Eligibility check
Share contact information and check your eligibility for the role
Recruitment Journey
What to expect
The recruitment process varies depending on the type of role you’re applying for, with different stages designed to reflect the skills, behaviours and requirements of each job.
Some roles may involve online assessments, video interviews or an assessment day, while others follow a more straightforward application and interview process. Whatever the role, we’ll explain what to expect at each stage and give you the information you need to prepare.
Explore the recruitment journeys below to see the process for each role type.
Signalling Recruitment
The path to becoming a Signaller takes time and commitment, with each stage designed to assess your suitability for this safety-critical role.
We’ll keep the process clear from the start. Each stage helps us understand your suitability for the role, while giving you a better sense of what to expect from working in railway operations.
Stage 1 online assessment
Explore the role with our playlist and complete a short reasoning assessment
Complete your application
Submit your full application and complete the Signaller assessment suite online
Stage 2 online assessments
After passing initial screening, complete further psychometric assessments which involve aptitude testing and behavioural questionnaires. How to prepare for your Online Assessment
Video interview
Complete a short video interview that measures the behaviours required to be a Signaller
Assessment day
If you’re shortlisted, you’ll be invited to an assessment day and be asked to take part in an interview and simulated activities relevant to Signalling
Conditional offer
If successful, you’ll receive an offer subject to pre-employment checks and onboarding
Crossing Keepers Recruitment
Our application process helps us assess your suitability for safety-critical railway work, while giving you the chance to understand whether crossing keeping is right for you
Eligibility check
Share key information and check your eligibility for the role
Online testing
After passing initial screening, complete psychometric assessments which involve aptitude testing and behavioural questionnaires. How to prepare for your Online Assessment
Video interview
Answer questions about your motivation, experience and approach to the role
Assessment day
Take part in activities that assess the behaviours and abilities needed for the role
Conditional offer
If successful, you’ll receive an offer subject to pre-employment checks and onboarding
ECO Recruitment
Our recruitment process is designed to assess the technical knowledge, judgement and behaviours needed for safety-critical electrical control work. Across each stage, you’ll have the chance to demonstrate your experience, understand more about the role and decide whether becoming an ECO is right for you.
Application
Tell us about your skills, experience and suitability for the role
Online testing
Complete an aptitude test and safety and risk questionnaire.
How to prepare for your Online Assessment
Video interview
Tell us about your experience with high-voltage systems and your motivation for the role
Interview
Explore your skills and experience in more detail with our team
Scenario
Respond to a realistic ECO scenario safely and effectively
Conditional offer
If successful, receive an offer subject to pre-employment checks and onboarding
Apprentice Recruitment
Our apprenticeship recruitment process is designed to understand your potential, interests and suitability for a career in railway operations. You don’t need to arrive with all the answers. Each stage gives you the opportunity to demonstrate how you approach different situations, while learning more about the programme and what a career with Network Rail could involve.
Application
Check you meet the minimum criteria and submit your application.
Online assessment
Complete scenario-based activities and a video interview.
Assessment centre
Take part in virtual or in-person activities to demonstrate your suitability.
Outcome
We’ll let you know the result of your application.
Conditional offer
If successful, receive an offer subject to pre-employment checks and onboarding.
What happens after offer?
Once you accept a conditional offer, we’ll complete the checks needed for you to work safely on the railway:
DBS checks, with any convictions assessed fairly and individually
Medical assessment and drugs and alcohol testing
Right-to-work verification
Employment references
Re-employment checks if you have worked for Network Rail before
