Career opportunities

Track Maintenance Worker

Rail track maintenance workers are responsible for ensuring that the network of track across the UK is reliable and in good working order. They have to make sure that the track is in good condition so that trains can use it safely.

The work of rail track maintenance teams includes inspecting track, undertaking both visual inspections and using measuring devices. They also carry out general upkeep and maintenance tasks using manual and automated tools. When the weather is bad, they may also be involved in clearing the tracks and making sure that they are safe for trains to run on.

Track teams have to walk long sections of live track and work in areas where trains will be running very close to them. It is important that they are always aware of their environment and that they keep themselves, and their colleagues, safe.

Rail track maintenance teams can also be responsible for maintenance in the areas around the tracks including crossings, cuttings, bridges and embankments, and also looking for any defects or signs of wear and damage. The teams may also be involved in large scale projects such as replacement of sections of track and also have to provide quick responses when faults arise.

Many of a track maintenance worker’s tasks involve very physical work using tools such as picks, spades and pneumatic drills, together with specialist tools including welding equipment, for securing rail track .

Working on railway tracks requires a high level of concentration and the observance of strict safety measures.

The starting salary for a newly recruited trainee maintenance worker is around £14000 a year. With experience, this can rise to £19000, with supervisors earning even more.

Working environment

Rail track maintenance workers normally work between 35 and 40 hours a week. They work on a shift system which can include working overnight and at weekends – these are times when there are fewer trains running and so any work on the track then will cause less disruption.

Maintenance work is done outside in all weathers. Track maintenance workers must always wear high visibility clothing, and also have to wear protective clothing including hard hats, ear defenders and reinforced boots at all times.

Skills and interests

Rail track maintenance workers should have an interest in engineering and should also enjoy physical work and working outdoors.

The skills required by rail track maintenance workers include:
- dexterity for using a range of hand tools
- good understanding of health and safety
- ability to follow instructions and diagrams
- basic literacy and numeracy to work with data
- good team worker, who can also work under own initiative.

Entry into the role

The main employer of rail track maintenance workers is Network Rail – they are responsible for the upkeep of over 22000 miles of track in Britain. Other employers include specialist rail engineering firms and engineering contractors.

There are no specific entry requirements for gaining employment as a track maintenance worker, although applicants will be expected to have sound levels of literacy and numeracy. In some cases, experience of other physical work experience (such as work in construction) may be useful.

All applicants will go through checks for physical health including hearing and eyesight, and will also be tested for drugs and alcohol abuse. Due to the safety critical nature of the role, applicants may also have to undergo checks through the criminal records bureau.

There are qualifications that can be useful for entry into such a job. These include the Diploma in Engineering and an NVQ level 1 in rail engineering.

Opportunities

On recruitment, rail track maintenance workers will receive training that ensures they can work safely and efficiently trackside. They undergo all of the necessary training to receive their PTS (personal track safety) card, which they need to have before they can work on the railway. Initial training lasts several weeks.

From a trainee position, it is possible to progress to semi-skilled technician and on to technician. From there technicians can become team leaders and supervisors and then take on management positions. It is possible to develop achieve chartered engineer status.

There are also industry related qualifications that a rail track maintenance worker can achieve. These include:
- Network Rail level 2 award in rail track engineering maintenance
- City and Guilds level 2 NVQ in rail engineering
- City and Guilds level 3 NVQ in rail engineering.

Useful links

• Network Rail
• Railway Industry Association
• The Rail Engineer (magazine)
• Rail Staff (magazine)
• Rail Technology (magazine)