Trainee Train Conductor - Sheffield

Job Title: Trainee Train Conductor
Business Function: Operations
Salary: OTE £35,000 - £37,000. Basic salary of £27,258 until successful completion of training (for approximately 3 months); rising to £34,917 per annum on completion of training. + commission, overtime and the Northern benefits package.
Role Type: Full Time.
Location: Sheffield
Hours: Rolling 35 per week. Shift pattern includes evenings, nights and weekends (for example: 03:00–10:30,07:00–16:30, 15:30–12:30, 18:00–02:30).
Start Date: Course places starting from August 2026.

Responsibilities

• Inspect & operate train equipment, doors and controls.
• Greet passengers and create a welcoming atmosphere.
• Check tickets, verify passenger tickets and travel cards.
• Provide information and answer questions on routes, schedules and connections.
• Make announcements and provide clear updates over the onboard PA system.
• Ensure safe boarding and help passengers board and disembark the train.
• Handle delays & emergencies, manage unexpected delays, issues or emergencies.
• Coordinate with Drivers and Operational Teams to keep the train running smoothly, stick to schedules, monitor signals and stay in touch with Control.
• Help passengers on and off, assist vulnerable customers, deescalate conflicts and maintain a welcoming atmosphere.
• Enforce safety rules, manage door procedures, conduct inspections, handle emergencies and lead evacuations if needed.
• Collect fares, validate tickets and tackle fare evasion.
• Provide updates on delays or disruptions and relay important information to passengers.
• Maintain accurate records of customer counts, ticket sales and detailed reports on incidents, faults and delays.
• Deliver a professional service, handle complaints and create a positive travel experience.
• Use technology daily, including tablets and body worn cameras.
• Learn and retain high volumes of detailed safety information and undergo regular assessments.

Qualifications

• Currently live within a 45‑minute car journey from the station you work from.
• Be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
• Pass the RIS3452 Train Worker medical assessment, including drugs and alcohol screening.
• Commit to working early, late and weekend shifts – without relying on public transport (for example: 03:00–10:30, 07:00–16:30, 15:30–12:30, 18:00–02:30).
• Exceptional communication skills – personable, courteous, empathetic, patient and able to demonstrate outstanding customer service.
• Ability to handle and defuse conflicts, offering effective conflict resolution strategies.
• Self‑disciplined and able to work independently using own initiative.
• Able to work to and enforce strict industry standard rules and regulations.
• Punctual with excellent time‑management skills, ensuring train departs as scheduled.
• Resilient and adaptable with the ability to face multiple challenges and prioritise based on risk.
• Good problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent concentration skills, remaining focused on repetitive tasks while managing distractions.
• Situational awareness – anticipate and react appropriately to hazards or potential problems.
• Able to learn and retain high volumes of safety information maintained at the highest level.
• Safety critical role subject to Rail Safety & Standards Board regulations.

Benefits

• Unrestricted free travel for you, your partner and your dependents on Northern services, and 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 through Northern Perks.
• Employee assistance programme – 24/7 support for family, lifestyle and more.
• Training and career development – tailored training, recognised qualifications and enhanced career pathways.
• Recognition – Northern Lights and Northern Sparks awards celebrate brilliance each day.

We’re a Level 2 Disability Confident employer and will make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process. All successful offers will be subject to a DBS check and a medical assessment.