The UK rail industry is flourishing with many exciting developments and projects on the way. Network Rail is currently spending more than £38 billion to upgrade the rail network, which means a huge number of jobs will be created to support this expenditure.
This is just one of the reasons why more job opportunities are being unlocked and long-term careers are increasingly attractive, all booming with benefits, such as travel, financial security, and training.
There is a huge number of beneficial and rewarding roles in the railway sector, from engineers and maintenance work to train drivers and customer service officers. Having the right qualifications and industry recognition behind you, is vital to improve your chances of securing your dream job in rail.
Which qualifications do I need?
If you are wanting to work trackside, your first step is to obtain a PTS (Personal Track Safety Course), this is an entry level qualification for anybody wanting to begin a career in rail. You will need GCSE C or above in Mathematics and English. Once you have completed this course you will receive a PTS card, this usually takes one day to complete and will be valid for up to five years. This is a legal requirement and will demonstrate your understanding of your responsibilities and show you have completed the necessary safety training when working on a railway track.
Once you have achieved your PTS card, this is where you’re learning options become limitless. You may decide to specialise in a certain area of rail, or you may find yourself keen to gain a more in-depth insight into the entire railway operations field. Online rail training courses from Rail Academy offer comprehensive and interactive learning to engage rail professionals in a range of subjects.
Our training courses are suitable for individuals who are new to the industry as well as those looking to develop their knowledge and expertise.
For those who are relatively new to railway operations and would like to develop their knowledge of the sector, we offer our industry leading Introduction to Rail Online Interactive course. This engaging online course provides an ideal foundation for a successful career in the sector. Learning is delivered through a mixture of short video lectures, accompanying text and assessment quizzes.
The 9 components of this course are:
For mid-level professionals keen to gain a more in-depth insight into the entire railway operations field, we offer ‘Rail Pro: 12 System Elements of Rail’ which is one of our flagship courses.
You will be pleased to know that the interactive course encompasses 12 sections of learning complementing the knowledge and competencies spanning the entire professional context of railway operators.
The 12 core components of this course are:
Managers can purchase Rail Academy courses for their staff to support their progression. Employees can recommend courses to their company and request a free demo.
Every existing CIRO corporate member benefits from their own private business-branded ‘member room’ which is prepopulated with customised and verified training content. Current CIRO corporate members include: Avanti West Coast, West Midlands Railway, Cross Country, Network Rail, Arriva Rail London and Department for Transport. Click here to see if your employer is a corporate member. If professionals also work for a corporate member, they may be eligible to become a CIRO member for free, which is advised when beginning the learning journey with Rail Academy.
Rail Academy offers two enrolment routes with a choice of managed or license-based courses, available for single or multiple learners, so signing-up staff is quick and simple.
Rail Academy courses are tailored to learners of all levels which is why rail managers are also invited to work with Rail Academy to create bespoke learning packs. This helps to ensure that the courses are relevant to individual job roles and requirements.
To discuss your business training needs and the options we provide, your company can speak to our team directly on 03333 440523. Alternatively, click here to complete our online enquiry form or to book a full demonstration of Rail Academy at a date and time that’s convenient for you.
To discuss training options for your business contact Rail Academy today using the form below or telephone 03333 440523.
Choose a convenient date and time below to book a full demonstration of the Rail Academy training platform and find out how your business can benefit from the best available railway operations training knowledge, guidance and information.
