Jobs related to construction in the UK’s rail industry can include everything from civil engineering through to junior or senior management, electrical engineering, computerised design, health and safety, operations director and basic labouring jobs. Sectors include the UK’s overland railway companies, international rail, London Underground and the overland commuter lines in London and the UK’s large cities. Basic construction jobs are usually undertaken by crews already employed by the main rail companies or their subcontractors.
For basic construction jobs, track maintenance and new installations, common sense and an ability to work closely according to instructions are the essential requirements. For jobs involving design, engineering, management etc, the usual professional qualifications and experience, especially in the health and safety field, are mandatory, as the work involves companies’ legal responsibility to the travelling public.
Salaries in the rail industry relate to the positions themselves, with basic level wages, union-controlled and higher to management-level salaries dependent on the responsibilities of the position and the qualifications and experience of the applicant.

Rail engineering technicians are required to install and maintain electrical and mechanical systems in passenger carriages, train engines, and other railway machinery and equipment. Their duties are set at the highest standards and they are responsible for making sure that passengers and train crew have comfort conditions under safety regulations.

Rail engineering technicians usually perform many of the following tasks:
• Maintaining railway equipment.
• Working on engines.
• Adjusting instruments.
• Using electronic testing equipment.
• Locating faults on electrical systems.

• Having good level of fitness.
• Having English and Math skills.
• Having good communication skills.
• Having knowledge of safe working practices.
• Being able to work alone or with a team.
• Being reliable and responsible.
• Being methodical.
• Having high attention to details.
• Having awareness of safety matters.
• Having understanding of industry quality standards.

Rail engineering technician posts require candidates including work experience as an electrician, mechanical fitter, or a craftsperson in other industries. Suitable backgrounds for this area are motor vehicle technician, coach builder, among others. Once in the application process, candidates need to pass an aptitude test to demonstrate knowledge and skills and medical tests including eyesight, colour vision, hearing and physical fitness. Apprenticeship schemes in this area require applicants with four GCSE´s (A-C) including Science, Math, and English.

There are further on-the-job qualifications including an NVQ Diploma in Performing Engineering Operations or an NVQ in Railway Engineering. These courses cover different matters such as maintaining equipment, safe working, preventative maintenance, and testing systems.