Trainee Train Driver

Trainee Train Driver – Northern

Location: Barrow-In-Furness, England, United Kingdom

Job title: Trainee Train Driver

Role type: Full Time

Salary: £26,901 per annum during training (approximately 12 months), rising to £51,341 in Year 1, £56,349 in Year 2, and £64,772 in Year 3.

Hours: Rolling 35 per week. Shift pattern includes evenings, nights and weekends (examples: 03:00–10:30, 07:00–16:30, 15:30–12:30, 18:00–02:30).

Training: This recruitment is for 2026 courses, with the first course commencing in February 2026.

What you’ll be doing:

• Train Operation: Responsible for the professional operation of trains, ensuring the train adheres to schedule while maintaining safe operations.
• Safety Compliance: Strictly adhere to safety protocols, including signalling systems, speed limits, and track conditions, to ensure passenger, crew, and public safety.
• Emergency Response: Respond quickly and appropriately to emergencies or unexpected situations, following established procedures.
• Continuous Training & Assessments: Undergo regular training and competency assessments to stay updated on safety procedures, regulations, and operating practices.
• Train Inspections: Conduct safety inspections of trains prior to driving and report defects; secure the train on completion of journeys and report faults.
• Record-keeping: Maintain accurate documentation of activities, including timings, incidents, delays, and other relevant information.
• Communication: Maintain clear communication with control centres, signal operators, and relevant personnel to ensure smooth operations.
• Adaptability: Adapt to changes in routes, weather, or other circumstances while maintaining efficiency.
• Preparation for Duty: Manage lifestyle to ensure adequate rest before shifts; this role enforces a zero-tolerance policy on recreational drugs and alcohol.

About you:

The role is safety critical and subject to Rail Safety Standards Board (RSSB) regulations. You MUST meet the following criteria or your application will be rejected:

• Live within a 45-minute car journey from the station you work from.
• Be at least 20 years old at time of application.
• Pass the Train Driver medical assessment (including drugs and alcohol screening).
• Not have defective colour vision.
• Obtain an enhanced level pass on Train Driver Psychometric Assessments (valid for 5 years; three attempts only).
• Commit to working early, late and weekend shifts without relying on public transport.

Skills you’ll possess:

• Ability to work calmly under pressure and stay vigilant in a high-pressured environment.
• High standards of work and excellent concentration in repetitive tasks.
• Ability to learn and retain large amounts of information with ongoing competency assessments.
• Self-discipline, adherence to rules and regulations, and excellent time management.
• Resilience, adaptability, and quick reaction skills.
• Effective communication and the ability to build rapport with colleagues and customers.

What’s in it for you:

• Free Travel: Unlimited travel for you and your dependents on Northern services; 75% discount on other networks in the UK and Europe.
• Pension: Generous scheme with employer contributions.
• Family Benefits: Maternity and paternity leave provisions.
• Cycle to Work, Discounts, and other perks.
• Training and Career Development: Tailored training and career progression opportunities.
• Awards: Northern Lights and Northern Sparks recognition programs.

Additional information:

The training program runs as part of a 2-year apprenticeship, including a 5-month classroom phase and on-the-job training with a Driver Instructor. The full program lasts around 12 months with ongoing evaluation. Training centres are in Leeds and Manchester; travel and hotel provisions apply for those living farther away. This role may require working on bank holidays and allocated leave as part of the apprenticeship.