Operating the signals and electrical controls needed to keep trains running safely and on time.
Occupational Profile
Rail Infrastructure Operators support and regulate the safe operation of the Rail network through the use of: signaling control systems, electrical control systems, and responding to incidents, where the operational integrity of the UK rail transport network is affected. Rail Infrastructure Operators will be required to work closely with stakeholders e.g. controllers, train drivers, maintenance staff, power companies and specialists e.g. emergency services in order to respond effectively to incidents.
Rail Infrastructure Operators may be required to work in a small control location, a major operations control room or be required to go trackside depending on their discipline and the activity.
This apprenticeship adopts a core and options approach to allow flexibility for employers and enable transferability between roles and employers for apprentices. The core content includes safety, quality and customer service, the apprentice will then follow one of the following specialist options: Signaling Operator, Electrical Controller or Incident Responder.
Signaling Operators are responsible for the movement of rail transport through the safe operation of signaling control systems. Signaling Operators regulate the safe movement and control of rail transport and communicate to rail transport drivers, those working on rail infrastructure as well as members of the public, to enable them to move or work safely across the network.
Electrical Controllers are responsible for maintaining and controlling the electrical supply to the rail network to ensure the smooth operation of passenger services, safe access to the rail network for maintenance and incident response. Electrical supply is required for signaling, traction and other assets, such as tunnel ventilation systems.
Incident Responders are responsible for making the rail infrastructure safe and minimizing service disruptions following an incident or event, this can range from low-level situations (e.g. level crossing failure and animals on the line) through to supporting major events (e.g. derailment, fatalities and fire).
Depending on the nature and scale, an Incident Responder will either take direct action or assist in activities with specialists in order to return back to safe operations and minimize service disruptions.
During non-response time Incident Responders will assist colleagues with monitoring the network to identify potential issues and/or incident avoidance activities e.g. weather preparedness, checking of fences and gates or inspecting operational locations.
Summary of standard
https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/rail-infrastructure-operator/
Full standard
https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/media/1232/rail_infrastructure_operator.pdf
