At a Glance
- Tasks: Operate trains safely and efficiently while ensuring passenger comfort.
- Company: Join Northern, a key player in the UK's rail network.
- Benefits: Enjoy free travel, generous pension, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Comprehensive training with career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a historic journey in rail transport and make a difference.
- Qualifications: Must be 20+, pass medical and psychometric assessments.
The predicted salary is between 22600 - 31200 £ per year.
SALARY: £26,901 per annum during training (approx. 12 months) rising to £51,341 in Year 1, £56,349 in Year 2 and £64,772 in Year 3.
ROLE TYPE: Full Time
LOCATION: Wigan
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: April and May 2026
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.
- Undergo continuous training & assessments to stay updated on safety procedures, regulations and any changes in operating practices.
- Maintain your own professional knowledge and stay informed of industry developments.
- Train Inspections: Conduct safety inspections of trains prior to driving and report any defects to maintenance staff.
- Secure the train on completion of your journey and promptly report any faults arising during service.
- Maintain accurate record‑keeping of activities including departure and arrival times, incidents or delays and other relevant information.
- Maintain clear and effective communication with control centres, signal operators and other personnel to ensure smooth operations.
- Adapt to changes in routes, weather conditions or unexpected circumstances while maintaining operational efficiency.
- Manage lifestyle appropriately to ensure adequate rest before shifts, accepting that the role may impact personal life and require social sacrifices.
- Enforce a zero‑tolerance policy for recreational drugs and alcohol.
About you
- The role is safety critical and is subject to Rail Safety Standards Board (RSSB) regulations. You must meet the following criteria:
- Live within a 45‑minute car journey from the station you will 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. This pass is valid for 5 years. You have only three attempts; failure on the third attempt disqualifies you permanently.
- Commit to early, late and weekend shifts without relying on public transport.
- Possess the following skills: ability to work calmly under pressure, maintain high work standards, demonstrate exceptional concentration in low‑stimulus environments, learn and retain large amounts of information, self‑discipline, excellent time management, resilience, adaptability, moral courage to challenge unsafe practices and good communication skills.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION PLEASE READ:
- The recruitment process 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 time only candidates meeting the necessary criteria will proceed to the next stage.
- Please refrain from contacting us for updates before the 12‑week period has passed.
- Any candidate who has interviewed for a driver position within a one‑year timeframe may be automatically rejected.
- We do not accept AI applications. Any suspected use of AI will result in immediate rejection.
- Northern reserves the right to close recruitment before the published closing date if high volumes of applications are received.
- The trainee driver course is delivered as part of a 2‑year apprenticeship programme and begins with a 5‑month intensive classroom phase. Afterward you will be paired with a Driver Mentor for on‑job training, accumulating at least 230 driving hours. The full programme lasts approximately 12 months and concludes with a final assessment.
- Training centres are in Leeds and Manchester; you may be required to travel. Hotels are provided for those living more than 1.5 hours away.
- As a train driver you may be required to work bank holidays and will receive a set amount of leave.
Whats in it for you
- Free Travel: Unlimited free travel for you, your partner and 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 and 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 career pathways in any part of the business.
- Recognition: Awards such as Northern Lights and Northern Sparks recognize and celebrate brilliance everyday.
Why Northern
We’re more than just a train 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, enhance the customer experience and protect 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. 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. We’re building a team where anyone can request reasonable adjustments. We remove unconscious bias through automated screening and treat every application fairly. All successful offers will be subject to a DBS check and medical assessment. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds, experiences, and identities to apply. If you meet the minimum criteria for the role we always offer an interview.
Employment Type: Trainee
Experience: 0 years
Vacancy: 1
Trainee Train Driver Wigan employer: Northern
Northern is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and development. With generous benefits such as unlimited free travel for you and your family, a robust pension scheme, and tailored training opportunities, we empower our team to thrive in their careers while making a meaningful impact on the communities we serve. Join us in Wigan, where you can be part of a historic journey in rail transport and enjoy a fulfilling career as a Trainee Train Driver.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Train Driver Wigan
✨Connect with Local Logistic Groups
Dive into local transportation and logistics groups on platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn. Show up to their meetups if you can – it's a great way to network with industry pros who can share insights, job openings, or even refer you to their own company.
✨Get Behind the Wheel of Job Boards
Look for job boards specific to transportation and logistics, like Logistics Job Site or TransportJobs. These platforms often have listings that you won’t find on general job boards, so they’re worth checking out regularly!
✨Leverage Internships & Graduate Schemes
Many companies in transportation and logistics offer graduate schemes and internships that can pave the way to full-time positions. Don't shy away from applying; even a short stint can make a solid impact on your CV and get your foot in the door at companies like Northern.
✨Apply Directly with Us!
When you find openings at great companies, make sure to apply directly through our website. It not only shows your initiative but also helps us to help you get noticed by Northern. Every application gets us one step closer to landing that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Train Driver Wigan
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're applying for a role in the transportation and logistics sector at Northern, make sure to highlight any relevant experience. Whether it's moving goods, coordinating schedules, or using transportation management software, give us the lowdown on your past gigs. It'll paint a clearer picture of what you're capable of!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers speak volumes in logistics! If you've optimised routes, reduced delivery times, or improved customer satisfaction, mention those incredible stats in your CV. This gives us concrete evidence of your impact and showcases your problem-solving skills.
Tailor That Cover Letter:Your cover letter should be more than just a formality—let it breathe your personality and passion for logistics! Explain why you're excited about the role at Northern and how you can contribute to our team. Don't forget to tie in specific skills or experiences that relate to the job description.
Research and Reflect:Before you hit 'submit,' spend some time digging into Northern. Understand our mission, values, and the specific challenges in the logistics industry. This will help you craft a targeted application that shows you truly want to be part of our crew, setting you apart from the rest!
How to prepare for a job interview at Northern
✨Know Your Logistics Basics
Get familiar with the key principles of transportation and logistics, like supply chain management, inventory control, and route optimisation. You might get asked practical questions about how to improve efficiency, so brush up on your problem-solving skills and be prepared to discuss any relevant software tools you've used.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In logistics, employers love to gauge how you'd handle real-life situations. Expect scenario-based questions where you’ll need to demonstrate your decision-making skills, like how to manage delays or coordinate shipments during a crisis. Practise outlining your thought process clearly and logically.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Experience
Full-time roles in logistics often require collaboration with various teams, so don't forget to showcase your teamwork experience. Think of examples where you've used communication and collaboration to ensure smooth operations, and get ready to elaborate on how you can facilitate teamwork in a busy environment like at Northern.
✨Show Off Your Attention to Detail
In our world of logistics, missing a small detail can lead to big problems. Be prepared to discuss instances where your attention to detail saved the day, whether it was engaging with clients, managing documentation, or tracking shipments accurately. This will help demonstrate how you can be a reliable asset to Northern.
