Trainee Train Driver in Plymouth

Do you want the best seat on the railway? Every day, our Train Drivers help thousands of customers travel safely, comfortably and on time. They are the face of our operation, playing a vital role in delivering an exceptional journey and helping shape the future of rail travel.

If you are looking for a career that offers responsibility, challenge, continuous learning and genuine pride in what you do, our Trainee Train Driver programme could be your ticket to an exciting new future.

As a Trainee Train Driver, you will embark on a structured and intensive training programme designed to give you the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to become a fully qualified Train Driver. Driving a train is about far more than operating controls. You will be responsible for:

• Delivering a safe and reliable service for our customers
• Maintaining concentration and focus throughout your shifts
• Following strict operational procedures and safety standards
• Communicating effectively with colleagues and control teams
• Providing excellent customer service and representing GWR professionally
• Ensuring the railway operates efficiently and safely

This is a rewarding career that combines technical expertise, personal responsibility and customer focus. Throughout your training, you will undertake both practical and academic assessments, supported by experienced instructors and colleagues who are committed to helping you succeed.

We are looking for people from all backgrounds who share our commitment to safety, customer service and teamwork. Previous railway or driving experience is not required. Many of our successful drivers have joined from a wide variety of industries and professions.

What matters most is that you:

• Put safety at the heart of everything you do
• Remain calm, focused and attentive for extended periods
• Are comfortable following rules, procedures and instructions precisely
• Have excellent communication skills
• Enjoy working as part of a team
• Are committed to learning and completing an intensive training programme
• Take pride in delivering great customer experiences

At GWR, we are building a railway that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive, feel valued and fulfil their potential. We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.

Starting salary: £33,594 p/a

Qualified Driver salary: £71,455 p/a

Safety is at the heart of everything we do. As part of our selection process, candidates will complete a series of assessments and interviews designed to measure the key skills and attributes required for the role.

Before applying, please ensure that you can answer yes to the following:

• Are you 20½ years of age or older? (This is a requirement for entry onto the programme.)
• Do you live within 60 minutes’ commuting distance of the depot/station you are applying for?
• Are you able to work a variety of shifts, including early mornings, nights, weekends and bank holidays?
• Are you prepared to undertake and pass a full railway medical, including hearing, eyesight and colour vision assessments (including Ishihara colour vision testing)?

We are currently advertising for Trainee Train Drivers for specified locations to join our Talent Pool. Successful candidates who complete the full recruitment and assessment process will be placed into the Talent Pool and considered for future vacancies as they arise.

Please note that this application process may take a significant period of time. There may be waiting periods between stages of assessment and training opportunities becoming available. Entry into the Talent Pool does not guarantee a training course start date.

Some Trainee Train Driver programmes may be delivered through an apprenticeship route, leading to a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification alongside your professional driver training.

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 a 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, for example, dyslexia, dyspraxia or autism, please share any additional needs you may require so we can provide a fair and equal process for all who apply.