Railway Jobs in the United Kingdom

Railway Jobs Overview

A job in the UK rail industry can be rewarding, innovative, and a promising career pathway. Everyday millions of people across the UK take a train and many depend on trains to get to and from work. Professionals working in railway jobs provide a valuable service to the public and are a key component to the industry’s economic success. As the UK rail network expands and modernises, more job opportunities are created daily. Significant infrastructure projects are already in production, including the HS2 high-speed rail. This project promises to produce thousands of new jobs and grow the UK economy, which is excellent news if you are interested in a railway career.

There a vast number of roles available in the railway sector, including:

• station worker
• railway operator
• project manager
• mechanical engineer
• train driver
• surveyor
• ticket checker

There are many opportunities for flexible working environments in the rail industry, from shift working to location alternatives and even four-day workweeks, which means you can find the ideal career to suit your lifestyle. Each job position will come with different responsibilities and working hours. Your work environment will vary according to your job role, so you could be outdoors working on the railway tracks, checking tickets on the train, or drawing up site plans in a workshop.

To search for more roles in public sector jobs, you can expand your search to include:

• government service jobs
• civil servant jobs
• municipal jobs

Railway Job Education and Skills

The specific qualifications you'll require in a railway job will depend on the type of position you're applying for. However, most rail companies require one basic level of certification to work on or near their tracks. You will need to take a 2-day Personal Track Safety Course (PTS) to be permitted to undertake any railway work. You will need to be sponsored by a reputable rail company and have some GCSEs in English and Maths to take the course. Other prerequisites include a medical examination and drug/alcohol test to ensure you're physically able to carry out the work.

Once you have a PTS card, you may consider specialising in certain areas of work, and there are various certificates and types of training that will allow you to do so. To apply for a more technical role, you can take a college course and earn a Level 2 Certificate in Mechanical Engineering or a Level 2 Diploma in Maintenance Engineering Technology.

You can also earn an apprenticeship with a participating railway company in engineering, finance, business, or IT, where you'll earn a competitive salary while studying towards qualifications.

Many different trades and skills are transferable to the rail industry, so you will be at an advantage if you have experience from other sectors. Whatever role you are applying for, employers will be seeking candidates who have strong soft skills such as problem-solving, communication, teamwork, flexibility, and attention to detail.

Update your CV For Railway Jobs

Catching the eye of a hiring manager at the beginning of your resume is imperative. This is your chance to explain what you have to offer, your experience, and your career goals. If you have little or no experience, you will want to put emphasis on your personal statement. Remember to tailor each CV using relevant keywords and phrases from the railway jobs description. Monster has many useful writing tips and templates to help you create a winning CV.

Employers are taking a more diverse approach to hiring. They will be looking for workers with transferable skills from other sectors, such as digital and technical skills or project management. Soft skills like customer care, teamwork, time management, and decision-making are highly sought-after also, so make sure to list them.

Including a cover letter with your application is imperative as it provides further detail on how your skill sets align with the role and what you can bring to the company. If you've never written one or want to brush up on your knowledge, we have plenty of cover letter advice and templates to get you started.

How to prepare for a Railway Job Interview

The key to winning your first interview is preparation, so make sure to research the company you are applying to and learn about their culture. The interview is designed to assess your skills, behaviours, and capabilities. It's a good idea to think of some examples of past achievements and real-life situations. You may be asked how you would deal with a specific work situation or how you have handled challenging projects in the past. Also, be prepared to answer some safety-related questions. Explore our guide to preparing for an interview to get ready for your big day.

How Much Do Railway Jobs Pay?

In the UK, the average salary for a railway worker is £35,880 per year. However, this will depend on your location, experience, qualifications, employer, and shift hours. You can research salary expectations for this job and related roles online. With determination, experience, and training, you can move into senior positions and increase your salary. Additional benefits for railway jobs could include a pension scheme, free or discounted travel, health cash plan, investment opportunities, and retirement benefits.

Begin Your Search for Railway Jobs

Get on track and find your next job in the railways. You can begin your search today by creating your free Monster profile. You will be able to apply for jobs, upload your CV, receive new personalised job alerts, and access helpful articles. It is also a great way to help potential recruiters find you online.