Introduction to Rolling Stock
What is it?
This e-learning course has been designed to help HM Forces leavers and career changers take their first step into the UK rail industry.
By the end of the course, you’ll gain:
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Rail-Specific Knowledge — how electric and diesel trains work, and how they interact with rail infrastructure
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Commercial Awareness — understanding how the rail industry is structured
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Industry Standards and Compliance — insight into the safety-critical, regulated environment of modern railways
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Practical Career Support — how to research employers, prepare a CV, and succeed in interviews.
This isn’t textbook theory...It’s real-world knowledge built from experience.
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When I left the RAF, I had strong engineering skills but knew nothing about trains… I didn’t even travel on them! The learning curve was incredibly steep. I built this course to give others the head start I never had.
What you'll get
40+ Video Tutorials
Bite-sized lessons (12–60 minutes each) totalling around 22 hours of content. Every topic is explained clearly and simply, with no padding or over-complication.
​​24/7 Access on Any Device
Study anytime, anywhere. Switch seamlessly between web browser and mobile app, your progress is always saved.
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Downloadable Handouts
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Railway Terminology - just like the military, the railway has its own language. This glossary helps you get fluent quickly.
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Post-Course Notes - a collection of links to articles, press releases, and videos that expand on course topics. It also covers catch-up elements such as Ohm’s law, how a relay works, and how a combustion engine works.
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Course Summary - a concise overview of the main elements of the course. Perfect for revision before an interview to jog your memory and give you a confidence boost.
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Certificate of Attendance
Your certificate lists all the topics covered in the course, so employers can clearly see the breadth of your knowledge.
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On-Going Support
You’ll have direct access to me for reasonable post-course support. Whether it’s tailoring your CV, preparing for interviews, or making sense of a job description, I’ll be here to help.
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Desktop Site
Mobile App
Who is it for?
This course has been designed first and foremost for HM Forces leavers who want to build a new career in rail. It fills the skills gaps employers care about most so you can step into the industry with confidence.
But it’s not just for veterans. Introduction to Rolling Stock is also ideal for:
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Apprentices and graduates starting out in rail
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Technicians and engineers moving onto unfamiliar fleets
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Career changers from other industries looking to transfer their skills into rail
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Anyone who wants a structured, practical introduction to how trains and the rail industry work.
Whether you’re leaving the forces, changing direction, or just getting started, this course gives you the clarity and confidence to take your first step in rail.
What it isn't?
To be clear, Introduction to Rolling Stock is not a formal qualification or apprenticeship. It’s a practical e-learning course designed to give you a strong foundation and confidence to step into rail…not to make you an instant expert.
This course is not:
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A recognised qualification or accredited award (although you will receive a certificate of attendance)
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A project management course
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An engineering apprenticeship (you’ll need a basic level of engineering knowledge already)
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Focused on one train fleet type (we cover old, new, and everything in between).
Instead, this is a real-world introduction to the rail industry, giving you the knowledge and confidence to bridge the gap between your skills today and your future rail career.
100% Money Back Guarantee
I stand by the quality of this course, which is why it comes with a 100% money-back guarantee.
If you complete the course and are not satisfied, I will refund the full cost. All I ask is that we discuss your feedback in detail and give me the opportunity to put things right.
For learners funding the course through an IRTC Grant or SLC, refunds will need to be processed via the MOD/CTP.
Course Content
Module 1 - Introduction
This opening module sets the scene and gives you a big-picture view of the rail industry. You’ll start with a welcome, my own background, and why rail is such a strong career option for service leavers and career changers.
Next, we’ll cover the essentials: how trains are classified and formed, how the industry is structured, and what life inside a railway depot looks like in practice. We’ll also explore the different types of employers you might work for, so you can start to see where your skills could fit.
Finally, we’ll dive into the fundamentals of traction: how electric and diesel trains work, along with an introduction to light rail vehicles and prototype trains. By the end of this module, you’ll have a clear understanding of the industry you’re stepping into, plus some foundational knowledge to build on in the next module.
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Module 2 - Train Systems & Technologies
In this module, we explore the key systems that keep trains operating safely and efficiently.
We’ll start with the fundamentals: how electrical and pneumatic power is distributed, how bogies support and stabilise trains, and how brake and door systems ensure safe operations.
The heart of this module is focused on two of the most complex areas of modern rail: electric traction systems and signalling. You’ll see how traction has evolved across older fleets, mid-life trains, and today’s modern stock. Then we’ll break down signalling, from fixed block to moving block, along with the trainborne and trackside equipment that makes it work.
You’ll also cover passenger systems such as HVAC, CCTV, and passenger information, plus critical supporting technologies like wheel slip protection, sanding, couplers, OTMR data recorders, and Train Control Management Systems (TCMS).
By the end of this module, you’ll have a well-rounded overview of the major trainborne systems. Employers don’t expect this level of knowledge from newcomers, but being able to talk about it with confidence will set you apart and leave a strong impression
Module 3 - Industry Essentials and Career Support
The final module ties everything together by focusing on both the industry foundations you’ll need and the career skills that will help you land your first role in rail.
We’ll begin with an introduction to industry standards, procedures, and how to read drawings and schematics, all vital for anyone working in an engineering environment.
Next, we’ll shift to your career toolkit. You’ll learn how to structure a CV that speaks to rail employers, how to approach interviews with confidence, and how different employment options work in practice (contracting, PAYE, and umbrella companies).
To make sure you’ve got every advantage, this module also includes bonus content at no extra cost:
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A live research video showing how to investigate companies and opportunities.
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Access to industry newsletters for ongoing insight.
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Revision material for common electrical and mechanical assessments.
Finally, an FAQ section tackles the most common questions and challenges faced by newcomers to the industry.
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By the end of this module, you’ll not only understand how the rail industry works but also how to present yourself as a strong candidate and take confident steps into your new career.
​Ready to Start Your Rail Career?
I’ve been where you are now. Leaving the forces or changing career can feel daunting, and I know what it’s like to face that steep learning curve without the right guidance.
That’s why I built Introduction to Rolling Stock. It’s the course I wish I’d had when I left the RAF, designed to give you the head start I never had.
Learn at your own pace, on any device, and build the confidence to take that important first step into rail.