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- Tasks: Join us as an Off Track Operative, maintaining vital railway assets outdoors.
- Company: Network Rail keeps the UK's trains moving safely and efficiently.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, full training, and 30 days' annual leave.
- Other info: Flexible shift patterns with overtime opportunities available.
- Why this job: Make a real difference while working in a supportive, inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: No experience needed; just bring your potential and a full clean driving licence.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 30351 £ per year.
Join Network Rail - Where People and Connections Matter. At Network Rail, we are dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country. We believe that our people are at the heart of what we do, and every role plays a vital part in building a better, more connected railway.
Scotland's Railway covers a large geographical area from the Borders to Thurso, accounting for almost 20 per cent of the UK rail network. We provide rapid access along busy commuter routes to our seven cities, servicing the varied needs of our business and leisure commuter services, including cross border services and rural services. Our ambition to be responsive to passengers and freight users drives us every day.
Get your career on track with a starting salary of £30k and no experience needed. A career in Off Track at Network Rail is one that pays. Whether you're a school leaver, looking for a career change, or returning to work after some time out, we want to hear from you. No skills or qualifications required; we are looking for potential.
Every single day our rail network carries 18,000 passenger trains and 1,000 freight trains across 10,000 miles of track. Our Off Track Operatives support the maintenance and repair of the lineside assets. The maintenance of these assets is critical to the functioning of the railway by ensuring drainage systems are functioning correctly, signals and track remain clear of vegetation, lineside boundaries are secure, and level crossings are in good condition.
As this is an entry-level role, Off Track Operatives support and learn from the Off Track Technicians. This will involve using discipline-specific tools and plant to maintain lineside assets. Teamwork is a huge part of the job. All Off Track Operatives receive full training and guidance, learning how to use a range of hand tools and heavy machinery safely. Pending successful learning and development, Off Track Operatives can progress to Off Track Technicians.
To reduce disruption to rail services and to increase safety for maintenance teams, this work is often done at night or over weekends. Being able to work a varied shift pattern is important, but we will provide your roster 4 weeks in advance.
We are looking for people with bags of potential who have:
- A full clean driving licence
- Problem-solving skills
- Good communication skills
- Teamwork skills
- A strong safety ethic
- Willingness and ability to work shift patterns with a mixture of daytime, evening, and weekend work
- The ability to undertake physical manual work outdoors, whatever the weather
- Willingness to undertake medical assessment and drug and alcohol testing
What's in it for you?
- Competitive starting salary for Off Track Operatives with the potential to increase for Off Track Technicians
- A fresh start - full training will be provided
- Development in a range of practical trades and skills
- Great pension plus the chance to join Network Rail's leading defined contribution pension scheme after five years' service
- 75% discount on leisure rail travel for you and your family
- 30 days' annual leave
- Extra earning potential: 35-hour week with overtime opportunities
We encourage you to apply for this role. We are a Disability Confident organisation and we will try our best to adapt to suit individual needs.
All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks. Keeping people safe on the railway is at the heart of everything we do; safe behaviour is therefore a requirement of working for Network Rail.
Closing date: Midnight on Wednesday 11th June 2025 - late applications will not be accepted.
Operative [Off Track] employer: ENGINEERINGUK
Contact Detail:
ENGINEERINGUK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operative [Off Track]
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Network Rail's values and mission. Understanding their commitment to safety and community will help you align your responses during any interviews or discussions, showing that you're a good fit for their culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any previous experience in physical or outdoor work, even if it's not directly related to railways. This can demonstrate your ability to handle the demands of the Off Track Operative role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your problem-solving skills and teamwork experiences. Think of specific examples where you've worked collaboratively or resolved issues effectively, as these are key traits they are looking for.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to talk about your flexibility regarding shift patterns. Since the role requires working nights and weekends, showing your willingness to adapt will make you a more attractive candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Operative [Off Track]
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand what an Off Track Operative does. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities and requirements mentioned in the job description to tailor your application accordingly.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Even if you don't have direct experience, think about transferable skills that relate to the role. Emphasise your problem-solving abilities, teamwork skills, and any experience working outdoors or in physically demanding jobs.
Complete Pre-Screening Questions Thoughtfully: Pay close attention to the pre-screening questions during the application process. Take your time to answer each question carefully, as this is a crucial part of the selection process.
Show Your Commitment to Safety: Since safety is a top priority for Network Rail, make sure to express your personal commitment to safety in your application. Provide examples of how you've prioritised safety in past experiences, even if they are not directly related to the railway industry.
How to prepare for a job interview at ENGINEERINGUK
✨Show Your Safety Commitment
Network Rail places a strong emphasis on safety. Be prepared to discuss your understanding of safety protocols and how you prioritise safety in your work. Share any relevant experiences where you demonstrated a commitment to maintaining a safe environment.
✨Highlight Teamwork Skills
As an Off Track Operative, you'll be working closely with others. Emphasise your ability to work as part of a team. Provide examples of past experiences where you collaborated effectively with colleagues to achieve a common goal.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
The role requires quick thinking and problem-solving skills. Prepare to discuss situations where you've successfully identified and resolved issues. This could be in previous jobs, school projects, or even personal experiences.
✨Be Ready for Shift Work Discussion
This position involves varied shift patterns, including nights and weekends. Be honest about your availability and willingness to work these shifts. It’s important to show that you understand the demands of the role and are flexible with your schedule.