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- Tasks: Ensure passenger safety and provide exceptional service on trains.
- Company: Join South Western Railway, connecting communities across the South West.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, free travel, and 30 days annual leave.
- Why this job: Be a vital part of our team, making journeys safe and enjoyable.
- Qualifications: Must be over 18, adaptable, and enjoy customer interaction.
- Other info: Inclusive environment with opportunities for growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 26763 - 38594 £ per year.
Before applying for this role, please download and read the Realities of the Guard Role document attached to the bottom of this advert. Please note, this advert is to build a talent pool for future vacancies. We cannot guarantee the timeframe for recruitment of this position.
Who are we? South Western Railway (SWR) operates over 1,500 services each weekday across the network and employs more than 5,000 people. We provide easy and convenient mobility, connecting people and communities in South West London, southern counties of England and the Isle of Wight. Join our team and help us continue to bring people together to get the most out of life.
About the team: Our people are at the heart of our business! You will be joining a team of people that are dedicated to safety and have a passion for delivering exceptional experiences for our customers.
About the job: As a Guard you will be the centre piece of our on-board service, going above and beyond for our customers, whilst getting them safely to their destination. Every day you will face new challenges whilst managing the train autonomously, this means you will need to be adaptable and proactive. Our highly skilled Guards need to be safety conscious, self-motivated, personable with the ability to multitask, ensuring that all duties are carried out to the highest standard.
Your main responsibilities will be:
- Staying alert to danger and ensuring the safety of our customers and colleagues at all times.
- You will be an ambassador for SWR and must strive to exceed our customers' expectations.
- Managing periods of disruption effectively, whether this is a change to your schedule or changes that will affect our customers' journeys.
- Guards must be visible throughout journeys, proactively helping our customers, ensuring that everyone has a great & safe journey.
- Providing regular announcements, keeping everyone onboard the train up to date with any changes.
- You will manage the operational safety of the train, not limited to; customers safely boarding / alighting the train, safely dispatching the train from platforms & maintaining safety for all passengers whilst on-board.
- Commercial Guards are required to check passengers have valid tickets and retail tickets when necessary.
- In emergency situations, our Guards are responsible for getting the right help to the right people, this can mean walking on uneven terrain for sustained periods of time.
You’ll need to:
- Be prepared for change, as a Guard you will need to be flexible in times of disruption.
- Maintain excellent focus and self-motivation for long periods of time.
- Be able to multitask and work systematically both in a team environment and autonomously.
- Enjoy interacting with customers and colleagues while going over and above to provide a great customer experience.
- Be able to recognize and act on changing safety and customer requirements.
- Undertake manual handling activities whilst moving through the train & help passengers board / alight the train when needed.
Working pattern: On average you will work 37 hours per week over 4.5 days. This will include a mixture of early and late shifts across 7 days.
Additional Information: Because we always need to be alert, we have very strict requirements around drugs and alcohol and you will need to pass a medical checking your general health and eyesight to be able to be a guard. Your travel time to the depot you have applied for must not exceed 60 minutes. As public transport will not always be available, a car is preferred. You must be over the age of 18 and if applicable, you must have a minimum of 12 months on your visa at the time of appointment. If successful, there will be a period of training in Basingstoke, travel to and from the training centre will be in addition to your working day, however, you will have free travel on SWR services. Please note that if you are successful at the screening stage you will be invited to attend an assessment in Southampton. Please note that once a date is agreed you will be sent a complimentary travel invite.
The Reward: £26,763 per annum rising in increments to £38,594 per annum, after completion of training and a further 12 months fully qualified. Plus, associated regional allowance of £1,093. As well as a competitive salary we offer a variety of valuable benefits, including:
- Free duty and leisure travel on SWR services for employee
- Free leisure travel for spouse/partner and dependants (criteria dependant)
- 75% discount on many other train operating companies
- An annual leave entitlement of 30 days
- Full training and support with development
- Excellent pension scheme
We all belong at SWR. Our vision is to provide an inclusive environment for all colleagues, ensuring all candidates have an equal opportunity to access meaningful employment. We value our differences such as age, gender, LGBTQIA+, ethnicity, religion, and disability. We maintain a zero tolerance towards any form of prejudice towards our colleagues, customers, and future talent. We celebrate and encourage diversity of thought, progressive ways of working and seeing all our colleagues grow and thrive. If you require additional support to complete your application due to a disability or neurodivergent condition, for example, dyslexia, dyspraxia, or autism, please follow the links below. We encourage you to share any additional needs you may require so we can provide a fair and equal process for all who apply.
SWR do not employ for the role of Conductor, our team of highly skilled Guards safely manage our trains whilst in service. The term Conductor may be present during assessments, however, this is not representative of our companies job titles. If you are interested in a Conductor role, this position is comparable.
Metro Guard - Guildford employer: South Western News UK
Contact Detail:
South Western News UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Metro Guard - Guildford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role inside out! Before you even think about applying, make sure you've read the 'Realities of the Guard Role' document. It’s packed with info that’ll help you understand what’s expected and how to shine in your interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Think about the key skills mentioned in the job description, like multitasking and customer interaction. Try role-playing scenarios with friends or family to get comfortable with how you'd handle different situations on the job.
✨Tip Number 3
Network, network, network! Reach out to current or former Guards at SWR on LinkedIn or other platforms. They can give you insider tips on the recruitment process and what it’s really like to work there. Plus, it shows your genuine interest!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll be able to keep track of your application status and any updates directly from us.
We think you need these skills to ace Metro Guard - Guildford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you dive into your application, make sure to download and read the 'Realities of the Guard Role' document. It’s packed with info that’ll help you understand what we’re looking for and how to tailor your application.
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills: As a Guard, you’ll be the face of SWR, so highlight any experience you have in customer service. We want to see how you go above and beyond to create great experiences for customers!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and make sure to address all the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description. We love a well-structured application!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly and makes it easier for us to review your details.
How to prepare for a job interview at South Western News UK
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you've read the 'Realities of the Guard Role' document thoroughly. Understanding the responsibilities and challenges of the position will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
As a Guard, you'll be the face of South Western Railway. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've gone above and beyond for customers. Highlight your ability to stay calm under pressure and how you’ve effectively managed disruptions in service.
✨Demonstrate Safety Awareness
Safety is paramount in this role. Be ready to discuss how you would handle various safety scenarios. Think about times when you've had to make quick decisions or manage risks, and be prepared to explain your thought process during the interview.
✨Be Ready for Practical Assessments
Since the role involves manual handling and being on your feet for long periods, practice answering questions while standing or walking. This will help you get comfortable with the physical demands of the job and demonstrate your readiness to tackle the role head-on.
