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- Tasks: Join a team maintaining and repairing the railway track network for safety and efficiency.
- Company: Network Rail connects millions across the UK, enhancing rail services for passengers and freight.
- Benefits: Enjoy comprehensive training, career progression, and a diverse, supportive workplace culture.
- Why this job: Be part of a top-rated company while making a real impact on national transport.
- Qualifications: No rail experience needed; just bring teamwork, communication skills, and a willingness to learn.
- Other info: Shifts include nights and weekends; driving license required for Network Rail vehicles.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
At Network Rail, we are part of a large family serving millions of passengers and freight users throughout the UK every day. Our service impacts millions of people, and we strive to become more efficient as we enhance, maintain, and operate our 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. We have up to 50 freight services operating every day, and we are steadily building capacity for this to grow. Our ambition to be responsive to passengers and freight users drives us every day, and we are empowered to do the right thing for those who use the rail network. We actively challenge unsafe practices and take responsibility for addressing risks, resolving issues, and protecting safety and wellbeing. We welcome individuals from diverse backgrounds, even if you have never considered a rail career before.
Your role will be critical for ensuring railway safety and efficiency through adherence to safety procedures, alignment with Network Rail's safety vision, and engaging in practical problem-solving with your team. We prioritise transferable skills and behaviours, and we are committed to providing the training required for you to work safely and competently on the network. Our workplace is diverse, and we strive to make it as welcoming as possible to everyone. You will be a member of a small team responsible for daily rail network maintenance, contributing to the safe and smooth operation for passengers and freight users.
If working outdoors in any weather, day or night, and engaging in fulfilling manual tasks sounds exciting to you, the role of Railway Operative might be for you. Your focus on safety, respect for rules, and teamwork are essential while working in a safety-critical environment. Operatives specialise in a range of fields, but for this role, you will become a specialist in Track: Your responsibility will involve maintaining, inspecting, and repairing the track network (also known as the Permanent Way or P-Way) to keep the railway safe and efficient. This is a very manual role as you will be working with rails, sleepers, and ballast that support the trains, together with their associated drainage and ancillary structures. This position requires availability for night shifts, as the majority of work hours will be overnight.
Your dedication to self-development is highly valued. We provide comprehensive training for both technical and non-technical skills. Whether you are new to the industry or transitioning from another field, our structured training prepares you for a rewarding career in rail. Today's operatives are tomorrow's Technicians and Team Leaders, and we offer a clear career path for your advancement. Your dedication matters to both your team and us, and we pride ourselves on tailoring our support to our specific employee's needs. For example, we actively encourage members of our team to seek accommodations that will make their lives at work easier.
Our Operatives play a key role in our maintenance teams. You do not necessarily need rail experience, but you do need to show how your transferable skills meet the following Essential Criteria required for this role:
- Team working: Our maintenance teams depend on each other, and you will be required to work closely with the team to deliver safe and efficient work delivery.
- Good Communication Skills: So you can work safely and effectively within a team.
- Proactive planning: Being punctual, having equipment ready in preparation for the needs of the team.
- Thriving in high-pressure situations: Working outdoors in all conditions, and with situations where trains will be passing close by, so you will need to remain competent in a fast-paced environment.
- 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.
- Willingness to learn: Consistently develop your skills and competencies relevant to your team, keeping up to date with new standards, procedures, and instructions.
Shifts: Operative roles involve a changing shift pattern including days, nights, and weekends. Outdoor working: Our operatives operate outdoors in all kinds of weather, and you will be equipped with the necessary Personal Protective Equipment to handle various weather conditions. 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. Driving: A driving license (category B) will be required so you can drive Network Rail vehicles. Commute times: You will need to be within a 60-minute commute of the location.
Operative Track Maintenance employer: jobs24.co.uk
Contact Detail:
jobs24.co.uk Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operative Track Maintenance
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the basics of railway operations and maintenance. Understanding the terminology and processes involved in track maintenance will help you engage more effectively during interviews and demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your teamwork skills by sharing specific examples from previous experiences where you successfully collaborated with others. This is crucial for the Operative role, as you'll be working closely with a small team to ensure safety and efficiency.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss how you handle high-pressure situations. Given the nature of the job, being able to stay calm and focused while working outdoors in varying conditions is essential, so think of scenarios where you've demonstrated this ability.
✨Tip Number 4
Show your willingness to learn by researching the latest safety standards and procedures in the rail industry. Being knowledgeable about current practices will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're proactive about your professional development.
We think you need these skills to ace Operative Track Maintenance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of an Operative in Track Maintenance. Familiarise yourself with the essential criteria such as teamwork, communication skills, and safety protocols.
Highlight Transferable Skills: In your application, emphasise any transferable skills that align with the job requirements. Focus on your ability to work in a team, communicate effectively, and thrive under pressure, as these are crucial for this role.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect the specific skills and experiences relevant to the Operative position. Include any previous manual work experience or roles that required adherence to safety procedures.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention your willingness to learn and adapt, and how you can contribute to Network Rail's mission of maintaining a safe and efficient railway.
How to prepare for a job interview at jobs24.co.uk
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Emphasise your ability to work well in a team. Network Rail values collaboration, so share examples of how you've successfully worked with others in previous roles or projects.
✨Communicate Clearly
Good communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, especially when discussing safety procedures or problem-solving scenarios.
✨Demonstrate Proactivity
Be prepared to discuss how you plan ahead and stay organised. Mention any experiences where you took the initiative to ensure tasks were completed efficiently and safely.
✨Embrace Learning Opportunities
Express your willingness to learn and adapt. Highlight any past experiences where you sought out training or development to improve your skills, showing that you're committed to self-improvement.
