Signalling Technician

Signalling technicians are responsible for installing and then maintaining the signal and telecommunications systems that are used on the railways to control train movements.

Signalling technicians undertake routine checks on signals and track points and also respond to problems, fixing breakages and damage quickly so as to avoid having too much disruption to train services.

Signalling systems include electronic control centres, signal boxes and colour light signals that tell drivers when it’s safe to progress along the track as well as displays and warning systems that provide information to drivers and other rail staff. Other systems are used by signallers and control centre workers to monitor and control train movements.

A range of equipment is used by a signalling technician including hand tools, machine tools and high tech fault finding equipment.

The salary for a signalling technician can range from around £14000 for newly recruited trainee technicians to £30000 for experienced technicians.
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Working environment

Signalling technicians normally work shifts, which can include working overnight and at weekends. They may be required to work overtime, but normal working hours are around 37-40 a week.

Signalling technicians spend much of their time working outside, next to rail tracks. This can be a dangerous place to work and so technicians have to be wary of their environment and must wear safety clothing including high-visibility jackets, hard hats, safety boots and ear protectors.

Due to the nature of their work, signalling technicians will move around a lot in order to visit all the signalling systems that they work on. On occasion this can even involve staying away from home, as well as travel, both by road and rail. Technicians have to by physically fit as they spend a lot of their time on their feet, or kneeling and crouching, working with equipment that is low down and on the floor. They may also have to work from heights.

Some of a technician’s work takes place in signal boxes or offices at stations and depots.
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Skills and interests

Signalling technicians should have an interest in engineering and technology.

The skills that they need include:
-   dexterity to use tools
-   ability in numeracy to work with data and detailed information
-   problem solving and a logical approach to work
-   the ability to understand technical drawings and diagrams
-   an understanding of health and safety
-   the ability to work well as part of a team, but also under own initiative.Go Back

Entry into the role

Signalling technicians are employed by companies such as Network Rail, London Underground, Translink and Tubelines. They are also employed by engineering firms working on major projects that require installation of new telecoms and signalling systems.

It is possible to start a career as a signalling semi-skilled technician as a trainee. Training is mostly provided on the job, with short induction courses providing the necessary training before working trackside. Some companies may offer engineering apprenticeships for trainee signalling technicians.

Other people can get into the job, normally at semi-skilled technician level, by moving from other areas of engineering including electrical or electronics engineering.

All applicants for signalling technicians roles would be expected to have a good basic education including GCSEs grades A*-C (or equivalent) in subjects such as English, maths and science, technology or engineering.

Applicants also have to undergo medical checks, to ensure that they are physically fit enough for the role. They also have checks for eyesight, and also for alcohol and drugs abuse. Some companies may also undertake aptitude testing to check on all applicants’ basic skills and abilities.

Job vacancies are normally advertised by rail companies themselves. They may also be advertised on specialist recruitment websites and in industry publications. Some companies may also use their local press.
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Opportunities

From entering as a semi-skilled technician, it is possible to progress to technician level and then to team leader and manager. It is also possible to progress to engineer and to chartered engineer.

Signalling technicians can study for industry related qualifications including:
- City & Guilds level 3 NVQ in rail engineering.
They can also apply for professional membership of the Institution of Railway Signal Engineers, which gives them the opportunity to work towards becoming registered with the Engineering Council as an incorporated or chartered engineer or an engineering technician.
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