At a Glance
- Tasks: Perform maintenance and overhaul on rail vehicles, ensuring safety and quality standards.
- Company: Join Arriva TrainCare, a leader in rail vehicle maintenance with a professional team.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days annual leave, pension, healthcare, and travel perks.
- Other info: Work a flexible 4 on / 4 off night shift with opportunities for overtime.
- Why this job: Be part of a vital industry, ensuring trains run safely and efficiently.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 in Engineering or equivalent; experience in rail maintenance preferred.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Organisation: Arriva TrainCare (ATC)
Location: Cambridge
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Average 37 hours per week, 4 on / 4 off shift pattern
Shift: Nights – 19:30 to 06:30 (30 minutes unpaid break)
About Us
At Arriva TrainCare, we provide high-quality overhaul, maintenance and servicing of passenger rolling stock, locomotives, freight wagons and track plant. We operate across the UK from six strategic locations – Crewe, Bristol, Eastleigh, Cambridge, Tyne Yard and Scarborough. Arriva TrainCare is part of Arriva, and you’ll be joining a professional team guided by three core behaviours:
- We do the right thing
- We make the difference
Our benefits include:
- 26 days annual leave (inclusive of UK bank holidays)
- Pension
- Life and healthcare cover
- Arriva UK Trains Travel Pass
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Access to the Arriva Village discounts platform.
The Role
Based at our Cambridge depot and reporting to the Light Maintenance Team Leader, you’ll be responsible for carrying out maintenance and overhaul activities on rail vehicles in line with agreed standards and procedures. You’ll play a key role in supporting safety, quality, reliability and continuous improvement, helping to ensure rolling stock availability meets operational requirements. This role operates on a 4 on / 4 off nights shift pattern, averaging 37 hours per week with additional overtime opportunities.
Key Responsibilities:
- Carry out maintenance and overhaul work as allocated by the Team Leader, within agreed timescales and quality standards
- Operate (drive) rail vehicles within depot operating limits and in accordance with relevant procedures
- Ensure safety procedures and documentation are followed in line with VMI and local instructions
- Complete maintenance records and worksheets accurately and promptly
- Adhere to Quality, Environmental and Health & Safety procedures at all times
- Attend technical, quality and safety briefings, completing any actions assigned
- Maintain high standards of housekeeping and cleanliness throughout the depot
- Use personal protective equipment (PPE) in line with standards and local instructions
- Support the Team Leader to achieve rolling stock availability and reliability targets
- Maintain compliance with all company policies and procedures
What You’ll Bring
Qualifications:
- NVQ Level 3 in Engineering (Mechanical or Electrical) – rail traction and rolling stock preferred
- Alternative recognised engineering qualifications (BTEC / City & Guilds) will be considered
Experience & Knowledge:
- Previous experience in rail vehicle maintenance or a comparable engineering environment
- Understanding of depot operations
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings
- Sound understanding of mechanical and electrical engineering principles
- Aware of health, safety and environmental standards
Skills:
- Strong problem‑solving ability
- Clear and effective communication
- Ability to work independently and complete tasks to agreed standards
Shift Fitter in Cambridge employer: Arriva TrainCare
Arriva TrainCare is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment at our Bristol Barton Hill depot. With a strong commitment to employee development, we provide ample opportunities for growth in project management while ensuring a supportive culture that values your contributions. Our comprehensive benefits package, including generous annual leave and a company pension, reflects our dedication to the well-being of our team members, making it a rewarding place to build your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Shift Fitter in Cambridge
✨Get Your Hands Dirty
In skilled trades, practical experience is everything. Consider volunteering or doing odd jobs in your area to build up your skills and visibility. Local businesses often appreciate helping hands and it might just lead to a full-time gig!
✨Join Trade Associations
Look into joining organisations specific to your trade (like the National Federation of Builders or similar). They often have job boards, networking events, and apprenticeships that can put you in touch with employers who value skilled workers. Plus, being part of these communities adds credibility to your profiles!
✨Showcase Your Work Online
Craft a portfolio that highlights your craftsmanship—before and after photos, project descriptions, and client testimonials are all golden! Share this on platforms that cater to skilled trades, like Instagram or dedicated forums, to attract potential employers looking for your skillset.
✨Apply Directly and Follow Up
Don’t just rely on job boards—visit local businesses, introduce yourself, and drop off your CV. Building rapport face-to-face can work wonders in the skilled trades sector. And remember, following up after applying through our website shows dedication; it might just give you an edge over other candidates!
We think you need these skills to ace Shift Fitter in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills with Certificates:In the skilled trades world, your practical skills and certifications are key! Make sure you highlight any relevant qualifications or training you've completed. If you’ve got a trade-specific certificate, like an NVQ or City & Guilds, include it in your CV to catch Arriva TrainCare's eye.
Tailor Your CV to the Job:Don’t just send out a generic CV; tailor it specifically for the skilled trades role at Arriva TrainCare. Emphasise your hands-on experience, the tools and techniques you’re proficient in, and any notifiable compliance standards you've met. This shows that you’ve put thought into your application.
Highlight Your Projects or Achievements:Don’t forget to showcase any significant projects or achievements in your cover letter. Whether it’s completing a complex installation or meeting deadlines on a large project, these details make a big difference. They help paint a picture of your expertise and dedication!
Keep It Concise and Relevant:When applying for a full-time role in skilled trades, keep your writing to the point. Hiring managers appreciate clear, concise applications. Focus on relevant experiences and skills, and avoid fluff. Remember, they’re looking for someone who can get the job done—so show them you can!
How to prepare for a job interview at Arriva TrainCare
✨Master the Hands-On Skills
In skilled trades, practical skills matter a ton. Be ready to showcase your hands-on abilities during the interview—whether it's through a practical test or a demonstration of your craftsmanship. Bring your best examples of past projects to discuss them in detail!
✨Know Your Tools Like the Back of Your Hand
Employers in the skilled trades often want to hear about your proficiency with specific tools and equipment. Brush up on the tools relevant to your field and be prepared to discuss your experiences using them. This shows you’re not just experienced but also safe and competent.
✨Be Ready to Talk About Safety Practices
Safety is paramount in skilled trades. Be prepared to discuss your knowledge of safety regulations and how you've implemented them in previous roles. This will demonstrate your commitment to a safe working environment—a quality that employers highly value.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
When tackling skilled trade roles, employers want to know about your ability to think on your feet. Be ready with examples of how you've solved unexpected problems on the job. This will illustrate your adaptability and resourcefulness, key traits for a full-time position at Arriva TrainCare.
