Network Rail is one of the UK engineering sector’s most significant employers. With depots all over the country, it is no wonder that many people want to work at Network Rail.
But how do you go about getting a job there? In this guide, we’ll outline the qualifications needed, the kinds of roles available, and how to prepare for an interview.
Why Is Network Rail So Popular?
Network Rail owns, develops, maintains and repairs most of the UK’s railway network, spanning England, Scotland, and Wales. This includes:
- 20,000 miles of track
- 30,000 bridges, tunnels and viaducts
- Thousands of signals and level crossings
- 20 of the country’s largest stations
Network Rail has been consistently recognised with awards and rankings such as:
- Named in Stonewall’s Top 100 List (2023)
- Winner of Stonewall’s Silver Award for Commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion at work (2022)
- Winner of the RIDI Disability Confident Award (2021)
- 29th in the top 50 best places to work in the UK by Glassdoor (2021)
- Included in The Times’ Top 50 employers for women (2021)
Current and previous employees rate the company highly for health and safety, pay, flexibility, benefits, and the unionised workforce.
On the downside, people don’t like the unsociable hours, outdoor work in cold or too hot weather, the stress and unpleasant public interactions.
What Kinds of Roles Are Available?
Network Rail offers a wide range of opportunities across large infrastructure projects, including:
- Electrification and Plant
- Civils, Signalling
- Track Design
- Track Maintenance
Apprenticeships at Network Rail
Network Rail operates an advanced apprenticeship scheme, aiming to provide apprenticeships in:
- Telecoms
- Track
- Signalling
- Overhead Lines
- Electrification & Plant
At the time of writing, you can apply for a level two off-track apprenticeship, a level three finance apprenticeship, or a level three engineering apprenticeship.
Entry Requirements
You will need Four GCSEs (or equivalent) in:
- Maths, grade 9-5 (A*-C)
- English language, grade 9-4 (A*-C)
- A science or engineering subject, grade 9-4 (A*- C).
- One other subject, grade 9-4 (A*-C)
How to Apply
The Network Rail apprenticeship application process is straightforward and comprises five simple steps:
- Submit your application form online – answer honestly and as fully as you can
- Complete the online test – this is a multiple-choice test to measure your reactions and decision-making in a range of scenarios
- Video scenario – Similar to the multiple-choice, but you must detail what you would do in a given scenario, factoring in working in a team and demonstrating your strengths
- Assessment centre – Either online or at a nearby venue, you will participate in various exercises designed to determine your suitability for the role
- Outcome and feedback – You will be told if your application was successful ASAP and be given constructive feedback to help going forward
If you are not successful, you can apply again for the next intake.
Network Rail also offers Graduate Schemes, Undergraduate Placements, and school engagement.
You can apply for jobs via the site’s Careers search page by filling in the online form and submitting your CV.
Pre-employment checks
Network Rail offers of work are subject to checks based on Government Baseline Security Standards (BPSS). These include but are not limited to:
- Right-to-work and identity check
- Medical assessment
- Basic criminal record check
- Drug & Alcohol test
- Visa application
- National Security vetting (if relevant)
How to Prep For Your Interview
You’ve been invited for an interview, and nerves have set in. What should you do?
Here’s our 10-step guide to nailing your interview at Network Rail, or any interview for that matter.
1. Research
Part of the nerves come from feeling overwhelmed and unprepared. The best way to combat this is to be as prepared as possible. Use the company website, job boards, LinkedIn and other social media platforms to find out as much as possible about the company’s operations, history and plans for the future.
Sites such as Glassdoor rate companies as employers, and it’s always good to see what past and current employees have to say.
The more you know about the role and the company, the more at ease you will feel and better able to express genuine interest.
2. Make sure you know your CV backwards
While researching the role and company, also make sure you know the contents of your CV. It should have been tailored to the specific role, so make sure you know what it says. Use your previous experience and qualifications to sell your suitability for the role.
Be prepared to explain any gaps in your resume honestly and without getting defensive. Remember, you are not required to disclose personal information if it makes you uncomfortable and isn’t relevant to the role.
3. Practice
Ask a friend or family member to ‘interview’ you, asking you some of the questions that are likely to come up in the interview. Hint, these questions are often a version of the job description. Questions may also include your plans for the next five or ten years. You do not need a carefully drawn-up plan, just a basic idea of what you hope to achieve personally and professionally.
You can use the STAR method to answer common interview questions such as ‘Tell me about a time you successfully overcame a challenge’:
- Situation: Provide an overview of the situation with irrelevant context
- Task: Describe the details of the task and your specific responsibilities
- Action: Explain the steps you took to address the issue
- Results: Conclude on a positive note that shows your proactive nature
This is particularly helpful if you aren’t used to interviews or feel uncomfortable in an interview setting.
If you are asked to name a weakness, choose one that will not affect your ability to perform the tasks required. Also, be prepared to explain how you combat this weakness in a professional setting.
4. Don’t be put off by ‘weird’ questions
Some interviewers ask seemingly random questions such as ‘Would you rather face 100 duck-sized horses or one horse-sized duck?!’ Which way you answer doesn’t matter. It is your reasoning and how you react to a ‘curveball’ that the interviewer is interested in.
5. Arrive early
The golden rule is to arrive at least 15 minutes before your interview. This demonstrates a willingness to attend and good time management. You will then have time to visit the bathroom to check your appearance and run cold water over your wrists if you are too hot.
Eat something (such as a cereal bar or fruit) if you haven’t already, and drink water.
Plan your route and factor in unforeseen circumstances, such as heavy traffic. Doing a ‘dry run’ to where the interview will take place can also help you to feel more prepared.
Sometimes things happen, and even allowing extra time, something still makes us late. If this is the case, notify your interviewer or the company’s HR manager ASAP and keep them updated on your progress. Asking to reschedule is always better than not turning up or turning up hours later.
6. Use anti-anxiety techniques
If you get nervous before an interview, use cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to reassure yourself. For example, identify your negative thoughts, such as ‘I can’t do this, I’m not good enough’, and then challenge them with logic, such as ‘I wouldn’t have been invited for an interview if I wasn’t a good candidate’.
Practice breathing exercises such as slow breathing (breathing in normally but exhaling slowly) or hand reflexology, applying pressure between the thumb and the index finger. Some over-the-counter remedies, such as temple balms, can also be effective.
7. Dress appropriately
In years gone by, this would mean wearing a suit, regardless of the role you are applying for. These days, dress codes are more relaxed in many places, and it’s more important to demonstrate good personal hygiene and pride in your appearance.
Avoid brand-new clothes that may not fit comfortably and anything likely to make you overheat.
8. Ask for assistance if you have additional needs
Network Rail works with CanDo, which helps those with physical or mental or visible or non-visible impairments, so don’t be afraid to ask for assistance if you need it to complete your interview.
9. Try not to hesitate or meander in your answers
Lots of hesitations or a tendency to go off-topic in your answers can make you appear unfocused or disinterested. Keep your answers concise and relevant while maintaining a natural flow to the conversation.
10. Ask Questions
One way to keep the conversation flowing is to ask questions related to the answer you have just given. This shows that you can anticipate the needs of the company, and have the confidence and skills to communicate effectively.
We hope this guide has been helpful and that you feel better prepared to apply for a position at Network Rail or nail that interview. To view all the latest Network rail vacancies (and more) check out our company pages.
Best of luck!
