How to become a rail engineering manager
There are several routes to becoming a rail engineering manager. You could complete a university or college course, a degree apprenticeship, or on-the-job training to gain the skills required.
You should explore these routes to find out which is the right one for you. Although some of these options have certain qualification requirements, many employers are more interested in people who are enthusiastic, willing to learn and can follow instructions.
You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.
University
To become a rail engineering manager, you could complete an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in civil engineering, specialising in rail engineering.
After graduating, you may be able to apply for a position on a rail company’s graduate training scheme to gain workplace experience as a rail engineer.
College/training provider
You could complete a course through a specialist training provider to start you on your journey to becoming a rail engineering manager.
You'll usually need:
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent (level 2 course)
- 4 - 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent (level 3 course).
More information:
Apprenticeship
You could complete a rail technician advanced apprenticeship to gain the skills necessary to become a rail engineering manager. Network Rail or Transport for London may offer opportunities to train in this field.
For an advanced apprenticeship you’ll usually need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths.
Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you’ll be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and a college or training provider.
Work
If you have experience as a rail engineer, you could complete on-the-job training to further your skills and enable you to apply directly to a rail company to become a rail engineering manager.
Work experience
Work experience is essential to gaining employment within the construction industry. You could gain this at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works as a rail engineering manager. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV.
Skills
Additional skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as a rail engineering manager include:
- Knowledge of transport methods
- A technical understanding of rail engineering
- Ability to operate and control rail equipment
- Patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- Leadership and teamworking skills
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to think analytically and solve problems.
