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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive trains and support mainline services while ensuring safety and efficiency.
- Company: GWR operates one of the UK's most prestigious railway networks, serving millions annually.
- Benefits: Enjoy free rail travel, health care plans, and discounts on shopping and gym memberships.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience with a clear path to becoming a qualified train driver.
- Qualifications: Must be 21+, live within 60 minutes of the depot, and pass medical tests.
- Other info: No prior railway experience needed; just bring your enthusiasm and commitment to learn.
The predicted salary is between 26000 - 39000 £ per year.
Who are we?
GWR is the proud custodian of Brunel\’s railway – one of the most prestigious networks in the world. We have some of the newest trains in the country and exciting plans to extend our services. With more than one hundred million passenger journeys each year, we carry people to over 275 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 team of over 6,000 people from all different backgrounds to make it a great experience for our customers. Together, we will revalue rail as a very special way to travel – relaxing, fast, efficient, friendly and fun.
About the role
The role reports to the Driver Management Team at the relevant depot, i.e. Exeter, Plymouth or Penzance.
Our Trainee Depot Drivers play an essential role in supporting our mainline train service, so that we can focus on creating a timely, relaxed, fast, efficient, and fun experience for our passengers.
You will be responsible for train driving and other driver related activities, including preparing, driving and disposing of traction (train) units, safely and punctually, at our Engineering Depots; Exeter, Longrock at Penzance, or Laira at Plymouth, depending on which you apply for. Where applicable, when qualified, you\’ll also drive on the mainline up to designated signals between the depot and the affiliated station.
This role will give you a really good grounding in a safe environment with awesome opportunities; offering a rewarding career with the potential to progress to a mainline train driver later in your career, if you wish to do so.
This is an excellent opportunity if you enjoy learning in a work- based environment. Our training course requires your commitment to learning and an intensive period of training. There will be assessments throughout your training period, which will be based around both practical and classroom- based learning, giving you support and guidance you will need, to pass the training and progress to a Qualified Depot Driver.
About You
Do you have fantastic time management skills with the ability to work alone and focus on concentrating in a safety conscious environment?
Are you able to follow instructions when the need for safety is always paramount?
Do have excellent communication skills and enjoy working within an environment with strict procedures and protocols?
Do you enjoy assisting colleagues and customers in the interests of safety and customer service?
If so, this role could an excellent career opportunity for you!
As a minimum you\’ll need to:
- Be at least 21 years of age to be accepted on to the training course, as this is presently an industry requirement.
- Live within 60 minutes travel time to the depot, without using public transport when it is not available. The safety responsibilities make this requirement a necessity. This is not negotiable.
- Work shifts of varying start times, including weekends and nights shifts.
- Pass a full driver medical which includes passing hearing, sight, and colour vision tests (using the Ishihara plates) Further details in FAQs
Additional Information:
We don\’t need you to have previous Railway experience. We have colleagues from a wide range of industries and backgrounds. We do need you to bring your energy, enthusiasm and willingness to learn in a structured environment.
We are committed to making GWR and inclusive place of work that, to ensure we deliver a railway that is inclusive for our customers.
As this role is an important safety role, we have a stringent recruitment process, that includes various ability tests, that measure the key requirements needed for the role. But don\’t worry too much about this, we will send you Practice Test Materials, before we invite you to any ability testing events, so you will have plenty of time to practice for the tests.
The training salary rate is £32,489 per annum, rising to £48,373 when fully qualified.
We have opportunities for Trainee Depot Drivers at Depots in Penzance and Plymouth, to join our Talent Pool for 2025/26 and beyond.
If your application is successful and you pass the whole recruitment process, you will be placed in a Talent Pool pending available vacancies in 2025 and later in line with our Recruitment Policy
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE REVIEW THE DOCUMENTS ATTACHED TO THIS VACANCY
Trainee Depot Driver Role Profile
Trainee Depot Driver FAQs
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 gym membership and an employee assistance programme.
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.
https://www.healthassured.org/blog/neurodiversity/
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Trainee Depot Driver - West Region employer: Great Western Railway
Contact Detail:
Great Western Railway Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Depot Driver - West Region
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific depots you're applying to, whether it's Exeter, Plymouth, or Penzance. Understanding the local area and the depot's operations can give you an edge during interviews, showing your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your time management skills. Since the role requires excellent time management, consider sharing examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed your time under pressure.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the ability tests by practising with similar materials. GWR will provide practice test materials, so take advantage of this opportunity to familiarise yourself with the format and types of questions you'll encounter.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your enthusiasm for learning and safety. During any discussions or interviews, emphasise your willingness to learn and your commitment to maintaining a safe working environment, as these are crucial aspects of the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Depot Driver - West Region
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Trainee Depot Driver position. Highlight key skills such as time management, safety awareness, and communication in your application.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect relevant experiences and skills that align with the role. Emphasise any previous work experience that showcases your ability to follow strict procedures and protocols.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that expresses your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention your willingness to learn and adapt, and how your background can contribute to GWR's mission of transforming train travel.
Prepare for Assessments: Since the recruitment process includes various ability tests, review the practice materials provided by GWR. Familiarise yourself with the types of tests you may encounter to boost your confidence and performance.
How to prepare for a job interview at Great Western Railway
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the responsibilities of a Trainee Depot Driver. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks, such as train driving and safety protocols, so you can discuss them confidently during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since excellent communication is crucial in this role, prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in previous jobs or situations. Be ready to demonstrate your ability to follow instructions and work collaboratively with colleagues.
✨Emphasise Safety Awareness
Safety is paramount in this position. Be prepared to discuss your understanding of safety protocols and how you prioritise safety in your work. You might want to share any relevant experiences where you had to make safety-conscious decisions.
✨Demonstrate Your Willingness to Learn
As this role involves intensive training, express your enthusiasm for learning and adapting to new environments. Share examples of how you've successfully learned new skills in the past, especially in structured settings.