Duration: 48 months
Do you like take lead and influence decisions? If so, this article will delve into a Rail Engineer role and the opportunities it can bring.
Job specialism and entry requirements for a Rail Systems apprentice
> A Rail and Rail Systems Engineer is a senior strategic role, helping to maintain tracks and equipment. It falls into different specialism areas such as:
- Rail Civils
- Rail track
- Rail systems and Integration
- Rail signaling and control
A Rail Systems Engineer role consists of leading safe integrated design, construction, installation, maintenance and renewal to provide a safe and reliable railway. Proactivity is a key characteristic as the role requires to find potential solutions to problems and identify areas for improvement at a project, organization or rail industry level. Usually, entry requirements are set by employers but requirements are Level 2 Maths and English.
For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement, the apprenticeship’s English and Maths minimum requirement is Entry Level 3. A British Sign Language (BSL) qualification is an alternative to the English qualification for those whose primary language is BSL. A Masters Degree aligned to the content of the apprenticeship occupational standard. (The Master’s degree must consist of 180 credits, 120 delivered on-programme and 60 through the EPA.) This guide outlines more information on higher and degree apprenticeships.
Core Responsibilities for Level 7 Rail System Apprentices
Railway engineering is primarily a multi-faceted role, which requires several responsibilities to take on as a Rail Apprentice. These are great for building up soft skills and embodying leadership! These can include:
- Taking the lead on national railway schemes/projects relating to their area of expertise.
- Leading individuals and teams in large scale Rail Engineering projects and programmes in line with government funded enhancements.
- Assess and manage complex rail system risks and assure there is a good quality and timely delivery of work undertaken by others.
- Working collaboratively in the industry to avoid process and system failure and take proactive decisions to do this.
What are knowledge and skills needed for the role?
You will have a detailed and comprehensive knowledge in areas such as:
- Business Planning – detailed financial planning and government regulatory funding rules and supply chain management.
- Research and data methodologies – informed by business and data analytics, problem solving and improvement tools/techniques.
- Partner and Stakeholder management – includes negotiation, networking and influencing. Detailed knowledge of collaborative working technique and understanding of conflict resolution and stakeholder engagement.
Core skills:
- Safety – implement safe working practices on the railway to keep yourself and others safe. Promote compliance with statutory rail regulations and provide safe access to work locations. Ensure good practice by leading risk assessments and hazard reviews.
- Lead Senior Management/ Executive meeting – deliver interactive presentations, communicating rail technical and business data.
- Work Collaboratively
- Self disciplined, motivational approach to work.
Rail workers bring a positive impact impact to society, an example of this is the development of the Elizabeth Line.
“The Elizabeth line has been truly transformative for Londoners, connecting east to west with faster, accessible and more comfortable train journeys”.
London Travel Watch, 19 June 2023
Conclusion
Moreover, this blog has explored the scope and qualities of a Rail Systems apprentice role. Find out more information about the apprenticeship here. Additionally, you could progress onto a range of roles within the rail industry providing opportunities to develop further and work on projects that can help make everyday life easier for a commuter!
Interest to know more? Read our latest content on Engineering and manufacturing Apprenticeships here. We’d love to hear from you! Stay up to date with our posts on socials: