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- Tasks: Become a Train Driver and ensure safe, reliable transport for our customers.
- 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: Must be 20+, committed to training, and passionate about safety and service.
- Other info: Structured training programme with excellent career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 32717 - 43347 £ per year.
Apprentice Train Driver – Newcastle
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
- Be able to work shifts, with very early starts and late finishes
- Live within 1 hour of the depot you are applying to.
- Internal candidates will also go through an internal 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
- 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
Please note: You must be 20 years old or above to apply for this role. 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.
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 employer: Arriva
Contact Detail:
Arriva 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, mission, and what they stand for. 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
Be yourself during the values alignment meeting. This is your chance to showcase your personality and how it aligns 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 the attention it deserves. 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 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for becoming a Train Driver shine through. We want to see that you're genuinely excited about the role and ready to take on the challenges that come with it.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Even if you haven't worked in the rail industry before, think about any experiences that showcase your commitment to safety and teamwork. We love seeing how your background can contribute to our mission of delivering excellent service.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your skills and experiences are easy to understand. Avoid jargon and focus on what makes you a great fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the application process there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Arriva
✨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 the training ahead.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration
Being part of a team is crucial in this role. Prepare to talk about your experiences working in teams, how you support others, and how you contribute to a positive working environment. This will highlight your ability to collaborate effectively.
✨Be Ready for Shift Work
Since the role involves early starts and late finishes, be prepared to discuss your flexibility and willingness to adapt to shift patterns. This shows that you understand the demands of the job and are ready to meet them head-on.
