Trainee Train Driver - Heathrow Express
Trainee Train Driver - Heathrow Express

Trainee Train Driver - Heathrow Express

City of London Apprenticeship 24800 - 25100 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Drive modern trains and provide exceptional customer service on the Heathrow Express.
  • Company: Join GWR, a forward-thinking company focused on inclusivity and innovation.
  • Benefits: Earn a competitive salary starting at £29,884, rising to £66,402 when qualified.
  • Why this job: Be part of the future of travel while enjoying a dynamic and rewarding career.
  • Qualifications: No prior experience needed; just a passion for service and commitment to training.
  • Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent growth opportunities.

The predicted salary is between 24800 - 25100 £ per year.

About the role

Our Heathrow Express driver role is a premium Heathrow service, for those passionate about customer service, who love to drive the most up to date trains using modern in-cab signalling.

Our Train Drivers play a crucial role in setting a new standard for rail which is focused on creating a relaxed, fast, efficient, and fun experience for our passengers. In addition to driving our customers between Paddington and Heathrow airport, you will be giving amazing customer service, while following the correct procedures and working with colleagues to ensure our services runs efficiently.

Our Trainee Driver programme requires hard work, a commitment to an intensive period of training and exceptional attention to detail but offers a rewarding career with the opportunity to be part of the changing future of travel. There will be assessments throughout your training period, both practical and academic, which will give you all the tools and support you need to progress through to a Qualified Driver.

About you

If you are safety focused, able to concentrate for long periods of time, can follow strict instructions and procedures and have a passion for delivering great service this could be the career for you.

No specific previous experience is required, we have colleagues that have successfully progressed through our trainee programme that have joined us from many different backgrounds. Most importantly it\’s about your ability to deliver great service, commitment to an intensive training programme, communication and team working skills.

We value diversity and have a strategy that sets out our approach to ensure we broaden our appeal to both our customers and colleagues. Making GWR an inclusive place to work is essential for us to deliver a railway that is inclusive for customers.

Do you want the best seat in the train?

Drive your career forward with our HEX Trainee Driver role.

This could be your window for a new career!

Apply now, to be in with a chance of becoming one of our apprentice HEX Trainee Drivers, with a great training salary of £29,884, rising to £66,402 when fully qualified!

Additional Information

Safety and our Passengers are at the heart of everything we do in GWR and to ensure our Trainees have the aptitude and passion to drive this, through the application process, which involves ability testing and interviews which measure key requirements of the role.

There are a few essentials to consider before applying:

  • Are you over 21 years of age? This is a requirement to be accepted on to the programme.
  • Do you live within 60 minutes commuting distance of Paddington Station? For safety reasons you must live within this maximum commuting time to the job location and be able to arrive for a variety of shifts, including weekends and nights which will have varying start and finish times.
  • If successful any offer of employment is subject to a full driver medical which includes passing hearing, sight, and colour vision tests (using the Ishihara plates).
  • GWR will perform psychometric test history checks on all candidates who pass short-listing/video interview, there is a RSSB standard that governs this.

RIS-3751-TOM Issue 4, Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) national standard. 7th December 2024. There is also an older version on the RSSB website that may apply to you if you sat your psychometric testing already and before 7th December 2025.

Your application is processed depending on which standard is relevant to you. To view the more recent national rules relating to the ability testing/psychometric testing please see attached document to view the older rules please check the RSSB website.

We have opportunities for Trainee Train Drivers in Heathrow Express Paddington, to join our Talent Pool for 2026/2027.

If your application is successful and you pass the assessment process, you will be placed in a Talent Pool pending available vacancies in 2026/2027, in line with our Recruitment Policy.

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 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.

There are resources available for neurodiversity support:

There are links to related resources and documents in the original description that can be viewed offline.

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Trainee Train Driver - Heathrow Express employer: FirstGroup Internal

At GWR, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that values diversity and fosters employee growth. Our Trainee Train Driver programme not only provides a competitive training salary but also equips you with the skills needed for a rewarding career in rail, all while working in the vibrant environment of Heathrow Express. Join us to be part of a team dedicated to delivering outstanding customer service and shaping the future of travel.
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Contact Detail:

FirstGroup Internal Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Trainee Train Driver - Heathrow Express

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the company! Research Heathrow Express and understand their values, especially around customer service and safety. This will help you tailor your responses during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.

✨Tip Number 2

Practice makes perfect! Prepare for the assessments by brushing up on your communication and teamwork skills. You might even want to role-play scenarios with friends to get comfortable with delivering great service under pressure.

✨Tip Number 3

Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips about the application process and what it’s really like to work as a Trainee Train Driver at Heathrow Express.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll find all the latest updates and opportunities right there, making it easier for us to keep in touch with you.

We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Train Driver - Heathrow Express

Customer Service
Attention to Detail
Safety Awareness
Ability to Follow Instructions
Concentration for Long Periods
Team Working Skills
Communication Skills
Commitment to Training
Adaptability
Time Management
Problem-Solving Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Customer Service: When writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for delivering great customer service. Share any experiences where you've gone the extra mile for someone, as this is key to our role!

Highlight Your Attention to Detail: We’re looking for candidates who can follow strict instructions and procedures. Make sure to mention any relevant experiences that showcase your ability to pay attention to detail, whether in previous jobs or training.

Be Clear About Your Commitment: Our Trainee Driver programme is intensive, so it’s important to express your commitment to the training process. Let us know why you’re ready to put in the hard work and what motivates you to succeed in this role.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and the application process there.

How to prepare for a job interview at FirstGroup Internal

✨Know Your Role

Familiarise yourself with the specifics of the Trainee Train Driver position. Understand the importance of customer service and safety in this role, as well as the modern technology used in trains. This will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest.

✨Showcase Your Commitment

Emphasise your willingness to commit to the intensive training programme. Share examples from your past where you've demonstrated dedication and hard work, whether in previous jobs or personal projects. This will highlight your readiness for the challenges ahead.

✨Practice Safety First

Since safety is paramount in this role, be prepared to discuss how you prioritise safety in your daily life or previous experiences. Think of specific scenarios where you followed strict procedures or made decisions that ensured safety for yourself and others.

✨Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

Prepare to talk about your teamwork skills. The role requires collaboration with colleagues, so share instances where you successfully worked in a team. Highlight your communication skills and how you contribute to a positive team environment.

Trainee Train Driver - Heathrow Express
FirstGroup Internal

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