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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 mission to transform the rail industry while developing valuable skills and making a difference.
- Qualifications: Must live within an hour of Newcastle depot and be ready for shift work; no prior experience needed.
- Other info: Intensive training programme with opportunities for personal growth and career advancement.
The predicted salary is between 27585 - 66664 £ per year.
Trainee Train Driver – Newcastle
- 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: Newcastle
- 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 Newcastle 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 - Newcastle employer: Tpexpress
Contact Detail:
Tpexpress Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Train Driver - Newcastle
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the operational rules and procedures of train driving. Understanding these will not only help you during the psychometric testing but also demonstrate your commitment to safety and efficiency, which are crucial for this role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your concentration and observation skills. You can do this through various online games or apps designed to improve focus. This will prepare you for the measured concentration test and show that you take the role seriously.
✨Tip Number 3
Get to know the Newcastle area and the specific routes you might be driving. Being familiar with the local geography can give you an edge in understanding the job's demands and help you feel more confident during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Engage with current train drivers or join forums related to train driving. Networking can provide insights into the role and the training process, plus it shows your enthusiasm and willingness to learn from those already in the field.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Train Driver - Newcastle
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: Craft your CV to highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the job description. Emphasise any customer service experience, reliability, and your ability to follow rules and procedures.
Prepare for Online Assessments: Since the application process includes online assessments, practice concentration tests and logical reasoning exercises. This will help you perform better in the measured concentration test.
Write a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the rail industry. Mention why you want to work for TransPennine Express and how you can contribute to their mission of creating a better-connected network.
How to prepare for a job interview at Tpexpress
✨Know the Company
Familiarise yourself with TransPennine Express and their mission. Understand their values and how they aim to improve the rail industry. This will help you align your answers with what they are looking for in a candidate.
✨Demonstrate Safety Awareness
As a trainee train driver, safety is paramount. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise safety in your previous experiences and how you would handle situations that require quick decision-making under pressure.
✨Show Your Customer Service Skills
Since the role involves customer interaction, highlight any experience you have in customer service. Discuss how you can maintain a friendly and approachable demeanour while ensuring safety and efficiency.
✨Prepare for Psychometric Testing
Understand that psychometric testing is a crucial part of the selection process. Practice concentration and logical reasoning tests beforehand to ensure you perform well and meet the required standards.
