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
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the rail industry and its safety standards. Understanding the basics of rail operations and safety protocols will not only help you during interviews but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former railway operatives. Engaging with professionals in the field can provide you with valuable insights and tips on what to expect, as well as potentially opening doors for recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the physical demands of the job. Since the role involves working in various weather conditions and at unsociable hours, demonstrating your readiness to handle these challenges can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Be proactive about your driving record. Since a clean driving licence is essential, ensure you have all necessary documentation ready and be prepared to discuss your driving history during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Apprentice Railway Track Operative 12563 Vital Rail
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of an Apprentice Railway Track Operative. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks such as track maintenance and safety protocols to tailor your application accordingly.
Highlight Relevant Skills:In your CV and cover letter, emphasise skills that align with the job description, such as problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and a strong work ethic. Mention any experience or training related to health and safety, even if it's informal.
Show Your Commitment:Express your willingness to work flexible hours, including nights and weekends, in your application. This shows that you are aware of the job's demands and are ready to meet them.
Prepare for Screening:Be ready for the initial screening process by ensuring all your details are accurate and up-to-date. If you have a PTS certification or relevant training, mention it clearly, as it could strengthen your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at Inspiro Learning
✨Show Your Enthusiasm for the Rail Industry
Make sure to express your passion for the rail industry during the interview. Talk about why you want to work as a Railway Track Operative and how you see yourself contributing to the safety and efficiency of the UK's rail network.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully solved problems or dealt with challenges. This role requires strong problem-solving skills, so showcasing your ability to think on your feet will impress the interviewers.
✨Highlight Your Commitment to Safety
Since safety is paramount in this role, be ready to discuss your understanding of health and safety protocols. Mention any relevant experiences or training that demonstrate your commitment to maintaining a safe working environment.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions that may require you to think practically about the job. For instance, they might ask how you would handle specific situations on-site. Practising these scenarios beforehand can help you respond confidently.
