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A community like no other

Student and Apprentice Membership

What is RailEI Student / Apprentice Membership (MRailEI)?

Fast-track your career

RailEI Membership embeds individuals in a community of knowledge sharing, thought leadership and opportunity – all in relation to rail engineering. For those who have a professional, academic or personal interest in the railways, the RailEI is your tribe. Membership benefits have been designed to help you increase your potential and get the most of your rail career, which is why we have so many lifelong members. Joining our Professional Engineering Institution gives you access to not only professional growth, but to a way of life.

The benefits of free student / apprentice membership

Once you have completed your current qualifications and training, continue your Membership with the RailEI to stay up to date with the latest trends and advances within the industry, as well as expanding your network and demonstrating a professional commitment to your career. It’ll remain free for your first year after completion. 

Grow your network
  • Meet local, national and international engineers who can share their knowledge and expertise as well as increasing your awareness of new opportunities.
Expand your knowledge
  • Attend online and in-person events to learn about new technologies, recent projects and grow your technical knowledge and competence.
It’s free!
  • Why wouldn’t you join when it costs nothing and offers so much in return? Plus, we’ll give you an extra free year of membership when you complete your studies or apprenticeship.
Put MRailEI after your name
  • By becoming a member and adhering to our Code of Professional Conduct, you can use the post-nominal MRailEI, instantly reflecting your professional commitment.
Demonstrate commitment to your career
  • Being an active Member of the community demonstrates to future employers that you are dedicated to a career in railway engineering.
Support on hand
  • With access to hundreds of technical papers and videos, you’ll have the RailEI Knowledge Hub on hand to help you upskill.

What does student / apprentice membership include

Student / Apprentice

FREE

+ £30 annually (or just £2.60 per month) for a delivered, printed copy of the quarterly Journal.

What's next?

Your Career Progression

Once you have completed your current qualifications and training, continue your Membership with the RailEI to stay up to date with the latest trends and advances within the industry, as well as expanding your network and demonstrating a professional commitment to your career. It’ll remain free for your first year after completion.

Undertaking Professional Registration with the RailEI is a great way to show employers and industry colleagues your commitment and dedication to railway engineering and it provides a clear pathway to progress through from EngTech to IEng and CEng. Our friendly Professional Registration team are on hand to advise which level of Professional Registration is the best route for you, as your academic qualifications and background will inform your starting point. 

Please note: If you achieve a professional title whilst a student / apprentice, you will need to pay for your membership on its renewal, as your membership status will have changed. The cost will include Engineering Council fees too.

Your Professional Registration Pathway

Engineering Technician

EngTech

A great first step on the Professional Registration ladder.

Incorporated Engineer

IEng

Continue to demonstrate your competence and commitment to your career.

Chartered Engineer

CEng

Work towards achieving Chartership as an experienced engineer.

Questions and Answers

RailEI Student / Apprentice Membership (MRailEI) is a membership designed for students and apprentices who have a professional or personal interest in railway engineering. It provides access to a community of rail professionals, knowledge sharing, and opportunities for career advancement.

If you are aged 16 or over, you can become a member of RailEI. Choose from the following options:

  • Student – an individual membership for anyone aged 16 years or over who is in full-time or part-time UK based education leading to a formal qualification. Student members will receive our e- Journal or you can choose to pay a small annual amount to receive a hard copy.
  • Apprentice – an individual membership for anyone aged 16 years or over who is on an approved UK apprentice scheme leading to a formal qualification. Apprentice members will receive our e- Journal or you can choose to pay a small annual amount to receive a hard copy.

Unfortunately, we do not allow young people under 18 years old to become members of the RailEI.

The benefits of RailEI Student / Apprentice Membership include use of the post nominal MRailEI, growing your professional network, expanding your technical knowledge through events and resources, demonstrating your commitment to a career in rail engineering, and having access to the RailEI Knowledge Hub, which includes hundreds of technical papers and videos.

RailEI Student / Apprentice Membership aids career progression by connecting members with industry professionals, providing access to valuable learning resources, and offering opportunities to demonstrate dedication to the railway engineering field. By using MRailEI after your name, it instantly shows everyone your professional attitude. It also lays the foundation for Professional Registration, crucial for advancing from Engineering Technician (EngTech) to Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and then on to Chartered Engineer (CEng).

We’ll gift you a free year after your studies or when your apprenticeship completes, as we know there can be enough going on when navigating your early career. By continuing your RailEI Membership you’ll stay updated on industry trends, expand your network, and demonstrate ongoing commitment to your career. It also provides continuous professional development opportunities and supports your journey towards Professional Registration.

Your membership number can be found in your membership portal on the website. Just log in to the website and go to your account details.

How to Register for Your Online Account – a step-by-step guide

You can update your contact details (address, email, mobile and telephone numbers) and how you hear from us by logging in to the website and updating your details in your account. If you need to change your name or primary email address, please contact us on +44 (0) 300 373 6000 (option 1) or email secretary@railei.org.

How to Register for Your Online Account – a step-by-step guide

All the details of your membership can be found in your account under My Membership. Simply login using your primary email address and password and you will be able to see when your membership is due for renewal, as well as being able to update your contact details and preferences.

How to Register for Your Online Account – a step-by-step guide

Yes, RailEI Student / Apprentice Membership is free, and we’ll gift you a free year after your studies or apprenticeship completes too. However, if you wish to receive a printed copy of the quarterly Journal, there is an additional cost of £30 annually.

RailEI is committed to protecting your privacy and security. Whenever you provide personal information, we will treat that information in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation and internet good practice. Further details can be found in our Privacy Policy.

I recommend the to anyone in rail – the benefits are innumerable

Join our community today