RailEI Technical Education and Training Programmes
Advanced Track Technician Course
Principles
and theory
The aim of this course is to give delegates advanced technical knowledge and understanding of track systems, and their associated methodologies and plant. It is comprised of three consecutive modules and involves 120 hours of taught study all mapped to HE Level 4.
This course is aimed at newly qualified and experienced technicians and will give delegates the knowledge and skills required for all technical staff involved in track maintenance, renewals or project activities on the railway. A key aspect of the course is site work and the involvement of industry partners for software and machinery. Upon successful completion of the course and assessment, delegates will be awarded the RailEI Advanced Track Technician certificate, and they will be supported to make a formal application for registration as RailEI EngTech.
One course, three weeks
Each Module costs: £945 Accommodation cost: £425
Programme aim
Delegates will be taught and trained by experienced track experts, and will learn how innovations in survey, design, maintenance, renewal, and project work can be harnessed to help make safe and efficient plans. Technical excellence, diversity and sustainability issues will be explored, as will the interdependencies between the various engineering functions and train operations, so that key management skills including decision making, prioritisation, record keeping, data analysis, and report writing are developed. Practical skills will be developed in plain line and S&C surveying and inspection, rail and rail defect management, mechanised alignment maintenance, and rail stressing.
This course takes place over three weeks at the Derby Conference Centre using classrooms with outside track layout facilities. The sitework will take place at the Midland Railway.
Module 1: Introduction to Track Theory, Practice and Surveying
Delegates will develop knowledge and understanding of railway track and its assembly, components, ballasted trackbed, substructure and forms including plain line, S&C and slab. Following this, the course will cover drainage and track degradation and develop the maintenance solutions to deliver track quality using machinery. Delegates will be introduced to site investigations and the basics of track design with interfaces to other disciplines. This module is 60% classroom based and 40% site survey work. Site work will include track survey work in teams involving alignment, S&C and clearances to platforms and structures.
There is an overview of the technician’s role and the professional competencies for EngTech. Coursework will be undertaken between modules to analyse site and track quality data to develop maintenance and renewal designs. Delegates will identify a supporter and sponsor for EngTech submission and commence the application.
27 – 30 April 2026 – In-person
07 – 10 September 2026 – In-person
Module 2: Advanced Surveying, Design and Switches and Crossings
The module commences with a review of designs and how to successfully implement them. The coursework will be reviewed through individual presentations. An extensive review of manual track maintenance treatments will be covered including changing of S&C components, manual alignment interventions and repairs. A key feature is the skill to measure up S&C for replacement of major parts. Mechanised plant use and planning for renewals including production capability will be covered with exercises. Delegates will develop an understanding of the critical area of track stability and the principles of stressing and restressing in maintenance and renewal work. Practical sessions will be held on site to use advanced surveying equipment, undertake an EDM and drainage system survey, and set up lasers for 3D machine control including dozers. This module is 60% classroom based and 40% practical site activities.
Coursework will consist of taking data and producing a compliant horizontal and vertical design involving clearances and material take off. There will also be a case study stressing exercise. You will be assisted in completing your final draft of the EngTech submission.
08 – 11 June 2026 – In-person
19 – 22 October 2026 – In-person
Module 3: Asset Management Planning, CDM, Quality Assurance, Report Writing and On-Track Machinery Supervision
Delegates will be introduced to systems for using asset information to aid technical work decision-making such as LADS, TIGER, “DesignRoute” and “Clearoute”. This will follow with scoping, specifying, design and planning of a plain line and S&C trackwork activity including access arrangements and possession planning. Sessions will be held to promote and encourage best practice in safety, efficiency, quality and sustainability within maintenance and renewal works with a full appreciation of the engineering assurance for handing back work and compliance with CDM. Delegates will be introduced to the complexity of railway tamping technology.
By gaining on site setting out and supervision experience with actual machinery, delegates will obtain the skills and knowledge for productive and effective design-focused use of On-Track machines for maintenance and renewal works. The final part of the course will involve writing reports and developing simple business cases, including the final progression to completing EngTech applications. This will be followed by group presentations, an individual report on the learning outcomes from the course and a final open book assessment.
06 – 09 July 2026 – In-person
23 – 26 November 2026 – In-person
Taught by experienced railway engineers
The course includes
- Practical sessions with track experts
- Site visits
- Classroom tutorials and group work
- Talks and demonstrations from industry specialists
- Individual support and guidance
- Preparation and support for EngTech registration
Route to EngTech
There will be additional support throughout the course for those wishing to achieve EngTech registration. Subject to a satisfactory application and review, delegates will be awarded the EngTech title upon completion of the course.
Important things you should know
Questions and answers
Yes. These courses are designed to be completed consecutively. There will be a small amount coursework set to be completed in between each module.
Before you start Module 1, you will need to discuss the particular areas that you wish to develop with your line manager so that they can be the focus of your coursework. You will need to agree a work project that will enable you to develop your skills in a track technical area, such as a maintenance or renewal activity. Alternatively, you could chose a specific element that you could plan, such as an alignment scheme or track repair.
If you would like to complete your EngTech application through the course, please ensure your RailEI membership is up to date and you familiarise yourself with the EngTech application form.
You will need to complete around four hours of coursework between each module. This will include reviewing data collected on the site visits and producing plans and designs for implementing a job or solution.
The course lecturers will provide full details of the coursework requirements and will be available between modules to answer any queries you may have.
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.
Yes, approximately one week before the course commences, the presentations that will be given on the course will be made available to delegates.
We will breakdown the EngTech application process to ensure it is as straightforward as possible. We will take you through the EngTech application form, explain the type of evidence the reviewers will be looking for and answer any questions you have. We will discuss what additional evidence is required, such as CPD and PDP records and help you identify a suitable sponsor and supporter. Finally, we will explain what to expect in the review process.
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.
- 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, FFP3 dust masks & gloves
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
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! 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.
There is no formal dress code, but smart, casual and comfortable is our recommendation; these events provide excellent networking opportunities with colleagues and peers. For some of our courses, you will be required to bring suitable footwear or full PPE. Where this is necessary, we will provide full details in the joining instructions.
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.