Diplomas in Rail Engineering Competence qualifications and training courses

Last Updated: 02 May 2022

The UK is facing a shortage of railway engineering and operating skills to deliver the investment in renewing and improving the existing railway, together with exciting projects such as Thameslink, Crossrail 1 & 2, the Intercity Express Programme, High Speed 2 & 3 and Network Rail’s vision for the ‘Digital Railway’.

At the same time the Rail Industry is undergoing considerable technological change including the introduction of remote condition monitoring, ERTMS (European Rail Train Management System,) which will impact most areas of engineering across the railway and rolling stock as well as new ways of working such as collaboration, lean methodologies and intelligent maintenance.

There is already an urgent need to recruit, train and develop 10,000 engineering workers during the next 5 years to meet the forecast workload in traction and rolling stock, train control systems, electrification and track.

These qualifications have been developed in collaboration with the industry to ensure that today's and tomorrow's workforce gain the knowledge and skills required to successfully face these challenges and achieve the target set up by the Department for Transport to have 30,000 apprentices started by 2020 in rail, road and maritime sectors.

These qualifications are aimed at learners aged 16 and above who would like to prove that they are able to work competently at the standard expected for a Rail Engineering Operative or a Rail Engineering Technician.

These qualifications are part of new Apprenticeship standards. A learner could also take this qualification as a standalone option if they are self-employed as a contractor or on short term contracts that do not support an Apprenticeship. This would help an individual fit learning in with their own work and home circumstances and the opportunity to prove their competence.

Available to deliver in the following:

England

Interested in delivering this qualification?

Find out more about how to become an approved City & Guilds centre or fill out our online customer application form.

General Information

What Is Involved In Studying This Course?

The railways are a key part of the UK's transport infrastructure for commuting, leisure and business travel, as well as freight services.

Rail Engineers are responsible for the safe construction, installation, maintenance and renewal of the railways to provide a safe and reliable railway for customers. Therefore, it is indispensable that rail engineers are able to prove their competence at the level expected by the industry.

These qualifications provide evidence of competence for job roles such as: Track Operative/Technician, Overhead Line Operative/Technician, Electrification Operative/Technician, Traction & Rolling Stock Operative/Technician, Signalling Operative/Technician, Telecoms Operative/Technician.

What Careers Can This Lead To?

Upon completion of these qualifications learners will have been provided with the self-confidence and motivation to take advantage of the many opportunities for progression and development within the industry, such as:

• Carrying out further training in the following areas: track renewals, track maintenance, traction and rolling stock, electrification construction, electrification maintenance and signal and telecommunications.

• Progression into employment by taking up a Rail Engineering Technician or Advanced Technician Apprenticeship.

• Improve their leadership and management skills by taking higher level qualifications through ILM.

What Is Involved With Delivering This Course?

These qualifications will be taught primarily in the workplace, with appropriate classroom sessions.

Centres devise the assessment of the qualification and present it to a City & Guilds' Qualification Consultant for approval. Assessment may be: via practical demonstration, assignments and/or written examination.

To find all the resource requirements, download the qualification handbook from the centre documents section.

Level 2

Level 2 Rail Engineering Operative Competence (6499-02)

Last Registration Date: 31 Dec 2026

Level 2 Rail Engineering Operative Competence (Electrification)

Accreditation No: 603/1170/8 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
Type: Competency based This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
Credits: Data unavailable Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
Guided Learning Hours: 360 - This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
Total Qualification Time: 360 The total time for the qualification
Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
Last Certification: 31/12/2028 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
Qualification fees in the UK: £103.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Level 2 Rail Engineering Operative Competence (Overhead Line Equipment)

Accreditation No: 603/1170/8 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
Type: Competency based This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
Credits: Data unavailable Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
Guided Learning Hours: 360 - This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
Total Qualification Time: 360 The total time for the qualification
Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
Last Certification: 31/12/2028 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
Qualification fees in the UK: £103.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Level 2 Rail Engineering Operative Competence (Telecommunications)

Accreditation No: 603/1170/8 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
Type: Competency based This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
Credits: Data unavailable Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
Guided Learning Hours: 360 - This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
Total Qualification Time: 360 The total time for the qualification
Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
Last Certification: 31/12/2028 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
Qualification fees in the UK: £103.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Level 2 Rail Engineering Operative Competence (Track)

Accreditation No: 603/1170/8 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
Type: Competency based This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
Credits: Data unavailable Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
Guided Learning Hours: 360 - This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
Total Qualification Time: 360 The total time for the qualification
Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
Last Certification: 31/12/2028 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
Qualification fees in the UK: £103.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Level 2 Rail Engineering Operative Competence (Traction and Rolling Stock)

Accreditation No: 603/1170/8 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
Type: Competency based This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
Credits: Data unavailable Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
Guided Learning Hours: 360 - This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
Total Qualification Time: 360 The total time for the qualification
Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
Last Certification: 31/12/2028 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
Qualification fees in the UK: £103.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Level 2 Rail Engineering Operative Competence (Signalling)

Accreditation No: Data unavailable This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
Type: Data unavailable This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
Credits: Data unavailable Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
Guided Learning Hours: 360 - This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
Total Qualification Time: 360 The total time for the qualification
Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
Last Certification: 31/12/2028 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
Qualification fees in the UK: TBC, please speak to your Account Manager for further information Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Level 3

Level 3 Diploma for Rail Engineering Technicians Competence (6499-03)

Last Registration Date: 31 Dec 2026

Level 3 Diploma for Rail Engineering Technicians (Electrification)

Accreditation No: 603/0407/8 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
Type: Competency based This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
Credits: Data unavailable Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
Guided Learning Hours: Data unavailable This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
Total Qualification Time: 550 The total time for the qualification
Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
Last Certification: 31/12/2029 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
Qualification fees in the UK: £140.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Level 3 Diploma for Rail Engineering Technicians (Overhead Line Equipment)

Accreditation No: 603/0407/8 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
Type: Competency based This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
Credits: Data unavailable Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
Guided Learning Hours: Data unavailable This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
Total Qualification Time: 550 The total time for the qualification
Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
Last Certification: 31/12/2029 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
Qualification fees in the UK: £140.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Level 3 Diploma for Rail Engineering Technicians (Signalling)

Accreditation No: 603/0407/8 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
Type: Competency based This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
Credits: Data unavailable Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
Guided Learning Hours: 32 - 32 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
Total Qualification Time: 32 The total time for the qualification
Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
Last Certification: 31/12/2029 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
Qualification fees in the UK: £140.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Level 3 Diploma for Rail Engineering Technicians (Telecommunications)

Accreditation No: 603/0407/8 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
Type: Competency based This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
Credits: Data unavailable Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
Guided Learning Hours: Data unavailable This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
Total Qualification Time: 550 The total time for the qualification
Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
Last Certification: 31/12/2029 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
Qualification fees in the UK: £140.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Level 3 Diploma for Rail Engineering Technicians (Track)

Accreditation No: 603/0407/8 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
Type: Competency based This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
Credits: Data unavailable Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
Guided Learning Hours: Data unavailable This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
Total Qualification Time: 550 The total time for the qualification
Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
Last Certification: 31/12/2029 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
Qualification fees in the UK: £140.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Level 3 Diploma for Rail Engineering Technicians (Traction & Rolling Stock)

Accreditation No: 603/0407/8 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
Type: Competency based This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
Credits: Data unavailable Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
Guided Learning Hours: Data unavailable This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
Total Qualification Time: 550 The total time for the qualification
Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
Last Certification: 31/12/2029 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
Qualification fees in the UK: £140.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Here you can find all documents related to this suite of qualifications.

By clicking on the section headings below, you can access a variety of documents such as the qualification handbooks and assessment materials, Statements of Purpose, and recognition letters from industry and employers.

Some documents may be password protected. Passwords can be retrieved by logging in to Walled Garden and visiting the Administration section of the relevant qualification catalogue page.

Interested in delivering this qualification?

Find out more about how to become an approved City & Guilds centre or fill out our online customer application form.

Additional documents

Assessment documents

Centre documents

Purpose and Recognition

19 Plus

60304078 L3 Diploma in Rail Engineering Technician Competence pdf 76 KB 24 Jul 2018

Diplomas in Rail Engineering Competence (6499)