At a Glance
- Tasks: Become a Train Driver through a structured training programme and ensure safe travel for customers.
- Company: Join CrossCountry, a diverse and inclusive employer committed to your success.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £32,717, rising to £65,402, plus flexible working and free travel perks.
- Other info: Enjoy 30 days holiday, health support, and discounts on rail travel after one year.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in a vital role with excellent growth opportunities and support.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed, just a passion for learning and commitment to safety.
The predicted salary is between 32717 - 43347 £ per year.
Overview
Join us as an Apprentice Train Driver and be part of a team that plays a vital role in delivering a safe, reliable, and pivotal service for our customers. We\'re proud to welcome people from all walks of life into our workforce. Whether you\'re changing careers or just starting out, we\'ll provide a structured, fully supported training programme to help you become a fully qualified Train Driver. We are looking for people who will:
- Prioritise safety and take personal responsibility for maintaining a safe and supportive working environment
- Bring a positive, proactive approach to learning, collaboration, and supporting others
- Be committed to delivering excellent, accessible, and inclusive service to all our customers
- Meet the relevant Rail Industry Standards requirements (reasonable adjustments considered where needed)
- Be able to commit to the 35-39-week training programme (starting in 2026/27) with full support from our team to help you succeed
- Live within 1 hour of the depot you are applying to
- Be able to work shifts, with very early starts and late finishes
- Internal candidates will also undergo an internal review which will consist of a full check of absence (in line with MFA), line manager reference of performance and conduct in role; a 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)
If you\'re passionate about learning and ready for a new challenge, we\'d love to hear from you.
About CrossCountry
At CrossCountry, we\'re committed to building a workplace where everyone feels they belong, a team that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve and the passengers we support every day. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences including women, people from ethnic minority / global majority backgrounds, people with disabilities, neurodivergent people, LGBTQ+ colleagues, and those with caring responsibilities. We\'re a Disability Confident employer, and we\'re happy to make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process or in the workplace to ensure everyone can perform at their best. If there\'s something we can do to support you, please let us know in confidence when you apply. We believe inclusion drives innovation, and we\'re proud to be building a culture where everyone can thrive and reach their full potential.
Salary and Benefits
Starting salary: £32,717 per annum, rising to £43,347 on completion of training, and increasing to £65,402 when trained and driving on your own. We offer a range of benefits designed to support you both at work and at home including enhanced parental leave, flexible working options, health and wellbeing support, and career development opportunities. Other benefits include:
- Holiday, starts on 30 days, goes up by one day a year up to 35 days
- Pension is defined benefit, so contributions can vary but benefit is fixed and inflated each year
- Free travel on Arriva Rail services (CrossCountry, Chiltern, London Overground and Grand Central) plus reciprocal travel on West Midlands Trains in the Birmingham area
- 75% off other UK rail companies
- Discounted European rail travel after one year
- Access to the Arriva Village (offering web based discounts on various products/services on the high street)
Recruitment Process
We\'re committed to a fair and inclusive selection process, and we believe that transparency helps everyone feel confident and supported throughout the recruitment process. Once you\'ve submitted your application, our recruitment team will review it against the role criteria, and you\'ll hear from us about next steps within two to three weeks. Shortlisted candidates will then be invited to an online assessment, with plenty of notice and clear guidance to help you succeed. The selection process includes:
- A review of your online application
- Online assessments (facilitated by our assessment partner, SHL)
- Train Driver Psychometric Testing
- Values Alignment meeting
- A safety-critical medical
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Apprentice Train Driver - Birmingham employer: XC Trains Limited
At CrossCountry, we pride ourselves on being an inclusive employer that values diversity and fosters a supportive work environment. As an Apprentice Train Driver in Birmingham, you'll benefit from a comprehensive training programme, competitive salary progression, and a range of employee benefits including flexible working options and free travel on our services. We are dedicated to your growth and well-being, ensuring you have the resources and support needed to thrive in your career with us.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice Train Driver - Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research CrossCountry and understand their values, especially around safety and inclusion. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Before any assessments or interviews, do some mock sessions with friends or family. Focus on the key skills they’re looking for, like teamwork and a proactive attitude, so you can showcase your strengths effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to share your story! Think about your journey and how it aligns with the role of an Apprentice Train Driver. Whether it's your passion for learning or your commitment to safety, make sure you can articulate this clearly during your discussions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll have access to all the latest opportunities and updates directly from us at StudySmarter.
We think you need these skills to ace Apprentice Train Driver - Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When you're filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your unique experiences and perspectives.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of an Apprentice Train Driver. Show us why you’re the perfect fit for our team!
Show Your Commitment:We’re looking for candidates who are ready to commit to the training programme. Make sure to express your enthusiasm for learning and your dedication to safety and service in your application.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and keep you updated on the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at XC Trains Limited
✨Know Your Safety Standards
As an Apprentice Train Driver, safety is paramount. Familiarise yourself with the relevant Rail Industry Standards and be ready to discuss how you prioritise safety in your work. This shows that you take personal responsibility seriously.
✨Show Your Commitment to Learning
Demonstrate your proactive approach to learning during the interview. Share examples of how you've tackled challenges in the past and express your enthusiasm for the structured training programme. This will highlight your readiness to embrace new skills.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
Talk about your experiences working in teams and how you support others. CrossCountry values collaboration, so share specific instances where you contributed positively to a team environment. This will show that you’re a great fit for their culture.
✨Be Ready for Shift Work
Since the role involves shifts with early starts and late finishes, be prepared to discuss your flexibility and willingness to adapt. Mention any previous experience with shift work or how you manage your time effectively to handle such schedules.
