Track maintenance operative
Inspect, repair and upgrade railway tracks, tunnels and bridges. You'll keep journeys safe and trains running on time.
Also known as: rail track maintenance worker

About the job
What it's like
Track maintenance operatives look after railways, tunnels and bridges to make sure trains run safely and efficiently.
You'll focus on inspecting, repairing and maintaining railway tracks and related infrastructure. It's a hands-on role where your work directly affects the safety and reliability of train services. You'll get a real sense of achievement knowing your efforts help keep passengers and goods moving across the country.
You might replace worn rails, fix points and crossings or check for faults after extreme weather. The work is varied and can involve using specialist tools and machinery. Track maintenance operatives are mainly found in the rail industry, working for train operating companies, infrastructure providers or specialist contractors. Some operatives specialise in areas like welding, signalling or track geometry.
Your tasks might include:
inspecting tracks for damage or wear
replacing or repairing rails, sleepers and fastenings
clearing debris and vegetation from the track area
using hand tools, pneumatic drills, welding equipment and heavy machinery
checking and adjusting track alignment
working overnight or at weekends to minimise disruption
Green job
In this job you could be doing work to help the environment. You might:
use electric or hybrid equipment to maintain and repair the tracks
manage vegetation at the side of the tracks without using harmful chemicals
reduce waste generated on the railways by recycling old tracks and sleepers
support projects that upgrade tracks for greener, electric trains
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
WISE —inspires girls and women to study and build careers using science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).
Network Rail — learn what it's like to work in maintenance engineering.
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- understanding
- taking responsibility
- filtering
- attention to detail
- observation
- working with numbers
- problem solving
- verbal communication
- cooperating

Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Engineering Science
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Practical Craft Skills
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Practical Electronics
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Practical Metalwork
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Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
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Skills for Work: Practical Experiences: Construction and Engineering
There are a few ways you can become a track maintenance operative.
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you secure a job or progress to more advanced study. Useful subjects include:
Civil Engineering
Railway Engineering
Engineering Systems
Construction and the Built Environment
Use the My World of Work course search to find relevant HNCs or HNDs.
Apprenticeships
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You'll get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You might want to consider an engineering-based MA.
Discover MAs on Apprenticeships.scot
Work
If you're aged 18 or older, you could aply for track maintenance operative vacancies. You'll usually start in a trainee position.
Use the My World of Work job search to find vacancies.
Getting work experience in a construction-based role can help you build the skills and experience you’ll need to become a track maintenance operative. Search for opportunities on Volunteer Scotland.
You must pass a medical examination which includes drug and alcohol tests.
You usually need to have good physical fitness, good eyesight, normal colour vision and good hearing.
You may have to pass a communications test.
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