Train station worker

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

Entry requirements:

College

You could do a college course like a Level 2 Certificate in Customer Service, which would teach you some of the general skills you need in this job. This may help when you apply for work.

Entry requirements:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

Apprenticeship

You may be able to get into this career by completing a passenger transport onboard station team member intermediate apprenticeship with a train operating company.

You could also do an intermediate customer service apprenticeship which would give you some of the skills needed for this role.

Entry requirements:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

DirectApplication

You can apply directly to train operating companies. Employers will expect you to have a good standard of English and maths, with some GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C).

Experience of working with the public in a retail or customer service setting could give you an advantage when applying for jobs.

If your application is successful, you'll be invited to an assessment day, where you'll:

• be tested on your maths, communication and customer service skills
• have an interview

Required Skills:

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

Skills:

• customer service skills
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• sensitivity and understanding
• the ability to work well with others
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• excellent verbal communication skills
• knowledge of transport methods, costs and benefits
• knowledge of public safety and security
• a desire to help people
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• knowledge of English language
• active listening skills
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• concentration skills
• knowledge of psychology
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• the ability to work well with your hands

What you'll do:

Train station workers deal with customers and carry out duties in railway stations and on platforms.

In this job, you could:

• sell and check tickets
• make sure that passengers get on and off the train safely
• help to load and unload luggage
• signal the guard or driver to depart
• update message displays showing passenger information
• make passenger announcements
• operate CCTV cameras
• give out information on services, routes, train times and delays

Location : You could work at a ticket office or on a station platform.
Environment : Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time and crowded.
Uniform : You may need to wear a uniform.

Salary:

Starter : £17,500
Experienced : £27,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

43 - 45 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

Career Path:

With experience, you could be promoted to senior station assistant, station team supervisor, assistant station manager and eventually station manager.

You could also become a ticket inspector and progress to revenue protection officer.