Conductor

Conductor

Reading Full-Time 30000 - 42000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: As a Conductor, you'll ensure a safe and enjoyable journey for passengers.
  • Company: Join GWR, a leading railway company with a commitment to exceptional service and sustainability.
  • Benefits: Enjoy free rail travel, health care plans, and a competitive salary with opportunities for growth.
  • Why this job: Be part of a diverse team transforming train travel into a memorable experience for customers.
  • Qualifications: You need excellent communication skills and a passion for customer service.
  • Other info: Must be 18+, flexible with shifts, and live within 60 minutes of Reading station.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.

Conductor

Reading

£37,251basic after training
Who are we?

GWR is the proud custodian of Brunel\’s railway – one of the most prestigious in the world. We have some of the newest trains in the country and exciting plans to extend our services and open new stations. With more than one hundred million passenger journeys each year, we carry people to over 280 stations in the South West, from Cornwall and South Wales to London, passing through beautiful country and some of the UK\’s top tourist destinations.

We are transforming the way people think about train travel, empowering our diverse team of nearly 7,000 people to make it a great experience for our customers. Together, we will revalue rail as a very special way to travel – relaxing, fast, efficient and sustainable.

About the team

Conductors are part of the On Train team and work alongside colleagues from Revenue Protection, particularly our Ticket Examiners. You will also liaise with the driver of the train and station colleagues

What is the job?

As a Conductor, you will deliver a world-class customer experience throughout the journey and will ensure the safety of everyone using GWR services. You\’ll be able to adapt to new people, new places and new situations. We are proud in GWR to share a common set of values – these help us deliver for our customers and serve our communities across the West. Working on board our trains, you will clearly demonstrate these behaviours and attitudes and will give our customers an experience they will remember for all the right reasons!

What are the main responsibilities?

  • To be an ambassador for Great Western Railway by delivering the best customer experience and a safe journey.
  • To be visible to our customers, providing information and help in a friendly and reassuring way.
  • To manage the safety and operational activities of the train.
  • To check and sell tickets, providing information and assistance as required.
  • To ensure a safe, clean, and pleasant environment is maintained.

What are you looking for?

If you can say “Yes” to these questions, you might be just the person for the job!

Are you passionate and proactive about delivering outstanding customer service?

Are youdetermined to always perform well and be proud to portray a professional image?

Can you be flexible in your working with the ability to work a variety of shifts including weekends and bank holidays?

Are you comfortable with working in a strictly regulated industry?

Are you able to stay cool, calm, and collected when things don\’t go to plan?

What do I need?

  • An understanding of customers\’ needs.
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • The ability to build relationships and work as part of a team.
  • Experience of front-line customer service.
  • The confidence to manage challenging situations.

Where is the job?

The position is based in our depot at Reading station, just a short walk from the shopping centre. This is where you will start and end your shifts.

What else do I need to know?

The shifts include early starts and late finishes as well as weekends and bank holidays. You will be working an average of 35 hours a week. Starting and finishing times may be at times when public transport is not available so you must be able to get to and from the station without relying on this. You must live within 60 minutes travelling time of the depot. As this is a safety-critical role, you must be at least 18 to apply. You will have a medical which will include testing your hearing, vision and colour vision.

This role is being advertised to create a talent pool ready for predicted vacancies.

The Reward:

As well as a great team environment and comprehensive training, all GWR colleagues enjoy a range of benefits including on-going development, defined benefit pension scheme, free rail travel across the GWR network for you and your family, company-sponsored health care plan, discounted shopping and an employee assistance programme.

The basic rate of pay during your training is £25,501 and this rises to a basic rate of £37,251 when you are productive. Many conductors earn over £45,000 a year, including the benefits of enhancements over the basic rate

We all belong at GWR. This is our vision for providing an inclusive environment for all our colleagues, ensuring all candidates have an equal opportunity to access meaningful employment.

We value our differences such as age, gender, LGBTQIA, ethnicity, religion and disability. We maintain zero tolerance towards any form of prejudice towards our colleagues, customers, and future talent.

We celebrate and encourage diversity of thought, progressive ways of working and seeing all our colleagues grow and thrive.

We review all roles and job descriptions to ensure they are accessible and, where possible, we support and provide flexible working options; we recommend that you refer to each vacancy description for further details.

If you require additional support to complete your application due to a disability or neurodivergent condition such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, or autism, please follow the links below. We encourage you to share any additional needs you may require so we can provide a fair and equal process for all who apply.

https://exceptionalindividuals.com/neurodiversity/

https://www.healthassured.org/blog/neurodiversity/

INGWR

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Conductor employer: First Group

Great Western Railway (GWR) is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises customer service and employee development. Based in Reading, employees benefit from comprehensive training, a defined benefit pension scheme, and free rail travel for themselves and their families, all while working in a diverse and inclusive environment that values every individual. With opportunities for career growth and a commitment to employee well-being, GWR is dedicated to transforming the rail experience for both staff and passengers alike.
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Contact Detail:

First Group Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Conductor

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with GWR's values and customer service philosophy. Understanding what they stand for will help you align your responses during interviews and demonstrate that you're a good fit for their team.

✨Tip Number 2

Brush up on your communication skills, especially in handling challenging situations. Being able to showcase your ability to remain calm and professional under pressure will be crucial in this role.

✨Tip Number 3

Network with current or former GWR conductors if possible. They can provide valuable insights into the role and the company culture, which can help you tailor your approach when applying.

✨Tip Number 4

Make sure you understand the shift patterns and travel requirements for the job. Being prepared to discuss how you'll manage these aspects during your interview will show your commitment and readiness for the role.

We think you need these skills to ace Conductor

Excellent Communication Skills
Customer Service Orientation
Teamwork and Collaboration
Problem-Solving Skills
Adaptability and Flexibility
Conflict Management
Attention to Detail
Safety Awareness
Time Management
Ability to Work Under Pressure
Interpersonal Skills
Knowledge of Ticketing Systems
Professionalism
Understanding of Regulatory Compliance

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of a Conductor at GWR. Highlight your customer service experience and ability to manage safety and operational activities in your application.

Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect the skills and experiences that align with the job description. Emphasise your communication skills, teamwork abilities, and any relevant front-line customer service experience.

Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that showcases your passion for delivering outstanding customer service. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you meet the criteria outlined in the job description.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is clear and concise. A polished application reflects your professionalism.

How to prepare for a job interview at First Group

✨Show Your Passion for Customer Service

As a Conductor, delivering outstanding customer service is key. Be prepared to share examples of how you've gone above and beyond for customers in previous roles. This will demonstrate your commitment to providing a world-class experience.

✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Adaptability

The role requires working various shifts, including weekends and bank holidays. Highlight your ability to adapt to changing situations and your willingness to work flexible hours. This shows that you understand the demands of the job.

✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently

Excellent communication skills are essential for this position. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently during the interview. You might be asked to handle hypothetical scenarios, so think about how you would communicate effectively with passengers.

✨Prepare for Safety and Operational Questions

Since this is a safety-critical role, be ready to discuss your understanding of safety protocols and how you would manage operational activities on the train. Familiarise yourself with GWR's values and how they relate to safety and customer service.

Conductor
First Group
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  • Conductor

    Reading
    Full-Time
    30000 - 42000 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-07-27

  • F

    First Group

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