What We're Looking For
We welcome people from all backgrounds-no rail experience needed. What matters is your attitude, willingness to learn, and commitment to working safely as part of a team.
Essential Criteria:
- A qualification or demonstrable knowledge in engineering, electrical, or electronic systems
- Experience working in safety¿critical environments
- A full UK driving licence (Category B)
- Flexibility to work shifts (days, nights, weekends)
- Ability to commute to your designated location within 35 minutes
- Ability to pass all pre¿employment checks (D&A, medical, BPSS clearance)
The Skills That Matter
Skill | Why It Matters |
| Teamwork | Collaboration is essential for safe, efficient maintenance. |
| Communication | Clear, respectful communication keeps everyone safe and informed. |
| Proactive Planning | Being prepared ensures smooth, efficient operations. |
| Calm Under Pressure | You'll work near high¿speed trains-focus is key. |
| Rule¿Following | Safety procedures must be followed confidently and consistently. |
| Willingness to Learn | We'll support your technical and personal development throughout your career. |
Your Growth, Your Future
From day one, you'll receive structured training to build your technical and interpersonal skills. Many Operatives progress into roles such as Technician, Team Leader, and beyond. Your career path is clear, and your potential is limitless. ¿
What to Expect from the Application Process
Pre¿Screening Questions
Designed to assess suitability. Take your time and answer honestly.
Online Psychometric Testing
If successful, you'll complete approx. 45 minutes of online assessments. Your results are stored for six months for future applications.
Ready to Make a Difference?
If you're passionate about safety, eager to learn, and ready to be part of a team that keeps the country moving, we'd love to hear from you. This is more than a job-it's a chance to build a career with purpose, pride, and possibility.
Perks That Pack a Punch:
- We offer excellent benefits, including:
- Generous annual leave (28 days plus statutory days), with the option to buy/sell days.
- Defined benefit pension scheme.
- 75% subsidy on rail and underground season tickets.
- Up to 75% off leisure travel.
- Volunteer leave to make a positive impact.
- Carer's leave to support those who matter.
- Healthcare Scheme, GymPass discounts, Cycle to work plus more.
- We offer generous maternity, paternity, and adoption leave to support our employees.
- Plus, more....
We're All About Inclusion
- We believe diversity drives innovation. Whoever you are, however you identify, wherever you're from - if you've got the skills and the spark, we want you on our team. No suits required. Just bring your authentic self.
About your application
As part of the application process, you'll be asked to complete your three-year employment history and upload your CV. You'll also answer a short set of questions, which should take around 10 - 15 minutes to complete
Network Rail is a Disability Confident Leader and we'll try our best to adapt the process and offer a reasonable alternative to help support people with disabilities access, apply and interview for roles. You can visit Evenbreak's Career Hive for advice on accessibility support if you're unsure of the options available. Should you require any reasonable adjustments/modifications, please add a note to your application.
All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks. Click here for more information
Keeping people safe on the railway is at the heart of everything we do. Safe behaviour is therefore a requirement of working for Network Rail. You should demonstrate your personal dedication to safety on your application.
Drugs and Alcohol Standard:
All prospective candidates will be required to undergo and pass a drugs and alcohol test. Your application will be rescinded if you record a positive test. All positive drugs and alcohol test results for prospective candidates will be securely held on Sentinel database and a 5 year suspension from applying for a safety critical role, a role which requires PTS certification or a Key Safety role on Network Rail Managed Infrastructure will be enforced