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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a team maintaining the railway, ensuring safe and smooth operations daily.
- Company: Network Rail connects millions, prioritising safety and efficiency in rail transport.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, comprehensive training, and a clear career path in a top-rated workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing valuable skills in a supportive, diverse environment.
- Qualifications: No rail experience needed; just bring teamwork, communication, and a willingness to learn.
- Other info: Shifts include days, nights, and weekends; must be within a 60-minute commute.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 41000 £ per year.
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About Network Rail
Join Network Rail – Where People and Connections Matter
Location
Carnforth, GB
Department Name
Carnforth Station Car Park
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. Click here to learn more.
We\’re committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. To discover more about our ED&I commitments click here. 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!
Brief Description
What will you be doing?
You’ll help keep our nation moving every single day.
Acritical 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 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.
About The Role (External)
Operatives can specialise in a range of disciplines but for this role you’ll become a specialist in Signalling & Telecoms. You\’ll be working with equipment including signals that control when trains can run, level crossings, and points systems. With your willingness to learn, you’ll develop a huge range of technical skills across a range of manual, electrical and digital equipment.
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.
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 so you’ll be comfortable working in different conditions.
- Safe working – offers of employment are subject tao drug and alcohol testing and passing of the relevant medical assessment and BPSS pre-employment checks. This will include a hearing and eyesight examination.
- Driving – As an operative you’ll also need a driving licence (category B) so you can drive Network Rail vehicles.
- Commute times – You’ll also need to be within a 60-minute commute of the location that you’re applying for.
How To Apply (External)
Salary: Standard Maintenance Contract – £37,073.00
Closing date: 2nd September 2025 – 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.****
Seniority level
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Seniority level
Entry level
Employment type
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Employment type
Full-time
Job function
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Job function
Management and Manufacturing
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Industries
Rail Transportation
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Operative[Signalling Maintenance] employer: Network Rail
Contact Detail:
Network Rail Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operative[Signalling Maintenance]
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the signalling and telecoms systems used in the rail industry. Understanding how these systems work will not only help you during the interview but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network Rail values teamwork highly, so be prepared to discuss examples of how you've successfully worked in a team before. Highlighting your ability to collaborate effectively will make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 3
Since the role involves working outdoors in various weather conditions, it’s a good idea to demonstrate your adaptability and resilience. Share experiences where you’ve thrived in challenging environments.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to discuss your commitment to safety and following rules. Prepare specific examples that showcase your understanding of safety protocols, especially in high-pressure situations.
We think you need these skills to ace Operative[Signalling Maintenance]
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the Operative[Signalling Maintenance] role. Read through the job description carefully and note the key responsibilities and skills required.
Highlight Transferable Skills: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any transferable skills that relate to teamwork, communication, and working under pressure. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate these skills.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to align with the job requirements. Focus on relevant experiences and skills that match the role of an operative in signalling maintenance, such as manual work or technical skills.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that explains why you are interested in the role and how your background makes you a suitable candidate. Be sure to mention your willingness to learn and adapt, as this is crucial for the position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Network Rail
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Emphasise your ability to work well in a team. Network Rail values collaboration, so share examples of how you've successfully worked with others in previous roles or projects.
✨Demonstrate Safety Awareness
Given the nature of the role, it's crucial to highlight your understanding of safety protocols. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise safety in your work and any relevant experiences that showcase this.
✨Express Your Willingness to Learn
Network Rail is looking for candidates who are eager to develop their skills. Talk about your commitment to continuous learning and any specific areas you're excited to explore within signalling and telecoms.
✨Prepare for Outdoor Working Conditions
Since the role involves working outdoors in various weather conditions, mention your comfort level with this. Share any past experiences where you've successfully adapted to challenging environments.