The PWI
The PWI
The cornerstone of knowledge leadership
Founded in 1884, the PWI has been a cornerstone of knowledge leadership in the field of rail infrastructure engineering for over 130 years. Working closely with leading organisations and government bodies, we influence and directly impact industry training, management and competency standards – and have done so from our earliest years. Throughout our history, we have championed industry science, research, and innovation by bringing together and growing a solid, global community of enthusiastic engineering practitioners, including many experts in the field.
Our Vision
To be a globally renowned engineering Institution – inclusive, progressive and shaping the future of a thriving railway industry.
Our Mission
To educate, connect and empower people – sharing knowledge and experience, enriching careers and championing railway engineering.
Professional Engineering Institution
The PWI today
Today, we operate as a strong business with over 3300 members (and counting), plus over 250 professionally registered engineers; demonstrating our increasing importance to the industry.
We exist to enhance the practice of railway engineering, the industry as a whole, as well as the careers of our members, and we achieve this by offering wide opportunities for comprehensive professional development, including training, other learning opportunities, and specialist technical literature.
Our technical training courses are designed and led by world-class experts. We deliver an impressive annual portfolio of technical conferences, seminars, meetings and talks that bring together UK and international rail experts to discuss the latest technologies and industry developments. Our quarterly technical journal is recognised as an invaluable source of theorical and practical guidance. We continue to grow our partnerships with Corporate Members, including the industry’s biggest names as well as its most historic heritage railways.
We are now working increasingly closer with colleges and universities across the UK through whom we can directly influence and support rail engineering education. Our demographic is widening, and we work closely with partner Institutions to promote and support a diverse industry workforce with equal opportunities and fair standards.
We have a highly enthusiastic volunteer network, including our Section Committee Members and Ambassadors who contribute tirelessly to our community. And we have a strong online presence, encouraging active debate, discussion and knowledge-sharing through our social groups.
Having made the transformation from one of the oldest technical learned societies to a modern, fully-fledged Professional Engineering Institution (PEI) we now provide a professional community like no other, and there has never been a more exciting time to join us.
Growth and impact
Future vision
As well as striving to continuously enhance and develop our membership services and resources, our forward mission is to fully define the profession of railway engineering in the future.
We aim to encompass all infrastructure and be the centre for technical knowledge. We want to broaden our membership community ever further and spread professional recognition locally and internationally. We will achieve this by promoting and providing opportunities for continued learning through technical training and research, and by constantly acquiring and spreading knowledge.
We will set and maintain professional standards and development, as well as improving competence and opportunity for continuous improvement. We will keep providing networking opportunities, catering for and mobilising our community. And we will provide mentoring opportunities to those with less experience… leading to sustainable growth within the industry and within our Institution.
We will work ever closer with the education sector to influence and support the lifelong career journey of tomorrow’s engineers, managers and leaders, and we will strive to support the greater good of the industry and all of its stakeholders.
Read more about our sustainability goals and how we are working towards a better future.
A community like no other
Standing the test of time - and continuing to do so
The PWI community spans hundreds of years of knowledge and experience. Find out about the individuals and organisations that make us who we are.
PWI heritage
Our journey
Originally a Supervisory group, the PWI quickly grew to become a technical body for track engineers, supervisors, operatives and managers. Read more about our original objectives from 1884 and how we became the Professional Engineering Institution that we are today.
Engage with us
Network with hundreds and thousands of like minded professionals.
Grow with us
Access growth opportunities for your continuing professional development.
Learn with us
Enrol for technical training and gain qualifications and diplomas to enhance your skills and knowledge.
What matters to us?
Our values
At the PWI, we care about the individuals who make up our community, and we want that community to feel like a safe and inclusive, non-judgemental space for all. We have established the following values to achieve this:
We’re proud to be a trusted, respected voice of the railway engineering community. Rich in knowledge, strong on safety and sustainability, and dedicated to championing our industry.
We’re open to everyone – a friendly, fair and welcoming community that’s accessible, approachable and determined to grow a diverse, engaged membership.
We’re here to inspire, support and connect our members, creating opportunities to learn, achieve their goals and thrive in their careers.
