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- Tasks: Maintain and repair the railway track to ensure safe travel for passengers and freight.
- Company: Join a top-rated company dedicated to keeping the rail network running smoothly.
- Benefits: Comprehensive training, career progression, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while working outdoors and developing valuable skills.
- Qualifications: No rail experience needed; just bring your teamwork and communication skills.
- Other info: Flexible shifts and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Overview
maintenance to keep the railway running safely and smoothly for passengers and freight users. Our operative community comes from a variety of different backgrounds, and this might be the first time that you\’ve even considered a career in rail. We\’re focused on your transferrable skills and behaviours and if you can demonstrate that, then we will provide you with all the necessary training to have you working safely and competently out on the network. And if you make the grade then you can look forward to a rewarding and fulfilling career with a company that recently joined the top 50 in the 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 (External)
Operatives can specialise in a range of disciplines but for this role you\’ll become a specialist in Track. You\’ll be responsible for 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\’ll be working with rails, sleepers and ballast that support the trains, together with their associated drainage and ancillary structures. 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 tricky 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, who makes sure the van and equipment are checked and ready for every shift, and who drives the team from site to site. Every day you\’ll support your team in maintaining equipment and will 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 you with all the training to develop both technical skills and non-technical skills. If you\’re joining us from another industry, the 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 for you.
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 be able to 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 that you 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.
Additional information – 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\’re committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. To discover more about our ED&I commitments, we value flexibility and understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance. As a Disability Confident Leader, we\’ll do everything we can to accommodate any needs throughout the recruitment process.
If you\’re ready to make a real difference, we\’d love to hear from you!
Responsibilities
- Help keep the nation moving every single day through daily upkeep of the rail network.
- Work outdoors in a small team supporting essential maintenance.
- Operate in safe, efficient ways to support track integrity and safety for passengers and freight.
Qualifications and Requirements
- Shifts: Operative roles involve a changing shift pattern including days, nights, and weekends.
- Outdoor working: Comfortable working in different 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, including a hearing and eyesight examination.
- Driving: A category B driving licence is required to drive Network Rail vehicles.
- Commute: You must be within a 60-minute commute of the location you\’re applying for.
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Operative employer: Network Rail
Contact Detail:
Network Rail Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operative
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Network Rail and understand their values, mission, and the role of an Operative. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Attend industry events or connect with current employees on LinkedIn. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to teamwork, communication, and working under pressure. Use examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your transferable skills – they want to see how you can fit into their team!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining us and ready to take that next step in your career.
We think you need these skills to ace Operative
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Transferable Skills: We want to see how your past experiences can fit into the rail industry. Highlight any teamwork, communication, or problem-solving skills you've developed in previous roles. Remember, it’s all about how you can bring those skills to our team!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point, so we can easily see why you’d be a great fit for us.
Demonstrate Your Willingness to Learn: We’re all about growth and development here at StudySmarter. Make sure to mention your eagerness to learn new skills and adapt to the demands of the role. Show us that you’re ready to take on training and grow with us!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details directly. Plus, it makes it easier for us to keep track of your application and get back to you quickly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Network Rail
✨Know Your Stuff
Familiarise yourself with the basics of railway maintenance and the specific role of an Operative. Understand what track maintenance involves, including the tools and techniques used. This will show your genuine interest in the position and help you answer technical questions confidently.
✨Showcase Your Transferable Skills
Think about your previous experiences and how they relate to the skills needed for this role. Whether it's teamwork, communication, or working under pressure, be ready to share specific examples that demonstrate these abilities. This is your chance to shine!
✨Be Safety Savvy
Since safety is paramount in this role, be prepared to discuss how you prioritise safety in your work. You might want to mention any relevant experiences where you had to follow rules or challenge unsafe practices. This will highlight your commitment to a safe working environment.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the training process, team dynamics, or career progression opportunities. It shows you're engaged and serious about the role, plus it gives you valuable insights into the company culture.
