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- Tasks: Join a small team to maintain the rail network outdoors, ensuring safety and efficiency.
- Company: Network Rail keeps the nation moving by maintaining the railway system.
- Benefits: Enjoy 75% off leisure travel, flexible working hours, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Why this job: This role offers hands-on experience, teamwork, and a clear career path in the rail industry.
- Qualifications: No rail experience needed; just bring your teamwork, communication, and proactive planning skills.
- Other info: Must have a driving license and be within a 60-minute commute; shifts include days, nights, and weekends.
The predicted salary is between 18100 - 22100 £ per year.
You ll help keep our nation moving every single day. This is a critical part of the work we do is the daily upkeep of the rail network.
As an operative you ll work outdoors in a small team, supporting essential maintenance to keep the railway running safely and smoothly for passengers and freight users.
Our operative community comes from a variety of different backgrounds, and this might be the first time that you ve even considered a career in rail. We re focused on your transferrable skills and behaviours and if you can demonstrate that, then we will provide you with all the necessary training to have you working safely and competently out on the network.
About the role (External)
Our operatives work outside in all conditions, at all times of the year, day, or night. You ll be involved in demanding manual work, often with the need to transport kit, across tricky terrain. Being safety focused, respectful of rules and a team player will be critical as you ll often be working next to moving trains travelling at high speed.
You matter to your team
The team depends on you. You re the one who shows up first and leaves last, who makes sure the van and equipment are checked and ready for every shift, and who drives the team from site to site. Every day you ll support your team in maintaining equipment and will provide lookout duties to keep the whole team safe.
Our operatives play a key role in our maintenance teams. You don t necessarily need rail experience, but you do need to show how your transferrable skills meet the following:
· Teamworking Our maintenance teams depend on each other and you ll be able to work closely with the team to deliver safe and efficient work delivery.
· Communication You ll have good communication skills so you can work safely and effectively.
· Proactive planning Being punctual, having the van and equipment ready and anticipating the needs of the team are essential to keeping our passengers and freight moving.
· Working under pressure Working outdoors in all conditions, and with trains passing close by means you ll need to remain calm under pressure.
· Following rules and instructions It is important that you understand and respect the rules, but also feel confident to challenge if you see a situation is unsafe.
· Willingness to learn You ll consistently develop your skills and competencies relevant to your discipline, keeping up to date with new standards, procedures, and instructions.
It matters that this is the right role for you
Here s some additional information which might help you:
· Shifts – Operative roles involve a changing shift pattern including days, nights, and weekends.
· Outdoor working – Our operatives work outside in all weathers and so you ll be comfortable working in different conditions.
· Safe working – offers of employment are subject to drug and alcohol testing and passing of the relevant medical assessment and BPSS pre-employment checks. This will include a hearing and eyesight examination.
· Driving – As an operative you ll also need a driving licence (category B) so you can drive Network Rail vehicles.
· Commute times You ll also need to be within a 60-minute commute of the location that you re applying for.
Your commitment to self-development and continuous learning is hugely important in this role and we’ll provide you with all the training to develop both technical skills and non-technical skills. If you re joining us from another industry, the structured training will give you the skills and confidence to move into a rewarding career in rail. Today s operatives are tomorrow s technicians and team leaders, and we offer a clear career path for you.
As a Network Rail employee, you will enjoy a wide range of benefits!
· Privileged staff travel – Leisure travel discount of 75% on all leisure travel and includes family members.
· A subsidy of up to 75% on rail and underground season tickets if you travel to work on the train.
· Benefits package including healthcare offers, a cycle to work scheme, discounted healthcare club membership, and a discounted offers and benefits including childcare, healthcare and online shopping site.
· Effectively manage work-life balance with a 35hrs per week contract, with hybrid working, flexible working, and family friendly support.
· 5 days paid volunteering leave.
· 2 weeks paid reserve leave for the Armed Forces community., £30,351 per annum
Operative [Welding & Grinding] - Swindon Hawksworth Depot employer: Network Rail
Contact Detail:
Network Rail Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operative [Welding & Grinding] - Swindon Hawksworth Depot
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to highlight your teamwork skills during the interview. Since you'll be working closely with others, sharing examples of how you've successfully collaborated in previous roles can really set you apart.
✨Tip Number 2
Demonstrate your proactive planning abilities by discussing how you prepare for tasks and anticipate the needs of your team. This shows that you understand the importance of being organized and ready for any situation.
✨Tip Number 3
Since safety is a top priority, be prepared to discuss how you approach following rules and instructions. Share any experiences where you had to ensure safety protocols were followed, especially in high-pressure situations.
✨Tip Number 4
Show your willingness to learn by expressing your enthusiasm for training opportunities. Talk about any past experiences where you took the initiative to develop new skills or adapt to new standards in your previous jobs.
We think you need these skills to ace Operative [Welding & Grinding] - Swindon Hawksworth Depot
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Transferable Skills: Make sure to emphasize your transferable skills in teamwork, communication, and proactive planning. Use specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate how you excel in these areas.
Show Willingness to Learn: Express your eagerness to learn and develop new skills relevant to the role. Mention any previous training or certifications that showcase your commitment to self-development.
Demonstrate Safety Awareness: Since safety is critical in this role, include examples of how you have followed rules and instructions in previous jobs. Highlight any experience you have with working in high-pressure environments.
Tailor Your Application: Customize your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements mentioned in the job description. Make sure to address the outdoor working conditions and your ability to work flexible shifts.
How to prepare for a job interview at Network Rail
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Emphasize your ability to work as part of a team. Share examples from previous experiences where you collaborated effectively with others, highlighting how teamwork contributed to successful outcomes.
✨Communicate Clearly
Demonstrate your communication skills by being clear and concise in your responses. Practice explaining complex ideas simply, as this will show that you can convey important information effectively in a high-pressure environment.
✨Be Proactive and Prepared
Arrive at the interview ready to discuss how you plan and prepare for tasks. Mention any experiences where you anticipated needs or challenges, showcasing your proactive approach to work.
✨Stay Calm Under Pressure
Prepare to discuss situations where you had to remain calm and focused under pressure. This could include examples from previous jobs or even personal experiences that demonstrate your ability to handle stressful situations.