RailEI Technical Education and Training Programmes

Railway Earthworks and Drainage Course

This course is running in a new format from November 2026, if you would like to discuss any of these changes please email our Head of Technical Education molly.dalton@railei.org

Knowledge & understanding

This course provides delegates with the knowledge, understanding, and insights necessary to manage the risks presented by earthworks and drainage 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 assets. Continued safe operation of the railway requires these changes to be fully understood and integrated into day to day operation and management decision – making.

One course, one week

Course cost: £1340 Accommodation cost from: £595

Programme aim

This course provides the knowledge needed to understand the behaviour of railway earthworks and drainage systems, recognise the factors that affect their performance, and interpret evidence to support proportionate asset management decisions. It promotes a systems-thinking approach that considers ground, water, assets, risk and operational consequences together.

Course dates run from Monday to Friday (5 days)

30 November – 04 December 2026
10 – 14 May 2027
15 – 19 November 2027

Knowledge and practical experience

The course includes

Earthworks, slopes and ground behaviour
Drainage, catchments and water management
Weather, climate resilience and asset performance
Inspection, monitoring and risk assessment
Asset interfaces and systems thinking
Lifecycle asset management and intervention planning

Delegates will have to pass a formal assessment at the end of the course and upon successful completion will be awarded a RailEI certificate.

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.