JOBS & CAREERS SPRING 2018 - 255

RAIL

IMAGES SHUTTERSTOCK

Every year, there are more than 1.3 billion
passenger journeys on Britain's railways

systems on locomotives and rolling
stock, so you could be building engines
and carriages, fitting out new carriages
with lighting, upholstery and control
panels or repairing or replacing parts.
What skills and qualifications do I
need? You'll need to have experience as
a mechanical fitter or electrician, but it's
possible to find apprenticeships in rail
transport engineering and for these you'll
normally need four GCSEs grade 9 to 4
(A* to C) in maths, English and a science.
You'll need to be good at mechanics,
electrics and problem-solving, as well
as having good communication skills.
Work-based qualifications will help you
move onwards in your role and in time
you can become maintenance team leader
or engineering workshop manager.

How much can I earn? Salaries start
at around £18,000, but with experience
you can earn up to £30,000 and may
get discounted or free rail travel too.

Station staff
This role is suited to someone who
has excellent customer service skills
and the ability to stay calm when
dealing with difficult passengers. It's
also useful to have a good memory for
timetables, fares and regulations.
As well as selling and checking tickets,
you'll help people get on and off the train
safely (particularly those with disabilities),
make passenger announcements and
give out information to passengers.
What skills and qualifications do I
need? There are no specific requirements,

but you'll need to be good at maths, as
well as communicating with people
from all walks of life. If you're working
at a busy national or international
railway station, it is also helpful to
be able to speak another language.
How much can I earn? Salaries
start at £17,500. If you progress to
supervisor, you can earn £27,000.

Find out more
* National Careers Service
nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk
* Network Rail
networkrail.co.uk/careers
* Railway People
railwaypeople.com

J O B S & C A R E E R S /// 2 5 5


http://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk http://networkrail.co.uk/careers http://www.railwaypeople.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of JOBS & CAREERS SPRING 2018

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https://europe.nxtbook.com/emp/Careers/JobsandCareersAutumn2017
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