Brief Description
About our route
We are Central route. We are the Heart of Britain’s Railway. More than a million people rely on us every week, and we help transport nearly a million tonnes of freight every month. But we are more than just tracks and trains, we are a catalyst for jobs and opportunities, a connection to leisure and time with family and friends, and a foundation for communities and neighbourhoods.
We are a key part of the national network, with Birmingham New Street - the busiest station outside of London and the hub of the railway - connecting England, Scotland and Wales, with hundreds of services arriving and leaving every day.
About the role (External)
What does a Track Operative do?
Every single day our rail network carries thousands of passenger trains and freight trains across our miles of track, resulting in natural wear and tear that our Track Operatives repair.
Carrying millions of people daily, the track is made up of rails, railway ties (sleepers), fasteners, railway switches, ballast and foundations. These components of the railway track play different roles in providing support for trains. Our Track Operatives keep all this in tip top condition to keep passengers and freight moving safely and without interruption.
Using a mix of new technology and manual inspection, Network Rail monitors railway assets around the clock. Maintenance teams are briefed at the start of each shift on the maintenance work to be completed.
As this is an entry level role, Track Operatives support and learn from Track Technicians and Team Leaders. This can involve fetching, carrying and using track maintenance tools. Teamwork is a huge part of the job as well as being safety focused because you will often be working next to moving trains travelling at high speed. All Track Operatives receive full training and guidance, learning how to use a range of hand tools and heavy machinery safely. Pending successful learning and development, Track Operatives can progress to Track Technicians.
To reduce disruption to rail services and to increase safety for maintenance teams, this work is often done at night or over weekends. Being able to work a varied shift pattern is important but we’ll provide your roster in advance so you can make plans with family and friends in good time. You will also need to be prepared to work in all weather conditions, at all times of the year. There is an opportunity to also do on call.
This is a brilliant opportunity for you to kick start your career within the Railway if you have a passion for making a difference to the traveling public.
Please note you but will be required to live in a 60 minute radius from the location stated on this advert. You must also hold a Driving Licence.
In order to be successful in this role, we would like you to have/ be…
·Able to work as part of team.
·Able to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
·Hold and retain competencies relevant to this post, required by the business need.
·Ideally hold (or be working towards) an NVQ 1 (or equivalent) in a relevant subject.
·Able and willing to drive vehicles as required by business need.