Rail Electrician’s Mate

Rail Electrician’s Mate Jobs

Millions of passengers safely use the UK railway network every day. It's a fully modernised and efficient system that requires a lot of maintenance and repairs. Electrical work is a big part of that process, and there are many jobs and positions dedicated to it.

A rail electrician’s mate has many duties and works alongside a qualified and licenced rail electrician. For many, the position of rail electrician’s mate is only a starting point, leading to becoming a full rail electrician.

Rail Electrician’s Mate Job Requirements

Rail electricians' mates are not yet qualified to be rail electricians. As such, they are not allowed to work unsupervised.

In many cases, companies choose to hire more than one rail electrician’s mate and place them under the supervision of a seasoned rail electrician. However, they still need to have practical skills and often specific certifications.

Many rail companies in the UK will require rail electrician's mates to have an Electrotechnical Certification Scheme or ESC card. This is a type of occupational card for all UK electrotechnical workers. The application process takes around four weeks.

Keep in mind that while a rail electrician’s mate isn't legally required to have an ESC card, they might not get hired by a rail company without it. The ESC card is valid for three years and can be renewed.

Another relevant certification is Construction Skills Certification Scheme or CSCS. This card serves a proof that you’re qualified to work on a construction site and have appropriate training.

It is also not a legislative requirement but could be requested by rail companies for a rail electrician’s mate position.

Finally, the Personal Track Safety or PTS certification is designed to educate and help anyone who works in the railway system. There are many risks involved with working in the rail industry, and this course can prevent various types of accidents, including electrical.

Rail Electrician’s Mate Job Responsibilities

One of the primary responsibilities of a rail electrician’s mate is to follow instructions given by the qualified rail electrician and assist.

This position includes duties such as supporting electrical installations and general system maintenance. Other responsibilities are installing containment such as a tray, conduit, and trunking.

Also, pulling cables, replacing parts, and cleaning machinery are all part of the job. Essentially, a rail electrician’s mate is meant to help the electrician accomplish necessary tasks in the process.

Rail electrician’s mate is a position that will require a lot of shift work, frequent overtime, and occasionally being called for emergency repairs. Those considering going into this line of work should be safety-conscious, have good hearing, possess a fair amount of physical readiness, and have plenty of attention to detail.

It's rewarding but strenuous work, with a lot of room for learning and improvement. Having the ability to follow instructions and cooperating with others easily are significant advantages.

Find Meaningful Work With Unity Recruitment

If work related to the railway appeals to you, consider allowing Unity Recruitment to help you with that process. Our goal is to connect the right person with the right job and help everyone achieve their goals.

If you’re curious about the work the rail electrician’s mate does, we’ll guide you towards finding a position where you can learn and assist every day.