEs including English and maths

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a rail track maintenance worker from Network Rail and Transport for London.

You'll need:

• knowledge of building and construction
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• the ability to work well with others
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• to be flexible and open to change
• leadership skills
• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

As a rail track maintenance worker, you'll work in a safety critical environment around live wires and on train tracks. This means you'll have a medical as part of the selection process. This will include checking your hearing and vision.

You might also need to:

• take regular drug and alcohol checks
  
• have a driving licence so you can drive rail company vehicles
  
• live no more than an hour away from the location you wish to work

As a rail track maintenance worker, you could:

• install and renew track, tunnels, embankments, cuttings, level crossings and bridges
• check sections of track are the correct height and distance apart
• inspect track to see if it has any defects or needs any maintenance
• clear potential obstacles and report incidents
• use hand signals and be a lookout when working on the track to keep your team safe

You could work on rail tracks.

Your working environment may be physically demanding and outdoors in all weathers.

You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.