How to become a railway signaller
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
College
You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job. Relevant courses include the Level 2 Certificate or Diploma in Rail Services.
You would usually need to be working in the rail industry or be on a relevant placement to be able to complete this course.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
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Apprenticeship
You could do a rail infrastructure operator or rail engineering operative intermediate apprenticeship. There is also a rail engineering technician advanced apprenticeship in which you can follow a signalling specialist pathway.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
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Direct Application
You can apply directly to Network Rail, who operate the rail system. You'll need a good general standard of education, including English and maths GCSEs.
Signallers can come from a variety of work backgrounds. Network Rail is interested in people with experience of work that:
- needs concentration
- is safety critical
- involves communicating with others
You'll go through initial checks before being invited to an assessment day and interview.
Non-technical skills are very important in this job, like safety awareness, staying calm under pressure and being able to deal with large amounts of information. These qualities will be tested during the assessment.
Find out more about the recruitment process to become a signaller with Network Rail.
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Professional and industry bodies
You can join the Institution of Railway Signal Engineers for professional development.
Further information
You can find out more about becoming a railway signaller from the Institution of Railway Signal Engineers and Network Rail.