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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a team maintaining railway safety and efficiency, working with signals and telecoms.
- Company: Network Rail - a diverse and flexible workplace that values connections.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, structured training, and a supportive work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on railway safety while developing valuable skills outdoors.
- Qualifications: Teamwork, communication, and a willingness to learn are key; rail experience not required.
- Other info: Shifts include days, nights, and weekends; driving licence needed.
The predicted salary is between 37073 - 37073 £ per year.
Overview
Operative, Unit K474 at Network Rail – Gateshead, GB. Department: MA WDM(S&T) Newcastle Direct (846093) G1.
Join Network Rail – Where People and Connections Matter. We are committed to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country. We value diversity and flexibility, and we support a healthy work-life balance. We may require on-call work in this role.
About the Role (External)
Operatives can specialise in a range of disciplines, but for this role you will become a specialist in Signalling & Telecoms. You’ll work with equipment including signals, level crossings, and points systems, developing a broad range of manual, electrical and digital skills. You’ll work outdoors in all conditions, day or night, often transporting kit across challenging terrain. Safety, adherence to rules, and teamwork are essential as you may be near moving trains.
What Youll Do
- Support daily maintenance to keep the railway running safely and smoothly for passengers and freight users.
- Work in a small team outdoors, assisting with equipment checks and safe operation of tasks.
- Provide lookout duties to keep the entire team safe and support transport of kit between sites.
- Assist in maintaining equipment and learning across a range of disciplines through structured training.
Your Skills Matter
We value transferable skills and behaviours. You don’t necessarily need rail experience, but you should demonstrate how your skills align with the following:
- Team-working: work closely with the team to deliver safe and efficient work delivery.
- Communication: good communication skills for safe and effective work.
- Proactive planning: punctuality, readiness of van and equipment, and anticipation of team needs.
- Under pressure: remain calm outdoors in all conditions with trains nearby.
- Following rules and instructions: understand and respect rules, and have the confidence to challenge unsafe situations.
- Willingness to learn: commit to developing skills and staying up to date with procedures.
Role Fit and Additional Information
- Shifts involve days, nights, and weekends.
- Outdoor work in various weather conditions.
- Safe-working requirements: pre-employment checks including drug/alcohol testing and BPSS; medical as required.
- Driving licence (category B) required to drive Network Rail vehicles.
- Your commute should be within 60 minutes of the location.
How To Apply (External)
Salary: £37,073
Closing date: 24/09/25. Late applications will not be accepted.
Click apply now to apply. The recruitment process includes CV review and potential interview if experience matches.
Benefits and Additional Notes
All offers are conditional on satisfactory pre-employment checks. Some roles may require face-to-face Drugs & Alcohol testing. Further details provided with offer. We welcome reasonable adjustments during the process.
Network Rail is an equal opportunity employer. Referrals may increase interview chances.
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Operative, Unit K474 employer: Network Rail
Contact Detail:
Network Rail Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operative, Unit K474
✨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 approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the Operative role. Plus, it could give you an inside edge when it comes to interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for potential interview questions by rehearsing your answers with a friend or in front of a mirror. Focus on how your skills align with the job description, especially around teamwork and communication.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, keep an eye on the closing date and make sure you submit your application well before then to avoid any last-minute hiccups.
We think you need these skills to ace Operative, Unit K474
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights the skills and experiences that align with the Operative role. Focus on teamwork, communication, and any relevant outdoor work experience. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission at Network Rail!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're interested in the role and how your background makes you a great fit. Don’t forget to mention your willingness to learn and adapt to new challenges.
Showcase Your Safety Awareness: Since safety is paramount in this role, make sure to include any experiences where you've had to follow rules or ensure safety in previous jobs. We love candidates who understand the importance of working safely around moving trains!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s straightforward and ensures your application gets to the right people. Plus, we’re excited to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Network Rail
✨Know Your Role
Make sure you understand the specifics of the Operative role at Network Rail, especially in Signalling & Telecoms. Familiarise yourself with the equipment you'll be working with, like signals and level crossings, so you can speak confidently about your ability to handle these tasks.
✨Showcase Teamwork Skills
Since teamwork is crucial for this position, think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully collaborated with others. Be ready to discuss how you contributed to a team’s success, especially in challenging situations or under pressure.
✨Demonstrate Safety Awareness
Safety is paramount in this role, so prepare to discuss how you prioritise safety in your work. Share any relevant experiences where you had to follow strict safety protocols or challenge unsafe practices, showing that you understand the importance of adhering to rules.
✨Be Ready for Outdoor Challenges
This job involves working outdoors in various weather conditions, so be prepared to talk about your adaptability. Mention any previous outdoor work experience and how you managed to stay focused and effective despite challenging environments.
