Vision Logo 2
Header image saying skills for life, skills bootcamps.

Skills Bootcamp – Rail Engineering

Are you ready to take the next step in your career? Whether you're looking for a fresh start, a better job, or new skills to grow your business, Skills Bootcamps are here to help you succeed.

Designed to give adults the chance to build up sector-specific skills, this FREE seven-week Skills Bootcamp in rail engineering is a great way to fast track into a new career.

Our Skills Bootcamps fill up fast, so don’t miss this chance to fast-track your career.

Sign up today


What are Skills Bootcamps?

Skills Bootcamps are free, flexible, and career-focused courses designed for adults aged 19 and over. Created in partnership with local employers, these short part-time courses teach you in-demand skills tailored to real job opportunities in your area.

The best part? Completing a Skills Bootcamp guarantees you a job interview with a local employer, putting you one step closer to a well-paid, flexible, and sustainable career.


Why choose Skills Bootcamps?

FREE training funded by the Government.

Designed to address real skills shortages and match current job vacancies.

Opportunities to progress to a higher-level course, new job, apprenticeship, or even grow your own business.

A guaranteed job interview with an employer when you finish.


Course Overview

During the course you will cover:

Health and safety awareness.

Manual handling.

Fire awareness.

Basic first aid.

Hand tools and track components.

Site set-up.

Switches and crossing.

Ballast formation and drainage.

Track geometry.

Interview preparation and CVs.

Communicating with others at work.


Where can this Skills Bootcamp take you?

After you’ve successfully finished the Skills Bootcamp, you’re guaranteed a job interview with an employer.

Additionally with the enhanced skills and knowledge you have gained you could also progress onto our Level 2 Diploma in Rail Engineering and Track Maintenance course, get a new job or apprenticeship, progress in your current job or find new business opportunities if you're self-employed.


Date, Time and Location

The Skills Bootcamp will be held at our at our Construction Centre or our Adult Learning Centre.

Upcoming start date: Monday 10 February 2025

Time: 9am – 4pm

Please note: Prior to starting the Skills Bootcamp, you are required to attend a session called 'Thinking of working in rail?'. This will involve a presentation followed by a short interview to ensure you are suitable to study this course.

The sessions are available at 9.30am, 11.30am or 1.30pm on the below dates:

Friday 10 January
Friday 17 January
Friday 24 January
Friday 31 January
Friday 7 February.


Entry Requirements

Have an interest and passion for railway engineering.

Be aged 19 or over (on 31 August 2024).

Been a resident in the UK for the last 3 years.

Be unemployed and in receipt of qualifying benefits OR employed but earning less than £25,000 per year (proof required).

Working at a minimum of a Level 1 in English Language and Maths.

Live in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire or Greater Lincolnshire.

Learners declaring previous convictions will undertake a review and if required, attend an exceptional needs panel. However, learners who have been convicted of theft from the railways are unlikely to be employed in the rail industry.

You must also undertake and pass a random Network Rail Medical and Drugs and Alcohol test during the course.

Please note: If you have any licence conditions stating that you must not have unsupervised contact with under 18’s then your application cannot be processed or accepted due to the course being held on a site where there are students aged under 18. To avoid any disappointment or confusion please do not apply if this is the case.


Are you an employer?

Skills Bootcamps can benefit your business by offering you the opportunity to upskill your existing staff, recruit new employees, or support your own business, if self-employed.

Contact our employer engagement team to find out more 0800 121 8317.


FAQs

  • Can I apply if I have a criminal conviction?

    Having a criminal conviction should not prevent you from having a career within the rail industry and applying to the course.

    If you have a criminal conviction, your application will be reviewed in line with the college’s standard policy.

  • What qualification will I get?

    You will receive a college certificate for successfully completing the Skills Bootcamp and the opportunity to progress onto the accredited Level 2 course.

  • What will I need to bring with me on the first day of the course?

    We require the following for the first day of the course:

    * A valid passport or birth certificate
    Proof of national insurance number (P60, P45, old wage slip or any official document from HMRC or DWP letter)
    Proof of address (bank statement, utility bill or tenancy letter)
    * A valid driving licence

    * A citizen card must be obtained if any learner doesn’t have a valid passport or driving licence.

  • What would a job look like in the rail industry?

    Careers in the rail industry can provide great flexibility – with shifts covering days, nights and weekend, during all weather conditions.

    You will always be provided with protective clothing and safety equipment.

    For safety reasons, all rail employees are subject to random drug and alcohol testing.

  • What can I progress onto?

    If you meet the entry requirments, you can progress onto the Level 2 Diploma in Rail Engineering and Track Maintenance. From here, you can gain employment with a reputable employer and with further training, you could progress to become a supervisor or team leader. Or, with more advanced development, you could become a track inspector, engineering technician, or a track design or manager.

© West Nottinghamshire College