- knowledge of transport methods, costs and benefits
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- the ability to operate and control equipment
- the ability to work well with others
- concentration skills
- physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
- observation and recording skills
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Your day-to-day tasks may include:
- helping to build new engines and carriages
- fitting out carriages with lighting, upholstery, control panels and communication systems
- inspecting bodywork, roofs and undercarriages for wear and tear or damage
- repairing or replacing parts
- carrying out regular checks on brakes and couplings
- taking apart, testing and reassembling mechanical, electrical and pneumatic systems
- writing reports and updating maintenance records
You may need to wear protective clothing.
You could work on rail tracks or in a workshop.
Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time and dirty.
You'll take work-based qualifications in personal track safety, installation, testing and maintenance.
You may work for train operating companies, London Underground, light rail and metro companies, rail freight and leasing firms. Specialist rail engineering maintenance companies are also big employers.
With experience, you could become maintenance team leader or engineering workshop manager.
You can find out more about becoming a rail engineering technician from Network Rail and Transport for London.
