Track maintenance operative
Look after railways, tunnels and bridges to help keep trains running safely.
Also known as: rail track maintenance worker
About the job
Salary
Source: LMI for All
Weekly
£760
Average
Monthly
£3,293
Average
Yearly
£39,520
Average
2,500
people are currently employed
Low growth
No change in number of jobs in 5 years
These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics
What it's like
You would look after railways, tunnels and bridges to help keep trains running safely.
You would:
Set up and look after tracks, tunnels, embankments, cuttings, level crossings and bridges
Measure tracks to check sections are at the correct distance apart and at the right height
Use special equipment to check tracks for defects
Report possible obstacles
Carry out site surveys to check if repairs are needed
Report accidents and issues
Perform lookout and hand signalling duties during trackside operations
Use hand tools, pneumatic drills, welding equipment and heavy machinery
You would normally work in a small team and take instructions from a team leader. Your team would be managed by an engineer or rail engineering technician.
You would have to follow safe working practices carefully in order to protect yourself and the passengers.Â
Hours
Environment
Travel
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Here are some of the skills you'll need to do this job:
- understanding
- taking responsibility
- filtering
- attention to detail
- observation
- working with numbers
- problem solving
- verbal communication
- cooperating
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.
You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.
Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Engineering Science
Practical Craft Skills
Practical Electronics
Practical Metalwork
Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
Skills for Work: Practical Experiences: Construction and Engineering
Network Rail is the main employer for this role.
You do not usually need formal qualifications to get in. A good general education is useful, including English and maths.
You may enter the role through a Modern Apprenticeship leading to a relevant Scottish Vocational Qualifications in Railway Engineering (SVQ level 3).
To enter a Modern Apprenticeship you may need qualifications at SCQF level 5.
Qualifications and experience that demonstrate understanding of the industry and technical skills such as Skills for Work Engineering Skills (SCFQ level 4).
You have to pass a medical examination which includes drug and alcohol tests.
You usually need to have:
good physical fitness
good eyesight
normal colour vision
good hearing
You may have to pass a communications test
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