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- Tasks: Join a small team to maintain the railway, ensuring safe and smooth operations.
- Company: Network Rail is dedicated to keeping the rail network running efficiently and safely.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, comprehensive training, and a clear career path.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing valuable skills in a rewarding environment.
- Qualifications: No rail experience needed; just bring teamwork, communication, and a willingness to learn.
- Other info: Shifts include days, nights, and weekends; outdoor work in all weather conditions.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
We’re committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. To discover more about our ED&I commitments We value flexibility and understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance. As a Disability Confident Leader, we’ll do everything we can to accommodate any needs throughout the recruitment process.
If you’re ready to make a real difference, we’d love to hear from you!
Brief Description
You’ll help keep our nation moving every single day.
Acritical 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.
And if you make the grade then you can look forward to a rewarding and fulfilling career with a company that recently joined the top 50 in the Glassdoor’s 2021 Best Places to Work.
About the role (External)
Operatives can specialise in a range of disciplines but for this role you’ll become a specialist in
Overhead lines: Working with high voltage systems you’ll ensure our railway has the power to run the trains. Working at height is routine, and you’ll use various types of specialist tools and equipment to measure, adjust, repair, and modify cables and wires that keeps Britain’s railway running.
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.
You matter to us
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.
Your skills matter
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 transferable skills meet the following:
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Team-working 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.
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Communication You’ll have good communication skills so you can work safely and effectively.
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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.
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Working under pressure Working outdoors in all conditions, and with trains passing close by means you’ll need to remain calm under pressure.
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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.
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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.
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Shifts Operative roles involve a changing shift pattern including days, nights, and weekends.
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Outdoor working – Our operatives work outside in all weathers and so you’ll be comfortable working in different conditions.
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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.
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Driving – As an operative you’ll also need a driving licence (category B) so you can drive Network Rail vehicles., We positively embrace flexible working recognising that employees may wish to balance work and family/home life.
You can visit for advice on accessibility support if you’re unsure of the options available. Should you require any reasonable adjustments/modifications, please add a note to your application.
Network Rail Benefits –
All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.
Drugs and Alcohol Standard:
Our Drugs and Alcohol Standard is changing as of 16.01.2023. All prospective candidates who have not been offered a conditional role by 16.01.2023 will be required to undergo and pass a drugs and alcohol test. Your application will be rescinded if you record a positive test. All positive drugs and alcohol test results for prospective candidates will be securely held on database and a 5 year suspension from applying for a safety critical role, a role which requires PTS certification or a Key Safety role on Network Rail Managed Infrastructure will be enforced.
Operative [Overhead Line Equipment] -Cheshunt OHL Depot - 2 Roles available employer: Network Rail
Contact Detail:
Network Rail Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operative [Overhead Line Equipment] -Cheshunt OHL Depot - 2 Roles available
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the specific tools and equipment used in overhead line maintenance. Understanding how to use these tools will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your proactive approach to learning.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any previous experience you have working in teams, especially in high-pressure environments. Being able to showcase your teamwork skills will be crucial since this role heavily relies on collaboration.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your understanding of safety protocols and your willingness to follow rules. This is a critical aspect of the job, and showing that you prioritize safety will make you a strong candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to talk about your adaptability to different working conditions. Since the role involves outdoor work in various weather conditions, demonstrating your comfort with this will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Operative [Overhead Line Equipment] -Cheshunt OHL Depot - 2 Roles available
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Transferable Skills: Make sure to emphasize your transferable skills in your application. Focus on teamwork, communication, proactive planning, and your ability to work under pressure, as these are crucial for the role.
Show Willingness to Learn: Express your commitment to self-development and continuous learning. Mention any relevant training or experiences that demonstrate your eagerness to acquire new skills, especially in a safety-critical environment.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to reflect the specific requirements of the operative role. Include any previous experience that showcases your ability to work outdoors, handle equipment, and follow safety protocols.
Address Accessibility Needs: If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, be sure to mention this in your application. This shows that you are proactive and ensures that your needs will be accommodated.
How to prepare for a job interview at Network Rail
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Emphasize your ability to work well in a team. Share examples from your past experiences where you collaborated effectively with others, as teamwork is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Safety Awareness
Discuss your understanding of safety protocols and why they are important, especially when working near moving trains. Be prepared to give examples of how you've prioritized safety in previous roles.
✨Highlight Your Willingness to Learn
Express your eagerness to learn new skills and adapt to different situations. Mention any relevant training or certifications you have, and be open about your desire to grow within the company.
✨Prepare for Outdoor Work Conditions
Since the job involves working outdoors in various weather conditions, be ready to discuss your comfort level with this aspect. Share any experiences you have had working outside and how you managed those conditions.
