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’re the face of our operation, playing a vital role in delivering an exceptional journey and helping shape the future of rail travel. If you’re 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.

About the Role

As a Trainee Train Driver, you’ll embark on a structured and intensive training programme designed to give you all the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to become a fully qualified Train Driver. Driving a train is about far more than operating the controls. You’ll 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
• Playing your part in ensuring our railway operates efficiently and safely

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

About You

We’re looking for people from all backgrounds who share our commitment to safety, customer service and teamwork. You don’t need previous railway or driving experience. Many of our successful drivers have joined us from a wide variety of industries and professions. What matters most is that you:

• Put safety at the heart of everything you do
• Can remain calm, focused and attentive for extended periods
• Are comfortable following rules, procedures and instructions precisely
• Enjoy working as part of a team
• Are committed to learning and completing an intensive training programme

If that sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you.

A Railway for Everyone

At GWR, we’re 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.

Eligibility Requirements

• 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’re 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)?

Benefits

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. As well as a great team environment and comprehensive training, all GWR colleagues enjoy a range of benefits including ongoing development, a defined benefit pension scheme, free rail travel across the GWR network for you and your family, a company-sponsored health care plan, discounted shopping and gym membership and an employee assistance programme.

Equality, Diversity 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 a zero tolerance towards any form of prejudice toward 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.