On a rail infrastructure operator apprenticeship course, you’ll help manage the signals and electrical controls needed to keep trains running safely and on time.
A rail infrastructure operator promotes and controls the safe operation of the rail network via the use of signalling control systems, electrical control systems, and responding to issues that risk the operational integrity of the UK rail transport network.
As an operator in one of these fields, you’ll work directly with controllers to teach drivers, maintenance people, power companies, and specialists to respond to situations quickly. The main topics of this apprenticeship are safety, quality, and customer service.
Depending on your position, you’ll then specialise in signal operation, electrical controller, or incident response. After completing the apprenticeship programme, you will be qualified for membership in the Institution of Railway Operators.
What you’ll learn
On a rail infrastructure operator apprenticeship course, you’ll learn to:
- Understand and follow regulatory laws and organisational safety requirements, with or without supervision.
- Gather information from drawings, plans, timelines, safe methods of work, and permits as needed to support operational activities.
- Be mentally and physically prepared for responsibility and evaluate information, including network status information, whilst supporting all other rail transport operational activities.
- Conduct all planned, unforeseen, and emergency rail transport activities with enthusiasm at all times. Communicate with stakeholders and provide accurate information in line with personal responsibilities. Maintain regular observation of the situation, even during times of relative calm, and pay close attention during periods of intense workload. Prioritise activities following the conditions, and assume personal responsibility for your actions.
- Individually and as part of a team, work effectively and efficiently with colleagues, customers, suppliers, and the general public. Provide outstanding customer service to exceed client expectations and resolve disagreements as required.
- Use all relevant processes and tools to ensure accurate and effective communication.
- Report and record the necessary information while following the appropriate language, standards, formats, and rules.
Entry requirements
You’ll usually need:
- Depending on the employer, but likely GCSEs or equivalent or relevant experience.
- Apprentices without level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level before taking the end-point assessment.
- Pass a medical check
Assessment methods
The End Point Assessment consists of two distinct assessment methods:
- Observation
- Professional Discussion supported by Portfolio of Work
Duration and level
- Duration: 12 months
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Level: 2 – Intermediate Apprenticeship
Apprenticeship standard
More information about the Level 2 Rail Infrastructure Operator Apprenticeship standard can be found here.
Apprenticeship end point assessment
For more information about the End Point Assessment Process, please read the Institute of Apprenticeships’ information page.