At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us as a Trainee Train Driver and learn to operate trains safely.
- Company: Be part of London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands Railway, leaders in transport.
- Benefits: Enjoy free travel for you and your family, plus discounts on other train services.
- Other info: Commit to a minimum 14-month role after training for career growth.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career with a competitive salary and excellent development opportunities.
- Qualifications: Must be 20+, live within 60 minutes of Coventry, and meet safety standards.
The predicted salary is between 35441 - 67793 £ per year.
London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands Railway are now recruiting motivated and responsible individuals to join us as a Trainee Driver, on our Level 3 Train Driver Apprenticeship based at Coventry. You must live within a 60 minute commute to Coventry. Please note due to shift start and end times you cannot rely on public transport to get to work and own transport is recommended.
Please do not submit multiple applications across multiple locations. If you have already submitted or have an active application for one of our trainee train driver roles you do not need to reapply. Please note this is a vacancy for our 2027 intake of drivers.
To be considered, you must be committed to the demands and completion of the apprenticeship programme and will also need to have the ability to complete Level 2 Functional Skills in Maths, English and ICT along with meeting all requirements outlined against our train driver operational standards below, which will be checked during the selection process:
- Live within 60 minutes travel time of the vacancy location
- Be 20 years of age or over
- Completed at least 9 years education (Primary and Secondary) as stated in the train driver license and certificate regulations. Applicants who have not included full details of this on their application will be rejected
- Have an ability to follow set rules and procedures, within a safety conscious environment
- Be able to work shifts in a 24-hour period, over any 7 days (your own transport would be advisable due to shift start and end times)
- Be willing to undergo a full medical, including a drug and alcohol test
- Have a minimum height of 5’2” and a maximum height of 6’4” – for safety reasons
- Have full colour vision.
Following a review against the criteria listed above, to be successfully offered a position, candidates will need to meet our standard and criteria within each stage of the process, outlined below:
- Application sift by the OPC to ensure suitability for the role.
- Driver industry standard assessments – undertaken with a national rail assessor
- Interview with the driver management team
- Full medical - including drug and alcohol
In addition to the above, internal candidates will also undergo internal checks which will consist of a full check of absence in line with MFA, line manager reference of performance and conduct within your current role, review of any safety incidents which have occurred, and any live and previous disciplinaries (these will be reviewed and considered by your current line manager and future line manager). Candidates cannot have multiple applications in process for various locations. Please only apply for the relevant location to you. Any candidates who already have an application in process are not required to reapply.
In addition to a competitive salary, West Midlands Trains offers a wealth of benefits including:
- Free travel on Transport UK trains for you, your partner and dependent children
- 75% discount on other train travel over most of the UK rail network
- Access to an Employee Recognition and Benefits Platform
- Development opportunities to help further your career with West Midlands Trains
- A defined benefit pension
Under the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) guidelines any candidates who have been unsuccessful with the industry tests will need to wait for a period of 12 months prior to reapplying again. Candidates who have failed the industry assessments may be eligible to apply.
We anticipate receiving a high volume of applications and reserve the right to withdraw this advert at any time, therefore please apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
To ensure continuity and an effective delivery of service, successful candidates will be required to commit to a minimum 14-month period in role after achieving competence. This also includes existing colleagues who move by internal promotions and transfers. This time allows our future colleagues to support personal career development by allowing time to build strong knowledge and expertise.
Starting salary is £35,441, rising through increments to £67,793.
A defined benefit pension from day 1 – one of the best in the UK.
Free travel on all London Northwestern and West Midlands Railway services for you, your spouse/partner, and dependents.
75% off all other train operating companies for you, your spouse/partner, and dependents.
8 Friends and Family Day passes to gift per annum on our network.
A 24/7 Virtual GP service for you and your household.
Our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) - A confidential employee benefit that supports you with personal or work-related issues affecting your home life, work life, health, or wellbeing.
Our cycle to work scheme with Evans Cycles.
A retail discount portal - offering savings, discounts and cashback at over 800 retailers and restaurants.
Due to the volume of applications we receive, the advert may close earlier than the published closing date. Please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid missing out.
As an inclusive employer, we welcome applications from all backgrounds and ensure no-one receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender, race/ethnicity, religion, belief and sexual orientation.
Trainee Train Driver - Coventry employer: WM Trains
Joining London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands Railway as a Trainee Train Driver in Coventry offers a unique opportunity to embark on a rewarding career with a company that prioritises employee development and well-being. With competitive salaries, extensive benefits including free travel for you and your family, and a supportive work culture that values safety and inclusivity, you'll find a fulfilling environment that encourages growth and progression within the rail industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Train Driver - Coventry
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands Railway. Understanding their values and culture can help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for the driver industry standard assessments by familiarising yourself with the types of tests you'll face. There are plenty of resources online, so get cracking!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready for the interview! Think about how your experiences align with the role's requirements. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and make a strong impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application is seen. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the team. Don’t wait too long; apply as soon as you can to avoid missing out!
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Train Driver - Coventry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start your application, make sure to read through the job description thoroughly. We want to see that you understand what the role entails and that you meet the requirements, so take note of the key points!
Be Honest About Your Qualifications:When filling out your application, be upfront about your qualifications and experience. If you’ve completed the necessary education or have relevant skills, let us know! Remember, we’re looking for candidates who can follow rules and procedures in a safety-conscious environment.
Show Your Commitment:This role requires dedication to the apprenticeship programme, so make sure to express your commitment in your application. We want to see that you’re ready to take on the challenges and complete the training successfully!
Apply Through Our Website:To make things easier for both you and us, please apply through our website. This way, we can keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super straightforward!
How to prepare for a job interview at WM Trains
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Trainee Train Driver and the responsibilities that come with it. Familiarise yourself with the operational standards and safety procedures. This will show your commitment and readiness for the apprenticeship.
✨Be Punctual and Prepared
Arrive on time and bring any necessary documents, such as proof of education and identification. Being punctual demonstrates your reliability, which is crucial in this role. Plus, it gives you a moment to settle in and calm those pre-interview nerves!
✨Showcase Your Safety Awareness
During the interview, highlight your understanding of safety protocols and your ability to follow rules. Discuss any previous experiences where you had to adhere to strict guidelines, as this is vital for a role that prioritises safety in a 24-hour working environment.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions to ask the interviewers about the apprenticeship programme and the company culture. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you determine if it's the right fit for you. Plus, it can help you stand out from other candidates!
