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Signalling technician

Alternative titles for this job include

Signalling technicians identify problems and repair, test and maintain the equipment that moves trains safely.

Average salary (a year)

£16,500 Starter

to

£43,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 43 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become Signalling technician

You can get into this job through and apprenticeship or by applying directly.

Apprenticeship

You could do a:

  • Rail Engineering Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
  • High Speed Rail and Infrastructure Technician Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
  • Rail Engineering Technician Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship

Apprenticeships are offered by rail and tram operating companies, Transport for London and Network Rail.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

Direct Application

You might be able to apply directly to rail engineering companies if you've got experience and qualifications in electrical or electronic engineering from another industry, or from the armed forces.

More Information

Professional and industry bodies

You can join the Institution of Railway Signal Engineers (IRSE) for professional development training.

Further information

You can find out more about careers in the rail industry from Network Rail and Routes into Rail.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • knowledge of public safety and security
  • the ability to work well with others
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • knowledge of transport methods, costs and benefits
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

As a signalling technician, you'll work in a safety critical environment around live wires and on train tracks. This means you'll have a medical test as part of the selection process. This will include checking your hearing and vision.

You might also need to:

  • take regular drug and alcohol checks
  • have a driving licence so you can drive rail company vehicles
  • live no more than an hour away from the location you wish to work

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a signalling technician, you could:

  • install new signalling systems
  • carry out routine maintenance checks
  • measure and record equipment test readings
  • upgrade radio and electronic communications networks
  • find and fix equipment faults on site, and repair complex faults in a workshop

Working environment

You could work on rail tracks, in a control room or in a workshop.

Your working environment may be noisy, outdoors some of the time and you'll travel often.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could move from junior to senior technician jobs and become a team leader.

With more qualifications and experience you could become a signalling designer or incident investigator.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Advanced Apprentice - Rail Engineering (Level 3)

  • Wage: £16,000 a year Annually
  • Location: Radcliffe Road, Southampton

Advanced Apprentice - Technician (Level 3)

  • Wage: £16,000 a year Annually
  • Location: London Hornsea Depot, Hampden Road, London
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Rail Engineering Track Maintenance Level 2

  • Provider: BIRMINGHAM METROPOLITAN COLLEGE
  • Start date: 15 October 2025
  • Location: Birmingham

Certificate in Rail Engineering (Technical Knowledge)

  • Provider: LONDON SKILLS & DEVELOPMENT NETWORK LIMITED
  • Start date: 26 November 2024
  • Location: Croydon
Find courses near you

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