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    1. Home
    2. Employment, training and careers
    3. Looking for work
    4. Training programmes
    5. Apprenticeships
    6. Level 2 apprenticeship frameworks
    New Apprenticeship Image
    Apprenticeship Image

    Rail industry - level 2 apprenticeship framework

    This framework sets out the standards and criteria you must meet to complete the apprenticeship programme and receive your apprenticeship certificate for level two rail industry. This is the only level 2 training in this skill acceptable for apprenticeshipsni funding.

    About the framework

    This framework specifies the standards and the criteria for the delivery of level 2 apprenticeship training to achieve qualified status within the transport and distribution sector.

    If you successfully complete the apprenticeship, you’ll be awarded a level 2 qualification and recognition as a qualified person within the rail services industry.

    Mandatory outcomes

    Achievement of a level 2 apprenticeship in rail industry will be assessed by verification through the appropriate awarding body.

    You must complete both a competence-based and a knowledge-based qualification from one of the pathways, along with the mandatory essential skills qualifications.

    Mandatory essential skills

    To successfully complete the apprenticeship, you must achieve the following essential skills qualifications as part of the apprenticeship, or already hold a recognised equivalent:

    • application of number – level 1
    • communication – level 1
    • information and communication (ICT) – level 1

    However, any qualifications you may already have are assessed against the framework requirements and may result in an exemption from the above.

    Competence and knowledge qualifications - pathway options

    You need to complete both a competence-based and a knowledge-based qualification in your chosen pathway, from the lists below, along with any additional requirements indicated.

    Pathway 1 – track

    Competence-based qualifications:

    • City & Guilds Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Rail Engineering Track Maintenance 600/1076/9
    • City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma in Rail Engineering Operative Competence 603/1170/8
    • ETCAL Level 2 Diploma in Rail Engineering Competence 603/6051/3

    Knowledge-based qualifications:

    • City & Level 2 Certificate in Rail Engineering Underpinning Knowledge 501/2174/1
    • City & Guilds Level 2 Rail Engineering Operative Knowledge 603/0846/1
    • ETCAL Level 2 Certificate in Rail Engineering (Technical Knowledge) 603/5700/9

    Pathway 2 – traction & rolling stock

    Competence-based qualification:

    • IMI Level 2 Diploma in Auto Electrical and Mobile Electrical Competence 500/9820/2
    • EAL Level 2 Diploma in Performing Engineering Operations (Northern Ireland) 603/4864/1
    • ETCAL Level 2 Diploma in Performing Engineering Operations (Northern Ireland) 603/5276/0
    • City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma in Rail Engineering Operative Competence 603/1170/8
    • ETCAL Level 2 Diploma in Rail Engineering Operative Competence 603/6051/3
    • City & Guilds Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Engineering Maintenance and Installation 501/0377/5

    Knowledge-based qualification:

    • IMI Level 2 Diploma in Heavy Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Principles 500/9873/1
    • City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma in Heavy Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Principles 500/9982/6
    • IMI Level 2 Diploma in Auto Electrical and Mobile Electrical Principles 500/9824/X
    • City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma in Engineering 600/0881/7
    • City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma in Rail Engineering Operative Knowledge 603/0846/1
    • ETCAL Level 2 Certificate in Rail Engineering (Technical Knowledge) 603/5700/9

    Pathway 3 – signalling

    Competence-based qualification:

    • City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma in Rail Engineering Operative Competence 603/1170/8
    • ETCAL Level 2 Diploma in Rail Engineering Operative Competence 603/6051/3

    Knowledge-based qualification:

    • City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma in Rail Engineering Operative Knowledge 603/0846/1
    • ETCAL Level 2 Certificate in Rail Engineering (Technical Knowledge) 603/5700/9
    • City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma in Engineering 600/0881/7

    Eligibility and entry to the programme

    You must be a new employee, or an existing employee taking on a new role to take part in the programme. There are no formal entry requirements for learners undertaking this apprenticeship, however applicants should be able to demonstrate at initial assessment sufficient levels of literacy and numeracy to comply with the health and safety aspects of the apprenticeship.

    Employers will set their own selection criteria for this apprenticeship, which may include a medical check, and may also expect apprentices on a signalling pathway to demonstrate a higher level of mathematical and science-based understanding on entry.

    See also the DfE operational requirements. 

    Duration

    Apprenticeship duration can vary and will be agreed between the apprentice, training contractor and employer.

    Related knowledge

    For this framework, the participant is required to complete a suitable employee rights and responsibilities (ERR) workbook.

    Framework certification is issued on confirmation from the training contractor that the ERR has been completed.

    Assessment

    Assessments methods are set out in the specification document provided by the awarding organization for each qualification.

    Knowledge-based qualifications are usually assessed using centre set, unit-based assignments, which are externally quality assured by the awarding organisation.

    Competence-based qualifications allow for employer contextualised assessment activity. Assessment of competence is usually demonstrated by portfolio-based evidence, practical skills assessment and observation of performance.

    Related knowledge

    For this framework, you must complete a suitable employee rights and responsibilities (ERR) workbook. Framework certification is issued on confirmation from the training contractor that the ERR has been completed.

    Responsibilities

    It is the responsibility of the training contractor/college to make sure that all components of this framework are delivered in accordance with DFE operational requirements.

    The apprentice must be employed from day one.

    Further information

    The content of this framework (Framework 100 Issue 4: 01/24) has been developed between the Department for the Economy and the Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering Sectoral Partnership (working with the National Skills Academy for Rail).  For further information, contact:

    • Department for the Economy - Apprenticeships Delivery and Performance Branch

    More useful links

    • Occupational profile - rail industry

    For employers

    If you want to take on an apprentice or improve the skills of your employees to help your business work better, the Apprenticeships programme could be for you.

    Apprenticeships for employers
    (nibusinessinfo.co.uk website)

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    Level 2 apprenticeship frameworks

    • Accounting - level 2 apprenticeship framework
    • Active leisure, learning and wellbeing - level 2 apprenticeship framework
    • Agriculture - level 2 apprenticeship framework
    • Animal care - level 2 apprenticeship framework
    • Barbering - level 2 apprenticeship framework
    • Beauty therapy - level 2 apprenticeship framework
    • Bookkeeping - level 2 apprenticeship framework
    • Business and administration - level 2 apprenticeship framework
    • Catering and professional chefs - level 2 apprenticeship framework
    • Children’s care, learning and development - level 2 apprenticeship framework
    • Cleaning support services - level 2 apprenticeship framework
    • Construction - level 2 apprenticeship framework
    • Contact centre operations - level 2 apprenticeship framework
    • Customer service - level 2 apprenticeship framework
    • Driving goods vehicles - level 2 apprenticeship framework
    • Electrical power engineering - level 2 apprenticeship framework
    • Engineering - level 2 apprenticeship framework
    • Equine industry - level 2 apprenticeship framework
    • Facilities services - level 2 apprenticeship framework
    • Fashion and textiles - level 2 apprenticeship framework
    • Floristry - level 2 apprenticeship framework
    • Food and drink - level 2 apprenticeship framework
    • Game and wildlife management - level 2 apprenticeship framework
    • Glass industry - level 2 apprenticeship framework
    • Hairdressing - level 2 apprenticeship framework
    • Health and social care - level 2 apprenticeship framework
    • Heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) - level 2 apprenticeship framework
    • Horticulture - level 2 apprenticeship framework
    • Hospitality - level 2 apprenticeship framework
    • Industrial coatings - level 2 apprenticeship framework
    • IT and telecoms professional - level 2 apprenticeship framework
    • IT user - level 2 apprenticeship framework
    • Land-based engineering - level 2 apprenticeship framework
    • Nail services - level 2 apprenticeship framework
    • Passenger carrying vehicle driving – bus and coach - level 2 apprenticeship framework
    • Pharmacy services - level 2 apprenticeship framework
    • Plumbing - level 2 apprenticeship framework
    • Printing industry - Level 2 apprenticeship framework
    • Providing financial services - level 2 apprenticeship framework
    • Rail industry - level 2 apprenticeship framework
    • Rail services - level 2 apprenticeship framework
    • Retail - level 2 apprenticeship framework
    • Sales and telesales - level 2 apprenticeship framework
    • Supply chain management - level 2 apprenticeship framework
    • Sustainable resource management - level 2 apprenticeship framework
    • Team leading - level 2 apprenticeship framework
    • Travel services - level 2 apprenticeship framework
    • Vehicle body and paint - level 2 apprenticeship framework
    • Vehicle fitting - level 2 apprenticeship framework
    • Vehicle maintenance and repair - level 2 apprenticeship framework
    • Vehicle parts - level 2 apprenticeship framework
    • Vehicle sales - level 2 apprenticeship framework
    • Veterinary nursing assistant - level 2 apprenticeship framework
    • Warehousing and storage - level 2 apprenticeship framework
    • Water utility operations - level 2 apprenticeship framework
    • Youth work - level 2 apprenticeship framework

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