RailEI Technical Education and Training Programmes

Earthworks, Drainage & Off-Track Engineering Course

Knowledge & understanding

This course provides delegates with the knowledge, understanding, and insights necessary to manage the risks presented by earthworks, drainage and associated Off-Track railway engineering assets.

Asset ageing, climate change and other external factors such as land use, road traffic volumes and interfaces are changing the balance of risks associated with railway infrastructure. Continued safe operation of the railway requires these changes to be fully understood and integrated into the day to day operation and management of railway engineering assets.

One course, one week

Course cost: £1245 Accommodation cost from: £545

Programme aim

Delegates will learn about track formation, earthworks, drainage and water management, vegetation, level crossings, line-side security, and their relationships with interfacing engineered systems such as track. Weather related effects will be examined and the potential longer term impact of climate change explored. Through theory, worked examples, case studies, and exercises, attendees will gain an appreciation of good practice in the design, installation, and ongoing safe management of critical Off-Track assets.

Course dates run from Monday to Friday:

18 – 22 May 2026 – In-person
30 November – 04 December 2026 – In-person

Knowledge and practical experience

The course includes

Earthworks, slopes, cuttings and retaining structures
Drainage systems and water management
Level crossings and other infrastructure interfaces
Vegetation and lineside management
Third Party interfaces
Good practice asset management.

The course includes practical sessions, guests and case studies. Delegates will have to pass a formal assessment at the end of the course and upon successful completion will be awarded a RailEI certificate in Earthworks, Drainage and Off-Track Engineering.

Course learning outcomes

Outcome 1 Have an overview of the context of Off-Track assets and the impact on track and railway infrastructure performance. The assets include cable routes and services around the railway.

Outcome 2 Understand good practice asset management associated with Off-Track assets and the benefits of co-ordinated whole infrastructure asset management in the railway environment.

Outcome 3 Understand earthworks, embankments, cuttings and the interface with retaining structures and track sub-structure, including their construction, inspection and assessment and maintenance (incorporating repair and renewals).

Outcome 4 Have an understanding of the importance of water management around the railway, in particular drainage for optimising the life cycle of the track bed, the track structure and supporting assets. Have knowledge of how to survey, design, install and refurbish new or existing drainage systems efficiently and safely. Understand the significance of local rivers, waterways, ponds and lakes, including the potential environmental impact.

Outcome 5 Have a knowledge and understanding of lineside vegetation and the potential effects. Understand good practice vegetation management including modern forestry and woodland management and associated environmental issues.

Outcome 6 Understand level crossing systems, legal requirements, interface issues including inspection, maintenance, repair and renewal.

Outcome 7 Understand the importance of well-managed, good, effective lineside fencing and security including good practice site access arrangements.

Outcome 8 Understand the effects that “Third party” involvement can have for railway infrastructure. Be aware of good practice with respect to reactive and proactive relationships with neighbours and stakeholders.

Outcome 9 Understand weather science and data, managing the effects of extreme weather events. Understand the risks and potential effects of climate change.

Outcome 10 Be aware of and understand the options available for ‘Smart Monitoring’ of assets including interpretation and management of asset data.

Outcome 11 Understand the importance of effective guidance, legislation and regulation associated with the management of health and safety, the protection of the environment and good practice asset management. Be aware of what guidance and legislation applies with regard to Off-Track assets management.

Outcome 12 Review of incidents and case studies associated with Off-Track assets.

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.

Important things you should know

Questions and answers

When will I receive course materials & joining instructions?

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.

Will I receive a copy of the presentations?

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

Can I book accommodation through you?

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.

Can my company book my space?

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 Membership Team at education@railei.org

How do I make a group booking?

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.

Where does the course take place?

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

Do you cater for people with food intolerances or allergies?

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.

And how about special access and audio requirements?

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.

Is there a dress code?

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.

What happens if I can’t attend the course?

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.