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RailEI Technical Education and Training Programmes

Advanced Switch and Crossing Systems Engineering Course

Advanced Switch and Crossing

Points, Switches and Crossings (P&C, S&C) are critical to railway performance, yet maintenance of these assets often lack complete coordination between the track and signalling teams. The Advanced S&C Systems Engineering course bridges this gap. Equipping engineers with the knowledge and tools to optimise reliability, reduce failures and improve safety and train performance.

The course will contain case studies of how to run effective PLANNED PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE regimes for S&C and how to identify and analyse potential failure modes for track and signalling components. The course will be 60% track theory and 40% signalling theory.

Enhance understanding of signalling and track design and maintenance principles and interfaces.

One course, two weeks

Each module costs: £1295 Accommodation cost: £545

Programme aim

Delegates on this course will develop a solid understanding of the fundamentals of switches and crossings (S&C) and Points Operating Equipment, including their design, function and common failure modes. A systems engineering approach is explored, covering key interfaces with signalling, electrification, power, structures, drainage, earthworks, safety and sustainability. The course will examine the entire lifecycle of S&C – from design and manufacture to installation, commissioning, maintenance and operation – and demonstrate how track and signalling teams can work together effectively. Participants will gain hands-on experience inspecting S&C layouts, diagnosing faults, interpreting REPW and 1:50 drawings, and engaging with manufacturers. The course also promotes a planned preventative maintenance approach and shares the latest insights into innovation across components and products from university and industry research.

Course dates run from Monday to Friday

Module 1

13 – 17 April 2026 – In-person
22 – 26 June 2026 – In-person
21 – 25 September 2026 – In-person

Module 2

18 – 22 May 2026 – In-person
07 – 11 September 2026 – In-person
23 – 27 November 2026 – In-person

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Hands on experience

The course includes

  • S&C Components Design and Analysis
  • Site Inspections, Surveys and Measurement
  • Diagnosis of existing and potential S&C problems
  • Optioneering, Scoping, Estimating, and Planning of work.

The course includes practical sessions, in class, at the training centre and a full day site visit each week to inspect, undertake diagnostics and prepare a plan. Delegates will have to pass a number of oral, group and written assessments during and at the end of the course and will be awarded a RailEI certificate on successful completion. This award is subject to validation as providing Higher Education credits which count towards educational requirements for RailEI Incorporated Engineers.

Delegate feedback

I completed the S&C Refurbishment course with the PWI in October 2020. The process, from initial booking to completing the course, was excellent. The paperwork prior to attending gave me all the information I needed, and I feel it couldn’t have been any better, with clear instructions. The Derby Conference Centre during the Covid-19 pandemic was kept very clean, well-managed and the food was excellent. Part A was a good grounding of the subject, improved by the quality of the tutors. Their knowledge was faultless, if sometimes a bit overwhelming at first, but the more I adjusted to the pace and high standards of the course, the more at ease I felt. I gained a huge amount of insight during the practical and now feel more confident around S&C. I would highly recommend this course especially if you want to gain knowledge of S&C to a high level from very knowledgeable people. I would love to attend the Track Engineering Diploma through the PWI as a result of this course because it showed me the high teaching quality of the PWI.
Jacob FayNETWORK RAIL

Experts where you need them

We also offer this course to individual clients who are able to populate a full cohort of participants, and can run the event at UK locations having suitable facilities.

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Important things you should know

Questions and answers

Delegates will be required to bring:

a) Full Network Rail standard PPE, including:

  • Steel toe cap and steel mid sole boots (conforms to EN ISO 20345)
  • Orange Hi viz trousers and vest
  • Blue hard hat if visitors are on a TVP (this will be provided to you)
  • White hard hat if you hold a current Sentinel PTS card
  • Safety glasses & gloves

b) A current Sentinel PTS card or valid Track Visitor Permit (TVP). We will arrange TVP’s for all those who require one.

Approximately two weeks before the course, we will send you an email with the joining instructions confirming timings, the agenda, location and arrangements for the course. Course materials will be handed out on the first day of the course.

Yes, approximately one week before the course commences, the presentations that will be given on the course will be made available to delegates.

Yes, you are able to book accommodation at the training venue in Derby. This includes a single room, breakfast and evening meal and if you require accommodation the night before the course begins, we can arrange that too.

Absolutely! We are very happy to liaise with your colleagues regarding your booking and can accept a purchase order and raise an invoice for payment. Please contact our education team at education@railei.org

Please complete a course booking form for each delegate and email them to education@railei.org

A space will be reserved for each delegate, and we will send you an invoice ready for payment.

Our courses take place at the Derby Conference Centre. Its central location with good transport links, combined with its classroom sizes, onsite accommodation and proximity to local rail infrastructure make it an ideal venue for our training course.

We can also offer this course to individual clients who are able to populate a full cohort of participants and can run the event at UK locations having suitable facilities. To discuss your requirements, please contact education@railei.org

Absolutely! Let us know any dietary requirements when you book, or simply drop us an email at education@railei.org and we will ensure the venue is notified.

We will aim to cater for every circumstance. Please let us know your individual requirements as soon as possible and we will liaise with you to ensure that, as far as possible, your needs are met.

No, we will arrange coach transport to take you from the Derby Conference Centre to the site and back again.

You may cancel your course booking at any time up to six weeks before the course start date. Cancellations will be refunded, subject to an administration charge of £35 plus VAT. Cancellations received between 4-6 weeks prior to the course start date, will be refunded at RailEI’s sole discretion and will be subject to an administration charge of £100 plus VAT. If cancellation occurs within 28 days of the course start date, the course fee becomes payable in full.

Course bookings can be transferred subject to the following terms:

  • More than 28 days’ notice – The delegate may transfer free of charge to any other date for the same course.
  • Between 28-21 days’ notice – The delegate may transfer to any other date for the same course for £100 plus VAT per course.
  • Between 20-14 days’ notice – The delegate may transfer to any other date for the same course for £225 plus VAT per course.
  • Between 13 days and start time of course – Transfers are not permitted.

For full details, please see our Training Terms and Conditions.

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Advanced Track Technician Course

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