Apprentice Train Driver (Level 3)

Balfour Beatty plc; Tonbridge; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary for apprenticeship

25 days holiday

Permanent contract

Progression opportunities

Job summary

Balfour Beatty plc in Tonbridge is hiring an Apprentice Train Driver (Level 3) as part of our 2027 Early Careers programme. You’ll learn to safely prepare, operate and drive MPVs supporting Network Rail's seasonal programmes while being mentored by experienced colleagues.

The apprenticeship combines classroom learning with hands‑on, on‑the‑job training, offering a supported pathway to a safety‑critical Train Driver status and a long‑term career in rail with structured development and progression

Qualifications

• 5 GCSEs or equivalent at passing grades.
• Structured apprenticeship with classroom learning and on‑the‑job training.

Responsibilities

• Carry out pre‑service safety checks and prepare trains for service.
• Monitor train performance and respond to operational situations.
• Maintain concentration and make safe decisions in a safety‑critical environment.
• Communicate effectively with signallers and control teams.
• Complete practical driving hours, route learning and assessments.

Skills

GCSEs

Self-motivated

Teamwork

Safety awareness

Job description

About the role

We are Balfour Beatty. You may not know us by name, but you'll recognise what we do. We're a leading international infrastructure group, building, maintaining and improving infrastructure that supports communities for generations to come.

As a Level 3 Apprentice Train Driver you'll join our 2027 Early Careers programme and gain hands‑on experience while contributing to some of the UK's most significant infrastructure projects. From day one, you'll be mentored by experienced colleagues, develop technical and professional skills, and gain real‑world experience that complements your studies. You'll also be part of a supportive early careers community, building the knowledge, skills and industry‑recognised qualifications needed to build a successful career.

In this role, you'll join one of our Balfour Beatty Rail teams based in Tonbridge supporting and working alongside experienced drivers, trainers, assessors and mentors, you will learn how to safely prepare, operate and drive specialist Multi‑Purpose Vehicles (MPVs) that support Network Rail's seasonal treatment programmes.

What you'll be doing

As an Apprentice Train Driver (Level 3), you'll take the first step towards becoming a competent and authorised safety‑critical Train Driver and Operator. This is a unique opportunity to develop a rewarding career in the rail industry while completing a structured apprenticeship programme that combines classroom learning, practical experience and on‑the‑job training.

You’ll learn how to:

• Carry out pre‑service safety checks and prepare trains for service


• Monitor train performance and respond appropriately to operational situations


• Maintain concentration and make safe decisions in a safety‑critical environment


• Communicate effectively with signallers, control teams and operational colleagues


• Demonstrate a strong understanding of railway safety standards and safe systems of work


• Complete practical driving hours, route learning and competence assessments as part of your apprenticeship programme


• Identify, report and respond to faults, defects or operational issues in line with procedures


• Maintain accurate training and competence records while working towards authorised Train Driver status


• Develop the confidence, professionalism and responsibility required to work independently in a highly regulated environment


• Work collaboratively with operational and engineering teams to support the safe and reliable running of train services

Over the duration of your Apprenticeship, you will be studying on a block /day release basis.

Who we're looking for

We value your potential over experience. If you are self‑motivated, proactive, and eager to start a career in our industry, this role could be for you.

For an Apprentice Train Driver (Level 3) role, you will need:

• 5 GCSEs or equivalent at passing grades. This programme offers a mix of practical experience and theoretical learning, with a focus on more technical or specialised roles to help you build expertise.

We’d also love to receive your application if you:

• Are keen to learn and develop new skills.


• Enjoy solving problems and finding practical solutions.


• Work well with others and contribute positively to a team.


• Communicate clearly and effectively.


• Show initiative, adapt to challenges and take pride in achieving results.

Why work for us as an Apprentice

• Earn while you learn, gaining hands‑on experience while working towards fully funded, industry‑recognised qualifications.


• Work on impactful projects that help shape communities, while building your career with one of the UK's leading infrastructure groups.


• Learn from experienced professionals who will support your development through mentoring, coaching and on‑the‑job learning.


• Take part in unique development opportunities, including residential programmes in the Lake District and personal development experiences delivered by our external partners.


• Build the foundations for a long‑term career, with support towards professional membership and chartership or professional registration where relevant to your role.

What we can offer you

• Competitive salary and flexible benefits, giving you the freedom to shape a rewards package that works for you.


• 25 days’ holiday, with the option to buy or sell additional days.


• A permanent contract from day one, reflecting our commitment to your long‑term career.


• Clear progression opportunities, with bi‑annual performance and pay reviews throughout your programme.


• Opportunities to come together with peers, including welcome events and to celebrate your journey at the end‑of‑programme Early Careers Showcase.


• Opportunities to get involved in wider experiences and initiatives, such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

About us

The rail sector is vital for connecting communities and supporting sustainable transport across the UK. It plays a key role in reducing carbon emissions and enabling efficient travel. At Balfour Beatty, we have a long‑standing history in rail infrastructure, contributing to the development, upgrade, and maintenance of critical rail systems. Our achievements include improving network reliability, increasing capacity, and supporting the shift towards greener transport solutions, positioning us as a trusted leader in the rail industry.

At Balfour Beatty we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential components of any successful, happy workplace. Through our Value Everyone Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and Action Plan, we are growing our diverse workforce and developing our inclusive culture where everyone is able to thrive and reach their full potential, regardless of their identity or background. To find out how we are making this a reality, visit https://balfourbeatty.com/diversityandinclusion

To help and support us with our desired commitment to create an inclusive culture we are members of WISE, enei, Business Disability Forum and the Association for Black and Minority Ethnic Engineers (AFBE). In 2020, we signed the Audeliss and Involve Open Letter to demonstrate our commitment to taking key long term and sustainable actions on Black Inclusion. Balfour Beatty is also a Gold Award holder in the Ministry of Defence 'Employer Recognition Scheme' and actively encourage applications from Armed Forces personnel, veterans and reservists.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we are committed to working with people who have disabilities and long‑term health conditions to remove barriers for them in obtaining employment. For more info, visit: https://disabilityconfident.campaign.gov.uk/

We're committed to making our recruitment process as inclusive as possible. If you need any adjustments, please let us know at any stage of the process.