At a Glance
- 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.
- Other info: Structured training programme with excellent career development opportunities.
- 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.
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.
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Apprentice Train Driver employer: Arriva
At CrossCountry, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises safety and personal growth. Our structured training programme for Apprentice Train Drivers not only equips you with essential skills but also provides numerous benefits such as enhanced parental leave, flexible working options, and generous holiday allowances, all while fostering a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice Train Driver
✨Get Your Hands Dirty
In skilled trades, practical experience is everything. Consider volunteering or doing odd jobs in your area to build up your skills and visibility. Local businesses often appreciate helping hands and it might just lead to a full-time gig!
✨Join Trade Associations
Look into joining organisations specific to your trade (like the National Federation of Builders or similar). They often have job boards, networking events, and apprenticeships that can put you in touch with employers who value skilled workers. Plus, being part of these communities adds credibility to your profiles!
✨Showcase Your Work Online
Craft a portfolio that highlights your craftsmanship—before and after photos, project descriptions, and client testimonials are all golden! Share this on platforms that cater to skilled trades, like Instagram or dedicated forums, to attract potential employers looking for your skillset.
✨Apply Directly and Follow Up
Don’t just rely on job boards—visit local businesses, introduce yourself, and drop off your CV. Building rapport face-to-face can work wonders in the skilled trades sector. And remember, following up after applying through our website shows dedication; it might just give you an edge over other candidates!
We think you need these skills to ace Apprentice Train Driver
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills with Certificates:In the skilled trades world, your practical skills and certifications are key! Make sure you highlight any relevant qualifications or training you've completed. If you’ve got a trade-specific certificate, like an NVQ or City & Guilds, include it in your CV to catch Arriva's eye.
Tailor Your CV to the Job:Don’t just send out a generic CV; tailor it specifically for the skilled trades role at Arriva. Emphasise your hands-on experience, the tools and techniques you’re proficient in, and any notifiable compliance standards you've met. This shows that you’ve put thought into your application.
Highlight Your Projects or Achievements:Don’t forget to showcase any significant projects or achievements in your cover letter. Whether it’s completing a complex installation or meeting deadlines on a large project, these details make a big difference. They help paint a picture of your expertise and dedication!
Keep It Concise and Relevant:When applying for a full-time role in skilled trades, keep your writing to the point. Hiring managers appreciate clear, concise applications. Focus on relevant experiences and skills, and avoid fluff. Remember, they’re looking for someone who can get the job done—so show them you can!
How to prepare for a job interview at Arriva
✨Master the Hands-On Skills
In skilled trades, practical skills matter a ton. Be ready to showcase your hands-on abilities during the interview—whether it's through a practical test or a demonstration of your craftsmanship. Bring your best examples of past projects to discuss them in detail!
✨Know Your Tools Like the Back of Your Hand
Employers in the skilled trades often want to hear about your proficiency with specific tools and equipment. Brush up on the tools relevant to your field and be prepared to discuss your experiences using them. This shows you’re not just experienced but also safe and competent.
✨Be Ready to Talk About Safety Practices
Safety is paramount in skilled trades. Be prepared to discuss your knowledge of safety regulations and how you've implemented them in previous roles. This will demonstrate your commitment to a safe working environment—a quality that employers highly value.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
When tackling skilled trade roles, employers want to know about your ability to think on your feet. Be ready with examples of how you've solved unexpected problems on the job. This will illustrate your adaptability and resourcefulness, key traits for a full-time position at Arriva.
