Trainee Mainline Driver

Trainee Mainline Driver

Trainee 19350 - 23650 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
East Midlands Railway

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Train to become a Mainline Driver, ensuring safety and excellent customer service.
  • Company: Join East Midlands Railway, a top employer committed to diversity and inclusion.
  • Benefits: Permanent role with apprenticeship, competitive pay, and career growth opportunities.
  • Other info: Dynamic training environment with a focus on empowering diverse talent.
  • Why this job: Be part of a vital team that keeps the railway running smoothly and safely.
  • Qualifications: Open to candidates aged 16+, with a commitment to safety and customer service.

The predicted salary is between 19350 - 23650 £ per year.

We are proud to be One Team at East Midlands Railway (EMR). We are passionate about keeping people safe, delighting our customers, doing the right thing and putting customers at the heart of our sustainable railway for the East Midlands. With over 2,600 employees, our people are the reason we are so successful, and the Driver team make a crucial contribution to this. Ten times accredited as a Top Employer and a Gold Inclusive Employer, we value our people and are dedicated to making sure that everybody feels empowered to bring their authentic self to work.

We proactively embrace diversity across our workforce and recognise that we are under-represented in terms of females and ethnic minority groups. We’re therefore taking positive steps to promote a positive and inclusive culture; we welcome applications from those that identify with these groups to better represent the communities we serve.

As a Trainee Mainline Driver you will be automatically enrolled on the national Train Driver Level 3 apprenticeship programme. The apprenticeship scheme is a year long qualification and you will train alongside other successful applicants at our Training Academy based in Derby. Successful candidates will be responsible and committed to providing excellent service through efficiency, high standards and most of all, safely.

Once fully qualified as a Train Driver you will be required to work four days a week, where the working week is Monday to Sunday inclusive; and an average of 35 hours a week over the roster cycle. The recruitment process is lengthy, but the role is important and we are looking for the right candidates with the ability to manage the safety critical operational side to the role as well as provide an amazing customer experience to our customers.

You will be expected to undergo 5 parts of assessment during the recruitment process, which includes national driver testing which is conducted by The Occupational Psychology Centre, as well as successful completion of a driver medical. Assessment dates are yet to be confirmed, but the process will consist of the following:

  • Part 1 - Application and online testing
  • Part 2 – Driver testing Stage 1
  • Part 3 – Assessment Day
  • Part 4 – Strength based interviews
  • Part 5 – Driver testing Stage 2

To be eligible for this vacancy you must be: Live within 45 minutes travelling distance of London St Pancras. We welcome applications from candidates aged 16 and over. Due to the length of our recruitment process, applicants may apply before they are eligible to begin training. However, you must be at least 17 years and 9 months old before you can start the Trainee Train Driver programme and 18 years old before you can qualify and undertake driving duties.

If successful, you will be placed into the London St Pancras Talent Pool and be offered a role when opportunities become available. Training courses will commence at a number of dates throughout 2027 and possibly into 2028. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds, we promote equal opportunities for all. East Midlands Railway is a non-discriminatory employer committed to the recruitment and promotion of all on the basis of ability and merit irrespective of disability, race, gender, health, social class, sexual preference, marital status, nationality, religion, employment status or age. We’ll treat your application fairly and assess you for the job based on merit and skills.

Trainee Mainline Driver employer: East Midlands Railway

East Midlands Railway is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment at the iconic London St Pancras station. With a strong commitment to employee development and a focus on safety, staff enjoy comprehensive training, competitive allowances, and a supportive culture that values diversity and inclusion. Join us to be part of a team that prioritises customer experience while providing meaningful career growth opportunities.

East Midlands Railway

Contact Details:

East Midlands Railway Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Trainee Mainline Driver

Get Hands-On with Logistics

Look for opportunities to volunteer or intern with local transport companies or logistics firms. This experience can give you real insights into the industry and make you much more attractive to East Midlands Railway when applying for the Trainee Mainline Driver position.

Join Transportation or Logistics Groups

Find and join online communities or forums focused on transportation and logistics. Engaging with industry professionals in places like LinkedIn or relevant Facebook groups can help you stay updated on industry trends and job openings at East Midlands Railway.

Visit Career Fairs and Networking Events

Keep an eye out for career fairs specifically focused on transportation and logistics. Attending these events is a great way to meet potential employers like East Midlands Railway and create a more personal connection that could land you that Trainee Mainline Driver role.

Directly Apply on Our Website

Don't forget to head over to our website to apply for the Trainee Mainline Driver role at East Midlands Railway. It’s often the best way to ensure your application stands out, and you'll be engaging directly with our hiring team.

We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Mainline Driver

Teamwork
Logical Thinking
Problem-Solving Ability
Relationship-Building Skills
Initiative
Motivation
Proactive Mindset

Some tips for your application 🫡

Highlight Your Organisational Skills:In the transportation and logistics field, having great organisational skills is key. Make sure your CV showcases any relevant experience, like managing schedules or coordinating deliveries. If you've handled logistics in a volunteer role or a part-time gig, shout about it!

Show Your Willingness to Learn:As a trainee, we want to see your excitement about learning and growing in this space. When writing your cover letter, talk about why you're passionate about transportation and logistics, and how you hope to develop your skills with us at East Midlands Railway in this role.

Use Industry-Specific Language:When crafting your application, sprinkle in some industry-specific jargon that shows you're familiar with the world of logistics. Terms like 'supply chain management', 'route optimisation', or 'inventory control' will help demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the field.

Tailor Your CV for the Role:Make sure to adapt your CV specifically for this trainee position. Focus on your educational background relevant to logistics, any pertinent coursework, and highlight any practical experience, even if it’s just coursework projects. Let’s make your application stand out to East Midlands Railway!

How to prepare for a job interview at East Midlands Railway

Get to Grips with Logistics Basics

As a trainee in transportation and logistics, it’s crucial to have a solid understanding of the basics, like supply chain principles and inventory management. Brush up on these topics and be ready to discuss them, as they might pop up in scenarios during the interview with East Midlands Railway.

Show Off Your Organisational Skills

Logistics relies heavily on strong organisational abilities. Be prepared to share examples of how you've handled multiple tasks or managed deadlines in the past. It could be anything from a project at uni to volunteering—showing your potential through experiences can really impress the interviewers.

Familiarise Yourself with Industry Tools

Make sure you're familiar with commonly used logistics software or tools like TMS (Transportation Management Systems) or warehouse management solutions. If you’ve used any related tech during your studies or internships, be ready to talk about your experience. It shows you're actively engaged and ready to hit the ground running at East Midlands Railway.

Express Your Eagerness to Learn

As a trainee, your willingness to learn will be just as important as what you already know. During the interview, express your enthusiasm for the transportation-logistics field and your desire to absorb knowledge and skills from those around you. It's all about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but a valuable learning opportunity at East Midlands Railway.