Job Description

At Network Rail, we're part of a large family serving millions of passengers and freight users throughout the UK every day. Our service impacts millions of people and we strive to become more efficient as we enhance, maintain, and operate our network.
Our passengers and freight users are at the heart of everything we do. We help connect people to their friends and families and get goods to their destination safely and efficiently. We're an organisation where people matter. When you're part of our team, you matter to us, and you matter to millions.
The Wales & Western region includes more than 2,700 miles of railway, and we serve communities and businesses within Wales, the Thames Valley, the West of England, and the Southwest Peninsula.
Our ambition 'to be responsive to the needs of passengers and freight users' drives us every day and we're empowered to do the right thing for those who use the rail network. We actively challenge unsafe practices, and take responsibility for addressing risks, resolving issues, and protecting the safety and wellbeing of our own staff, our industry partners, and the public.
About our people and the recruitment process - We're an inclusive employer of choice and we welcome applications from everyone!
As a Network Rail employee, you will enjoy a wide range of benefits!
xc2xb7 Your salary in the first year is xc2xa319,838 and will increase each year.
xc2xb7 Privileged staff travel - Leisure travel discount of 75% on all leisure travel and includes family members. A subsidy of up to 75% on rail and underground season tickets if you travel to work on the train. Outer London Allowance also included.
xc2xb7 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
xc2xb7 Benefits package including healthcare offers, a cycle to work scheme, discounted healthcare club membership, and a discounted offers and benefits including childcare, healthcare and online shopping site.
xc2xb7 Effectively manage work-life balance with a 35hrs per week contract, hybrid working, flexible working, and enhanced family friendly support.
xc2xb7 5 days paid volunteering leave.
xc2xb7 Access to a range of pension and insurance schemes.
xc2xb7 Access to our employee assistance program, to help you with any finance, family, health, or wellbeing issues you have.
xc2xb7 2 weeks paid reserve leave for the Armed Forces community.
xc2xb7 In Wales and Western region, you will have the opportunity to join PROUD, our reward and recognition scheme where you can say thanks and recognise colleagues across the region who have demonstrated outstanding values and behaviours.
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We want to help deliver a railway which is safe, reliable, affordable and that provides great customer service to everyone.
Brief Description
Isolation planning is a key component to ensuring Engineering works happen and in a safe manner.
You will learn to produce and publish isolation plans and isolation documentation to meet stakeholder requests. Isolation plans and associated documentation must comply with the applicable Electrified Lines Working Instructions and applicable Network Rail standards. You will also learn to support the development and embedment of both long-term and short-term isolation strategies throughout the planning process.
The first 3 years are as an apprentice, completing a Level 3 in Transport Planning alongside learning about Isolation Planning. You will also have exposure to other aspects of planning a possession of the track and the role of engineering within Network Rail.
Once you have completed your Apprenticeship and end point assessment you will become a fully-fledged Isolation Planner. From there, the possibilities are endless to progress in Transport Planning and within the Rail industry!
About the role (External)
Key Accountabilities
Isolation Planners:
1. Create and review isolations plans and identify work/possession proposals and opportunities in accordance with Electrified Lines Working Instructions and relevant planning standards & industry time scales.
2. Maintain records specific to the isolation planning process.
3. Identify any switching requirements and liaise with the isolation provider(s) to determine responsibility of switching for isolation(s) with multiple Isolation Providers.
4. Attendance at possession and isolation planning meetings including producing, checking, validating publications and updates as necessary.
5. Engage with Route wide stakeholders and customers and support with the coordination of their isolation requirements.
6. Assist and support with the identification and implementation of quality and efficiency improvements.
7. Maintain isolation planning competencies and complete assessment arrangements as required.
8. When identified review any post isolation delivery issues and understand any learnings in the isolation planning process.
We are looking for someone who has:

• An aptitude for handling data and diagrams, and have a desire to work in transport planning with a passion for helping develop creative solutions.

• At least 5 GCSEs at Grades A*-C / 9-4 including Maths, English and Science or their equivalent.

And is:

• Able to work under pressure and to deadlines.

• Able to evaluate complex factors and make decisions to maximise benefit.

• Able to prioritise and organise workload effectively to ensure that deadlines are met.

• Displays a good attention to detail.

• Displays good communication skills and a customer focussed approach.

• Competent level of IT skills including use of Microsoft Office, in particular Word and Excel and ability to work in other software packages.

How to apply (External)
xc2xa319,838 per annum.
35 hours a week, block placement at Leeds College, 20% of time studying
Closing date: 18th June 2025
Please get your application in as soon as possible, we may close the advert before the listed closing date if we receive enough applications. Late applications will not be accepted.
As part of the interview process there will be an assessment centre held early July
2 x positions available
Click 'apply now' to apply.
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability status.
Diversity and inclusion are more than just buzz words for us. We're constantly striving to make sure we provide a welcoming and safe environment for everyone. We recognise that certain groups are under-represented within our team and we're working closely with our regional diversity and inclusion networks to make sure we support these groups as best as we can.
We are working in conjunction with the Cultural Fusion team. If you would like support with your application or interview please contact or visit the connect page: .
Network Rail is a and we'll try our best to adapt the process and offer a reasonable alternative to help support people with disabilities access, apply and interview for roles. You can visit for advice on accessibility support if you're unsure of the options available. Should you require any reasonable adjustments/modifications, please include within your application.
All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.
Keeping people safe on the railway is at the heart of everything we do. Safe behaviour is therefore a requirement of working for Network Rail. You should demonstrate your personal dedication to safety on your application. '