Operative/Technician

[Recce31]

Seen quiet a few technician jobs come up lately for network rail within a hours commute of where i live. I was wondering if you need previous experience of working on the rails or be qualified in a discipline to be able to apply for a technician role as it has a higher salary than a operative, or do they train you to be qualified or competent to that level. I've applied for all operative jobs where i am a hours commute to depot so far. Just want see all options available to me.
Any feedback would be gladly appreciated thanks.

 

[Groindz]

I think when it comes to NWR and technician jobs they would certainly prefer that you have previous experience on the track, but I wouldn't say it's impossible. I know for a fact that you can get a job as an operative with little to no experience on the tracks, but of course any experience would be an advantage. I know 2 people personally that have went from track operatives to technician jobs in the space of 2 years. Good luck

 

[Sammy2019]

What’s the salary progression like for these roles? Most of the operative roles are around the 23k mark. As much as I want to get on the railway I can’t afford to take that sort of cut if there’s no prospect of rises after training etc.

 

[henke7]

What department are you interested in? Can probably say that you will not get an S&T technicians job externally. Don't know about other departments. Good luck though

 

[Recce31]

I’ve applied for to operative jobs at Preston one track the other off track.
Technician job I looked at was in Wigan OHL.
I’m happy to start from the bottom because from what I’ve read your basic salary is enhanced quiet a bit and myself do like to work as much overtime as I can without stepping on anyone’s toes and especially if in two years there’s chance to progress to technician.

 

[Gavind]

I have recently applied and been offered a technician job I was told by the section manager that he would not hire an external candidate without railway experience as a technician and wanted supervisory experience as well which worked out well for me having been working on a heritage railway for 5+ years as a permanent way supervisor

 

[alxndr]

I know of one or two people who have got technician roles off the street with no prior railway experience, but it is incredibly rare and usually where there is a shortage of people applying with any experience. Where technician roles are filled externally it's generally by those who were previously contractors and already had the experience.

The time it takes to progress from operative to technician varies. Some places simply don't have anyone leaving, so no roles become available. Others turn staff around a lot quicker, so people end up being promoted quicker. The money is nice, but it doesn't come without responsibility. Don't run before you can walk, the last thing you want is to be in a position you aren't ready for. Remember, a technician is expected to step up and lead the team if the teamleader is not there.

 

[Jay_123]

May i just add in relation to the above. It has since come out under CERTAIN t&c’s that auto progression from operative to technician in certain job disciplines is currently the case after 18 months of being in an operative post providing the required tickets/competencies have been obtained

 

[Recce31]

Alxndr. I totally agree with what you don’t run before you can walk. That’s why a operative jobs appeal a lot more to me. Being ex forces I do have skills of stepping up to the plate and standing as a supervisor role but obviously no experience of being on the rail. Thanks for the information much appreciated.

 

[henke7]

Reece, a technician or team leader grades are more about knowledge on the the track not about leadership qualities. Operatives can COSS worksites. My advice as being ex forces as well is to get in keep your head down and learn as much as possible. There are railway guys who have been in for years who will not take kindly to a new guy coming in trying to take over. I'm no having a dig at you just passing on some advice. There is a massive difference from life in the forces.

 

[Recce31]

Morning gents
Really appreciate the feedback.
Does anybody work at the Preston depot for NWR or point me in the direction to someone who does? I have a few questions to ask such as,
What’s progression like there?
Is overtime plentiful?
What’s the enhancement like for shifts nights?
Anymore information on what track and off track do at the Preston depot?
Or maybe you could do your best to answer above questions.
Thanks.

 

[Recce31]

Reece, a technician or team leader grades are more about knowledge on the the track not about leadership qualities. Operatives can COSS worksites. My advice as being ex forces as well is to get in keep your head down and learn as much as possible. There are railway guys who have been in for years who will not take kindly to a new guy coming in trying to take over. I'm no having a dig at you just passing on some advice. There is a massive difference from life in the forces.

I totally get that.

I’m currently working at JLR Halewood and I did exactly that what you said keep your head down. I remember within my first few weeks being there being asked how long I’ve been there and replying 6weeks and getting a reply I’ve been on the sick longer lad. But I’ve seen people come in giving it the big I am and just failing miserably.

The money may be good where I’m working at the moment but the job isn’t secure as some of you may have read in the news. I’m wanting to be round people who enjoy there work feel pride and making a difference. Not being round toxic people.

 

[CJK64]

To be honest someone without Railway experience should not be employed directly as a Technician as they would be unable to fulfil the job description and objectives. To be a Technician for track you would need a PTS, Coss, Lookout, TR01, Tr02, TR04 etc and a decent knowledge of all aspects of track work. One of the objectives is to be able to step up to team leader when required.
For me, it’s imperative to have experience before moving to a Technician role.

Depending on what T&C’s you are on, you will be able to step up to the next pay grade via training and knowledge gained.
Balfour Beatty have a matrix system that allows you to progress from basic entry level to step 1 and then step 2. The more competencies you gain the more you progress.
AMEC have a banding system that can see you move from basic to intermediate and then to advanced via a points system.

 

[Recce31]

To be honest someone without Railway experience should not be employed directly as a Technician as they would be unable to fulfil the job description and objectives. To be a Technician for track you would need a PTS, Coss, Lookout, TR01, Tr02, TR04 etc and a decent knowledge of all aspects of track work. One of the objectives is to be able to step up to team leader when required.
For me, it’s imperative to have experience before moving to a Technician role.

Depending on what T&C’s you are on, you will be able to step up to the next pay grade via training and knowledge gained.
Balfour Beatty have a matrix system that allows you to progress from basic entry level to step 1 and then step 2. The more competencies you gain the more you progress.
AMEC have a banding system that can see you move from basic to intermediate and then to advanced via a points system.

I really appreciate your feed back and that’s why I have only applied for operative jobs. I would rather earn my place within the company and learn the skills so I am compienet to progress to the next job role.
Thanks

 

[CJK64]

I really appreciate your feed back and that’s why I have only applied for operative jobs. I would rather earn my place within the company and learn the skills so I am compienet to progress to the next job role.
Thanks

Keep pestering your line manager for training and ask for a matrix review twice a year.
If it’s established at the matrix review that you don’t have the relevant skills to progress, your manager has to put a plan in place to help you get those competencies and skills.

Good luck in your career.

 

[Recce31]

Cheers for that just a waiting game now to here back if I’m on to the interview stage.
Thanks again.