Overhead Lines Jobs

[Railwayman79]

Hi Everyone Newbie here, hope you don't mind me asking a few questions about your industry.

I am 34 years old and currently a Stay at home Dad. I lost my Job in June last year and i was unfortunately unable to find another job that was suitable for me.

I am now looking for a fresh start and know a few people who work on the railways fixing overhead lines etc. They all seem pretty happy in their jobs and seem to have a good work life balance.

Previously i have run my own business and i also have a HGV Class 1 licence.

I am hoping some of my skills can be transferred to the railway industry.

I am told my HGV licence will help on the railways so i can drive some of the larger vehicles?

So what i would like to know is how i can go about preparing for a job with Network rail on the Overhead lines? a friend tells me i will need a track licence which although most people will say i can only get one from an employer, he says i can get a company to employ me for 1 day and get the licence that way? is this correct?

Is there any websites or material i can be studying to give me a heads up?

For reference i live in the Crewe area.

Hope you guys can help, Thanks.
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[carriageline]

To be honest buddy, the best thing to do is apply directly for network rail, or one of the big companies (Balfour Beatty was looking for trainee OHL operatives a year or so ago!) (unless you want to work for an agency!), they will train you and give you all your certs, and will probably be looked after better. You don't even really need to get into OHL, permanent way (the track, ballast etc) or S&T (signals and telecoms) are options as they are both similar roles.

If not, try and find an agency that will take on trainees. I think there are also some training places that you can pay to take your PTS certification (personal track safety/sentinel card), so maybe look around at that? That would give you more chance to get on agencies or the other big companies, but it's not guaranteed! I know a few people who are pretty much self employed and get work from a little company, that subcontracts off the big company!

If you do look on Network rails site, search for 'operative' that's what they are normally found under. Also, there is a site called rail jobs that is always looking for various people, take a look on there.

Good luck! And how that was helpful.

 

[thecrofter]

With the current expansion of Electrifcation in the UK I would expect OLE skills will be in short supply. It's therefore a good time to get into the industry if you can. Whether you wish to be in construction or maintenance will largely define what company you may wish to join.

Based in Crewe there are a number of Railway companies not just Network Rail (who generally sub-contract new works of this type anyway) such as Carillion Rail and Keltbray Aspire Rail who have OLE capabilities. It might be worth seeing if they have any opportunities on their websites. They also tend to employ labour through Agencies such as Bridgeway, Coyle, Sky Blue, etc. Google is your friend here.

As for the "track licence" mentioned, that is the industry track safety competence known as Personal Track Safety (PTS). Anyone who works on or near the line as defined by the Rule Book must hold PTS competence. It is normally provided by an employer and an Initial PTS course is now 3 days not 1.

 

[carl@advance]

Carillion teamed up with SPL Powerlines last year to launch an OHL training scheme. It'll be worth getting in touch with them to get some more information. By 2016, the UK needs to increase it's OHL workforce 10-fold so you've joined at the right time!

http://www.carillionplc.com/news-me...lines-announces-partnership.aspx#.Uxin4fl_vzM

 

[Railwayman79]

Thanks so much for all your help, will have a good old look through google now you have given me a few things to look into.

Again thanks and i am sure i will be back with a few more questions!