You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job, then look for a trainee position.

Courses include:

• mechanical engineering
• electrical engineering
• maintenance engineering technology

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

You could apply to do a:

• Rail Engineering Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
• Rail Engineering Advanced Technician Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship

These apprenticeships take from 3 to 4 years. You would learn skills that are common across all rail technician roles alongside specific training for traction and rolling stock work.

Apprenticeships are offered by organisations like:

• Network Rail
• Transport for London
• engineering companies that build and maintain railway systems and rolling stock

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

You could start out as a rail track maintenance worker.

With experience and further training, you could then apply for rolling stock engineering technician jobs.

To apply directly, you'll usually need experience and qualifications from other engineering jobs, like:

• mechanical fitter
• electrical maintenance technician
• automotive or aircraft maintenance
• engineering craftsperson
• coach builder
• construction plant technician

You'll need:

• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to operate and control equipment
• the ability to work well with others
• concentration skills
• observation and recording skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

You'll need to:

• pass a medical check

The medical check will include tests of your hearing and vision as you'll be working in a safety critical environment, around live wires and on train tracks.

You can also expect to be regularly tested for drugs and alcohol in this role.

It can be helpful to have a driving licence and your own transport to start shifts outside public transport hours.

As a rolling stock engineering technician, you'll:

• follow written technical instructions
• install lighting, control panels and communication systems in engines and carriages
• inspect bodywork and undercarriages for defects or damage
• repair or replace parts
• make regular checks on brakes and couplings
• take apart, test and reassemble mechanical, electrical and pneumatic systems
• write service reports and update maintenance records

You could work on rail tracks or in a workshop.

Your working environment may be dirty and outdoors some of the time.

You may need to wear protective clothing.