Conductor

Conductor

Reading Full-Time 30000 - 42000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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FirstGroup plc

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Deliver world-class customer service and ensure safety on board our trains.
  • Company: Join Great Western Railway, a leader in transforming train travel.
  • Benefits: Enjoy free rail travel, health care, and a competitive salary with growth potential.
  • Why this job: Be an ambassador for GWR and create memorable experiences for passengers.
  • Qualifications: Excellent communication skills and front-line customer service experience required.
  • Other info: Flexible shifts, dynamic team environment, and opportunities for personal development.

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

Overview

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!

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?

  • Are you passionate and proactive about delivering outstanding customer service?
  • Are you determined 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.

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.

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 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 passed out as competent. Many conductors earn over £45,000 a year.

Equality and inclusion

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.

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Conductor employer: FirstGroup plc

Great Western Railway (GWR) is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises customer experience and safety. With comprehensive training, ongoing development opportunities, and a range of benefits including free rail travel for employees and their families, GWR fosters a supportive environment where diversity is celebrated. Located at Reading station, employees enjoy the convenience of being close to shopping and amenities while contributing to a transformative vision for train travel in the South West.
FirstGroup plc

Contact Detail:

FirstGroup plc Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Conductor

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know GWR's values and mission. When you’re chatting with interviewers or networking, drop in how your personal values align with theirs. It shows you’re not just looking for any job, but you genuinely want to be part of their team.

✨Tip Number 2

Practice your customer service skills! Think of scenarios where you might need to handle tricky situations on the train. Role-play with a friend or family member to get comfortable with responding calmly and effectively.

✨Tip Number 3

Network like a pro! Connect with current GWR employees on LinkedIn or at local events. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for standing out in the application process.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the GWR family!

We think you need these skills to ace Conductor

Customer Service
Safety Management
Communication Skills
Teamwork
Problem-Solving Skills
Flexibility
Adaptability
Conflict Management
Ticket Sales
Operational Awareness
Attention to Detail
Time Management
Interpersonal Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Customer Service: When writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for delivering outstanding customer experiences. Share examples of how you've gone above and beyond for customers in the past – we love to hear about those moments!

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your skills and experiences, making it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for the Conductor role.

Highlight Your Teamwork Skills: As a Conductor, you'll be working closely with others. Make sure to mention any team experiences you've had, showcasing your ability to collaborate and support your colleagues in delivering a safe and enjoyable journey for our customers.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate!

How to prepare for a job interview at FirstGroup plc

✨Know Your Customer Service Basics

As a Conductor, you'll be the face of GWR, so brush up on your customer service skills. Think about past experiences where you’ve gone above and beyond for customers. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your ability to handle challenging situations with grace.

✨Demonstrate Adaptability

GWR values flexibility, so prepare to discuss how you've adapted to new environments or unexpected changes in previous roles. Share stories that showcase your ability to stay calm under pressure and how you’ve successfully navigated tricky situations.

✨Showcase Teamwork Skills

Conductors work closely with various teams, so it’s essential to demonstrate your ability to collaborate. Think of examples where you’ve worked effectively as part of a team, especially in high-pressure scenarios. Highlight your communication skills and how you build relationships with colleagues.

✨Understand Safety Protocols

Since this is a safety-critical role, make sure you’re familiar with basic safety protocols relevant to the railway industry. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise safety in your work and any experience you have in regulated environments. This will show your commitment to maintaining a safe journey for all passengers.

Conductor
FirstGroup plc
Location: Reading
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