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Rail track maintenance worker

Alternative titles for this job include Railway worker, track operative

Rail track maintenance workers inspect and repair railway tracks, bridges, tunnels and viaducts.

Average salary (a year)

£16,500 Starter

to

£34,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

45 to 47 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a rail track maintenance worker

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

College

You may find it useful to take an engineering qualification at college before looking for work. Relevant courses include:

  • Level 2 Certificate in Mechanical Engineering
  • Level 2 Diploma in Maintenance Engineering Technology

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could get into this job through a rail engineering operative intermediate apprenticeship.

Companies like Network Rail and their devolved route businesses, as well as organisations like Transport for London may have opportunities.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

More Information

Direct Application

You could apply directly to work as a rail track maintenance worker. You'll usually start as a trainee. You'll find it useful to have:

  • GCSEs including English and maths
  • experience of manual work in a related role like construction or engineering

More Information

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a rail track maintenance worker from Network Rail and Transport for London.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of building and construction
  • the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
  • physical skills like movement, coordination and dexterity
  • knowledge of engineering science and technology
  • the ability to work well with others
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • leadership skills
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

As you will work in a safety critical environment around live wires and on train tracks, you will have a medical as part of the selection process. This will include checking your hearing and vision.

You may also have to take regular drug and alcohol checks.

For some roles you will need a driving licence so you can drive rail company vehicles.

You may also be required to live no more than an hour away from the location you wish to work.

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In your day-to-day tasks you may:

  • install and renew track, tunnels, embankments, cuttings, level crossings and bridges
  • check sections of track are the correct distance apart and right height
  • inspect tracks for defects
  • report and clear potential obstacles, for example after bad weather
  • survey sections of track to identify maintenance needs
  • report accidents and incidents
  • perform lookout and hand signalling duties during trackside operations to keep your team safe

Working environment

You could work on rail tracks.

Your working environment may be physically demanding and outdoors in all weathers.

You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could be promoted to supervisor or team leader. With further training, you could become a track inspector, engineering technician, track designer or manager.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Railway Engineering Track Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £16,000.00 Annually
  • Location: 2 Riverside Way, Nottingham
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Rail Engineering Track Maintenance Level 2

  • Provider: BIRMINGHAM METROPOLITAN COLLEGE
  • Start date: 10 October 2022
  • Location: Birmingham

Technical Certificate in Engineering (Mechanical) Level 2

  • Provider: RNN GROUP
  • Start date: 05 September 2023
  • Location: Rotherham
Find courses near you

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