Rail Track Maintenance Worker

What is the work like?

As a rail track maintenance worker, you would help repair and maintain the railways, tunnels, bridges and trackside equipment that makes up the country's rail network.

Your duties could include:

• installing and renewing track, tunnels, embankments, cuttings, level crossings and bridges
• measuring tracks to check sections are at the correct distance apart and at the right height
• inspecting tracks for defects, using a combination of eyesight and equipment checks
• reporting and clearing potential obstacles, for example after bad weather
• carrying out site surveys to identify the maintenance needs of a track section
• reporting accidents and incidents
• performing lookout and hand signalling duties during trackside operations.

As well as hand tools, pneumatic drills and welding equipment, you would operate heavy machinery to lay new track or carry out major repairs.

You would work in a small team and take instructions from a team leader under the supervision of a rail engineering technician or engineer.

What qualifications and experience will employers look for?

You would usually start out as a trainee with a rail track maintenance company. You may not need any specific qualifications, but a good general standard of education including maths and English GCSEs would be helpful. Previous experience in construction or civil engineering would also give you an advantage when looking for work.

Another way into this job is through an Apprenticeship scheme with Network Rail, or Tube Lines on the London Underground. Entry requirements for Network Rail's Advanced Apprenticeship scheme are four GCSEs (A-C), including English, maths and science. The Tube Lines scheme has similar requirements.

Before starting your training, you must pass a medical that tests your eyesight and colour vision, hearing and general fitness.

The safety of rail passengers and staff is very important and there is a rigid policy on drug and alcohol abuse. You could be tested for drugs or alcohol at any time.

You may need a driving licence and use of a vehicle to start shifts outside of normal public transport hours.

See the GoSkills website for more details about jobs and training in the rail industry.

Personal Track Safety
You must hold a track safety card before you can work trackside. Your employer would put you through the Personal Track Safety (PTS) course, leading to the award of a safety card. This course is only available to workers employed by rail engineering companies – it is not open to the general public.

See the National Competency Control Agency website for details about the safety card and training providers.

What further training and development can I do?

Initially, you would be given a short induction course to learn the safety aspects of the job and company rules. Afterwards, you would work alongside experienced maintenance workers and take further training for:

• Personal Track Safety
• basic first aid
• lookout and hand signalling duties.

If you follow the Apprenticeship route, you would complete the NVQ Level 2 in Performing Engineering Operations in your first year, then work towards the NVQ in Railway Engineering at levels 2 and 3. Your company may also put you through the Institute of Leadership & Management's Certificate in First Line Management which, with experience, would allow you to work as a supervisor.

Where can I go for more information?

Human Resources Department
Central Station
East Bridge Street
Belfast
BT1 3PB
Tel: 028 9089 9400

40 Melton Street
London
NW1 2EE
Tel: 020 7557 8000

Concorde House
Trinity Park
Solihull
Birmingham
B37 7UQ
Tel: 0121 635 5520

If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form

Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice

Related profiles...

Construction Plant Operator

Engineering Operative

Engineering Construction Craftworker

Construction Operative

Rail Engineering Technician

Road Worker

Welder