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- Tasks: Become a Train Movement Apprentice and learn to drive trains while ensuring they are ready for service.
- Company: Join Southeastern, one of Britain's busiest train operators, serving London, Kent, and East Sussex.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, free rail travel, 24 days annual leave, and a final salary pension.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the transport industry while working in a supportive and diverse environment.
- Qualifications: Must be 20+, live within 40 minutes of depot, and have strong teamwork and problem-solving skills.
- Other info: Apply early as the vacancy may close quickly; no prior railway experience needed!
Looking for a career that can take you places?Â
Become a Southeastern Train Movement Apprentice.
We are seeking 40+ Train Movement Apprentices to join Southeastern in 2025 across our London, Kent and East Sussex Depots.Â
Can you move people? Apply now.
What you’ll do
- As a trainee Train Movement Apprentice you’ll be enrolled into the Driver Apprenticeship Level 3 Programme which will lead to a nationally recognised qualification.
- You’ll complete a mix of classroom days, modular assessments and practical training with a Shunter Driver Team Leader.
- It usually takes approx. 6 months to become competent
Once Competent
- You will be responsible for ensuring Trains are shunted/driven and prepared for service, as well as communicating with YMC’s, Drivers, Signallers and other agencies/contractors, via radio and the preferred method of face to face.
- You will correctly set routes for the trains, by pulling points manually, to ensure the trains are positioned in the correct part of the yard
Driving a train carries great responsibility but with that comes pride and achievement, knowing that an invaluable service has been delivered on time to a ever changing industry. Â
Your shifts
- Rosters vary but are based over a 35-hour week. This will include a mix of early, late, night and weekend shifts.
- Our railway operates 24-hours, so shifts can start as early as 05:00 and end at almost any time of day or night.
The experience you’ll need
You don’t need railway experience to do this role. We’re looking for people from all backgrounds to join our team.
We’re looking for a great mix of talented people with concentration, co-ordination, problem solving, great teamworking skills and a talent for customer service too.
However, we can only consider you for the role if you:
- are 20 years or older, as train driving is a safety critical role
- live within a 40-minute drive of your chosen Kent/East Sussex depot
- Or 20-minutes by public transport (not car or motorbike) from our London Victoria depot.
- We do not accept applications from candidates for our Kent depot’s who are north of the river at this time Â
We have depots located at Ashford (Kent),Slade Green, Gillingham, Grove Park, Hastings, Ramsgate and Victoria.
As proud members of the Armed Forces Covenant and Disability Confident Scheme, we will offer you an interview if you apply under these schemes and meet the minimum criteria for the role. Find out more here. Â
What you’ll get in returnÂ
We offer a generous salary (plus regional allowance where applicable) which rises in increments throughout your journey to becoming a Competent Train Movements Apprentice
The starting salary for the role is £30,696, which rises to £37,992 once you are deemed competent.
Along with your salary, the rewards you’ll get include:
- a final salary pension
- 24 days annual leave allowance (including bank holidays)
- free rail travel across our networks.
Meaning you can feel secure in your career as well as fulfilled by your work. Click here to see our full range of amazing benefits.
A bit about Southeastern
We’re one of Britain’s busiest train operators, serving London, Kent and parts of East Sussex. We run over 1,700 trains a day, carrying more than 500,000 passengers and serving 180 stations.
However, working on our railway is more than getting passengers from A to B. It’s about all the little moments that make a difference to their journey.
It’s also about making our railway a great place to work. With a team that represents the communities we serve. This is a journey we’re fully committed to and we’re proud to have been named a ‘Great Place to Work’ at the 2023 National Rail Awards and endorsed as a WORK180 Employer for Women.Â
Our ways of working are what we expect of everyone at Southeastern. They are powerful. Tiny moments, every day, from every one of us, add up to massive, positive change. Improving how it feels to work here and how it feels to travel with us.
Learn more about our railway and what we achieved in 2023.Â
Other things to know
- This vacancy may close early if we receive a large number of applications. So, make sure you get yours in early.
- All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references, a right to work verification, a basic criminal record check, and a pre-employment medical assessment. Work visa sponsorship isn’t available for this role.
- If you applied but weren’t successful in getting a similar role at Southeastern, please wait six months before applying again.
Find out more about our recruitment process and get tips to help you apply.
Locations
Train Movements Apprentice employer: Southeastern Railway
Contact Detail:
Southeastern Railway Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Train Movements Apprentice
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the Southeastern railway network and its operations. Understanding the routes, depots, and the overall service can give you an edge during interviews and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any experience you have in teamwork or customer service. Since this role requires great communication skills and collaboration with various teams, showcasing relevant experiences can make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to discuss your problem-solving abilities. Think of examples from your past where you successfully navigated challenges, as this will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of a Train Movement Apprentice.
✨Tip Number 4
Make sure you know the location of your chosen depot and your commute options. Being able to discuss your travel plans shows that you are serious about the role and understand the importance of punctuality in this industry.
We think you need these skills to ace Train Movements Apprentice
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Train Movement Apprentice. Highlight your ability to work in a team, communicate effectively, and handle the responsibilities that come with driving a train.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to reflect the skills and experiences that align with the job description. Emphasize any relevant teamwork, problem-solving, and customer service experiences.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention why you want to join Southeastern and how your background makes you a great fit for the apprenticeship.
Check Your Application: Before submitting, double-check your application for any errors or missing information. Ensure that all documents are correctly formatted and that your contact details are up to date.
How to prepare for a job interview at Southeastern Railway
✨Show Your Enthusiasm for the Role
Express your excitement about becoming a Train Movement Apprentice. Talk about why you are interested in the railway industry and how you can contribute to Southeastern's mission of delivering an invaluable service.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
Since this role involves working closely with others, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in a team setting. Highlight your communication skills and ability to work under pressure.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Think about potential scenarios you might face as a Train Movement Apprentice. Be ready to discuss how you would handle specific situations, such as coordinating with drivers or managing unexpected changes in train schedules.
✨Understand the Importance of Safety
Since train driving is a safety-critical role, emphasize your understanding of safety protocols and your commitment to maintaining a safe working environment. Share any relevant experiences that showcase your attention to detail and responsibility.