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- Tasks: Ensure trains are safe, clean, and ready to go while coordinating depot operations.
- Company: Join Northern, the heartbeat of the North, connecting communities through rail.
- Benefits: Enjoy free travel, generous pension, exclusive discounts, and tailored training opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic shift-based role with excellent career growth and recognition opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a safety-critical team making a real impact on rail travel.
- Qualifications: Safety-conscious, methodical, and willing to learn; experience in rail is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 30700 - 36600 £ per year.
People come to Northern for trains they can rely on. Behind every reliable journey is a depot team making sure each train is safe, clean and ready to go. As part of our Engineering team, you’d be at the heart of our TrainCare Centre, helping it run safely and efficiently. You’ll coordinate essential safety processes, support the smooth movement of trains around the depot and ensure everything is set up for the next day’s service. It’s hands-on, safety-critical work where what you do really matters – not just to colleagues, but to the communities we connect every day.
What You’ll Be Doing
You’ll play a key role in keeping depot operations safe, organised and on track. That includes:
- Setting up and managing Safe Systems of Work so tasks are carried out safely and correctly
- Acting as the designated person on duty, ensuring standard operating procedures are followed
- Supporting the safe movement of trains within the depot
- Overseeing fuelling, water replenishment and Controlled Emission Toilet, known as CET, duties
- Applying and removing the depot shed road protection system
- Leading on nose-end cleaning to maintain safety and presentation standards
- Working closely with engineering colleagues to keep everything running smoothly
This is shift-based work in a busy environment where no two days look the same.
About You
Methodical, safety-conscious and confident taking responsibility – that’s the foundation of this role. You’ll bring:
- A strong understanding of working safely in a controlled environment
- The confidence to take ownership when you’re the designated person on duty
- The ability to work independently and use your initiative
- A calm, organised approach in a fast-paced setting
Experience in rail or depot operations would be helpful, but it’s not essential. Full training will be provided, so what matters most is your attitude, focus and willingness to learn.
Because this role is safety critical and regulated by the Rail Safety and Standards Board, known as RSSB, you must:
- Live within a 45-minute car journey of the TrainCare Centre
- Be at least 18 years old at the time of application
- Pass a safety critical medical assessment, including drugs and alcohol screening
- Have no defective colour vision
If these criteria aren’t met, applications can’t be progressed.
What’s in it for you?
- Free Travel: Unlimited free travel for you, your partner, and your dependents on Northern services. Plus up to 75% discount on other networks in the UK and Europe.
- Generous Pension Scheme: We top up your contributions by 1.5 times.
- Enhanced Family Benefits: We offer 9 months of full pay for maternity leave and 2 weeks for paternity leave.
- Cycle to Work Scheme: Save up to 42% on a bike and spread the cost.
- Exclusive Discounts: From shopping to wellbeing, Northern Perks has you covered.
- Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 support for family, lifestyle, and more.
- Training and Career Development: We offer tailored training to our colleagues and opportunities to gain recognised qualifications. Plus enhanced career pathways no matter what part of the business you’re in.
- Recognition: We know how important it is to show how much we appreciate our people. That’s why we have our Northern Lights and Northern Sparks Awards, recognising and celebrating brilliance each day.
Why Northern?
We’re more than just a train operator. We’re the heartbeat of the North – connecting communities, creating opportunities, and driving sustainable growth. With 2,500 trains running daily, we’re on a mission to improve rail travel and enhance the customer experience while protecting the environment.
Back in 1825, the first passenger train set off in the North of England, beginning a journey that would transform travel across the world. We’ve recently celebrated 200 years of the modern railway and, as we reflect on that legacy, our focus is now on the future as Great British Rail takes shape. Join us at this pivotal moment in rail history and play your part in our journey.
A place for everyone
The best journeys happen when everyone feels welcome on board. At Northern, we don’t just move people from A to B – we’re building a team where everyone feels they belong. Our talent team can make reasonable adjustments to the process if that’s something you need. We’re also a Level 2 Disability Confident employer, so if you meet the minimum criteria for the role, we’ll always offer an interview. We automate parts of our screening process to remove any unconscious bias and to make sure every application is treated fairly. All successful offers will be subject to a DBS check and a medical assessment. No matter your background, experience, or whether you call it a bap, barm, or cob… there’s a place for you here in the railway.
Depot Support Operative in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Northern
Contact Detail:
Northern Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Depot Support Operative in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Northern and understand their values, mission, and what they stand for. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing a role at Northern. Personal connections can make a huge difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to safety and operational procedures. Think about how your skills align with the hands-on, safety-critical nature of the Depot Support Operative role.
✨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 the Northern team. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Depot Support Operative in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Safety Awareness: Since this role is all about safety, make sure to highlight any experience or understanding you have of working in a controlled environment. We want to see that you take safety seriously and can follow procedures.
Be Methodical and Organised: In your application, demonstrate your methodical approach and organisational skills. Share examples of how you've managed tasks in a busy environment, as this will show us you're ready for the fast-paced nature of depot operations.
Emphasise Your Initiative: We love candidates who can take ownership! Make sure to mention times when you've worked independently or taken the lead on a project. This will help us see that you’re confident and capable when it comes to being the designated person on duty.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at Northern and be part of something special.
How to prepare for a job interview at Northern
✨Know Your Safety Protocols
Since this role is safety-critical, make sure you understand the Safe Systems of Work and standard operating procedures. Brush up on any relevant safety regulations and be ready to discuss how you would apply them in real scenarios.
✨Show Your Initiative
Demonstrate your ability to work independently and take ownership when you're the designated person on duty. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed tasks or made decisions under pressure.
✨Be Methodical and Organised
This job requires a calm and organised approach, especially in a fast-paced environment. Think of ways to showcase your methodical nature during the interview, perhaps by discussing how you prioritise tasks or manage time effectively.
✨Express Your Willingness to Learn
Even if you don't have direct experience in rail or depot operations, highlight your eagerness to learn and adapt. Share instances where you've quickly picked up new skills or knowledge in previous roles, showing that you're ready for the training provided.