At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure customer safety and satisfaction while managing train operations.
- Company: Join South Western Railway, a leading transport provider in the South West.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, free travel, 30 days annual leave, and excellent training.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with great career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be a vital part of our team, making journeys safe and enjoyable for everyone.
- Qualifications: Must be over 18, adaptable, and have strong multitasking skills.
The predicted salary is between 26763 - 38594 £ per year.
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.
Responsibilities
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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. 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 successfully, 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.
About the team
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. 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.
Compensation & Benefits
£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 £2,439. 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
Equality & Diversity
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.
Metro Guard - Strawberry Hill in Twickenham employer: South Western Railway
At South Western Railway, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where safety and customer service are paramount. Our Guards play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and satisfaction of our passengers, with opportunities for personal growth through comprehensive training and development. With competitive salaries, generous benefits including free travel, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, SWR is dedicated to fostering a supportive culture that empowers our employees to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Metro Guard - Strawberry Hill in Twickenham
✨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 South Western Railway.
✨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 South Western Railway. Every application gets us one step closer to landing that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Metro Guard - Strawberry Hill in Twickenham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're applying for a role in the transportation and logistics sector at South Western Railway, 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 South Western Railway 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 South Western Railway. 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 South Western Railway
✨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 South Western Railway.
✨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 South Western Railway.
