At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a team maintaining and repairing the railway track for safe travel.
- Company: Be part of a top-rated company focused on keeping the nation moving.
- Benefits: Enjoy comprehensive training, career advancement opportunities, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Work outdoors, develop valuable skills, and contribute to essential services in a rewarding role.
- Qualifications: No rail experience needed; just bring your teamwork, communication, and willingness to learn.
- Other info: Shifts include days, nights, and weekends; must live within 60 minutes of the location.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
You’ll help keep our nation moving every single day. A critical 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 backgrounds, and this might be the first time you’ve considered a career in rail. We focus on your transferable skills and behaviours, and if you can demonstrate them, we will provide all necessary training for you to work safely and competently on the network. If you meet the requirements, you can look forward to a rewarding career with a company that recently ranked in the top 50 of Glassdoor's 2021 Best Places to Work.
Please Note: If successful, there may be a requirement to work on call in this role.
About the role:
- Track: You’ll be responsible for maintaining, inspecting, and repairing the track network (also known as the Permanent Way or P-Way) to ensure safety and efficiency. This is a manual role involving working with rails, sleepers, ballast, drainage, and ancillary structures.
Our operatives work outdoors in all conditions, at all times of the year, day or night. You’ll be involved in demanding manual work, often transporting equipment across challenging terrain. Being safety-conscious, respectful of rules, and a team player are critical, as you’ll often work near moving trains traveling at high speeds.
You matter to your team. The team depends on you. You’re the one who shows up first, leaves last, checks and prepares the van and equipment, and drives the team between sites. Daily, you’ll support equipment maintenance and perform lookout duties to ensure safety.
You matter to us. Your commitment to self-development and continuous learning is vital. We will provide comprehensive training to develop your technical and non-technical skills. If transitioning from another industry, this structured training will give you the skills and confidence to build a rewarding career in rail. Today’s operatives can advance to become technicians and team leaders, with clear career pathways.
While rail experience isn’t mandatory, you must demonstrate how your transferable skills meet the following:
- Team-working: Ability to work closely with others to deliver safe and efficient work.
- Communication: Good communication skills for safe and effective work.
- Proactive planning: Punctuality, readiness of van and equipment, and anticipating team needs.
- Working under pressure: Remaining calm outdoors with passing trains.
- Following rules and instructions: Respect rules, but feel confident to challenge unsafe situations.
- Willingness to learn: Continuously develop skills and stay updated with standards and procedures.
Additional information:
- Shifts: Includes days, nights, and weekends with a changing pattern.
- Outdoor working: Comfortable working in various weather conditions.
- Safe working: Employment is subject to drug and alcohol testing, medical assessments, and BPSS checks, including hearing and eyesight exams.
- Driving: A category B driving license is required to operate Network Rail vehicles.
- Commute times: Must reside within a 60-minute commute of the location.
Operative [Works Delivery Track] employer: TN United Kingdom
Contact Detail:
TN United Kingdom Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operative [Works Delivery Track]
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the rail industry and its safety regulations. Understanding the basics of track maintenance and the importance of safety protocols will show your commitment to the role and help you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your transferable skills, especially in teamwork and communication. Be prepared to share examples from previous experiences where you successfully collaborated with others or communicated effectively under pressure.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your proactive planning abilities by discussing how you prepare for tasks and anticipate team needs. This could include examples of how you’ve managed equipment or logistics in past roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Show your willingness to learn by mentioning any relevant training or certifications you’ve pursued. Express enthusiasm for the structured training offered and how it aligns with your career goals in the rail industry.
We think you need these skills to ace Operative [Works Delivery Track]
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the key responsibilities and requirements of the Operative position. Highlight the skills and experiences you possess that align with the role, especially focusing on teamwork, communication, and safety awareness.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect the transferable skills mentioned in the job description. Emphasise any previous experience that showcases your ability to work in a team, communicate effectively, and handle pressure, even if it’s from a different industry.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only expresses your interest in the role but also demonstrates your understanding of the railway industry and your commitment to safety and teamwork. Use specific examples from your past experiences to illustrate your points.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at TN United Kingdom
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Emphasise your ability to work well in a team. Share examples from previous experiences where you collaborated effectively with others, as teamwork is crucial for this role.
✨Demonstrate Safety Awareness
Discuss your understanding of safety protocols and why they are important, especially when working near moving trains. Highlight any past experiences where you prioritised safety in your work.
✨Be Ready for the Outdoors
Prepare to talk about your comfort level working outdoors in various weather conditions. Mention any relevant experiences that showcase your adaptability and resilience in challenging environments.
✨Express Your Willingness to Learn
Convey your eagerness to learn and develop new skills. Discuss how you have approached learning in the past and your commitment to continuous improvement, which is essential for this role.