Free Level 2 Rail Engineering Course in Hackney – New City College Hackney Campus

CostFREE
Duration44 weeks
LevelLevel 2
DeliveryClassroom based
Start7 Sep 2026
Study modePart-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyCity & Guilds awarding body

About this course

Free Level 2 Rail Engineering Underpinning Knowledge Course in Hackney. Classes run at New City College Hackney Campus, part-time during the day. This free rail engineering underpinning knowledge course is open to adults aged 19 or over. You'll study the core technical knowledge that sits behind rail engineering work in the UK. The course runs over 44 weeks, giving you time to take in each topic at a manageable pace. You'll cover areas such as rail infrastructure, safety, and engineering principles.

Who this course is for

19 plus

What you will learn

  • You'll understand the structure and layout of the UK rail network.
  • You'll learn the principles of track, signalling, and electrification systems.
  • You'll study health and safety rules that apply to rail engineering work.
  • You'll develop knowledge of the tools, materials, and equipment used in rail engineering.
  • You'll learn how to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications.
  • You'll understand the roles and responsibilities within a rail engineering team.

How you will learn

Classes are delivered in the classroom at New City College Hackney Campus. You'll learn through taught sessions, practical demonstrations, and guided study. Assessment is through written tests and assignments that check your understanding of rail engineering knowledge. Your tutor will track your progress throughout the 44 weeks and support you ahead of assessments.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. New City College Hackney Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Track operative, maintaining and repairing railway track
  • Rail infrastructure worker, supporting construction and maintenance projects
  • Signalling assistant, working on rail signalling systems
  • Overhead line operative, working on electrification equipment
  • Rail engineering trainee, entry-level role with a rail contractor
  • Permanent way worker, keeping rail lines safe and operational

What you could study next

  • Level 3 NVQ in Rail Engineering Operations: the next step if you want to move into a skilled rail engineering role and gain a recognised NVQ.
  • Level 3 Certificate in Rail Engineering: builds on your underpinning knowledge with more advanced technical content.
  • CSCS or PTS (Personal Track Safety) card training: many rail employers require a PTS card before you work on or near the track.

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