Empowering Railway Engineering
We’re a welcoming, professional railway engineering community, bringing people together to share, learn and build rewarding railway careers.
Railway Engineering Institution
Formerly the Permanent Way Institution (PWI)
The Railway Engineering Institution (RailEI) is a professional home for everyone involved in, or with an interest in, railway engineering.
Our Vision is to be a globally renowned engineering Institution, inclusive and progressive, shaping the future of a thriving railway industry. Our Mission is to educate, empower and connect people – sharing knowledge and experience, enriching careers and championing railway engineering. We support our Members at every stage, with respected learning and CPD opportunities, industry-led education and training, and clear Professional Registration pathways that help people gain the recognition they deserve.
Founded in 1884, RailEI (formerly the Permanent Way Institution) has been a trusted voice in railway engineering for more than 140 years.
From our earliest days, we have brought practitioners together to share learning, develop good practice, and strengthen the industry through expertise, research and innovation. Today, we continue that legacy by working alongside Corporate Members, industry partners and government bodies, helping shape the knowledge and skills that railway engineering needs now and in the future.
RailEI Membership
Build your future in railway engineering
Whether you’re starting out, building specialist expertise, or stepping into greater responsibility, becoming a Member of the Railway Engineering Institution connects you to the knowledge, recognition and community that helps build careers.
As a RailEI Member, you can access expert-led learning built on first-hand railway engineering experience, over 1,000 specialist knowledge resources, and 140+ years of engineering insight through our Journal archives. You’ll also find support to plan your CPD and progress towards Professional Registration, whether EngTech, IEng, or CEng.
Membership starts from £10.35 a month. Join a professional home for railway engineering and take your next step with confidence.
Delivered by industry experts in-person and online
Technical Education
We offer a range of in-person and virtual courses developed and delivered by experienced railway engineering experts. Our programmes cover a range of specialist areas including track, electrification, S&C systems, and earthworks, drainage and off-track activities. Our education and training combines up-to-date theory, practical examples and tutor support to enhance knowledge, confidence and real-world skills. Whether you’re new to railway engineering or advancing your career, our programmes help you understand core principles, tackle engineering challenges and progress towards professional registration.
Electrification
The Electrification Engineering Diploma is designed to help you build a clear understanding of how overhead line electrification works in practice across the UK network.
The course covers the fundamentals of overhead line electrification, including how systems have developed, how they interact with other parts of the railway, and what is involved in inspection and maintenance. It is particularly useful for those working in design, project delivery, asset management or site-based roles who want to better understand electrification decisions and challenges.
The diploma is made up of three modules and includes around 100 hours of taught learning mapped to HE Level 6. This course is available as 3 x 4 day face-to-face modules.
Completing this course, along with one other eligible RailEI course (such as the Track Engineering Diploma or Advanced Track Technician Course), meets the academic equivalent of an HNC through a flexible, modular learning pathway that can be completed in a time frame that suits you. From here, you may wish to consider applying for the Experiential Learning route to IEng.
This course provides a clear, practical overview of DC electrification systems, with a strong focus on how they are designed, installed, operated and maintained in live railway environments. It helps delegates understand system interfaces, safety considerations and the real-world challenges of working with 3rd and 4th rail infrastructure. The module builds confidence in day-to-day decision-making, and contributes towards progression and professional registration within the electrification discipline. This course is available as a 4 day face to face course.
Track
The Advanced Track Technician Course is designed for those who already have some experience in track (typically around 1 year) and want to build on their existing knowledge. It focuses on developing practical skills and understanding across a range of track activities, including surveying and inspection, rail defect management, mechanised maintenance and rail stressing. The course supports progression into more advanced technical and supervisory roles and helps build confidence in day to day decision-making. This course is completed face to face as 3 x 4 day modules.
Completing this course, along with one other eligible RailEI course (such as the Track Engineering Diploma or Electrification Engineering Diploma), meets the academic equivalent of an HNC through a flexible, modular learning pathway that can be completed in a time frame that suits you. From here, you may wish to consider applying for the Experiential Learning route to IEng.
The Track Engineering Diploma provides a deeper understanding of track engineering, helping you understand how track systems work and how engineering decisions affect safety, performance and maintenance. Many delegates progress onto the Track Engineering Diploma after they complete Advanced Track Technician Course, however this course is also available to apply for directly.
The diploma is made up of three modules and includes around 100 hours of taught learning mapped to HE Level 6. It is well suited to those looking to strengthen their technical knowledge, support progression into more senior roles, or develop their understanding without needing a traditional university background. This course is available as 3 x 4 day modules, and can be completed face to face, or virtually from anywhere in the world.
Completing this course, along with one other eligible RailEI course (such as the Advanced Track Technician Course or Electrification Engineering Diploma), meets the academic equivalent of an HNC through a flexible, modular learning pathway that can be completed in a time frame that suits you. From here, you may wish to consider applying for the Experiential Learning route to IEng.
Multi-discipline
This course equips delegates with the knowledge and tools to improve the reliability, safety and performance of switches and crossings (S&C). It covers technical theory, planned preventative maintenance, failure mode analysis and includes hands-on experience through diagnostics and site inspections. This course has a balance of track and signalling theory, and is open to all interested to learn more about the benefits of collaboration between these two disciplines. This course comprises 2 x 5 day face-to-face modules.
This course gives delegates a clear, practical understanding of how earthworks and drainage assets behave, and are managed on the railway. It focuses on real-world application, helping delegates recognise risk, make better decisions and apply current good practice with confidence. It is useful for those who currently work in these disciplines, as well as those working in other disciplines (e.g. track) who want to better understand these assets and associated interfaces. This course is available as a 5 day face to face course.
Delegates on this course will gain comprehensive knowledge of switches & crossings and how to specify and undertake refurbishment safely, efficiently and to the required engineering quality. This is 5 days face-to-face course.
Upcoming training course dates
Register your interest
Take the next step in your career with
Professional Registration
Professional Registration with RailEI is a way of showing that you have the skills, knowledge and experience to work competently in railway engineering. It gives structure to your professional development as you grow. It provides job security, job mobility and job progression.
Achieving EngTech, IEng or CEng through RailEI shows you have been independently assessed against internationally recognised standards of professional competence. It demonstrates your commitment to doing things properly, continuing to learn, and contributing positively to the railway. For employers and clients, it provides confidence in your capability and professionalism.
Which level you can apply for (EngTech, IEng or CEng) depends on your experience, responsibilities and background, not just your formal qualifications (eg college and degree studies).
EngTech
Suitable for people working in hands-on or technical roles, typically with early career experience or vocational qualifications, who want their practical skills and competence formally recognised.
IEng
Ideal for those with experience and responsibility in engineering or technical roles, including technicians, supervisors and designers, with Bachelor degree-level or above learning or equivalent experience.
CEng
Best suited for people leading, managing or influencing complex engineering work, usually with a Masters degree-level qualification or equivalent learning gained through practical experience.
Register your interest
Important dates for your diary
Find out what's on in the RailEI community
Our Upcoming Events
Seminars
Lunch & Learns
Section Meetings
Celebrating the 200th anniversary of the modern railway
Knowledge 200
To support Railway 200 RailEI has developed its Knowledge 200 campaign, with a particular focus on innovation, technology, and education. This campaign is spotlighting four key railway engineering disciplines throughout 2025-6: Electrification & Plant, Earthworks & Water Management, Digital & AI, and Track. Each week, Knowledge 200 features articles, presentations, and insights showcasing both cutting-edge developments and established practices across the four disciplines, reinforcing the importance of sharing knowledge to enhance competence and empower the railway engineering industry.
These resources are freely available to everyone across the industry, and we encourage you to share them far and wide! They will then become part of the RailEI Knowledge Hub, alongside over 1,000 other technical resources.
Digital & AI technologies are transforming railway engineering by enabling smarter decision-making, predictive maintenance, and innovative design. Key areas include machine learning, mathematical modelling, generative AI, digital tools, and cybersecurity. These advancements drive efficiency, safety, and sustainability while securing the railway’s digital systems.
Earthworks & Water Management shape the landscapes railways traverse, ensuring stable foundations and effective water flow. This discipline addresses challenges like building on soft soils, managing stormwater, and preventing erosion and landslides. By incorporating climate resilience and nature-based solutions, it supports sustainable railway.
Electrification & Plant focuses on the electrical systems that distribute power to railways, enabling sustainable, efficient, and reliable operations. Key components include overhead lines, traction power, and distribution systems, as well as slab track, earthing, and bonding. This discipline is integral to supporting renewable energy, reducing carbon emissions, and ensuring long-term railway resilience.
Track engineering is central to railway engineering, involving the design, construction, and maintenance of track systems. Key areas include switches and crossings, rails and fastening systems, sleepers and ballast, and slab track solutions. By ensuring stability and safety, track engineering supports the smooth operation of modern rail networks.
World-class research at your fingertips
Latest from the Knowledge Hub
