At a Glance
- Tasks: Become a Train Driver and ensure safe, reliable service for passengers.
- Company: Join CrossCountry, a diverse team committed to inclusion and safety.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, free travel, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Flexible working options and excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Kickstart your railway career with structured training and real impact.
- Qualifications: Must be 20+ years old and passionate about learning.
The predicted salary is between 32717 - 43347 £ per year.
Starting salary: £32,717 per annum, rising to £43,347 on completion of training.
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.
Simply navigate to 'My Job Alerts' in the Jobs Hub to get started.
Apprentice Train Driver - Derby 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 - Derby
✨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 - Derby
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.
