Careers in Rail

Job opportunities in rail industry

If you are considering having a career in transportation, the rail industry is an industry that you should look into. Whether you are entering as a tertiary institution graduate or with a lower qualification, there are so many things that you can try your hands on. The rail industry is one of the most enduring ones that has only continued to evolve with technological developments. Without doubt, as long as people need to move from one location to another (which they will always need to do since people are not trees), the rail industry will continue to survive.  The industry is one of the longest in terms of sustained growth, and it plays a vital role in job creation and economic development.

We look at some of the careers that you can consider in the industry.

Electrician

A rail electrician or fitter basically does all that is necessary to ensure that the train and other rail equipment is working efficiently and safely. Becoming a rail electrician can happen through different routes, and many companies provide apprenticeship opportunities that can get you started. Electricians perform routine maintenance and repairs on the train. Although the work they do may vary, it usually includes;

  • Repairing and servicing the traction units and diesel and electric units of the train
  • Repairing and servicing the carriages and rolling stock
  • Maintaining the machines that are used in stations like lifts and cranes.
  • Installation and monstrance of the wiring and electricity supply

Engineer

There are several jobs involved in being an engineer in the rail industry, and you will usually depend on your area of specialty. From the construction of the trains to the repairs and maintenance of the train, there is a lot that goes into the job. An engineer in the rail industry will usually need to have training and certification from a higher institution and can work in various roles and with various organisations ranging from the government bodies to the private companies.

Train guard

A train guard which is also referred to as a conductor is usually in charge of the safety and operational duties on the train. The person is not involved in the actual operation of the train but ensures that the train is complying with all safety rules and ensures it is on schedule. Customer-related duties such as selling and checking the tickets are also the responsibility of this person, among many others.

Train Operator

In the way that a driver drives a car, it is the train operator that controls the movement of the train. This is a very important job, and the train operator might be for a passenger or freight train.

There are many other careers in the industry, starting from those who construct the tracks to other roles such as Train services officer, Project managers, Network control officer, etc.