Tram Driver in Manchester

Join the Future of Manchester’s Transport! At Keolis Amey Metrolink (KAM), we operate the UK’s largest light rail network, and we’re looking for motivated, safety-focused people to join us as Tram Drivers. You’ll play a key role in keeping Greater Manchester moving while building a rewarding, long-term career.

Every day, our fleet of iconic trams keep Greater Manchester moving, and you could be at the heart of making a real impact in your community. Whether you’re eager to learn new skills or looking for a career change, this is your chance to start a rewarding career with a team that truly cares about delivering an exceptional service. Applications from everyone with the necessary skills are welcome. We provide full training, all we ask is that you bring motivation, a customer-first mindset, and a commitment to safety.

The role is shift-based work, we operate from 04:30h through to 03:00h, 7 days a week.

Your Journey Starts with First Class Training: Joining us as a Tram Driver, your first 12 weeks will be all about setting you up for success. Our comprehensive driver training programme combines everything you need:

• Hands-on learning with practical driving assessments
• Safety-first training to keep you and our customers safe
• Simulator sessions to build real-life skills in a safe environment
• Classroom Theory to grow and develop your knowledge on being a competent driver
• Written exams and knowledge checks to strengthen your skills and support your training

Plus, you’ll meet the team and become part of our supportive community from day one. At Metrolink, we’re committed to your growth and professional development. You’ll receive ongoing support to set you up on the right track for success building a career you’re proud of with us.

To get the best out of the training programme, we do ask for full attendance during the initial 12-week training. If you have any holidays or commitments planned, let us know during the recruitment process so we can work together.

Where You’ll Work: Following successful recruitment, you will predominantly be based at Trafford Depot (M16 0GZ), with occasional duties & training at Queens Road Depot (M8 0RY).

What You’ll Do as a Tram Driver:

• Deliver Exceptional Journeys - Operate Manchester’s iconic trams with precision, professionalism and a customer-first mindset, keeping services punctual while prioritising passenger service and safety.
• Champion Safety - Follow signalling systems, speed limits, and strict safety protocols.
• Respond with Confidence - Handle unexpected situations calmly and effectively, following established procedures to keep everyone safe.
• Growth and Development - Engage in regular upskilling training and assessments to maintain top-level skills.
• Stay sharp – Consistently maintain concentration, complete regular assessments and ongoing training.
• Carry Out Inspections - Perform pre‑departure checks, report defects, and secure the tram at the end of each journey.
• Keep Records Spot-On - Maintain accurate logs of departure and arrival times, incidents, delays, and other key operational details.
• Communicate clearly – Using clear and professional communication, work closely with the control centre and colleagues to keep services running smoothly.
• Deliver Great Customer Service – Support customers with clear, friendly communication to create a positive experience for everyone.
• Adapt to Change - Stay flexible when delays happen, routes change, weather shifts, or unexpected challenges arise, always keeping efficiency and safety front and centre.
• Be Ready for Duty - Maintain concentration, responsibility and commitment. Adequate rest before shifts is essential to meet safety standards.

Why You’ll Love This Role: You’ll help thousands of people travel safely to get where they need to be every day. Continuous training and development opportunities. Be part of a team that values safety, reliability, and service excellence.

What You’ll Need to Join Our Team: We’re looking for people who are ready to take on a unique and rewarding role. To keep things safe and smooth, here are the essentials:

• You’ll need to be 21 or over
• Live no more than 1 hour’s drive (off-peak) from both Trafford & Queens Road Depot’s
• Comfortable working shifts, including early mornings, late nights, weekends, and bank holidays
• A full UK driving licence (with no more than 3 points) and at least 2 years driving experience
• No colour vision deficiency, some of our signals are red, green & yellow
• Able to climb into the tram around 1.25m from ground level using footholds and handles
• Able to manually use metal levers to operate points on the track

What We’ll Offer You: A starting salary of £34,281 per annum (salary structure with progression up to £45,253 per annum). Permanent role, working full-time with an average of 37.5 hrs per week over a 12-week period. Free Tram Travel for all our colleagues, plus a sponsored pass for an immediate family member. Access to Amazing Discounts at major retailers including Asda, Currys PC World, John Lewis and many more. Family Friendly Policies including enhanced maternity and paternity pay. Wellbeing Support including free counselling, health checks and Employee Assistance Programme. On the job training increasing knowledge of the network.

The closing date for applications: 21 September 2026. Depending on the level of applications for this role we may close the advert earlier, therefore we encourage you to submit your application early.

Important information regarding training dates and the application process: Training start dates are currently being considered for late 2026 and early 2027. Dates will be confirmed as they become available and we’ll keep you updated. As this is a safety-critical role, the recruitment process can take a little longer than a standard application. There are several stages, the first is an in-person Safety and Concentration psychometric assessment, designed to measure your concentration and ability to stay focused in a safety-critical environment. If you successfully pass the psychometric assessment, you’ll then be invited to a Practical Assessment Day. This gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your practical skills, learn more about the role and find out what it’s like to work as a Tram Driver.

Please note: We anticipate a high volume of applications for this position so there may be some delays in getting back to you, we ask you for your patience and we will ensure you receive an update.

Our Commitment to you: At KAM, we celebrate the diversity of our customers, communities, and colleagues, and strive for a workforce which is equitable, inclusive, and representative of the communities we serve, and we strongly encourage applicants of all genders, ages, ethnicities, cultures, abilities, and sexual orientation to apply. We look forward to receiving your application.

We live our values of “We Care, We Commit, We Imagine” through our behaviours and we strongly believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation and create an environment where individuals can imagine that anything is possible. We care about our people, and we fully commit to creating an inclusive environment where our people feel valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.

We recognise the importance of flexibility in the workplace and where possible, we will do our best to consider alternative working patterns or flexible arrangements to help you balance work and life in a way that works for you and the business. If you would like to discuss before applying, please feel free to contact our recruitment team.

To ensure that you have the best opportunity to succeed in the recruitment process, please let us know if you will require any support or reasonable adjustments. You can contact our team here recruit@metrolink.co.uk.

Employee Screening Checks: Tram Driver role is a safety critical role. Safety is our number one priority at Metrolink. If you are successful, we will need to complete pre-employment checks prior to you starting. These include:

• Proof of address
• Evidence of right to work in the UK
• Driving Licence check
• References from previous employment or studies from the last 3 years
• Pre-employment medical including drug and alcohol screening
• Criminal Records self-declaration, in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974).

KeolisAmey Metrolink (KAM) is the largest light rail network in the UK. Growing and evolving since first opening in 1992. Metrolink have so far expanded to 103km of track, 99 stops and 147 trams, with a target of 52 million yearly passengers by the end of 2022.

We recognise and celebrate the diversity of our customers, communities and colleagues and strive for a workforce that is representative of the communities we serve, and society at large.