At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us as an Apprentice Railway Track Operative, ensuring the safety and efficiency of the UK’s rail network.
- Company: Vital Rail has over 40 years of experience in enhancing and maintaining rail infrastructure.
- Benefits: Earn £22,000, receive a company van, and enjoy a TOTUM membership while gaining hands-on experience.
- Other info: Work mainly at nights and weekends; resilience is key. Apply early as positions may close quickly.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career with a supportive team, flexible hours, and opportunities for growth in a vital industry.
- Qualifications: No prior qualifications needed; just a driving licence with less than 3 points and a willingness to learn.
Overview
Programme duration 12 Months
Programme name Level 2 - Rail Engineering Operative
At Vital Rail, we take pride in being a major support services provider dedicated to enhancing, renewing, and maintaining rail, light rail, and underground infrastructure. With over 40 years of experience, we stand as a RISQS accredited supplier of personnel, ensuring that safety, delivery, and innovation are at the forefront of all our endeavours.
Job description
We’re looking for Apprentice Railway Track Operatives to join our team, ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the UK’s rail network.
Responsibilities
- Protect, Inspect, maintain, and renew track assets (rails, sleepers, ballast, switches & crossings).
- Provide Safety Critical support to protect yourself and the railway workforce
- Support major rail upgrades and renewals across the network.
- Work closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure compliance with Network Rail standards.
- Champion health & safety across all work sites.
- Assist as a team member in managing the rail line possession
- Attend (S)PICOP and COSS briefings; raise any concerns if the messages are not clear
- Support pre-possession checks, briefings etc and be in place at blocking points at least one hour in advance
- Monitor blocking points and place boards and detonators according to the Network Rail guidelines
- Attend worksites to carry out safety audits on behalf of Network Rail
- Attend and support on site walkouts (pre work), to understand the environment and investigate all safety concerns.
Apprenticeship details
This is a fantastic opportunity to start your career with Vital Rail offering an excellent apprenticeship salary of £22,000 + a company van and fuel card provided.
From the location of your site, you would be expected to travel approximately 1 hour from this location on a regular basis. With this in mind you must have held a driving license for more than 1 year, with less than 3 points and no convictions for drunk driving.
As an apprentice you’ll
- complete a L2 Rail Engineering apprenticeship standard
- have regular one to one sessions with a dedicated trainer either remotely or through visits to your workplace
- learn and train for a specific job
- get paid and receive holiday leave
- get hands-on experience in a real job
- study for at least 20% of your working hours
- complete assessments during and at the end of your apprenticeship
- be on a career path with lots of future potential
- be entitled to a TOTUM membership
Skills required
- Must have held driving licence for more than 1 year, with less than 3 points and no convictions for drunk driving
Qualifications required
None required as full training will be given; however already having your PTS Track Induction would be beneficial
Personal qualities
We are looking for someone with resilience, impeccable time keeping, attendance and work ethic
Things to consider
Please be aware the work will be mainly nights, weekends and unsociable hours in all weather conditions so we are looking for someone with resilience.
Due to fatigue management rules on the railway you will need to live within 1 hour travel time of the locations.
People with unspent convictions welcomed, exclusions: Arson, Terrorism, Sexual Offences
Other notes
This vacancy may close early if sufficient applications are received and you may be invited to an interview before the closing date. Please ensure you apply early to avoid disappointment.
What we’re looking for
- Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
- PTS certification (desirable, but not essential as training will be given) and willingness to work flexible hours (including nights/weekends).
You must (Essential)
- Be a driver with less than 3 points on your licence and be aged over 21.
- Be prepared to cover an area determined by the underwritten positions available.
- Undergo a Medical along with a drug and alcohol test prior to commencing any training.
- Complete 9 days PTS course, 12 mentoring shifts, 3 days IWA course, 1 day PSS
Application instructions
To continue please click apply to fill in a brief application form. Once applied your details will go through an initial screening process to ascertain suitability. If suitable you will be called by an Apprenticeship Recruitment Advisor to discuss the vacancy further and to check your eligibility for an apprenticeship. If you are eligible/suitable your details will then be passed on to the employer.
Apprentice Railway Track Operative 12563 Vital Rail employer: Inspiro Learning
At Vital Rail, we are committed to fostering a supportive and dynamic work environment for our Apprentice Railway Track Operatives. With a strong emphasis on safety, innovation, and employee development, we offer a competitive apprenticeship salary, hands-on training, and the opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals in the rail industry. Our culture promotes resilience and teamwork, ensuring that every apprentice is equipped with the skills and knowledge needed for a successful career in rail engineering.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice Railway Track Operative 12563 Vital Rail
✨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 Apprentice Railway Track Operative 12563 Vital Rail
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 Inspiro Learning'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 Inspiro Learning. 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 Inspiro Learning
✨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 Inspiro Learning.
