Railway engineering design technician
Level 3 · AdvancedEngineering and manufacturing 2.5 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
A Railway Engineering Design Technician produces technical drawings, models, and design documentation to support the planning and delivery of railway infrastructure projects. Apprentices use Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Building Information Modelling (BIM) tools to develop designs for track, structures, stations, and other rail assets. This role progresses to senior design technician or graduate engineer pathways within rail consultancies and contractors.
On the job
What you’ll learn
CAD and BIM software for railway design and modelling
Railway design standards and Network Rail engineering specifications
Technical drawing conventions and document control procedures
Understanding of track geometry, gradients, and alignment principles
Coordination of designs across civil, structural, and systems disciplines
Health and safety in design (CDM Regulations awareness)
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Produce 2D drawings and 3D models using CAD/BIM software
Update and manage design drawings through a document control system
Check drawings for compliance with Railway Group Standards
Coordinate design queries with engineers and project managers
Prepare design submission packs for client and regulatory review
Support engineers during site surveys and design reviews
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 3 (Advanced) - roughly A-level level. Employers usually look for some GCSEs (often English & maths around grade 4/C) or a Level 2 apprenticeship first. English & maths can sometimes be finished during training.
What’s next: Can lead to a Level 4/5 (Higher) apprenticeship, or straight into the role.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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