Operative [Track Maintenance]

Network Rail; West Bromwich; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full training provided

Career progression pathway

On-call rota opportunity

Job summary

Network Rail in West Bromwich is seeking an entry-level Track Operative to help inspect, maintain and repair rail infrastructure. You’ll work with experienced technicians and learn on the job, gaining hands-on experience in a safety-focused environment.

Full training and ongoing support are provided, with a clear progression pathway to become a Track Technician. Expect night and weekend work with shift patterns arranged in advance to suit family commitments.

Qualifications

• Able to work as part of a team.
• Able to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Hold and retain competencies relevant to this post.
• Ideally hold (or be working towards) an NVQ 1 (or equivalent) in a relevant subject.

Responsibilities

• Assist with inspections, handling tools and supporting maintenance work.
• Work as part of a close-knit team to keep tracks safe and reliable.
• Learn safety practices and operating procedures on site.
• Support planned and reactive maintenance activities.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Driving licence

Willingness to learn

Education

NVQ 1 (or equivalent) in a relevant subject

Job description

We are Central route. We are the Heart of Britain's Railway. More than a million people rely on us every week, and we help transport nearly a million tonnes of freight every month. But we are more than just tracks and trains, we are a catalyst for jobs and opportunities, a connection to leisure and time with family and friends, and a foundation for communities and neighbourhoods.

We are a key part of the national network, with Birmingham New Street - the busiest station outside of London and the hub of the railway - connecting England, Scotland and Wales, with hundreds of services arriving and leaving every day.

About the role

Every day, thousands of passenger and freight trains rely on our rail network to keep people and goods moving. Behind the scenes, Track Operatives play a crucial role in keeping the railway safe, reliable and ready for service. Natural wear and tear is inevitable, and it's the Track Operative who helps ensure our tracks are maintained to the highest standards.

Our railway is made up of many essential components, including rails, sleepers, fastenings, switches, ballast and foundations. Each part has a vital role in supporting trains safely at speed. As a Track Operative, you'll help inspect, maintain and repair this infrastructure, making a real difference to the journeys people make every day.

This is an entry¿level role and a fantastic opportunity to build a long¿term career in the rail industry. You'll work alongside experienced Track Technicians and Team Leaders, learning on the job and gaining hands¿on experience. Your day¿to¿day tasks will vary and may include assisting with inspections, handling tools, and supporting planned and reactive maintenance work.

Safety and teamwork are at the heart of everything we do. You'll often be working as part of a close¿knit team and sometimes near live railway lines where trains pass at high speed. Don't worry if you're new to the industry - full training and ongoing support will be provided, including learning how to safely use a range of hand tools and heavy machinery. With the right commitment and development, there is a clear progression pathway to become a Track Technician.

keep the railway running smoothly and reduce disruption for passengers, much of this work takes place at night, and on weekends. You'll need to be flexible with shift patterns, but rosters are provided in advance so you can plan your time around family and friends. The role is outdoors all year round, so being comfortable working in all weather conditions is important. There is also the opportunity to join an on¿call rota for additional earning potential.

please note that you must live within a 60¿minute travel radius of the location stated in this advert and hold a valid UK driving licence.

Closing date: 24th August 2026 . Late applications will not be accepted.

Want to find out more about what fantastic benefits we offer?Click here

We'rea Disability Confident Leader employerand 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.

Your experience and skills

In order to be successful in this role, we would like you to have/ be...

• Able to work as part of team.
• Able to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Hold and retain competencies relevant to this post, required by the business need.
• Ideally hold (or be working towards) an NVQ 1 (or equivalent) in a relevant subject.
• Able and willing to drive vehicles as required by business need.