Successful T Level students with their exam results at Walsall College
Photo: High Speed Two (HS2) Limited
A school boy sitting in a train looking out of the window with a pencil and paper on the table in front of him.
Photo: Avanti West Coast
A female Network Rail worker wearing a hard hat and uniform

Training and qualifications to work in rail

Find your route into rail through apprenticeships and other vocational training routes

The railway industry in the UK is full of exciting and innovative career opportunities. With hundreds of different job roles available, there’s something for everyone – whether you’re interested in engineering, cyber security, customer service, environmental management or even communications.

Railways are vital to the UK’s future, helping to connect people and places in sustainable ways.

If you’re looking for a hands-on, practical way to get started in the railway industry, there are plenty of routes to explore. From apprenticeships to volunteering, here’s how you can begin your journey into this exciting sector.

Why rail is a great place to work

GCSEs that could help you prepare

Even if studying isn’t your favourite thing, some GCSE subjects can give you a strong foundation for a career in rail.

For many engineering jobs, you’ll usually need GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 in maths, English and sometimes science (especially physics).

If your school offers GCSEs in design and technology or engineering, these are great for getting hands-on experience with tools and materials, and learning how to solve problems.

Rail offers jobs in lots of other areas, too, such as signalling, network control, station management, environmental management and customer service. Grades 9 to 4 in maths, English and science will help you keep your options open for these roles, along with subjects like geography, business studies, computer science and ICT.

Rail apprenticeships (from age 16)

An apprenticeship is a great way to earn money while learning on the job. You’ll spend time working in the industry and studying towards a qualification, putting your knowledge into practice right away.

Some apprenticeships available in rail include:

  • rail engineering technician (level 3): you’ll learn how to maintain, repair and upgrade things like signals, tracks and electrical systems
  • rail infrastructure operator (level 3): this role involves working on the tracks and other essential parts of the railway infrastructure, like signals and communication systems
  • rail engineering operative (level 2): you’ll provide support to technicians and engineers working on the rail network and trains
  • customer service apprenticeships (level 2 or 3): these cover working in stations, helping passengers, handling ticket sales and providing essential travel information – you’ll develop communication, problem-solving and organisational skills while gaining valuable experience in the rail industry

Find out more about rail apprenticeships at Routes into Rail

What qualification levels mean

In the UK, qualifications are divided into levels:

  • level 2 is equivalent to GCSEs
  • level 3 is similar to A levels
  • levels 4 to 6: higher qualifications, like the first few years of university study

For example, a level 3 apprenticeship gives you the same level of qualification as A levels but also includes real-life work experience.

College courses for rail

After your GCSEs, you can head to college to study a vocational course that focuses on engineering or railways. These courses usually blend classroom learning with practical work and often lead to apprenticeships or direct entry into the industry.

Some popular options include:

  • BTEC in engineering (level 3): colleges offer this course with specialisations in mechanical or electrical engineering – both of which are important in the rail industry
  • NVQs in railway engineering (levels 1 to 3): these are more practical courses, where you get to learn hands-on skills while you work in the industry

For older students (usually 18 years or above), there are also HNCs and HNDs. These are designed to give you more specific, higher-level skills. They can also lead straight into a career – or let you enter directly into the second or third year of a degree.

Students at the Open Doors launch at HS2 site in Warwickshire
Students at the Open Doors launch at the HS2 site in Warwickshire

T Levels (Technical Levels)

When you turn 16, another option is T Levels. These new qualifications combine 80% classroom learning with 20% work placements.

A T Level in engineering and manufacturing would give you the technical skills and work experience to move straight into jobs in railway engineering – or to do further training or study.

T Levels are equivalent to 3 A levels, but they focus more on hands-on skills.

Find out more about T Levels

Heritage railways and volunteering

If you want to start getting involved with railways, why not volunteer at a heritage railway? It’s a fun way to gain experience, learn about railway operations, and meet people passionate and experienced in the railways!

Many heritage railways across the UK, like the Severn Valley Railway or the Bluebell Railway, welcome young volunteers to help with a wide range of roles.

Next steps

  • Explore your options by looking at rail apprenticeships and college courses.
  • Talk to your teachers about the subjects you’re interested in and how they can help you with your future career.
  • Get involved with work experience or volunteering to start building your skills.

The railway industry is full of exciting opportunities for anyone that wants to work in a green industry, has a passion for trains, and wants to be part of positive change for society, and with the right qualifications and experience, you could be on track for a fantastic career!