At a Glance
- Tasks: Repair, service, and maintain locomotives while ensuring high-quality standards.
- Company: Join Progress Rail Locomotive, a global leader in locomotive manufacturing and maintenance.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 33 days holiday, pension contributions, and retail discounts.
- Other info: Opportunities for growth in a supportive and safe work environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team making a real impact in the rail industry.
- Qualifications: Level 2 in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent; experience with heavy machinery preferred.
Starting salary from £32,625 (£29,000 base salary + 12.5% shift allowance).
Do you enjoy working hands on? Are you willing to get stuck in and help others to get the job done? Do you take pride in finishing work to a high standard and delivering excellent customer satisfaction?
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Locomotive Fitter to join our team at our Longport, Stoke-on-Trent depot. As a Locomotive Fitter, you will play an integral role in providing a solution for the repair, overhaul, servicing and modifications of a fleet of commercial freight locomotives. If you are a genuine team-player with a proactive approach to task completion and you take pride and responsibility for the quality of your own work, this could be the role for you.
Ideally we are looking for a Locomotive Fitter that has experience within the rail industry, but with many cross transferable skills the role would suit candidates that are exiting the Armed forces, particularly the REME or those that have experience with servicing large HGVs, buses or trams.
The Locomotive Fitter role includes:
- Carrying out repairs, service and maintenance on locomotives
- Undertaking routine inspections and basic exam tasks
- Assisting loco technicians with fault finding
- Working to ensure the on-time completion of tasks while delivering zero defects and/or warranty claims on own areas of work
- Contributing to the company's continuous improvement activities
- Proactive and effective support of team members in the completion of tasks
- Maintaining a safe, tidy and clean work area
- Acting as a role model to Quality, Health and Safety and Environmental Policies
We can offer you:
- Competitive Salary £29,000 pa + 12.5% shift allowance = £32,625 pa
- 33 days holiday entitlement
- 5% pension contributions
- Life assurance scheme
- Company sick pay
- Employee assistance program
- Retail discounts
- Fuel cards
What we would love you to bring to the role:
- Level 2 in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent
- Driving license (B/ B1)
- Demonstrable history of working effectively with Locomotives or similar heavy plant machinery
- Strong work ethic with a proactive approach to getting tasks done
- A strong communicator with ability to build relationships across the organisation
- Good attention to detail and a logical, analytical and objective approach to problem solving
- High level of professionalism & strong sense of customer satisfaction
- Eager to be adaptable and learn new skills
- Good level of physical fitness
You'll need to be based close to our Longport, Stoke-on-Trent depot and have a valid right to work in the UK.
Progress Rail Locomotive is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Please note the company operates a strict drugs and alcohol policy.
About the Company: Progress Rail Locomotive is a subsidiary of Caterpillar, specialized in manufacturing, maintaining and overhauling diesel-electric locomotives across the world. For more than half a century, Progress Rail Locomotive has hauled freight and passengers, powered ships, and generated electricity for over 100 countries around the globe. Becoming a part of the Progress Rail Locomotive means becoming a part of a challenging and bright future in our global marketplace.
Fitter employer: Progress Rail
Progress Rail Locomotive Europe is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Oxford where Field Service Engineers can thrive. With a strong emphasis on employee development through continuous training and a supportive team culture, you will have the opportunity to enhance your technical skills while contributing to the reliability of locomotive fleets. The company values safety and communication, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered to make a difference in the rail industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Fitter
✨Get Your Hands Dirty
In skilled trades, practical experience is everything. Consider volunteering or doing odd jobs in your area to build up your skills and visibility. Local businesses often appreciate helping hands and it might just lead to a full-time gig!
✨Join Trade Associations
Look into joining organisations specific to your trade (like the National Federation of Builders or similar). They often have job boards, networking events, and apprenticeships that can put you in touch with employers who value skilled workers. Plus, being part of these communities adds credibility to your profiles!
✨Showcase Your Work Online
Craft a portfolio that highlights your craftsmanship—before and after photos, project descriptions, and client testimonials are all golden! Share this on platforms that cater to skilled trades, like Instagram or dedicated forums, to attract potential employers looking for your skillset.
✨Apply Directly and Follow Up
Don’t just rely on job boards—visit local businesses, introduce yourself, and drop off your CV. Building rapport face-to-face can work wonders in the skilled trades sector. And remember, following up after applying through our website shows dedication; it might just give you an edge over other candidates!
We think you need these skills to ace Fitter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills with Certificates:In the skilled trades world, your practical skills and certifications are key! Make sure you highlight any relevant qualifications or training you've completed. If you’ve got a trade-specific certificate, like an NVQ or City & Guilds, include it in your CV to catch Progress Rail's eye.
Tailor Your CV to the Job:Don’t just send out a generic CV; tailor it specifically for the skilled trades role at Progress Rail. Emphasise your hands-on experience, the tools and techniques you’re proficient in, and any notifiable compliance standards you've met. This shows that you’ve put thought into your application.
Highlight Your Projects or Achievements:Don’t forget to showcase any significant projects or achievements in your cover letter. Whether it’s completing a complex installation or meeting deadlines on a large project, these details make a big difference. They help paint a picture of your expertise and dedication!
Keep It Concise and Relevant:When applying for a full-time role in skilled trades, keep your writing to the point. Hiring managers appreciate clear, concise applications. Focus on relevant experiences and skills, and avoid fluff. Remember, they’re looking for someone who can get the job done—so show them you can!
How to prepare for a job interview at Progress Rail
✨Master the Hands-On Skills
In skilled trades, practical skills matter a ton. Be ready to showcase your hands-on abilities during the interview—whether it's through a practical test or a demonstration of your craftsmanship. Bring your best examples of past projects to discuss them in detail!
✨Know Your Tools Like the Back of Your Hand
Employers in the skilled trades often want to hear about your proficiency with specific tools and equipment. Brush up on the tools relevant to your field and be prepared to discuss your experiences using them. This shows you’re not just experienced but also safe and competent.
✨Be Ready to Talk About Safety Practices
Safety is paramount in skilled trades. Be prepared to discuss your knowledge of safety regulations and how you've implemented them in previous roles. This will demonstrate your commitment to a safe working environment—a quality that employers highly value.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
When tackling skilled trade roles, employers want to know about your ability to think on your feet. Be ready with examples of how you've solved unexpected problems on the job. This will illustrate your adaptability and resourcefulness, key traits for a full-time position at Progress Rail.