Track construction technology
Track construction technology is an apprenticeship in Austria with a training period of 3 years with a journeyman's examination and 4 years with a master’s examination .
tasks
Track construction technicians lay tracks, switches, crossings or rail extraction devices, renew, modernize and maintain railway lines, carry out surveying work and are responsible for the safe operation and maintenance of existing line networks. You also work on construction sites in the substructure and superstructure. They excavate construction pits and trenches, carry out drainage and drainage and produce the necessary structures and supports as well as formwork and reinforcement for the railway embankment.
In their professional practice, track construction technicians work on a wide variety of materials such as wood, metals, plastics or concrete. Skilful handling of drilling, grinding and welding is therefore essential. The work is carried out almost exclusively in the open air and takes place in teams with construction technicians, civil engineers, surveyors and other specialists and assistants in the construction sector and from railway companies. Since most of the work takes place outdoors, track construction technicians also have to withstand a wide variety of weather conditions - heat, cold, wet.
education
The apprenticeship training lasts three years. It takes place predominantly in the training company and accompanying this in the vocational school , which conveys the theoretical background for practicing the profession. In addition, there is also the possibility of taking a master craftsman and qualification examination with an additional year of training.
Requirements and activities
- Surveying work
- Transportation and storage of materials
- Dig construction pits and trenches
- Build structures and supports
- Foundation construction
- Production of surface fastenings and superstructures or substructures
- Installation of tracks, switches, track terminations and rail pull-out devices
- Construction of level crossings and level crossings
- Maintenance, troubleshooting and repair work on track systems and other railway systems
- Winter maintenance work on the track structure (e.g. snow and ice removal)