Rail transport operatives

Insufficient data

Average salary

Average annual salary UK | Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings

hours

Average weekly hours

Average weekly hours UK | Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings

7.4%

Unemployment rate

Unemployment rate UK 2020 | Labour Force Survey

Definition: Rail transport operatives

*SOC Code (Standard Occupational Classification): 8234

Rail transport operatives assist drivers in the operation of passenger and goods trains, drive locomotive engines in coal mines, guide wagons and coaches in marshalling yards and sidings to make up trains, operate signals and points to control the movement of rail traffic, and monitor the operation of surface and underground railways.

Common tasks include:

provides crews for breakdown trains, allocates relief and replacement crews as necessary, keeps crews informed of any line repairs or restrictions, and checks train running times for punctuality
examines schedules and decides priority of movement of trains, monitors movement of trains and issues instructions to drivers, signal operatives and level crossing keepers
operates signals and opens and closes barriers at level crossings as required
examines shunting instructions, uncouples wagons and coaches, guides movement of carriages using manual points and wagon breaks, links-up carriages, ensures security of couplings and reconnects brake and heating systems
assists drivers in the operation of diesel, diesel-electric, electric and steam locomotives
checks loading of tubs and carriages, and informs driver of load distribution and any special features of route

Qualifications

There are no formal academic entry requirements. Candidates may be required to have good hearing, eyesight, and normal colour vision and pass a medical examination for entry to some posts. Training is initially undertaken in training centres, followed by practical experience on-the-job. NVQs/ SVQs in Rail Services are available at Level 2 and 3.

*Introduced in 1990, SOC is a multi-purpose common classification of occupations in UK. Jobs are defined in terms of skill level and skill content, including qualifications, training and work experience.

Employment status: Rail transport operatives

Regional employment: Rail transport operatives

Future employment: Rail transport operatives

Top 12 industries: Rail transport operatives

Alternative & related job titles: Rail transport operatives

Protection master Railway worker Shunter Signalman (railways) Transport supervisor (railways)

Equality focus: Rail transport operatives

Breaking down the official government big data sources by gender, age and region. Hours and pay data based on full time equlivalent roles.