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- Tasks: Join a team to maintain the railway and keep it running smoothly.
- Company: Network Rail, a leader in rail safety and efficiency.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, training opportunities, and career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real difference while working outdoors and learning new skills.
- Qualifications: No rail experience needed; just bring your teamwork and communication skills.
- Other info: Flexible shifts and a clear path to advancement await you.
The predicted salary is between 31444 - 44021 £ per year.
About Network Rail
Join Network Rail - Where People and Connections Matter. At Network Rail, we're dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country. When you join us, you're not just part of a team - you're part of something that matters to millions. 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. We value diversity and inclusion in the workplace and our ED&I commitments. We are a Disability Confident Leader and will accommodate needs throughout the recruitment process. If you're ready to make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you!
Brief Description
You’ll help keep our nation moving every single day. A critical part of the work we do is the daily upkeep of the rail network. As an operative, you’ll work outdoors in a small team, supporting essential maintenance to keep the railway running safely and smoothly for passengers and freight users. Our operative community comes from a variety of backgrounds, and this might be the first time you’ve considered a career in rail. We focus on transferable skills and behaviours and will provide training to have you working safely and competently out on the network. If you make the grade you can look forward to a rewarding career with a company that joined the top 50 in Glassdoor's 2021 Best Places to Work.
Please Note: If successful, there may be a requirement to work on call in this role.
About The Role
Operatives can specialise in a range of disciplines, but for this role you’ll become a specialist in Welding & Grinding. Our operatives work outside in all conditions, at all times of the year, day or night. You’ll be involved in demanding manual work, often with the need to transport kit across difficult terrain. Being safety focused, respectful of rules and a team player will be critical as you’ll often be working next to moving trains travelling at high speed.
You matter to your team. The team depends on you. You’re the one who shows up first and leaves last, checks the van and equipment, and drives the team from site to site. Every day you’ll support your team in maintaining equipment and provide lookout duties to keep the whole team safe.
You matter to us. Your commitment to self-development and continuous learning is hugely important in this role and we’ll provide training to develop both technical and non-technical skills. If you’re joining us from another industry, structured training will give you the skills and confidence to move into a rewarding career in rail. Today’s operatives are tomorrow’s technicians and team leaders, and we offer a clear career path.
Your Skills Matter
Our operatives play a key role in our maintenance teams. You don’t necessarily need rail experience, but you do need to show how your transferable skills meet the following:
- Team-working — Our maintenance teams depend on each other and you’ll work closely with the team to deliver safe and efficient work delivery.
- Communication — You’ll have good communication skills so you can work safely and effectively.
- Proactive planning — Being punctual, having the van and equipment ready, and anticipating the needs of the team are essential to keeping our passengers and freight moving.
- Working under pressure — Working outdoors in all conditions, and with trains passing close by means you’ll need to remain calm under pressure.
- Following rules and instructions — It is important to understand and respect the rules, but also feel confident to challenge if you see a situation is unsafe.
- Willingness to learn — You’ll consistently develop your skills and competencies relevant to your discipline, keeping up to date with new standards, procedures, and instructions.
It matters that this is the right role for you. Here’s some additional information which might help you.
- Shifts — Operative roles involve a changing shift pattern including days, nights, and weekends.
- Outdoor working — Our operatives work outside in all weathers and you’ll be comfortable in different 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, including hearing and eyesight examinations.
- Driving — You’ll need a driving licence (category B) to drive Network Rail vehicles.
- Commute times — You’ll need to be within a 60-minute commute of the location you’re applying for.
How To Apply
Salary: £31,444. Closing date: 12/02/26. Late applications will not be accepted. Click apply now to apply.
What does our recruitment process look like? Once you have applied, our Recruitment Specialist will look at your CV. If your experience matches what we’re looking for, you’ll be invited to an interview.
You can visit Evenbreaks Career Hive for advice on accessibility support if you’re unsure of the options available. Should you require any reasonable adjustments/modifications, please add a note to your application.
Network Rail Benefits - To find out about what benefits we offer, click here. All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks. Click here for more information.
Some of our roles require face to face Drugs & Alcohol testing. Further details will be shared with you as part of your formal offer.
Operative, Liverpool Edge Hill employer: Network Rail
Contact Detail:
Network Rail Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operative, Liverpool Edge Hill
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Network Rail and understand their values, especially around safety and teamwork. This will help you tailor your responses during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since you'll be working closely with a team, being able to express yourself clearly is key. Try role-playing common interview questions with a friend or family member to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your transferable skills! Even if you don’t have rail experience, think about how your past jobs have prepared you for this role. Highlight your teamwork, problem-solving, and ability to work under pressure during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you can keep track of your application status easily. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Operative, Liverpool Edge Hill
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Team Spirit: When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your teamwork skills. We want to see how you can contribute to our maintenance teams and work closely with others to keep everything running smoothly.
Communicate Clearly: Good communication is key in this role, so don’t forget to showcase your ability to convey information effectively. Use clear examples in your application that demonstrate how you've communicated well in past experiences.
Be Proactive: We love candidates who can think ahead! In your application, mention times when you’ve anticipated needs or planned ahead to ensure everything runs without a hitch. This shows us you’re ready for the demands of the job.
Emphasise Your Willingness to Learn: Let us know about your commitment to self-development. Share any relevant training or skills you've acquired, and express your eagerness to learn more. This will show us you’re serious about growing in your career with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Network Rail
✨Know Your Role
Before the interview, make sure you understand the key responsibilities of an Operative at Network Rail. Familiarise yourself with the importance of teamwork, communication, and safety protocols. This will help you demonstrate how your skills align with what they’re looking for.
✨Showcase Transferable Skills
Even if you don’t have direct rail experience, think about how your previous roles have equipped you with relevant skills. Be ready to discuss examples of teamwork, working under pressure, and proactive planning. This will show that you can adapt and thrive in a new environment.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and how you handle real-life situations. Think of scenarios where you had to follow rules, communicate effectively, or work as part of a team. Practising these responses will help you feel more confident during the interview.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the training opportunities available, the team dynamics, or what a typical day looks like. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you determine if it’s the right fit for you.
