At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive trains safely and efficiently while adhering to schedules and safety protocols.
- Company: Join Northern, a leading train operator connecting communities across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy unlimited free travel, generous pension, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Comprehensive training programme with career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a historic industry and make a real difference in rail travel.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, live within 45 minutes of the station, and pass medical assessments.
JOB TITLE: Trainee Train Driver.
SALARY: £27,870 per annum during training (approx. 12 months) rising to £53,190 in Year 1, £58,378 in Year 2 and £67,104 in Year 3.
ROLE TYPE: Full Time.
LOCATION: Blackpool
HOURS: Rolling 35 per week. Shift pattern includes evenings, nights and weekends (for example: 03:00–10:30, 07:00–16:30, 15:30–00:30, 18:00–02:30).
AVAILABLE TRAINING COURSE DATES: This advert is being used to build a talent pool of prospective candidates for our future course intake. Successful applicants will be considered for upcoming course places as they become available.
What you’ll be doing
- Responsible for the professional operation of trains, ensuring the train adheres to schedule whilst maintaining safe operations.
- Strictly adhere to safety protocols, including signalling systems, speed limits, and track conditions.
- Respond to emergencies following established procedures and protocols.
- Undergo regular training and competency assessments to stay updated on safety procedures, regulations, and any changes in operating practices.
- Conduct safety inspections of trains prior to driving and report defects to maintenance staff.
- Ensure accurate documentation of activities, including departure and arrival times, incidents or delays.
- Maintain clear and effective communication with control centres, signal operators and other personnel.
- Adapt to changes in routes, weather conditions or unexpected circumstances while maintaining operational efficiency.
- Prepare for duty by managing lifestyle to ensure adequate rest before shifts, recognising that this may require personal sacrifices.
- Adhere to a zero‑tolerance policy regarding recreational drugs and alcohol.
About you
The role of a Train Driver is safety critical and is subject to Rail Safety Standards Board (RSSB) regulations. You MUST meet the following criteria for this position, otherwise your application will be automatically rejected:
- Live within a 45‑minute car journey from the station you work from.
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Pass the TDLCR Train Driver medical assessment, including drugs and alcohol screening.
- Have good colour vision.
- Obtain a pass to an enhanced level on the Train Driver Psychometric Assessments, valid for five years with a maximum of three attempts.
- Commit to working early, late and weekend shifts without relying on public transport.
Skill set
- Work calmly under pressure and remain focused in a high‑pressure environment.
- Maintain high standards of work at all times.
- Have exceptional concentration in a low‑stimulus environment.
- Be able to learn and retain large amounts of information; subject to ongoing competency assessments.
- Be self‑disciplined and follow rules and regulations.
- Excellent time management skills, ensuring scheduled departures.
- Resilient and adaptable with quick reaction skills.
- Shift priorities to meet other requirements without creating additional difficulties.
- Demonstrate moral courage to challenge unsafe or unprofessional practices.
- Good communication skills and ability to build rapport with colleagues and customers.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION – PLEASE READ
- The recruitment process for this role is expected to take approximately six months.
- After submitting your application, you may not receive an update for 8–12 weeks. If you pass the initial screening, you will be invited to a telephone interview, followed by an in‑person interview and psychometric testing.
- Applicants who have interviewed for a driver position within the past year may be automatically rejected.
- We do not accept AI applications.
- Northern reserves the right to close recruitment for this role before the published closing date.
- The training programme is a 2‑year apprenticeship, beginning with a five‑month classroom phase followed by on‑the‑job training. Training occurs in Leeds and Manchester; hotels are provided for those living over 1.5 hours away.
- Trainees may be required to work bank holidays.
- Your role will be allocated a set amount of leave.
What’s in it for you
- Unlimited free travel for you, your partner and dependents on Northern services. 75% discount on other networks in the UK and Europe.
- Generous pension scheme – employer top‑up at 1.5 times.
- Enhanced family benefits: nine months of full‑pay maternity leave and two weeks paternity leave.
- Cycle to Work Scheme: up to 42% savings on bikes.
- Exclusive discounts on shopping and wellbeing through Northern Perks.
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
- Training and career development opportunities with recognised qualifications.
- Recognition through Northern Lights and Northern Sparks Awards.
Why Northern
We are a train operator that connects communities, creates opportunities and drives sustainable growth. With 2,500 trains running daily, we improve rail travel and enhance customer experience while protecting the environment.
Back in 1825 the first passenger train set off in the North of England, marking the start of modern railway history. We celebrate 200 years of the modern railway and look forward to the Great British Rail era.
A place for everyone
Everyone should feel welcome and belong. Our talent team can make reasonable adjustments if needed and we are a Level 2 Disability Confident employer. All successful offers will be subject to a DBS check and medical assessment.
We aim to treat every application fairly.
No matter your background or experience, there’s a place for you in the railway.
Trainee Train Driver - Blackpool employer: Northern
Northern is an excellent employer, offering a unique opportunity for Night Train Cleaners in Manchester to enjoy unlimited free travel and a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth. With tailored training programmes and a generous pension scheme, we foster an environment where every team member can thrive and develop their skills while contributing to the cleanliness and readiness of our trains.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Train Driver - Blackpool
✨Get Hands-On with Logistics
Look for opportunities to volunteer or intern with local transport companies or logistics firms. This experience can give you real insights into the industry and make you much more attractive to Northern when applying for the Trainee Train Driver - Blackpool position.
✨Join Transportation or Logistics Groups
Find and join online communities or forums focused on transportation and logistics. Engaging with industry professionals in places like LinkedIn or relevant Facebook groups can help you stay updated on industry trends and job openings at Northern.
✨Visit Career Fairs and Networking Events
Keep an eye out for career fairs specifically focused on transportation and logistics. Attending these events is a great way to meet potential employers like Northern and create a more personal connection that could land you that Trainee Train Driver - Blackpool role.
✨Directly Apply on Our Website
Don't forget to head over to our website to apply for the Trainee Train Driver - Blackpool role at Northern. It’s often the best way to ensure your application stands out, and you'll be engaging directly with our hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Train Driver - Blackpool
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Organisational Skills:In the transportation and logistics field, having great organisational skills is key. Make sure your CV showcases any relevant experience, like managing schedules or coordinating deliveries. If you've handled logistics in a volunteer role or a part-time gig, shout about it!
Show Your Willingness to Learn:As a trainee, we want to see your excitement about learning and growing in this space. When writing your cover letter, talk about why you're passionate about transportation and logistics, and how you hope to develop your skills with us at Northern in this role.
Use Industry-Specific Language:When crafting your application, sprinkle in some industry-specific jargon that shows you're familiar with the world of logistics. Terms like 'supply chain management', 'route optimisation', or 'inventory control' will help demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the field.
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Make sure to adapt your CV specifically for this trainee position. Focus on your educational background relevant to logistics, any pertinent coursework, and highlight any practical experience, even if it’s just coursework projects. Let’s make your application stand out to Northern!
How to prepare for a job interview at Northern
✨Get to Grips with Logistics Basics
As a trainee in transportation and logistics, it’s crucial to have a solid understanding of the basics, like supply chain principles and inventory management. Brush up on these topics and be ready to discuss them, as they might pop up in scenarios during the interview with Northern.
✨Show Off Your Organisational Skills
Logistics relies heavily on strong organisational abilities. Be prepared to share examples of how you've handled multiple tasks or managed deadlines in the past. It could be anything from a project at uni to volunteering—showing your potential through experiences can really impress the interviewers.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Industry Tools
Make sure you're familiar with commonly used logistics software or tools like TMS (Transportation Management Systems) or warehouse management solutions. If you’ve used any related tech during your studies or internships, be ready to talk about your experience. It shows you're actively engaged and ready to hit the ground running at Northern.
✨Express Your Eagerness to Learn
As a trainee, your willingness to learn will be just as important as what you already know. During the interview, express your enthusiasm for the transportation-logistics field and your desire to absorb knowledge and skills from those around you. It's all about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but a valuable learning opportunity at Northern.
