At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive trains safely while ensuring excellent customer service and communication.
- Company: Join First Rail London, a leading rail operator committed to sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy free travel on TfL, discounts on season tickets, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Flexible shifts and a commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team making travel smoother for Londoners every day.
- Qualifications: Must have 2 years of mainline driving experience and a strong safety record.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 33000 £ per year.
Who are we
First Rail London (FRL) is the train operating company responsible for running the London Overground network under a concession agreement with Transport for London (TfL). The concession began in May 2026. FirstRail London is part of FirstGroup, one of the leading rail operators and one of the largest bus operators in the UK. FirstGroup operates services throughout the UK and Ireland, with over 30,000 employees providing services that make travel smoother and life easier. FirstGroup works hard to reduce its impact on the environment, introducing cleaner and more environmentally responsible methods of transport.
About the job
We are on the hunt for highly committed and customer focused Qualified Train Drivers across London. You will need to have a minimum of 2 years' experience of continually productive main line train driving experience along with a good safety of the line record who ideally has come from a passenger railway background. As a First Rail London Train Driver, you will primarily work alone whilst maintaining high levels of concentration at all times, being fully responsible for passenger's safety. You won't just drive our trains, you will act as a technical and operational specialist, delivering high standards of on-train service as expected from our customers. We pride ourselves on safety and customer service and are therefore seeking individuals with an excellent safety of the line record, proven train driving experience as well as a passion for the rail industry and delivering an on-time service for our passengers.
To be successful in this role, you will need to be safety conscious and able to deal with pressurised situations and emergencies, whilst working as a team player communicating with the Control teams with the goal of always delivering fantastic customer service.
What we're looking for
- A good safety of the line record
- Excellent communication skills with a customer focussed attitude
- Have a proactive 'can do' approach
- To work well in a team, as well as to have the ability to work in a highly autonomous environment
- The ability to effectively work under pressure and react positively to unforeseen circumstances
- To have flexibility regarding work and shift patterns with the ability to work both days and nights, including weekends
- To have a minimum of 2 years' Qualified Mainline driver experience
- The ideal individual will have experience driving passenger services
- To live within one hour of the New Cross Gate Depot.
All applicants will be expected to sit an interview, upon successful completion of this we will then complete a Safety of the Line check and a medical. If you have a pre-booked holiday, please inform us during the application process, as this may impact your start date.
The reward
- Free Travel for you and a nominated person at your address on TfL Network - this alone is worth a potential total of £5,200 per annum
- 75% discount off season tickets and leisure travel on other Train Operating Companies
- Discounts on European rail services after 1 year of service
- First Xclusives - a benefits portal offering a wide range of benefits and discounts
- Employee Assistance Programme - 24-hour helpline, covering a multitude of subjects.
We all belong at First Rail London
FirstGroup's vision is to provide an inclusive environment for all colleagues, across its group of businesses, 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.
Qualified Train Driver - New Cross Gate employer: FirstGroup plc
GWR, as part of FirstGroup plc, is an exceptional employer that champions a dynamic and inclusive work culture in the heart of London Paddington. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, we offer unique opportunities to engage in innovative retail initiatives within the railway sector, all while enjoying the flexibility of hybrid working arrangements. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team that values your contributions and prioritises customer satisfaction.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Qualified Train Driver - New Cross Gate
✨Connect with Local Logistic Groups
Dive into local transportation and logistics groups on platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn. Show up to their meetups if you can – it's a great way to network with industry pros who can share insights, job openings, or even refer you to their own company.
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Look for job boards specific to transportation and logistics, like Logistics Job Site or TransportJobs. These platforms often have listings that you won’t find on general job boards, so they’re worth checking out regularly!
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When you find openings at great companies, make sure to apply directly through our website. It not only shows your initiative but also helps us to help you get noticed by FirstGroup plc. Every application gets us one step closer to landing that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Qualified Train Driver - New Cross Gate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're applying for a role in the transportation and logistics sector at FirstGroup plc, make sure to highlight any relevant experience. Whether it's moving goods, coordinating schedules, or using transportation management software, give us the lowdown on your past gigs. It'll paint a clearer picture of what you're capable of!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers speak volumes in logistics! If you've optimised routes, reduced delivery times, or improved customer satisfaction, mention those incredible stats in your CV. This gives us concrete evidence of your impact and showcases your problem-solving skills.
Tailor That Cover Letter:Your cover letter should be more than just a formality—let it breathe your personality and passion for logistics! Explain why you're excited about the role at FirstGroup plc and how you can contribute to our team. Don't forget to tie in specific skills or experiences that relate to the job description.
Research and Reflect:Before you hit 'submit,' spend some time digging into FirstGroup plc. Understand our mission, values, and the specific challenges in the logistics industry. This will help you craft a targeted application that shows you truly want to be part of our crew, setting you apart from the rest!
How to prepare for a job interview at FirstGroup plc
✨Know Your Logistics Basics
Get familiar with the key principles of transportation and logistics, like supply chain management, inventory control, and route optimisation. You might get asked practical questions about how to improve efficiency, so brush up on your problem-solving skills and be prepared to discuss any relevant software tools you've used.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In logistics, employers love to gauge how you'd handle real-life situations. Expect scenario-based questions where you’ll need to demonstrate your decision-making skills, like how to manage delays or coordinate shipments during a crisis. Practise outlining your thought process clearly and logically.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Experience
Full-time roles in logistics often require collaboration with various teams, so don't forget to showcase your teamwork experience. Think of examples where you've used communication and collaboration to ensure smooth operations, and get ready to elaborate on how you can facilitate teamwork in a busy environment like at FirstGroup plc.
✨Show Off Your Attention to Detail
In our world of logistics, missing a small detail can lead to big problems. Be prepared to discuss instances where your attention to detail saved the day, whether it was engaging with clients, managing documentation, or tracking shipments accurately. This will help demonstrate how you can be a reliable asset to FirstGroup plc.
