At a Glance
- Tasks: Become a vital part of our team as an Apprentice Train Driver, ensuring safe and reliable services.
- Company: Join CrossCountry, a diverse and inclusive employer committed to your success.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, free travel, and generous holiday allowance.
- Why this job: Make a real difference every day while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed; just a passion for learning and commitment to safety.
- Other info: Structured training programme with excellent career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 32717 - 43347 £ per year.
**Apprentice Train Driver – Leeds
Starting salary: £32,717 per annum, rising to £43,347 on completion of training**
Are you looking for a rewarding career where you can make a difference every day?
Join us as an Apprentice Train Driver and be part of a team that plays a vital role in delivering a safe, reliable, and pivotal service for our customers.
We\’re proud to welcome people from all walks of life into our workforce. Whether you\’re changing careers or just starting out, we\’ll provide a structured, fully supported training programme to help you become a fully qualified Train Driver.
We Are Looking For People Who Will
- Prioritise safety and take personal responsibility for maintaining a safe and supportive working environment
- Bring a positive, proactive approach to learning, collaboration, and supporting others
- Be committed to delivering excellent, accessible, and inclusive service to all our customers
- Meet the relevant Rail Industry Standards requirements (reasonable adjustments considered where needed)
- Be able to commit to the 35–39-week training programme (starting in 2026/27) with full support from our team to help you succeed
- Live within 1 hour of the depot you are applying to.
- Be able to work shifts, with very early starts and late finishes
- Internal candidates will also go through an interna review which will consist of a full check of absence (in line with MFA), Line Manager reference of performance and conduct in role; A review of any safety incidents which have occurred, and any live and previous disciplinaries (these will be reviewed and considered by your current line manager and future line manager)
If you\’re passionate about learning and ready for a new challenge, we\’d love to hear from you.
Benefits
We\’re proud to offer a range of benefits designed to support you both at work and at home including enhanced parental leave, flexible working options, health and wellbeing support, and career development opportunities.
Other Benefits Include
- Holiday, starts on 30 days, goes up by one day a year up to 35 days
- Pension is defined benefit, so contributions can vary but benefit is fixed and inflated each year
- Free travel on Arriva Rail services (CrossCountry, Chiltern, London Overground and Grand Central) plus reciprocal travel on West Midlands Trains in the Birmingham area
- 75% off other UK rail companies
- Discounted European rail travel after one year
- Access to the \’Arriva\’s Village\’ (offering web based discounts on various products/services on the high street
Recruitment Process
We\’re committed to a fair and inclusive selection process, and we believe that transparency helps everyone feel confident and supported throughout the recruitment process. Once you\’ve submitted your application, our recruitment team will review it against the role criteria, and you\’ll hear from us about next steps within two to three weeks. Shortlisted candidates will then be invited to an online assessment, with plenty of notice and clear guidance to help you succeed.
The Selection Process Includes
- A review of your online application
- Online assessments (facilitated by our assessment partner, SHL)
- Train Driver Psychometric Testing
- Values Alignment meeting
- A safety-critical medical
Please note:
Due to the structured nature of the training programme, successful applicants must attend on the specified dates. Annual leave will be scheduled in line with the training plan.
Apply by:
3rd November 2025.
At CrossCountry, we\’re committed to building a workplace where everyone feels they belong, a team that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve and the passengers we support every day.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences including women, people from ethnic minority / global majority backgrounds, people with disabilities, neurodivergent people, LGBTQ+ colleagues, and those with caring responsibilities.
We\’re a Disability Confident employer, and we\’re happy to make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process or in the workplace to ensure everyone can perform at their best. If there\’s something we can do to support you, please let us know in confidence when you apply.
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Apprentice Train Driver employer: Arriva Group
Contact Detail:
Arriva Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice Train Driver
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research CrossCountry and understand their values and mission. This will help you tailor your responses during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for the online assessments by familiarising yourself with the types of questions you might face. There are plenty of resources out there, so don’t hesitate to use them to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Be yourself during the values alignment meeting. This is your chance to showcase your personality and how you align with CrossCountry's commitment to inclusivity and safety. Authenticity goes a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you can set up job alerts to stay updated on new opportunities that match your interests.
We think you need these skills to ace Apprentice Train Driver
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When you're filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to know who you are beyond just your qualifications. Share your passion for the role and what makes you a great fit for our team.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to match the job description. Highlight your relevant skills and experiences that align with what we're looking for in an Apprentice Train Driver. This shows us you’ve done your homework!
Show Your Commitment: We’re looking for candidates who are ready to commit to the training programme. In your application, express your enthusiasm for learning and how you plan to tackle the challenges ahead. We love seeing that dedication!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our company there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Arriva Group
✨Know Your Safety Standards
As an Apprentice Train Driver, safety is paramount. Make sure you understand the relevant Rail Industry Standards and be ready to discuss how you prioritise safety in your daily life. This shows that you take personal responsibility seriously.
✨Show Your Commitment to Learning
The training programme is intensive, so demonstrate your proactive approach to learning. Share examples of how you've tackled challenges in the past and express your enthusiasm for the structured training ahead. This will highlight your readiness for the role.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration
Being part of a team is crucial in this role. Prepare to talk about your experiences working with others, especially in high-pressure situations. Highlight how you support your colleagues and contribute to a positive working environment.
✨Be Ready for Shift Work
Since the job involves early starts and late finishes, be prepared to discuss your flexibility regarding shift patterns. Show that you understand the demands of the role and are willing to adapt your schedule to meet them.