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Signalling Technician

Do you want to become a Signalling Technician? Here is some information to help point you in the right direction:

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Signalling technicians work on the installation and maintenance of the many different signalling systems used on our railways. These systems control the movement of trains in a safe and efficient manner. They consist of integrated electronic control centres, panel signal boxes and manual lever frame boxes.
 
The signalling systems include:

• colour light signals that tell drivers when to stop, go or move slowly
• systems controlling the points that switch trains from one track to another
• circuits and track displays that inform signallers of train movements
• systems to warn drivers or stop trains automatically if they pass a signal at danger.

Technicians may work on new signalling installations, the maintenance of existing signalling installations or fault finding on existing signals.

Signalling technicians work mainly in the open air alongside the track. They are likely to work shifts, which could be days, evenings and nights. They may also be expected to work overtime. Technicians can work in different places each day.

Salaries range from around £12,000 to £30,000 a year. Signalling technicians should:

• have good hand-to-eye co-ordination
• have good eyesight and normal colour vision, for working with colour-coded wiring and components
• have a logical approach and detective ability to deduce and trace faults
• be physically fit with good stamina
• be very safety conscious
• be interested in railways, science and technology.

Signalling technicians are employed by Network Rail, London Underground and the Docklands Light Railway. Some technicians are also employed on new city tramway and metro systems, and by contractors employed by Network Rail.

Entry may be directly from school, through an Apprenticeship, or by transfer from related work in the engineering or electronics field.

Apprentices work towards NVQ Level 3 in Railway Infrastructure Engineering (Signalling). Employers also provide numerous short courses for new entrants and for existing staff.

It is possible to gain promotion from junior technician to senior technician, team leader and manager, and to apply for membership of the Institute of Railway Signal Engineers. The institute offers examinations leading to professional technician status, and ultimately, to incorporated and chartered engineer status.

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