Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Track Maintenance team to inspect, maintain, and repair railway tracks.
- Company: Network Rail, dedicated to a safer, greener railway for everyone.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, discounts on travel, and a range of employee perks.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in a hands-on role with real impact on the railway.
- Qualifications: Interest in mechanical engineering and a willingness to learn.
- Other info: Flexible working options and clear paths for career progression.
The predicted salary is between 28400 - 38400 £ per year.
Operative [Track Maintenance] – Fast-Track Scheme
Join to apply for the Operative [Track Maintenance] – Fast-Track Scheme role at Network Rail
About Network Rail Network Rail operates and maintains the railway infrastructure 24/7 365 days a year. Our purpose is to connect people and goods with where they need to be and our vision is for a simpler, better, greener railway.
Location Manchester, GB
Department Name BF SM(Tr) Piccadilly Direct (854312) G1
Our North West route covers Cheshire to Cumbria, including key cities like Liverpool and Manchester, and destinations such as Blackpool and the Lake District. Major stations include Crewe, Liverpool Lime Street, Preston, and Manchester Piccadilly and Victoria. We champion diversity and inclusion, creating safe, innovative workplaces. We also support flexible and hybrid working — if it works, we’ll make it happen.
Brief Description Are you interested in Railway Track Maintenance? Do you enjoy hands on problem solving, fault finding and inspection? Then this might be a role for you! We are looking to recruit for a number of Operatives roles within our Track team based out of our depot next to Manchester Piccadilly Station. As part of the role, you will undertake inspection, track maintenance and track renewal. An Operative is the first step in a Track maintenance career but there are progression opportunities into Technician then Team Leader roles and above. You will be enrolled on a 12-to-18 month training programme, which involves classroom and practical hands‑on learning experiences. You will also be partnered with an experienced member of staff to help aid your training. Once this training has been successfully completed, you will have gained the experience and training required to progress to a technician role and beyond.
Track maintenance offers a dynamic and diverse role based on mechanical engineering skills. There is a variety in tasks, from walking the tracks to finding faults to taking the track apart and putting back together, in a limited timeframe to ensure the trains can begin running as scheduled once the work is completed. This ensures that no two days are the same.
You’ll be working on tasks such as:
- Track inspection – walking the tracks to find faults and fix before they become an issue
- Track maintenance – attending faults and carrying out manual repairs
- Support OTM’s – provide support to on track machines such as tampers and stoneblowers
We value individuals with transferable skills, a willingness to learn and want to develop new skills. This includes people who have experience with:
- General labouring skills, such as using petrol powered machinery
- Mechanical problem‑solving, for example car mechanics or metal working
- Basic IT knowledge, such as using an iPad
Whether you’re new to the field or bringing experience from another technical discipline, there are plenty of opportunities for growth and advancement within Network Rail.
Please Note There may be a requirement to work on call in this role if you opt to take the Standard Maintenance contract.
About The Role (External) You’ll be responsible for maintaining, inspecting and repairing the track network (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.
Operative Position – You will be a key member of the team, carrying out tasks as directed by the Team Leader. You’ll be responsible for ensuring that work is completed safely, efficiently, and to the required standards. You’ll also check that vehicles, plant, tools, equipment and materials under your control are fit for use and are used/stored and disposed of correctly. This role is essential for maintaining the smooth functioning of operations, and it sets the foundation for career progression into more technical or leadership roles within Track.
Essential Criteria
- Able to work as part of team
- Able and willing to drive vehicles as required by business need
- Have interest or experience in Mechanical Engineering
- Be willing to work outdoors in all weather types at any time of the day
- Be willing to learn and maintain competence from a variety of differing training methods
- Desire to always improve yourself and make things better
Desirable Criteria
- Already hold a valid PTS
- Have previous Permanent Way / Track experience
- Hold qualifications of Mechanical engineering from either further education or from previous employment, or be able to demonstrate these principles from experience
This role requires working a varied working pattern, with the majority of shifts likely to fall during nights and weekends. Please be aware that you may be scheduled to work up to 10 out of every 13 weekends. This is also a safety critical role so subject to drug and alcohol testing and passing of the relevant medical assessment. You must also live within a 60 minute driving distance from the location you will be working from.
How To Apply (External) We are a Disability Confident Leader and want to make the most of the skills and talents disabled people bring to the workplace. Click here for more information.
Salary and benefits:
- Salary as below per role: Operative IMC25: £31,444
- Pro‑rata annual leave entitlement
- My benefits – our discounted online shopping site
- A range of discounted offers including, childcare vouchers, healthcare offers – cycle to work, healthcare club discounted membership and other benefits
- Subsidies of up to 75% on rail and underground season tickets
- 75% discount on leisure travel
- A choice of contributory pension schemes
- 2 weeks paid reserve leave for our Armed Forces community
Want to find out about what fantastic benefits we offer? Find out here
Network Rail adheres to a structured pay framework, any salary offered will be within the pay range advertised.
All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre‑employment checks. Click here for more information.
Closing date: 22nd October 2025. Assessment Centre’s will take place on 18 th November 2025 in Manchester Square One. Late applications may not be accepted.
Safe behaviour is a requirement of working for Network Rail. Applicants should be able to demonstrate their awareness of our safety vision.
We will endeavour to offer a diverse interview panel wherever possible.
Drugs & Alcohol test: All prospective candidates offered a conditional role will be required to undergo and pass a drugs and alcohol test. Your application will be rescinded if you record a positive test. All positive drugs and alcohol test results for prospective candidates will be securely held on Sentinel database and a 5 year suspension from applying for a safety critical role, a role which requires PTS certification or a Key Safety role on Network Rail Managed Infrastructure will be enforced.
Seniority level
Internship
Employment type
Full‑time
Job function
Management and Manufacturing
Industries
Rail Transportation
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Operative [Track Maintenance] - Fast-Track Scheme employer: Network Rail
Contact Detail:
Network Rail Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operative [Track Maintenance] - Fast-Track Scheme
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Network Rail and understand their values, mission, and the specifics of the Operative role. This will help you tailor your conversations and show genuine interest during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. This can give you insider info about the company culture and even lead to referrals, which can boost your chances of landing that job.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for hands-on assessments! Since this role involves practical skills, practice any relevant tasks you might face. Show them you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and get stuck in right from day one.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Network Rail team. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Operative [Track Maintenance] - Fast-Track Scheme
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Track Maintenance: When writing your application, let us know why you're excited about working in track maintenance. Share any relevant experiences or interests that connect you to the role, whether it's hands-on problem-solving or a love for mechanical engineering.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure your CV and cover letter are tailored to the Operative role. Highlight your transferable skills, like general labouring or mechanical problem-solving, and don’t forget to mention your willingness to learn and grow within the team.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We want to see your personality shine through, so don’t be afraid to let us know who you are while keeping it professional.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Network Rail
✨Know Your Stuff
Familiarise yourself with the basics of track maintenance and mechanical engineering. Brush up on key terms and processes, as well as any relevant experience you have. This will show your genuine interest in the role and help you answer technical questions confidently.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since this role involves working closely with a team, be prepared to discuss your teamwork experiences. Think of examples where you've collaborated effectively or supported others in achieving a common goal. Highlighting your ability to work well with others will resonate with the interviewers.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and hands-on experience. Prepare to discuss scenarios where you've had to troubleshoot or fix issues, whether in a previous job or a personal project. This will demonstrate your practical knowledge and readiness for the role.
✨Emphasise Your Willingness to Learn
Network Rail values individuals who are eager to develop new skills. Be sure to express your enthusiasm for the training programme and your commitment to continuous improvement. Share any past experiences where you've taken the initiative to learn something new, especially in a mechanical or technical context.