At a Glance
- Tasks: Become a Train Driver and ensure safe, reliable transport for our customers.
- Company: Join CrossCountry, a diverse team committed to inclusion and safety.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, free travel, and generous holiday.
- Why this job: Make a difference every day while building a rewarding career in the railway industry.
- Qualifications: Must be 20+ years old and passionate about learning and safety.
- Other info: Structured training programme with excellent career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 32717 - 43347 £ per year.
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. (We’re happy to discuss flexibility or adjustments where needed)
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
- You can buy more holiday
- 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
This process can take several months to complete and will normally result in successful candidates being held in our talent pool until a vacancy arises at their chosen location. When a vacancy arises, the preferred candidate will be selected from the talent pool, formally offered an apprentice Train Driver role and given a start date. The start date will normally align to the commencement of your training, which you must complete before you can be authorised to drive a train without being supervised by a qualified / licensed Train Driver.
Please Note: Apply by: 20th February 2026
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.
The current minimum age for train driver licensing is 20, though this may soon be lowered to 18. If you’ve completed secondary education and are keen to start a railway career, we’d love to hear from you. You can apply to join our Talent Pool now, and we’ll progress your application once you meet the required age for driver training.
We believe inclusion drives innovation, and we’re proud to be building a culture where everyone can thrive and reach their full potential.
Did you know you can set up alerts for new job opportunities? Simply navigate to 'My Job Alerts' in the Jobs Hub to get started.
Apprentice Train Driver - Leicester employer: Arriva Group
Contact Detail:
Arriva Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice Train Driver - Leicester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research CrossCountry and understand their values, mission, and the role of a Train Driver. This will help you tailor your approach 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
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips and maybe even give you a heads-up about what to expect during the selection process.
✨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 - Leicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When 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 highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Apprentice Train Driver role. Use keywords from the job description to show us you understand what we’re looking for.
Show Your Commitment: We’re looking for candidates who are dedicated to learning and safety. In your application, emphasise your willingness to commit to the training programme and your proactive approach to maintaining a safe working environment.
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 recruitment process there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Arriva Group
✨Know Your Safety Standards
As an Apprentice Train Driver, safety is paramount. Familiarise yourself with 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 structured and intensive, so demonstrate your proactive approach to learning. Share examples of how you've tackled challenges in the past and express your enthusiasm for acquiring new skills during the training.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Support
Collaboration is key in this role. Be prepared to talk about experiences where you've worked effectively in a team or supported others. Highlighting your positive attitude towards teamwork will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Be Ready for Assessments
Expect online assessments and psychometric testing as part of the selection process. Practise similar tests beforehand to boost your confidence. This preparation will help you perform at your best when it counts.