A Hands-On Experience in Railway Electrification for Tomorrow’s Engineers
Practical Electrification Challenge
Ultimate knowledge share
The RailEI Practical Electrification Challenge is a unique, industry-led initiative that offers real-world, hands-on experience in railway electrification. Developed in collaboration with Network Rail, leading contractors, and electrification experts, the challenge gives participants the rare opportunity to work directly with the tools, techniques, and components used in modern Overhead Line Equipment (OLE) systems. Held at a dedicated electrification education and training facility, the event provides a safe and controlled environment where delegates can learn by doing, without the risks, pressures, or access restrictions of the live railway. The challenge is structured to bridge the gap between theory and practice, giving participants insight into how designs are implemented on site, and the practical constraints that shape safe, buildable infrastructure.
Delegates rotate through practical activities including cantilever assembly, wire tensioning, dropper installation, bonding, and insulator fitting, supported at every stage by experienced industry mentors. Alongside the hands-on tasks, participants attend technical briefings, safety inductions, and evening sessions focused on professional development, allowing them to apply what they’ve learned in a broader project context.
Who Is the Challenge For?
This event is exclusively for RailEI Corporate Member organisations. Each company may nominate up to 2 delegates, with places allocated on a first come, first served basis. It is ideally suited to:
- Electrification engineers and designers
- Project managers and delivery teams
- Asset managers and infrastructure inspectors
- Graduates, apprentices and early-career professionals
- Anyone seeking a deeper understanding of how electrification systems are built, tested, and maintained
"I found the event to be very useful for my professional development and I met some great people!"
Delegate feedback
Why Is It Useful?
While theoretical knowledge is essential, the true test of electrification design lies in its real-world application. This challenge enables participants to see how their decisions affect buildability, safety, and efficiency. It provides first-hand insight into how electrification systems are constructed, revealing the challenges and opportunities that emerge during installation. Participants gain a stronger understanding of on-site construction processes, collaborate with experienced practitioners, and develop the confidence needed to deliver practical, safe, and effective electrification solutions.
What Will Participants Do?
Over the course of 2.5 days, delegates will take part in a structured programme of practical activities and technical learning. They will install and adjust droppers, bonds, Tensorex components, and insulators, as well as perform height and stagger measurements. The challenge includes tensioning and registration exercises, along with fault diagnosis simulations to reflect real operational scenarios. Participants will work closely with experienced professionals from across the electrification sector, receiving guidance and feedback that reinforces learning and encourages reflection on how design meets reality.
Network Rail Jane Austen Training Centre, Swindon
The latest challenge
We returned to Swindon in October 2025 for our third Practical Electrification Challenge, bringing together delegates from across the rail industry. Participants gained hands-on experience installing Overhead Line Equipment (OLE) in a safe, low-risk training environment. Activities included cantilever assembly, wire tensioning, bonding, and insulator installation. The event featured expert-led briefings, CPD opportunities, and support from industry partners. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, reinforcing the value of practical learning in electrification design and delivery.
Get involved
We welcome collaboration and support from across the railway industry, and invite organisations to get involved by sponsoring equipment or training resources, providing guest instructors or technical mentors, showcasing new tools or innovative electrification systems, or offering logistical or technical expertise.