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- Tasks: Join us as a Track Operative, maintaining the railway and ensuring safe travel for all.
- Company: Network Rail connects millions across the UK, dedicated to safety and efficiency in rail transport.
- Benefits: Enjoy a starting salary of £31k, flexible shifts, 30 days' leave, and discounts on rail travel.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while working outdoors and developing valuable skills in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: No experience needed; just bring your potential, teamwork spirit, and a full clean driving licence.
- Other info: We value diversity and encourage everyone to apply, offering full training and career progression.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 35000 £ per year.
Location: Lockerbie, GB
About Network Rail
Join Network Rail - Where People and Connections Matter. At Network Rail, we are dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country. When you join us, you are not just part of a team - you are 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 are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We value flexibility and understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance. As a Disability Confident Leader, we will do everything we can to accommodate any needs throughout the recruitment process.
If you are ready to make a real difference, we would love to hear from you!
Scotland's Railway covers a large geographical area from the Borders to Thurso at the far tip of the North East of Scotland, accounting for almost 20 per cent of the UK rail 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.
Brief Description
Get your career on track with a starting salary of £31k and no experience needed. A career in track at Network Rail is one that pays. Whether you are a school leaver, looking for a career change, or returning to work after some time out, we want to hear from you. No skills or qualifications required; we are looking for potential.
Life trackside is challenging and physical, requiring determination, but the rewards are worth it. Our Track Operatives work outdoors and around the clock to battle everything from track defects to floods and fallen trees to keep Britain moving.
What does a Track Operative do?
Every single day our rail network carries 18,000 passenger trains and 1,000 freight trains across 10,000 miles of track, resulting in natural wear and tear that our Track Operatives repair. The track is made up of rails, railway ties (sleepers), fasteners, railway switches, ballast and foundations. Our Track Operatives keep all this in tip-top condition to keep passengers and freight moving safely and without interruption.
Using a mix of new technology and manual inspection, Network Rail monitors railway assets around the clock. Maintenance teams are briefed at the start of each shift on the maintenance work to be completed. As this is an entry-level role, Track Operatives support and learn from Track Technicians, which can involve fetching, carrying and using track maintenance tools. Teamwork is a huge part of the job. All Track Operatives receive full training and guidance, learning how to use a range of hand tools and heavy machinery safely. Pending successful learning and development, Track Operatives can progress to Track Technicians.
To reduce disruption to rail services and to increase safety for maintenance teams, this work is often done at night or over weekends. Being able to work a varied shift pattern is important, but we will provide your roster 4 weeks in advance so you can make plans with family and friends in good time.
What are we looking for?
- A full clean driving licence
- Problem-solving skills
- Good communication skills
- Teamwork skills
- A strong safety ethic
- Willingness and ability to work shift patterns with a mixture of daytime, evening and weekend work
- The ability to undertake physical manual work outdoors, whatever the weather
- Willingness to undertake medical assessment and drug and alcohol testing, as part of our recruitment process and whilst you are working for us (it’s a safety requirement)
What’s in it for me?
- Competitive starting salary for Track Operatives with the potential to increase for Track Technicians
- A fresh start - you don’t need to pay for expensive training courses or re-sit any exams, this is an entry-level job and full training will be provided
- Development in a range of practical trades and skills to get you to the next career level; many maintenance workers progress to management roles
- Great pension plus the chance to join Network Rail’s leading defined contribution pension scheme after five years’ service
- 75% discount on leisure rail travel for you and your family
- 30 days' annual leave
- Extra earning potential: 35-hour week with overtime opportunities (there may be a requirement to work on call)
Don’t meet every requirement? We encourage you to apply for this role. We are building a diverse and inclusive place to work where people of all backgrounds can thrive.
How To Apply
Please click apply to submit your CV and complete the pre-screening questions. We are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment and we welcome applications from everyone!
All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks. Keeping people safe on the railway is at the heart of everything we do; safe behaviour is therefore a requirement of working for Network Rail. Applicants should demonstrate their personal commitment to safety in their application.
Closing date: Midnight on Wednesday 25th June 2025 - late applications will not be accepted.
Operative [Track Maintenance] employer: Network Rail
Contact Detail:
Network Rail Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operative [Track Maintenance]
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific duties of a Track Operative. Understanding the daily tasks and challenges faced in track maintenance will help you demonstrate your enthusiasm and readiness for the role during any discussions or interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your teamwork skills. Since this role involves working closely with others, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in previous roles or projects, even if they were not in a similar field.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving abilities. Think of instances where you've had to think on your feet or overcome obstacles, as these skills are crucial in maintaining safety and efficiency on the railway.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to discuss your commitment to safety. Given the nature of the job, demonstrating a strong safety ethic and willingness to adhere to safety protocols will set you apart from other candidates.
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 what a Track Operative does. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities and skills required, as this will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences or qualities.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Even if you don't have direct experience, think about transferable skills that relate to the job. Emphasise your problem-solving abilities, teamwork experience, and any physical work you've done in the past. Make sure these are clear in your CV and cover letter.
Complete Pre-Screening Questions Thoughtfully: Pay close attention to the pre-screening questions during the application process. Take your time to answer each question thoroughly, demonstrating your understanding of safety and teamwork, which are crucial for this role.
Show Your Commitment to Safety: Since safety is a top priority for Network Rail, make sure to express your personal commitment to safety in your application. Provide examples of how you've prioritised safety in previous roles or situations, even if they are not directly related to rail work.
How to prepare for a job interview at Network Rail
✨Show Your Safety Ethic
Network Rail places a strong emphasis on safety. Be prepared to discuss your understanding of safety protocols and how you prioritise safety in your work. Share any relevant experiences where you demonstrated a commitment to safety.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
As a Track Operative, you'll be working closely with others. Highlight your ability to work as part of a team. Think of examples from past experiences where you collaborated effectively with colleagues to achieve a common goal.
✨Be Ready for Physical Challenges
This role involves physical manual work outdoors, regardless of the weather. Be prepared to discuss your fitness level and willingness to undertake physically demanding tasks. Mention any relevant experiences that showcase your resilience and determination.
✨Express Your Willingness to Learn
Since this is an entry-level position, Network Rail is looking for potential rather than experience. Emphasise your eagerness to learn new skills and adapt to different situations. Share any instances where you've successfully learned something new or taken on challenges.