At a Glance
- Tasks: Move and prepare trains for service, ensuring safety and efficiency.
- Company: Join Northern, the heartbeat of the North's rail network.
- Benefits: Enjoy free travel, generous pension, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Comprehensive training provided with clear career pathways.
- Why this job: Be part of a vital team that keeps the railway running smoothly.
- Qualifications: No experience needed; just bring your enthusiasm and teamwork skills.
The predicted salary is between 28888 - 45169 £ per year.
BUSINESS FUNCTION: Engineering
GRADE: MDD
SALARY: £28,888 in year 1, rising to £34,925 in year 2 and full salary is £45,169 per annum
ROLE TYPE: On site
HOURS: 35 per week
Keeping trains moving starts long before they reach the platform. As part of our Engineering team at one of our TrainCare Centres, you’ll play a vital role in making sure our fleet is fuelled, positioned and ready for service. This is a hands‑on, safety‑critical role where your work directly affects how reliably our customers get where they need to be. You’ll be right at the heart of the depot, moving trains safely around the site, preparing them for service and helping the wider team keep everything running smoothly. No two shifts are the same, and the work you do behind the scenes keeps the whole railway on track.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Shunting trains within the TrainCare Centre boundaries, making sure each unit is in the right place at the right time.
- Fuelling trains and replenishing water tanks so they’re fully prepared for service.
- Carrying out train preparation tasks to ensure safety and readiness before departure.
- Working in a safety‑critical, time‑sensitive environment and following all operational and safety instructions.
- Communicating clearly with colleagues across the depot to keep work flowing smoothly.
About You
You don’t need train‑driving experience to get started. What matters is how you approach the job.
- The ability to stay calm, focused and adaptable in a busy, 24/7 operational environment.
- Confidence working to strict safety procedures and instructions.
- Clear communication skills and a team‑first mindset.
- Strong organisation skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks when things get busy.
No rail experience? That’s absolutely fine. You’ll take part in a comprehensive training programme lasting around 5 to 8 weeks, followed by up to 6 months of supported development at our TrainCare Centres. Our expert teams will be with you every step of the way as you build confidence and capability in the role.
Safety‑critical Requirements
This role is safety critical and regulated by the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB). To be considered, you must:
- Live within a 45‑minute car journey of the TrainCare Centre you’ll work from.
- Be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
- Pass a safety‑critical medical, including drugs and alcohol screening.
- Have no defective colour vision.
- Meet the required psychometric standards.
Applications that do not meet these criteria cannot be progressed.
What’s in it for you?
- Free Travel: Unlimited free travel for you, your partner and your dependents on Northern services, plus up to 75% discount on other networks in the UK and Europe.
- Generous Pension Scheme: We top up your contributions by 1.5 times.
- Enhanced Family Benefits: 9 months of full pay for maternity leave and 2 weeks for paternity leave.
- Cycle to Work Scheme: Save up to 42% on a bike and spread the cost.
- Electric Car Scheme: Lease a brand new electric or plug‑in hybrid car.
- Exclusive Discounts: From shopping to wellbeing, Northern Perks has you covered.
- Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 support for family, lifestyle and more.
- Training and Career Development: Tailored training, recognised qualifications and clear career pathways across the business.
- Recognition: Our Northern Lights and Northern Sparks Awards celebrate the people who make a difference every day.
Why Northern?
We’re more than just a train operator. We’re the heartbeat of the North – connecting communities, creating opportunities and driving sustainable growth. With 2,650 trains running daily, we’re on a mission to improve rail travel and enhance the customer experience while protecting the environment. Back in 1825, the first passenger train set off in the North of England, beginning a journey that would transform travel across the world. We’ve recently celebrated 200 years of the modern railway and, as we reflect on that legacy, our focus is now on the future as Great British Rail takes shape. Join us at this pivotal moment in rail history and play your part in our journey.
A place for everyone
The best journeys happen when everyone feels welcome on board. At Northern, we don’t just move people from A to B – we’re building a team where everyone feels they belong. Our talent team can make reasonable adjustments to the process if that’s something you need. We’re also a Level 2 Disability Confident employer, so if you meet the minimum criteria for the role, we’ll always offer an interview. We automate parts of our screening process to help remove unconscious bias and make sure every application is treated fairly. All successful offers will be subject to a DBS check and a medical assessment. No matter your background, experience, or whether you call it a bap, barm or cob… there’s a place for you here in the railway.
Maintenance Depot Driver in Leeds employer: Northern
At Northern, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises safety and teamwork. With comprehensive training programmes, generous benefits including unlimited free travel and enhanced family leave, and clear pathways for career development, we empower our employees to thrive in their roles. Join us at our TrainCare Centre, where your contributions directly impact the reliability of rail services across the North, all while being part of a diverse team that values every individual.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Maintenance Depot Driver in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Northern and their values. When you show up for an interview, drop in some knowledge about their mission and how you can contribute. It’ll impress them and show you’re genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills. Since this role involves clear communication with colleagues, try role-playing common scenarios with a friend. This will help you feel more confident when discussing your experience and how you can fit into the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to demonstrate your adaptability. Think of examples from your past where you’ve had to stay calm under pressure or adapt to changing situations. This is key in a busy, safety-critical environment like the one at Northern.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and ready to embrace the digital side of the railway industry.
We think you need these skills to ace Maintenance Depot Driver in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to show your enthusiasm for the role and what makes you a great fit.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the job description. We love seeing how you can contribute to our team, so connect the dots for us!
Keep It Clear and Concise:While we appreciate detail, clarity is key! Make your points straightforward and easy to read. A well-structured application helps us understand your qualifications quickly.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right place and helps us keep track of all the amazing candidates like you.
How to prepare for a job interview at Northern
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you understand the key responsibilities of a Maintenance Depot Driver. Familiarise yourself with tasks like shunting trains, fuelling, and safety procedures. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role.
✨Showcase Your Safety Mindset
Since this is a safety-critical position, be prepared to discuss how you prioritise safety in your work. Think of examples from past experiences where you followed strict procedures or handled time-sensitive situations effectively.
✨Communicate Clearly
Effective communication is crucial in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might even want to prepare a few scenarios where teamwork and communication made a difference in your previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Adaptability
The job requires staying calm and focused in a busy environment. Be ready to share examples of how you've adapted to changing circumstances or managed multiple tasks at once. This will show that you're well-suited for the dynamic nature of the role.
