Train driver

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• applying directly

Entry requirements:

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You can apply to a train operating company and begin a train driver advanced apprenticeship.

Entry requirements:

• GCSEs grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, in English and maths

Work

You can start as a rail passenger assistant or train conductor, then apply for a trainee driver post. This is also a common way to become a London Underground driver.

DirectApplication

You can apply directly to a train operating company to become a trainee driver.

Employers usually expect you to have GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) in English and maths, or equivalent qualifications.

Training can last between 12 and 24 months.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:

• concentration skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to operate and control equipment
• knowledge of public safety and security
• observation and recording skills
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• the ability to work well with others and on your own
• knowledge of transport methods, costs and benefits
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• sensitivity and understanding
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• thinking and reasoning skills
• active listening skills
• the ability to read English
• knowledge of English language
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• the ability to work well with your hands
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools

What you'll do:

Train drivers operate trains on the rail network, carrying passengers and freight around the country.

In this role you'll:

• check controls and equipment before a journey
• drive the train between stations or freight depots
• speak with control centres along the route about any issues
• follow track signalling, safety and speed instructions
• leave platforms and pull into stations safely
• make passenger announcements
• control automatic doors
• position and hand over engines to drivers on the next shift
• record incidents like equipment problems, onboard issues or delays

Environment : Your working environment may be noisy and you may spend nights away from home.
Uniform : You may need to wear a uniform.

Salary:

Starter : £24,000
Experienced : £65,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

35 - 40 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

Career Path:

Once you're qualified, you could work on passenger, freight or engineering trains.

With experience, you could combine your job with instructing trainee drivers, who are learning new routes and cab controls. You could also become a driver trainer, teaching new starters in the classroom, working with driver simulators and accompanying trainees on journeys.

You could move into management, supervising drivers and making sure trains and crew are where they need to be on the rail network. Operations management is another possibility, planning future rail developments.