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Track and Rail Site Maintenance - Level 2
Overview
IMPORTANT
Applications are now open for academic year 2026/2027, but our full-time courses are still being finalised. If your chosen course changes, we'll contact you to offer a suitable alternative that matches your goals. For more information, call our Enquiries Team on 0808 100 3626.
Are you interested in rail engineering and want to kickstart your career in the rail industry?
This course is a superb opportunity to upskill to be part of a thriving rail community which is currently dealing with a national shortage of trained operatives.
West Notts has strong industry links with recognised rail companies including Platinum Rail, ISS and Vital, offering progression routes that open job opportunities for learners. You will study in our state-of-the-art training facilities with high spec classroom equipment and have the chance to hear from specialist guest speakers. Alongside your studies, you will have the opportunity to attend various trips and visits to exhibitions and jobs fairs.
What will I study?
Mandatory unit (group A):
- Preparing to work in the rail industry.
You will study a variety of group B optional units from the list below:
- Carry out routine adjustment to railway traction and rolling stock
- Carry out routine inspection of the permanent way
- Ensure that rail track is fit for operation purposes following engineering activity
- Prepare resources for track and rail site maintenance activities
- Safe moving and handling of components and equipment for track maintenance.
You will study a variety of group C optional units from the list below:
- Construct maintain and repair posts and rail boundaries
- Identify and remove unwanted vegetation
- Load and unload physical resources
- Maintain a clean and tidy environment
- Maintain equipment and machines
- Respond to non-routine signalling situations in the industry
- Work with tools, equipment, drawings and specifications in the rail engineering environment
- Working safely and securely in the rail industry.
- Entry requirements
This course is for students aged 16-18 years only. We have available the Rail Engineering Skills Bootcamp for adults aged 19+, to find out more information please use this link.
- GCSE English and Maths grade 3-9.
If you are not studying a traditional GCSE programme, we accept alternative qualifications like Functional Skills and vocational courses. If you are not planning on sitting GCSE exams, we can also support you with completing an English Language and Maths assessment. Please contact our admissions team for further details:
- Assessment
Students will have workbooks assessed by formative and summative assessments.
- Progression
- Skills Bootcamp - Rail Engineering
- NVQ in Track Maintenance Level 2
- Trade specific pathways into rail
- Diploma in Engineering and Technology (Rail) Level 3.
- Careers
- Qualifications gained
- Certificate in Skills for Track and Rail Site Maintenance (RQF)
- OPENAWRD
- Additional costs
Students will need to purchase PPE appropriate to the rail industry including:
- Steel toe cap boots
- Safety glasses
- Visi-vests
- Overalls
- Hard hats.
At West Notts College, our students benefit from excellent facilities and equipment across all campuses. However, some courses require students to purchase specific tools, equipment, or specialist clothing to fully participate in practical learning.
Visit our kit lists page to see what clothing and equipment you’ll need, and start preparing for your studies in September.
Disclaimer
Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information on the website is correct, some details may be subject to change. West Nottinghamshire College reserves the right to make amendments to the courses, dates, fees or other details, and to make cancellations or changes if numbers are insufficient. In the unfortunate situation that we have to cancel a course we will refund your fees in full, but we regret we are not able to offer any refund if you withdraw from your course or fail to start, and you will be liable to pay any outstanding fees that may be due.