Rail Engineering
Modern Apprenticeship
What's Rail Engineering like?
Do you want to build the crucial infrastructure of tomorrow’s world? This apprenticeship was designed to meet the current skills shortage of qualified rail engineers and provide a route into employment.
Whether you’re a railway enthusiast or simply have a passion for design and construction, there is a job for you in Scotland’s rail engineering sector. The sector covers electrical engineering, maintenance, manufacturing, systems design, transport management and more. Build the latest railway route to connect the country. Re-engineer our diesel fleet with new electrification technology. Revitalise the railway system to keep Scotland’s trains running smoothly.
Whatever role you choose, your skills will be in high demand in Scotland’s rail industry.
You'll gain a Modern Apprenticeship in Rail Engineering at SCQF Level 6.
> SCQF qualification levels explained
Your qualification includes:
Rail Engineering: Electrification Construction Maintenance at SQCF Level 6
Rail Engineering: Signalling and Telecoms at SQCF Level 6
Permanent Way Installation and Maintenance at SQCF Level 6
During your apprenticeship, you'll learn how to:
install new railway tracks
electrify Scotland’s railway network
understand railway signalling systems
maintain and repair existing infrastructure
use railway telecommunications systems
You will also develop the following core skills:
teamwork
problem-solving
communication
information and communication technology skills
numeracy
These skills are transferrable and are valuable for a broad range of employment in the construction, engineering and manufacturing industries.
There's a variety of options available to you when you complete this Modern Apprenticeship . Choose to develop additional skills with further education or begin work in a rail engineering role immediately after receiving your qualification.
Further education: Continue your studies by moving on to a higher-level modern apprenticeship such as the Engineering Technical Framework at SCQF Level 8, which teaches career planning and strategy alongside valuable engineering skills. Or study for valuable industry qualifications such as the Overhead Line Equipment Courses (OLEC), which allow you to perform more specialist construction activities.
Straight to work: Use your railway construction expertise to go straight into a relevant engineering role. These could include:
railway engineer
electrical engineer
track maintenance operative
rail systems integrator
railway signalling and telecoms engineer
Entry requirements
You don't need specific qualifications to apply for this Modern Apprenticeship. It can be useful, though, if you can show practical experience to an employer. Some courses can teach essential abilities, such as using engineering tools safely and effectively.
How does it work?
You’ll learn in a real-world environment and earn a wage. You’ll also study with a college or another learning provider.
How long will it take?
This Modern Apprenticeship will take 12 to 18 months to complete.
How to apply
Use the 'Find vacancies near you' search at the end of this page to look for vacancies, then you can apply online.
You'll apply on Apprenticeships.scot or the company’s own website – there are details on the vacancy advert.