At a Glance
- Tasks: Train to become a skilled train driver with hands-on experience and classroom learning.
- Company: Join Chiltern Railways, a leading commuter rail service with a focus on growth.
- Benefits: Structured training, predictable shifts, and a supportive environment for your development.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in an exciting role that keeps you on the move!
- Qualifications: Must be at least 20.5 years old and live within 60 minutes of our depot.
Role: Apprentice Train Driver
Location: Aylesbury
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £33,857.00 per annum
Ready to put your future on the right track?
Chiltern Railways is recruiting Apprentice Train Drivers for our April 2027 training schools at Aylesbury station. Successful candidates must be prepared to travel to and from our Training Academy in Banbury for the first six months of the programme (there may also be a need to travel to other locations from time to time). Following the completion of academy-based training, you will continue your practical training and development at your appointed depot.
Whether you’re leaving education, changing careers, returning to work, or looking for a new challenge, train driving could offer the rewarding and long-term career you’ve been looking for.
You don’t need previous railway experience. We’re looking for people with the right attitude, a commitment to safety, and a willingness to learn.
A career for everyone
At Chiltern Railways, we believe talent comes from all backgrounds. We’re committed to building a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve and particularly welcome applications from women, ethnic minority groups, people with disabilities, and anyone who may not have previously considered a career in rail.
Train driving isn’t about where you’ve come from, it’s about your ability to learn, stay focused, make safe decisions, and take pride in delivering a great service for our customers.
We welcome applications from individuals who have completed secondary education and are interested in building a career on the railway.
Although the minimum age for train driver licensing is 18, you can apply and be eligible to join our Talent Pool from the age of 17 years and 6 months. You must be 18 or over to start your training, and we’ll progress your application once you meet this requirement.
At Chiltern Railways, our drivers help thousands of customers travel safely and reliably every day, connecting communities from London Marylebone to destinations across Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire and the West Midlands.
What you’ll experience Earn while you learn
Our structured 12–18-month Driver Apprenticeship Programme combines classroom learning, practical experience and support from experienced Driver Instructors.
A career with real opportunities
Train driving is a respected profession offering excellent long-term career prospects, responsibility, development and job security.
Support every step of the way
From your first day, you’ll be supported by experienced colleagues, mentors and instructors who are committed to helping you succeed.
Work that matters
Every day you’ll play an important role in helping people get to work, education, appointments, family and friends safely and reliably.
What we’re looking for
We’re interested in people who are:
- At least 17 years and 6 months old to apply
- Reliable, responsible and committed to safety
- Able to remain focused and make good decisions
- Willing to learn and complete a demanding apprenticeship programme
- Comfortable working shifts, including nights, weekends and bank holidays
- Able to travel to and from work independently
- Living within 60 minutes of the appointed depot
You must also not have failed psychometric testing with any Train Operating Company within the last six months.
Remember, you don’t need previous railway experience. Many successful train drivers have joined us from retail, customer service, education, healthcare, hospitality, the armed forces and many other industries.
What the role involves
- Preparing trains for service through safety and performance checks
- Driving trains safely and professionally across the Chiltern network
- Working closely with colleagues, signallers and control teams
- Maintaining high levels of concentration and professionalism
- Making safe decisions in a dynamic operational environment
- Delivering a safe and reliable service for our customers
The recruitment process
- Application review and postcode eligibility check
- Online safety and rules-based testing
- Interview
- Medical assessment, including drug and alcohol screening
Belong at Chiltern Railways
We’re committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome, valued and able to thrive.
If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, we’ll be happy to support you.
This is more than just a job—it’s the start of a career that can take you further.
Apprentice Train Driver - Aylesbury employer: Chiltern Railways
CrossCountry is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and development, offering comprehensive training and a clear career progression path within the national transport sector. With a vibrant work culture that values diversity and inclusivity, employees enjoy generous benefits such as a competitive salary, extensive holiday allowance, and free travel on various rail services, making it an attractive place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in Edinburgh.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice Train Driver - Aylesbury
✨Connect with Local Logistic Groups
Dive into local transportation and logistics groups on platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn. Show up to their meetups if you can – it's a great way to network with industry pros who can share insights, job openings, or even refer you to their own company.
✨Get Behind the Wheel of Job Boards
Look for job boards specific to transportation and logistics, like Logistics Job Site or TransportJobs. These platforms often have listings that you won’t find on general job boards, so they’re worth checking out regularly!
✨Leverage Internships & Graduate Schemes
Many companies in transportation and logistics offer graduate schemes and internships that can pave the way to full-time positions. Don't shy away from applying; even a short stint can make a solid impact on your CV and get your foot in the door at companies like Chiltern Railways.
✨Apply Directly with Us!
When you find openings at great companies, make sure to apply directly through our website. It not only shows your initiative but also helps us to help you get noticed by Chiltern Railways. Every application gets us one step closer to landing that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Apprentice Train Driver - Aylesbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're applying for a role in the transportation and logistics sector at Chiltern Railways, make sure to highlight any relevant experience. Whether it's moving goods, coordinating schedules, or using transportation management software, give us the lowdown on your past gigs. It'll paint a clearer picture of what you're capable of!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers speak volumes in logistics! If you've optimised routes, reduced delivery times, or improved customer satisfaction, mention those incredible stats in your CV. This gives us concrete evidence of your impact and showcases your problem-solving skills.
Tailor That Cover Letter:Your cover letter should be more than just a formality—let it breathe your personality and passion for logistics! Explain why you're excited about the role at Chiltern Railways and how you can contribute to our team. Don't forget to tie in specific skills or experiences that relate to the job description.
Research and Reflect:Before you hit 'submit,' spend some time digging into Chiltern Railways. Understand our mission, values, and the specific challenges in the logistics industry. This will help you craft a targeted application that shows you truly want to be part of our crew, setting you apart from the rest!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chiltern Railways
✨Know Your Logistics Basics
Get familiar with the key principles of transportation and logistics, like supply chain management, inventory control, and route optimisation. You might get asked practical questions about how to improve efficiency, so brush up on your problem-solving skills and be prepared to discuss any relevant software tools you've used.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In logistics, employers love to gauge how you'd handle real-life situations. Expect scenario-based questions where you’ll need to demonstrate your decision-making skills, like how to manage delays or coordinate shipments during a crisis. Practise outlining your thought process clearly and logically.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Experience
Full-time roles in logistics often require collaboration with various teams, so don't forget to showcase your teamwork experience. Think of examples where you've used communication and collaboration to ensure smooth operations, and get ready to elaborate on how you can facilitate teamwork in a busy environment like at Chiltern Railways.
✨Show Off Your Attention to Detail
In our world of logistics, missing a small detail can lead to big problems. Be prepared to discuss instances where your attention to detail saved the day, whether it was engaging with clients, managing documentation, or tracking shipments accurately. This will help demonstrate how you can be a reliable asset to Chiltern Railways.
