Job & Benefits
Join our Trainee Examiner Inspector Cohort
In the North West & Central Region, we're proud to be building a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We know that inclusive teams make better decisions, drive innovation, and help us create a safer, more accessible railway for everyone. Even if you don't meet every single requirement, we encourage you to apply. If you're passionate about making a difference and believe you have the skills or potential to thrive in this role, we'd love to hear from you. We're committed to creating an open, supportive environment where everyone feels they belong. Your unique perspective and experience could be exactly what we need to keep Britain moving safely and sustainably. Discover more about our commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at Network Rail Equity, diversity and inclusion - Network Rail.
About the Role
Our network includes thousands of structures: buildings, viaducts, bridges (over, under and foot), subways, retaining walls and culverts.
As a Structures Examiner, you'll play a key role in keeping passengers and freight users safe. Your duties will include:
- Carrying out site examinations of structures within defined timescales.
- Compiling and submitting condition reports using the Alarm electronic system.
- Assisting with special and monitoring examinations for sensitive structures.
- Supporting the Examining Engineers team with specialist and tunnel examinations.
- Undertaking on-call duties for rapid response situations such as bridge strikes.
- Supporting safety-critical site duties and contributing to quality and environmental improvements.
You'll be based within a Works Delivery Civils team, working under close mentorship of a dedicated senior examiner and with experienced Examiners. The Training mixes site work and classroom learning led by our internal associate trainers and will develop you into a competent STE4 qualified Examiner, equipping you with valuable skills and qualifications.
What You'll Gain
- A structured training plan leading to an STE4 qualification.
- Home start contract with homeworking allowance.
- Hands-on mentoring from a competent senior examiner with years of experience.
- Use of a company vehicle for site work.
- Excellent career progression and development opportunities within Network Rail.
Location: Roles are typically home- and site-based, with work generally within a 60-minute commute of your local area. You'll be able to indicate your preferred territory when you join the pool. PLEASE NOTE THIS ACADEMY COVERS NORTH-WEST & CENTRAL ROUTE ONLY - Network Rail's North West and Central Route follows the West Coast Mainline and it's branches: London Euston ¿ Milton Keynes - Northampton ¿ Birmingham ¿ Liverpool ¿ Manchester ¿ Preston - Carlisle
Training: Site-learning and mentorship is delivered mainly within your territory, with occasional travel and accommodation provided for central training sessions, usually from our new Warrington training facility. This will be alongside your cohort of other trainees from the route, who you will get to know through the training process. Occasional off-patch work may enable you to progress quicker.
Our Senior Examiners are trained Trainers and qualified Assessors, meaning your development remains carefully managed and prioritised.
What's in it for you
Here are a few of the benefits we offer
- 28-day annual leave with the option to buy and sell days
- Choice of pension schemes
- 75% discount of leisure travel for you and your family
- Private Healthcare
- 5 days paid volunteer or carers leave
- Up to 75% subsidised Rail and Underground travel
- Gym Pass -access to gyms across UK
- My Benefits platform- giving national and local retail discount
To find out more explore Working for Network Rail
Our aim is to ensure your candidate experience is as positive as possible. If you require reasonable adjustments at any point, simply let us know and we'll do our best to assist you.
Some of our roles require face to face Drugs & Alcohol testing. We will share further details with you as part of your formal offer.
All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks. Click here for more information