Signalling technicians, or signal engineering technicians work on the signalling and control systems needed to run a railway network. This can involve:

• installing new systems
• carrying out routine maintenance checks
• travelling to the correct area to trace the reason for a fault
• using automatic and manual tools
• referring to technical drawings and manuals
• sometimes replacing faulty parts and taking them to a workshop for repair.

Signalling and control systems use electrical, electronic and fibre-optic cables and operate mechanical, electrical, electronic and computerised devices and displays, therefore technicians need a high level of expertise.

Hours and Environment

Most signalling technicians work 37 hours a week. Shift work and overtime is likely, as work must be completed without too much interruption to services. The work is usually in a different place each day. This could involve some overnight stays.

The majority of work takes place outdoors on the track in all weathers. It may be necessary to work at heights, and some of the work can be quite physically demanding. Protective clothing is always worn. Working alongside the track means taking safety precautions at all times.

Skills and Interests

To be a signalling technician, you should:

• be good at practical work
• have an ability for maths
• have good eyesight and normal colour vision
• be logical for detecting system faults
• be physically fit and have stamina
• be able to work with engineering drawings
• have computer skills
• be interested in science and technology
• have strong written and spoken communication skills
• have good organisational skills
• be a team player as well as having initiative.

Entry

Once of the main entry routes for this job is through an apprenticeship scheme with Network Rail or Tube Lines and Metronet Rail on the London Underground.

Entry requirements for Network Rail's Advanced Apprenticeship scheme are four GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3), including English, maths and science. Tube Lines and Metronet Rail's schemes have similar requirements.

Network Rail has a Signal Engineering Conversion Programme for those who have a BTEC HNC/HND, or equivalent, in electrical or electronic engineering and technical management experience in any field. This is a seven-month fully paid programme consisting of residential training and work experience. See the Network Rail website in Further Information for more details.

It is also possible to enter after studying for a foundation degree in Railway Engineering either full-time or part-time, this is a two to three year programme developed by Sheffield Hallam University. The full-time course involves work placements. The course is aimed at both people new to the industry and those already working in the field. The usual entry requirements are one A-level or equivalent, although each application is considered on merit. See the Network Rail website for more details.

See the Careers in Rail website for more details about jobs and training in the rail industry.

Personal Track Safety
You must hold a track safety card before you can work trackside. Your employer will put you through the Personal Track Safety (PTS) course and on completion, you will be awarded a safety card. This course is only available to workers employed by rail engineering companies; it is not open to the general public. 

For information about the safety card and training providers, see the National Competency Control Agency website in Further Information.

Training

Apprentices work alongside experienced technicians to learn different aspects of the job. NVQ levels 2 and 3 are available in Railway Engineering; SVQ levels 2 and 3 are available in Rail Transport Engineering Maintenance: Communications Systems.

Employees may be required to work towards an Institution of Railway Signal Engineers (IRSE) licence for some duties, for example signal testing or installation. This involves on-the-job assessment and providing evidence to demonstrate competence. Once a licence is held, a log book of work must be maintained. The licence is reviewed every two and a half years and must be renewed every five years.

It is also possible to apply for membership of the IRSE and to sit their professional examinations. See the IRSE website in Further Information for details about licensing, membership and examinations.

Opportunities

Signalling technicians are employed by Network Rail and its various contractors. There are also opportunities with London Underground. Modernisation and improvement of safety standards means more recruitment is expected. This will include a growing number of apprenticeship places for school and college leavers. For example, major track and Underground upgrading programmes are being introduced, as the south-east gears up for the 2012 Olympics.  

Promotion is usually from junior to senior technician, team leader and manager. Senior technicians test and commission new signals installations and design new installations.

Some people move into telecommunications.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Apprentices earn between £8,000 and £13,000, depending on the stage of training.
Experienced technicians earn between £18,000 and £30,000 a year.
Senior technicians/engineers earn in excess of £35,000 a year.

Overtime and other allowances are usually paid. Free or reduced price travel is an additional benefit.

Further information

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