The course is an EAL recognised qualification broken down into 2 elements, theory and practical: Level 2 NVQ diploma in Rail Engineering Track maintenance and Level 2 certificate in Rail Engineering UPK. The aim of the level 2 is for all learners to gain theoretical understanding of rail industry knowledge and 3 weeks of practical competency to be able to maintain and repair the railway.

This creates a nice introduction into understanding day 1 of employment.

Learners will complete a portfolio of work based around practical tasks which would be a part of the job role when working in the industry. This includes tasks such as: changing sleepers, changing sections of rail, maintaining track joints and overall track geometry. Our courses are delivered over 8 weeks broken down into 6 weeks of practical and theory learning and 2 weeks of safety critical exams to gain the certificates needed to progress in to future employment.

Our criteria for the course is:

• Aged 19+

• Proof of address

• Achieve Level 1 in BKSB English and Maths assessments

• Eligibility to work in the UK

• In receipt of benefits or meets our low income threshold

• Does not possess a sexual offence conviction or terrorism offence conviction.

All learners are provided with a portfolio to complete and assigned a programme manager and an industry experienced tutor. Learners are also expected to complete a medical and drug/alcohol testing.

On completion of the course all learners receive a competency card to evidence what electric tools and equipment they are trained in and a Sentinel card evidencing they have achieved the below qualifications:

• PTS (Personal Track Safety)

• DCCR (Direct Current Conductor Rail)

• OLEC1 (Overhead Line Electrification Construction)

• TIC (Track Induction Course