If you’re looking to strengthen your technical understanding and tackle the root causes of point failure, our Advanced Switch and Crossing (S&C) Systems Engineering course offers a unique opportunity to deepen your knowledge, improve collaboration between disciplines, and apply practical solutions that reduce costly disruption. Here are the answers to some common questions about the course.
What is the purpose of the Advanced S&C Systems Engineering course?
This course is designed to give delegates a deeper understanding of why points fail and how to prevent failures. The focus is on diagnosing underlying issues – whether due to installation, design, or maintenance – and on equipping delegates with the knowledge to make evidence-based decisions that improve reliability and reduce delays.
The course is designed to ensure that track and signalling teams can better work together to plan preventative maintenance effectively.
Who is this course for?
Anyone involved in the design, maintenance, planning, or management of switches and crossings. This includes:
- Technicians and supervisors
- Maintenance engineers
- Project and design engineers
- Planners and engineering managers
The course is particularly valuable for those who already have some experience with S&C and want to strengthen their diagnostic and problem-solving skills.
What makes this course unique?
This is a world-first, a completely unique course offering developed by leading track and signalling experts with decades of experience in both manufacturing and maintaining S&C. It draws on real-world case studies, including live examples from current Network Rail projects. You won’t find this level of practical insight anywhere else.
This course has been developed to fill a critical training gap to support S&C teams, raise technical competence, and deep dive into developing S&C maintenance collaboration that is fit for the future!
Do I need to have completed the S&C Refurbishment course first?
Not at all. This course is designed for those already working with S&C in some capacity, but if you’re newer to the subject, you’re still very welcome.
Some people attending the S&C Systems Engineering course may find it helpful to have attended the Track Engineering diploma or the S&C Refurbishment course first, but there is no formal requirement.
How practical is the course – will it help me in my day-to-day role?
Very. This course focuses on real-world scenarios, not just theory. It’s designed to help you spot early warning signs, understand how components degrade, and choose the right interventions before failure happens.
Delays caused by point failures can cost millions in a single day, and too often, teams are left reacting after the fact. This course promotes proactive, not reactive, maintenance, giving you the tools to improve reliability and reduce costly disruption across the network.
Is the course relevant to signalling professionals as well as track professionals?
Absolutely. One of the key messages is that S&C systems cannot be managed in silos. Many so-called signalling faults are actually caused by underlying track or design issues. This course encourages integrated thinking across track and signalling disciplines.
Please find full course details and book your place on our dedicated course page.
