How to start your career on the UK Rail infrastructure
A career in the railway industry offers a wide range of opportunities for individuals ready to put in the effort and develop their skills.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get a job on the railways, including how to obtain your Personal Track Safety (PTS) card, which is essential for working on the UK’s railways.
How to get a job on the railways
In order to gain employment in the railway industry, you must first register with a reputable 5*RISQS railway recruitment firm, such as Training Lives. You will have a profile and membership number created on the Rail Sentinel System once you have registered with us.
To work on the UK’s rail system it is a mandatory requirement that you hold a Sentinel identity card.
Any employee in the rail industry has the potential to develop a successful career provided they are prepared to put in the hard work and complete the appropriate competencies. You can gradually expand your skill set and raise your earning potential once you get your foot in the door.
What do i need to be eligible to join the railways
1. You must be at least 16 years old and have a National Insurance Number in order to work on the rail. For 16 to 18 year olds there are restrictions..
By law, young workers must not work more than:
- 8 hours a day
- 40 hours a week
You must also have, as a minimum:
- a 30-minute break if their working day is longer than 4.5 hours
- 12 hours’ rest in any 24-hour period in which they work (for example, between one working day and the next)
- 48 hours’ (2 days) rest taken together, each week or – if there is a good business reason why this is not possible – at least 36 hours’ rest, with the remaining 12 hours taken as soon as possible afterwards
For more information visit the Acas page for Working hours and rest breaks for young workers
2. You must adhere to Network Rail Standard NR/L2/OHS/00124 Competence Specific Fitness Medical Criteria – View Network Rail’s Competence medical requirements
3. You must meet the Network Rail Standard NR/L1/medical OHS/051’s requirements (Drugs & Alcohol). Please download and read the Netwrok Rail Drugs & Alcohol Policy
What qualifications do i need to join the railways
Accreditation is also required for a number of competencies. For Instance, you must have successfully completed the Personal Track Safety course (PTS) if you want to work on the National Rail Infrastructure.
Getting your PTS is a common problem for new rail workers. Here, we will explain what a PTS is, describe how to obtain it and talk about your options of employment when you have got it.
PTS (Personal Track Safety)- What is it?
Before even considering working on or near a railway line owned or controlled by Network Rail, you must first have PTS, which stands for Personal Track Safety.
This competency is also referred to as a ticket. Nearly the whole rail network in the UK is owned and operated by Network Rail, and they also determine the standards and guidelines for railway operations.
There are 2 parts to a PTS course;
- PTS Course (2 days) – During these 2 days, you will attend an E-Learning course where you will learn the fundamental safety guidelines for the railway and how to be safe at work.
You can complete just this portion of the qualification, but you will only be permitted to work on projects that don’t include working on the track itself. You can only work on places like; bridges and embankments, or the surrounding area and buildings.
Recourses:
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- Personal Track Safety (PTS) – Handbook
- Personal Track Safety (PTS) – Key points
- Track Induction (5 Days) – This is performed on site at a rail training facility. The course is designed for candidates new to track engineering and aims to provide candidates with a fundamental understanding of the principles of track engineering, including the construction, components, and work methods of permanent ways, and to teach candidates on correctly understanding their obligations and tasks when working on or near the line.
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Once you have successfully completed the track induction you will be able to;
- Demonstrate your ability to use tools and equipment.
- Demonstrate your understanding of Permanent Way terms and procedures
Those with expertise from other industries will have an advantage once they have obtained their PTS because many trades, Brick layers, carpenters, electricians, etc are transferable to the rail industry.
With a PTS, you can advance your education and eventually enter a particular rail specialty, to do so you will need to obtain more competencies, such as;
Individual working alone (IWA)
Level crossing attendant (LXA)
Controller of site safety (COSS)
Engineering Supervisor (ES)
Person in charge of possession (PICOP)
Nominated person(NP)
Authorised person (AP)
Please note: There are time scales and experience that your line manager will need to sign off before you progress to more competencies.
How do i get a PTS card
Network Rail no longer permits individuals to pay for their own PTS training due to safety concerns.
This means that in order to participate in the PTS training, you must find a “Sponsor” (That is willing to pay for the course for you, there are funded courses available if you look around)
In order to safeguard workers in the rail sector, Network Rail banned people from paying for their own training, ensuring that each employee receives the necessary training required.
Although this is good, it has made it harder for many people to enter the rail industry for the first time.
What is a sponsor?
There are 2 types of sponsors, you have a primary sponsor and a sub sponsor;
A Primary Sponsor: is a business that will recommend you and cover the cost of your PTS training, usually a rail employer or a rail recruitment provider.
Once you’ve finished your training, they’ll also provide you with employment, the correct PPE (personal protective equipment) and work attire and they’ll make sure you stay current on any rule changes and maintain your credentials.
Your sponsor will also insist that you do a medical exam and a drugs and alcohol test before you start PTS training. Usually, the test merely looks at general health, hearing, and vision.
The drug and alcohol test will identify any drugs or medications used in the past six weeks. Access to the rail infrastructure will be suspended for five years if the test is failed. PTS holders may be randomly tested, and failing the drug/alcohol test or refusing to take it will result in a 5-year disqualification.
A Sub Sponsor: Is an organisation that with the permission of the primary sponsor, uses an individual to work on their behalf.
What are Sponsors responsible for?
All Sponsors
The Sponsor putting the Individual to work is responsible for the following, regardless of whether they are a Primary Sponsor or Sub-Sponsor of the Individual;
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- All works must be planned and authorised
- Providing the Safety Critical Equipment required to enable the Individual to undertake their competencies trackside and ensuring that it is fit-for-purpose, in accordance with the Sentinel Management System.
- Maintaining all records associated with any works undertaken by an Individual on NRMI, as is required by the Sentinel Management System.
- Maintaining a minimum contracted insurance level for works undertaken by Individuals they are putting to work.
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Primary Sponsors
Primary Sponsors shall provide Individuals under their Contract of Sponsorship with:
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- A valid Sentinel card
- An induction briefing which will include as a minimum the rules and responsibilities of the Sentinel Scheme. See Section 1.15.
- Suitable PPE, marked as to identify who an Individual is working for when on Managed Infrastructure, and suitable equipment and associated training to be able to use that protective equipment effectively
- Regular briefings on changes to Standards, Rule Book updates and Sentinel Scheme Rule updates
- Training and assessment to ensure competence to undertake their duties at required intervals
- Safety Critical Equipment to enable the Individual to undertake their role (where a sponsored individual only requires Safety Critical Equipment for works undertaken for the Sub-Sponsor, then this equipment shall be provided by the Sub-Sponsor)
- Personal issue information such as handbooks and relevant information
- Advice, guidance or instruction on any restrictions based on medication and other medical fitness issues. (Restrictions will be seen when checking an Individual’s Sentinel card).
- Mentoring and support to develop the competence of the Individual
- Clear contractual arrangements between the Primary Sponsor and Individual, and whether Sub-Sponsors are permitted. See Section 3.
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Regardless of the employment status of the Individual, the Primary Sponsor through the Contract of Sponsorship shall fulfil the role of the employer for the purposes of health and safety.
The Primary Sponsor which enters into the Contract of Sponsorship with an Individual is also responsible for:
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- Monitoring and management of working hours of Individuals. Shifts worked with Sub-Sponsors must be considered in the monitoring of working hours and the management of fatigue. This is aided by the use of the Sentinel System and Swipe Access data
- Any sub-sponsorship arrangements with the Individual and to grant permission to any Sub-Sponsor to use their resources
- Enacting the Investigation process where any suspected breach of the Sentinel Scheme Rules becomes apparent
- Collating information from Sub-Sponsors to enable conclusion of the Investigation
- Maintaining records of Investigations and requesting a Formal Review where a Scheme Outcome is recommended following an Investigation
- Providing a reason for de-sponsoring an Individual
- Conducting an Investigation for any alleged breach of the Sentinel Scheme Rules. See Section 5.2.
- Collating and maintaining all records associated with the Contract of Sponsorship of an Individual as required by the Sentinel Management System. See Section 3.
- Issuing a temporary Take Down of competence pending the conclusion of an Investigation, where appropriate
- Ensure a process is in place to manage the D&A screening process as defined in the Infrastructure Maintainers requirements
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Sub Sponsors
The Sub-Sponsor must request permission to use an Individual from their Primary Sponsor.
The Sub-Sponsor must receive confirmation that this has been agreed by the Primary Sponsor before resourcing the Individual to work.
The Sub-Sponsor is responsible for providing all information to the Primary Sponsor to enable the Primary Sponsor to manage the overall safety of the Individual. – This includes, but is not limited to information on; working hours, safety incidents, competences used (these can be recorded by using the Sentinel app) and competence short-falls.
The Sub-Sponsor must cooperate with the Primary Sponsor in the management of working hours. Where a risk assessment has been conducted and extra working hours approved, this information must be provided to the Primary Sponsor. The Risk assessments can be recorded electronically via the Sentinel app.
The Sub-Sponsor must notify the Primary Sponsor of any alleged breach of the Sentinel Scheme Rules within 14 days of becoming aware of such allegation, and co-operate in collecting information and evidence to enable the Primary Sponsor to conduct an Investigation.
Information source: Sentinel Scheme Rules
How do i get a sponsor?
Now you know How to get a job on the railways, the biggest challenge in starting your career on the railways is finding a sponsor to pay for your training. This can be a very challenging task, Fortunately for you Training Lives have established via various sources, avenues to draw funding for NVQ level 1,2,3, Personal Track Safety (PTS), Track induction (TIC) and Small plant courses.
I Have a PTS Card What Happens Now?
Now that you have your PTS qualification, you will be required to wear a blue hard hat to signify your inexperience when you first begin working on the railway.
A log book will be issued at the start of the course to record experiences gained (minimum 10 entries of different locations) once you have some experience you will be promoted to a ‘White Hat’ – following your Learning support status upgraded from a Blue hat to a White hat.
You can now pursue additional education and research several specialisations within the rail sector to gain more competencies and progress your career with our labour supply force TL Rail & Construction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I fail my drug and alcohol test?
If you fail the drug and alcohol test, you will be disqualified from working on Network Rail’s infrastructure for five years.
This applies both to the initial test required before obtaining your PTS card and any random tests conducted during employment.
It’s important to avoid substances, including some over-the-counter medications, that could result in a failed test.
Consult your sponsor or a medical professional if you are unsure about a specific medication.
How long does it take to complete the PTS process?
The time required to complete the PTS process can vary but generally includes:
Medical and drug/alcohol tests: Typically completed in a day.
PTS e-learning module: 1–2 days.
Track Induction (if required): 5 days. In total, you can expect the process to take about 1–2 weeks, depending on course availability and sponsor arrangements.
Can I switch sponsors if needed?
Yes, it is possible to switch sponsors. However:
You must obtain permission from your primary sponsor before engaging with a new sponsor.
Ensure you do not breach the terms of your sponsorship agreement.
Sponsors must manage your records and competence history within the Sentinel system, so a smooth transition is essential.
Can I pay for my own PTS training?
What qualifications do I need to join the rail industry?
- You must be at least 16 years old (with restrictions for under-18s regarding working hours).
- You need a valid National Insurance Number.
- You must meet medical fitness and drug/alcohol screening requirements as per Network Rail standards.
- You must complete a Personal Track Safety (PTS) course sponsored by an authorized company.
What happens after I get my PTS card?
Once you have your PTS card:
You’ll start as a Blue Hat worker, indicating inexperience.
You’ll need to log at least 10 entries of on-site experience in your work logbook to advance.
Once you gain experience and competency, you’ll progress to White Hat status, which reflects greater proficiency and independence.
What is the role of a sponsor?
Sponsors are responsible for:
Funding your PTS training.
Providing PPE and ensuring you are properly equipped for work.
Managing your compliance with safety standards, including competence records, working hours, and drug/alcohol testing.
Supporting your professional development and competency progression.
Are there career progression opportunities after obtaining a PTS card?
Yes, after obtaining a PTS card, you can pursue additional competencies to specialize in areas like:
Site Warden
Controller of Site Safety (COSS)
Signalling Technician
Engineering Supervisor (ES)
Nominated Person (NP) Advanced certifications and experience open up opportunities for higher-paying roles and managerial positions.
What if I fail the PTS course?
How can I find a sponsor?
Finding a sponsor can be challenging. Consider:
Registering with reputable railway recruitment agencies, such as Training Lives.
Applying directly to rail employers who are known to sponsor PTS training.
Exploring funded courses or government initiatives designed to support new rail workers.
What does the medical test involve?
The medical test includes:
Vision test: You must meet minimum eyesight requirements, including color vision.
Hearing test: Adequate hearing is essential for safety.
General health assessment: This includes checks for conditions that could impair your ability to work safely on the railway.
Can I work on the railways without a PTS card?
Are there any restrictions for under-18s working on the railways?
No more than 8 hours a day or 40 hours a week.
Must have 30-minute breaks after 4.5 hours of work.
Require a minimum of 12 hours rest between shifts. Additionally, under-18s may be restricted from certain tasks involving heavy machinery or hazardous environments.
What happens if I lose my PTS card?
Is the PTS card valid for life?
Can I work for multiple sponsors?
How much does a PTS cardholder earn?
Lets get started
Ready to start your career in the rail industry? Contact Training Lives today to explore available opportunities and begin your journey towards obtaining your PTS card and building a successful future on the railways.
