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- Tasks: Become a Trainee Train Driver, ensuring safe and efficient transport for customers.
- Company: Join TransPennine Express, a forward-thinking rail company dedicated to connecting the North and Scotland.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary starting at £27,585, increasing to £66,664 after training, plus supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative journey in the rail industry while developing valuable skills and making a difference.
- Qualifications: Must live within an hour of Manchester Piccadilly and be ready for shift work; no prior experience needed.
- Other info: Intensive training programme with opportunities for personal growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 27585 - 66664 £ per year.
Trainee Train Driver – Manchester Piccadilly
- Salary during training: £27,585pa
- Salary increasing to (after 8 weeks of completed training) is: £66,664pa
- Hours: Around the clock shift work including weekends
- Location: Manchester Piccadilly
- Course Start Date: Autumn 2025
We\’re TransPennine Express and we\’re going places. Whether that\’s helping customers reach their destination, or ensuring our colleagues feel fulfilled and supported in their careers. We\’re looking for people with drive and enthusiasm to join our amazing team and help push for more progress within the rail industry. We look forward to meeting new faces and eager minds, ready to join our mission of creating a better-connected network in the North and Scotland, for good.
All our train drivers are responsible for the safe and efficient transportation of our customers, across our extensive rail network. It\’s a very responsible position which requires high levels of concentration, observation and quick reaction skills. It also involves making logical decisions whilst strictly following operational rules and procedures. However, driving is not your only responsibility; you\’ll also play a part in customer service delivery, so looking smart and being approachable is also important.
We are looking to recruit trainee train drivers for our Manchester Piccadilly depot.
- Do you live within an hour\’s travelling distance to the depot? *You must live within a 60 minute commutable distance from the location you are applying for. Evidence of proof residence will be requested at interview stage.
- Can you work varying shifts?
- Can you follow rules and procedures?
- Can you learn and recall complex information?
- Are you responsible, reliable and conscientious?
To ensure that we find the best people for the job, following the application and shortlisting process, successful candidates will be invited to attend Trainee Train Driver Psychometrics testing. Applicants who reach the required TPE standard for psychometric testing will be invited to attend an interview.
Phase 1 Online questions and application form, Smart Chat online interview questions, A measured concentration test (an online assessment), and local driver management shortlisting* If you pass Phase 1, you will be invited to Phase 2 (Limited spaces available)
Phase 2 Trainee Driver Psychometric Assessments – Stage 1, if successful you will be invited to the next stage
Phase 3 Trainee Driver Psychometric Assessments – Stage 2, if successful you will be invited to the next stage
Phase 4 Trainee Driver interview with members of the Driver Management team
Phase 5 Medical – For health and safety reasons you will have to achieve a minimum medical criteria, including specific visual and hearing standards. * Due to night time driving we cannot accept applicants who have undergone eye surgery.
For the first 9 to 12 months you will undertake an intensive training programme based in the class room and on the train, which may involve periods away from home. Your training will be delivered by our dedicated and professional driver training team. There\’s a lot to learn so you\’ll be required to puts lots of hard work and commitment into making sure you become a qualified train driver. You will also be placed on the Level 3 Train Driver Qualification and functional skills (if applicable), this qualification will form part of the Trainee Train Driver training programme.
**If you have applied previously and wish to be considered for this role a new application must be made. **
**Due to high numbers of applications received for the role, we will be unable to provide feedback if unsuccessful at shortlisting stage**
Going places has never felt better!
At TransPennine Express, it\’s our goal to help people reach their full potential. We offer the opportunity to not just join the transformation of the rail industry, but to lead it. Our values are designed with every team member in mind; whether it\’s ensuring you feel free to be yourself at work, or encouraging everyone to pull together and support each other. We promise to value our people for the individuals they are. Whichever department becomes your destination, from the tip of the train, to the tail, our only focus is heading at full speed into the future. So, if making people crack a smile helps you feel at home, and raising standards is second nature to you, we\’d love to have you onboard.
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Trainee Train Driver - Manchester Piccadilly employer: Tpexpress
Contact Detail:
Tpexpress Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Train Driver - Manchester Piccadilly
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the rail industry and TransPennine Express specifically. Understanding their values, mission, and the role of a train driver will help you demonstrate your enthusiasm and alignment with their goals during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your concentration and observation skills. Since the role requires high levels of focus, consider engaging in activities that enhance these abilities, such as puzzles or memory games, to prepare for the psychometric testing.
✨Tip Number 3
Ensure you can articulate your understanding of safety protocols and operational rules. Being able to discuss how you would handle various scenarios while adhering to these guidelines will show your readiness for the responsibilities of a train driver.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for the varying shift patterns by demonstrating your flexibility and reliability. Be ready to discuss your availability and any previous experiences where you successfully managed shift work or similar commitments.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Train Driver - Manchester Piccadilly
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Trainee Train Driver. Familiarise yourself with the skills required, such as concentration, observation, and decision-making abilities.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight relevant experience and skills in your CV that align with the job description. Emphasise any customer service experience, as well as your ability to follow rules and procedures.
Prepare for Online Assessments: Since the application process includes online assessments, practice concentration tests and psychometric evaluations. This will help you feel more confident and perform better during the actual assessments.
Craft a Strong Application Form: When filling out the application form, be clear and concise. Answer all questions thoroughly, showcasing your enthusiasm for the role and your commitment to safety and customer service.
How to prepare for a job interview at Tpexpress
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Make sure you understand the responsibilities of a Trainee Train Driver. Familiarise yourself with the importance of safety, customer service, and the operational rules you'll need to follow. This will show your enthusiasm and commitment to the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Reliability
Since the job requires high levels of responsibility, be prepared to discuss examples from your past that showcase your reliability and conscientiousness. Highlight any experiences where you had to follow strict procedures or make quick decisions.
✨Prepare for Psychometric Testing
As part of the selection process, you'll undergo psychometric testing. Brush up on concentration and logical reasoning exercises beforehand. Practising these skills can help you feel more confident and perform better during the assessments.
✨Show Your Customer Service Skills
Customer service is a key part of the role. Be ready to share examples of how you've provided excellent service in previous jobs. Emphasise your approachability and how you handle customer interactions, as this will be crucial in your role as a train driver.
