Trainee Depot Driver - Bristol

Overview

GWR is the proud custodian of Brunel\’s railway and operates one of the most prestigious networks in the world. We carry more than one hundred million passenger journeys each year to over 275 stations in the South West, from Cornwall and South Wales to London, through beautiful country and top tourist destinations. We are transforming the way people think about train travel, empowering our team of over 6,000 people from diverse backgrounds to deliver a great customer experience. We aim to revalue rail as a relaxing, fast, efficient, friendly and fun way to travel.

Is your ambition to drive trains?

This Depot Driver role will give you a strong grounding in a safe environment with opportunities to develop your skills in train handling and driving, with potential progression to Mainline Train Driver later in your career.

You will be responsible for train driving and other driver-related activities, including preparing, driving and disposing of traction units, safely and punctually, at our Engineering Depot, St Philips Marsh. When qualified as a Depot Driver, you may also drive on the mainline up to designated signals between the depot and the affiliated station.

The role reports to the Driver Management Team at St Philips Marsh and Bristol Temple Meads. Trainee Depot Drivers support our mainline service to create a timely, relaxed, fast, efficient, and enjoyable passenger experience.

This is an excellent opportunity if you enjoy learning in a work-based environment. The training course requires commitment to learning with an intensive period of training, including assessments based on practical and classroom learning. You will receive support and guidance to pass the training and progress to a Qualified Depot Driver.

About You

Do you have fantastic time management skills with the ability to work alone and stay safety-focused?

Are you able to follow instructions when safety is paramount?

Do you have excellent communication skills and enjoy working within procedures and protocols?

Do you enjoy assisting colleagues and customers in the interests of safety and customer service?

If so, this could be an excellent career opportunity for you.

As a minimum you\’ll need to:

• Be at least 21 years of age to be accepted on to the training course, as this is presently an industry requirement.
• Live within 60 minutes travel time to the depot, without using public transport when it is not available. This is a safety requirement and not negotiable.
• Work shifts of varying start times, including weekends and night shifts.
• Pass a full driver medical which includes hearing, sight, and colour vision tests (Ishihara plates).

Additional Information

We don’t require previous railway experience. We welcome colleagues from diverse industries and backgrounds and value energy, enthusiasm and a willingness to learn in a structured environment.

We are committed to making GWR an inclusive place of work and to delivering an inclusive railway for all. This role involves a stringent recruitment process with ability tests; practice test materials are provided when invited to testing events.

The training salary rate is £32,489 per annum, rising to £48,373 when fully qualified. If your application is successful and you pass the recruitment process, you will be placed in a Talent Pool pending available vacancies in 2026/27 and beyond in line with our Recruitment Policy.

For further information please refer to the documents attached: Trainee Depot Driver Role Profile and Trainee Depot Driver FAQs.

The Reward

As well as a great team environment and comprehensive training, all GWR colleagues enjoy a range of benefits including a defined benefit salary pension scheme, free rail travel across the GWR network for you and your family, a company-sponsored healthcare plan, and an Employee assistance programme.

In case of technical difficulties when submitting your application, please contact the Recruitment Team at GWR Recruitment via email (information provided in the job posting).

We all belong at GWR. This is our vision for providing an inclusive environment for all colleagues, ensuring equal opportunity to access meaningful employment. We value differences such as age, gender, LGBTQIA+, ethnicity, religion and disability and maintain zero tolerance towards prejudice. We celebrate diversity of thought and support flexible working where possible. If you require additional support to complete your application due to a disability or neurodivergent condition, please follow the links provided in the original posting for further guidance.