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Fast Track to Rail Track Maintenance

Rail Track Maintenance Image

Key Details

Levels

Level 2

FT / PT

FT

Location

Lowestoft | Lound

Attendance

5 days per week

Duration

11 weeks

Rail track maintenance operatives are responsible for ensuring railway tracks and associated infrastructure remain safe, reliable, and fit for purpose. This role is critical for passenger and freight safety and involves both routine inspections and emergency repairs. Core responsibilities include track inspection, maintenance and repairs, vegetation control, safety compliance and emergency response. On this course you will learn vital health and safety skills, first aid, abrasive wheels and small tools. You will also undertake an NVQ Level 2 Certificate in Rail Underpinning Knowledge, NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Rail Track Maintenance and also obtain your Personal Track Safety Certificate (PTS), Track Induction Certificate (TIC) and Sentinel Card. At the end of the course, you will be fully qualified to work as a PTS Multi-Skilled Operative.

Great Yarmouth Campus Open Day

Great Yarmouth Campus Open Day

29th Aug 26 10:00 – 12:00

Course Information

Basic English and Maths Skills

The course is assessed via a portfolio & practical observation

After working as a blue hat, you can progress to a Team Leader role as a white hat

The Rail Track Maintenance Operative course covers essential skills required to work safely and effectively in the rail industry. Modules include health and safety, Personal Track Safety (PTS), Track Induction (TIC), first aid, abrasive wheels, small tools, track inspection, maintenance and repairs, vegetation control, emergency response, and rail safety procedures. Learners will also complete an NVQ Level 2 Certificate in Rail Underpinning Knowledge, NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Rail Track Maintenance, and gain the required qualifications to become a PTS Multi-Skilled Operative.

The first part of the course is mainly theory, leading onto practical rail track maintenance training at our Lound campus on a replica rail track

To work on the rails, you have to undertake a PTS medical which includes:

  • Medical history
  • Mental health and wellbeing
  • Lifestyle
  • Height & weight measurement, including BMI calculation (ideally should be under 35)
  • Blood pressure and pulse checks
  • Vision assessment: distance, peripheral and colour
  • Urinalysis
  • Audiometry evaluation
  • General mobility assessment
  • Alertness tests

In addition to this, Drug and Alcohol screening is mandatory and will include:

  • Urine sample to test for the presence of drugs
  • Breathalyser to screen for alcohol

If you fail your D&A, your sentinel card is suspended for 5 years

Career Pathways