A track maintenance operative inspects, maintains and repairs railway tracks, plant and machinery, tools and other equipment, making sure that everything is safe.

The Work

You could be:

• inspecting tracks, sleepers, switches, crossings and sets of points
• carrying out maintenance work on the track, using mechanical and manual tools
• checking that all fastenings on the track are secure
• using machinery to check that the track is level
• inspecting and repairing track, vehicles, plant and other equipment
• performing lookout and hand signalling duties
• reporting accidents and incidents
• driving road vehicles if required
• making sure that all equipment, tools and materials are fit for use and stored correctly.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:

• where you work
• the size of the company or organisation you work for
• the demand for the job.

Starting salaries are usually around £22,000 a year. With experience, you would be able to earn up to around £23,700 a year, or more. You can earn extra through shift allowance and overtime. Earnings can increase with progression to supervisory positions.

Conditions

• You will work mainly outdoors in all weather conditions.
• You may have to lift heavy weights.
• You would work irregular hours including evenings, nights and weekends; a lot of work is done at these times to avoid disruption to services.
• You may have to work away from home at times.
• You may sometimes be on call in order to deal with emergencies.
• You will have to wear protective clothing such as high visibility jacket, hard hat and safety boots.
• Some of the posts come under the classification of 'safety critical role' which involves the application of strict regulations and the undergoing of regular assessments.

Useful Subjects

• Engineering Science
• Practical Craft Skills
• Practical Metalworking

Getting In

• You do not usually need formal qualifications to get in. A good general education is useful, including English and some ability with numbers.
• A relevant National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) at Level 1, or equivalent qualification, may be an advantage.
• You need to have good physical fitness, and have to pass a medical examination which includes drug and alcohol tests.
• You also have to pass some online tests.

Job Outlook Scotland

Job Outlook Scotland and UK

  Scotland

2026

1655

5.5 %

RISE

2031

1746

  United Kingdom

2026

14644

2.9 %

RISE

2031

15069

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What Does it Take?

You need to be:

• a good communicator
• reliable and responsible
• aware of safety matters
• practical
• good at doing practical work
• physically fit with plenty of stamina.

You need to be able to:

• work well in a team
• work to set rules and regulations
• work quickly and accurately
• deal with emergencies quickly and calmly.

Training

• Training is on the job and begins with a short induction period.
• You would then have periods of training in different skills. These may be provided by your employer or by an external training provider.
• You may be able to work towards Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) in relevant subjects.

Getting On

• With experience and further training, you may gain promotion to leading trackperson.
• In time, you could apply for a job as a track inspector.
• By taking maintenance engineering qualifications, you may be able to move into technician jobs.

Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.