Rail Transport Operatives
Wages
New workers start around £21,514. Normal pay is £48,751 per year.
Highly experienced workers can earn up to £77,065.
Available jobs
In the past year there were 14,302 vacancies for this type of job
Projected job growth over the next 8 years
Related courses
People work towards these careers by taking these courses at college and uni.
What they do most days?
Checks loading of tubs and carriages, and informs driver of load distribution and any special features of route.
Assists drivers in the operation of diesel, diesel-electric, electric and steam locomotives.
Examines shunting instructions, uncouples wagons and coaches, guides movement of carriages using manual points and wagon breaks, links-up carriages, ensures security of couplings and reconnects brake and heating systems.
Operates signals and opens and closes barriers at level crossings as required.
Examines schedules and decides priority of movement of trains, monitors movement of trains and issues instructions to drivers, signal operatives and level crossing keepers.
Provides crews for breakdown trains, allocates relief and replacement crews as necessary, keeps crews informed of any line repairs or restrictions, and checks train running times for punctuality.
Hard Skills
Hard skills are specific, learnable, measurable, often industry or occupation-specific abilities related to a position.
Skills are ranked based on the number of job adverts that list them as required skills.
Soft Skills
Soft skills can be self-taught and usually do not necessitate a certain completed level of education.
Skills are ranked based on the number of job adverts that list them as required skills.