Rail engineering operative

Level

Intermediate · like GCSEs

Length

1 yr

typical

Sector

Engineering and manufacturing

Pay

Paid

you earn while training

In a nutshell

Providing support to technicians and engineers working on the rail network and trains.

Carry out track inspection walks and report defects

Assist with replacing rails, sleepers, and track components

Clear vegetation and maintain drainage along the lineside

Work safely within a protected possession or lookout arrangement

Use basic hand tools and follow task-specific safe systems of work

Complete work records and daily task sheets accurately

Railway safety rules and personal track safety (PTS) principles

Basic track maintenance tasks - tamping, rail replacement, and drainage

Safe use of hand tools and small plant on railway worksites

Working safely within a lookout and protection system

Basic quality checks and record-keeping for maintenance work

Team working and communication on live railway worksites

Ready to look for a place?

See live Rail engineering operative apprenticeship vacancies on the official government service.

A Careermash concept · apprenticeship standard from our careers engine · vacancies via gov.uk.