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
- ETCAL Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Engineering Maintenance and Installation 601/5836/0
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 3: 09/21) 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: