Rail Engineering: NQ (Level 5) - With Opportunities for Paid Employment

What you will learn

This course delivers a broad, practical and industry relevant curriculum designed to support progression into rail engineering roles. Learning covers both mechanical and electrical engineering, reflecting the multidisciplinary nature of work within the rail industry.

You will develop skills and knowledge in:

• Engineering Mathematics – using mathematical techniques to solve engineering problems
• Engineering Communications – effective communication in technical and workplace contexts
• Engineering Health & Safety – safe working practices and legislation relevant to engineering and rail infrastructure environments
• ICT for Engineering – using digital tools and systems to support engineering activities
• Computer Aided Draughting (CAD) – producing and interpreting technical engineering drawings
• Engineering Materials – understanding material properties and applications used in engineering and maintenance
• Electrical Principles – core electrical concepts and systems
• Electrical Installation and Wiring Skills – practical electrical skills
• Pipework Skills – hands on experience in mechanical engineering and pipe systems
• Mechanical Skills – safe working practice, accuracy and use of engineering equipment
• Pneumatics and Hydraulics – working with fluid power systems
• Electrical Testing and Measurement – testing, measurement and fault finding
• Industry led rail training – completing employer informed training and mandatory rail qualifications through direct engagement with rail industry partners

Telecoms and Rail Systems Preparation

As part of preparation for work in the rail industry, students will be introduced to rail telecoms and signalling related principles, including cable installation fundamentals, fibre optic concepts, testing methods and basic networking awareness. This provides essential underpinning knowledge aligned to industry practice and supports progression into telecoms, signalling and wider rail infrastructure roles.

Learning is contextualised to engineering and rail applications wherever possible, ensuring strong links between college based study and employment in the rail industry.

Rail Industry Engagement During the College Week

As part of the college based learning week, eligible students will work with rail industry partners to:

• Gain insight into careers, roles and working practices within the rail industry
• Undertake industry relevant training aligned to rail infrastructure work
• Complete mandatory rail qualifications required to access live rail environments

This integrated approach ensures students are fully prepared for employment in the rail industry and understand the expectations, safety culture and professional standards required by rail employers.

Glasgow Kelvin College has partnered with SWGR, a major rail employer based in Glasgow, to provide eligible students with the opportunity to work in the rail industry alongside their studies.

Once suitably qualified, students may begin working with SWGR early in the course, carrying out paid work out with their college timetable. Typically, students may work three to four shifts per week, with the potential to earn around £25,000 per annum, depending on shifts and availability.

Rail infrastructure work is typically undertaken during nightshift and out of hours periods, which can offer flexibility when balancing work, study and family commitments. There are also opportunities to travel to different sites, with vehicles provided where required.

This model allows students to earn and gain valuable industry experience while completing their qualification at Glasgow Kelvin College.

Preparation for Work on the UK Rail Infrastructure

Preparation for working on the UK rail infrastructure forms a core element of this course. All required preparation for employment with SWGR will be provided as part of the programme, including:

• Relevant rail industry training
• Mandatory rail safety and competence qualifications
• Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Once suitably qualified, students can begin working in the rail industry while continuing their studies at Glasgow Kelvin College.

Entry requirements

You can join this course through one of the following routes:

✅  Are eligible to work in the rail industry – see below, AND

✅  Minimum of four National 4 qualifications, including Mathematics, OR

✅  Successful completion of NQ Level 4 Engineering, OR

Applications welcomed from adults returning to study or looking for employment

We particularly encourage female applicants who are interested in starting a new career in engineering and those that meet the work eligibility criteria.

Entry is competitive, and applications should clearly demonstrate your enthusiasm, relevant experience and commitment to the course within your personal statement.

ℹ️ Eligibility to work in Rail

To work within the UK rail industry, you must meet the following legal and industry requirements:

• Be 18 years old or over
• Be medically fit and able to pass a rail medical assessment
• Successfully pass a drugs and alcohol assessment
• A full driving licence is desirable

These requirements apply specifically to rail industry employment and are separate from the academic entry requirements for the course.

ℹ️ For this course, if English is not your first language

• you need to have SQA ESOL National 5 (or equivalent, click here to see equivalent qualifications)
• If you do not have a formal ESOL qualification but your language skills meet this level, you should apply for your course and then contact our Admissions team to organise an internal language assessment  here at the College.

Career Opportunities

This course prepares you for progression into engineering apprenticeships and entry-level roles across sectors such as rail, manufacturing, construction, and maintenance.

Typical roles include:

⚙️ Engineering Apprentice

🔧 Mechanical Engineering Operative

⚡ Electrical Engineering Operative

🏭 Manufacturing or Production Operative

🛠️ Maintenance Assistant

🚧 Rail Engineering Operative

Future prospects

Successful completion of the NQ Mechanical and Electrical Engineering (Level 5) course will strengthen your chances of

• Continued employment within the rail industry
• Cecuring a Modern Apprenticeship in Engineering.

You will also have the opportunity to progress to further study at SCQF Level 6, including courses such as:

• NQ Building Services Engineering
• NQ Mechanical Manufacturing Engineering
• NQ Electrical and Electronic Engineering

These progression routes support continued development within the engineering sector and help prepare you for skilled roles or further training.