Trainee Train Driver - Carlisle

Salary: £28,020 per annum during training (approx. 12 months) rising to £48,417 in Year 1, £53,424 in Year 2 and £64,772 in Year 3.

Role Type: Full Time

Location: Carlisle

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

Available Training Course Dates: We will be recruiting throughout 2026 with a small number of course dates available in March, April and September.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Train Operation: Responsible for the professional operation of trains, ensuring the train adheres to schedule whilst maintaining safe operations.
• Safety Compliance: Strictly adhere to safety protocols, including signalling systems, speed limits, and track conditions, to ensure the safety of passengers, crew, and the public.
• Emergency Response: In the event of an emergency or unexpected situation, respond quickly and appropriately, following established procedures and protocols.
• Continuous Training & Assessments: Undergo regular training and competency assessments to stay updated on safety procedures, regulations, and any changes in operating practices.
• Train Inspections: Conduct safety inspections of trains prior to driving and reporting any defects to maintenance staff.
• Record-keeping: Ensure accurate documentation of activities, including departure and arrival times, any incidents or delays, and other relevant information.
• Communication: Maintain clear and effective communication with control centres, signal operators, and other relevant personnel to ensure smooth train operations.
• Adaptability: Adapt to changes in routes, weather conditions, or unexpected circumstances while maintaining operational efficiency.
• Preparation for Duty: Manage your lifestyle appropriately, ensuring adequate rest before shifts. This may impact your personal life and require social sacrifices. Zero tolerance policy regarding recreational drugs and alcohol.

About You

• Currently live within a 45‑minute car journey from the station you work from.
• Be at least 20 years of age at the time of application.
• Pass the TDLCR Train Driver medical assessment, including drugs and alcohol screening.
• Not have defective colour vision.
• Obtain a pass to an enhanced level on the Train Driver Psychometric Assessments, valid for 5 years.
• Commit to working early, late and weekend shifts – without relying on public transport (example: 03:00–10:30, 15:30–12:30, 21:00–06:00).

You will also possess the following skill set:

• Ability to work calmly under pressure and remain focused and vigilant in a high‑pressure environment.
• Maintain high standards of work at all times.
• Exceptional concentration skills within a low‑stimulus environment, while performing repetitive or monotonous tasks.
• Ability to learn and retain large amounts of information and be subject to ongoing competency assessments.
• Self‑disciplined and able to work within rules and regulations.
• Excellent time management skills, ensuring your train departs as scheduled.
• Resilient and adaptable with quick reaction skills.
• Ability to shift priorities to meet other requirements without creating more significant difficulties.
• Diligent with the moral courage to challenge unsafe or unprofessional practices.
• Good communication skills with the 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 due to the nature of the position and required training. After submitting your application, you may not receive an update for 8‑12 weeks. During this period applications will be carefully reviewed. If you pass the initial screening you will be invited to a telephone interview, followed by an in‑person interview and psychometric testing. If successful, a conditional offer will be made, subject to available training course placements and required medical tests. Due to the high volume of applications, any applicant who has interviewed for a driver position within a 1‑year timeframe may be automatically rejected. We do not accept AI applications. Suspected use of AI will result in immediate rejection. Northern reserves the right to close recruitment for this role before the published closing date if high volumes of applications are received.

The role of a train driver is a career requiring dedication and extensive training. Successful candidates will join our trainee driver course, delivered as part of a 2‑year apprenticeship programme. The training programme begins with a 5‑month intensive classroom‑based learning phase focused on theoretical knowledge and safety‑critical information. During this phase you cannot take annual leave. After completing classroom training you will be paired with a Driver Mentor and begin on‑the‑job training, shadowing for at least 230 driving hours. Competence will be continuously evaluated. The full programme lasts approximately 12 months and concludes with a final assessment, potentially taking up to 2 weeks. Our training centres are in Leeds and Manchester; you may need to travel to attend, and hotels are provided for those living over 1.5 hours away. The trainee train driver course is delivered as part of an apprenticeship. As a train driver you may be required to work bank holidays, and you will be allocated a set amount of leave.

What’s In It For You

• Free Travel: Unlimited free travel for you, your partner, and your dependents on Northern services. Plus 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, 2 weeks for paternity leave.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Save up to 42% on a bike and spread the cost.
• 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 and opportunities to gain recognised qualifications, plus enhanced career pathways.
• Recognition: Northern Lights and Northern Sparks Awards celebrate brilliance 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 2,500 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, and this year we’re celebrating 200 years of the modern railway. As we look back on historic events that led us here, we also look forward to the future as we enter the era of Great British Rail. Join us at this pivotal moment and play your part in our journey.

A place for everyone

Everyone feels welcome on board. At Northern, we don’t just move people from A to B – we build 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, we’ll always offer an interview. We automate parts of our screening process to remove unconscious bias and ensure every application is treated fairly. All successful offers will be subject to a DBS check and medical assessment.