Driver Trainer

XC Trains Limited; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

CrossCountry is seeking an experienced Driver Trainer to lead learning and assessments across our driver training programmes. You will deliver Initial Driver Training for new entrants and support traction training to ensure drivers gain requisite knowledge and competence.

You will mentor trainees, run route learning for operational grades, and conduct rules assessments for PQA and qualified drivers, while developing learning programmes to meet industry and CrossCountry standards.

Qualifications

• Five years’ experience as a qualified Train Driver.
• Extensive knowledge of railway rules, regulations and procedures.
• Mentoring and coaching skills with constructive feedback.
• Strong instructional delivery and communication abilities.
• A1 Assessors Qualification is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Deliver learning, development and assessment across driver training programmes.
• Initial Driver Training for new entrants to reach full potential.
• Traction conversions and core traction training for required knowledge.
• Route learning for operational grades and managers.
• Rules assessments for PQA and qualified drivers.
• Develop and design Learning & Development programmes with accreditation.
• Line manage trainee drivers through core training to depot return.
• Coordinate with depot teams and monitor trainee progress.
• Maintain training records and evaluate programme effectiveness.

Skills

Train Driver

Railway Rules Knowledge

Mentoring & Coaching

Instructional Delivery

Assessment & Evaluation

Strong Communication

Adapt Learning Needs

Education

A1 Assessors Qualification

Job description

What you’ll do

• Deliver engaging learning, development and assessment across a range of driver training programmes, including:
• Initial Driver Training for new entrants, supporting them to reach their full potential.
• Traction conversions and core traction training, ensuring drivers develop the required technical knowledge and competence.
• Route learning principles for operational grades and managers, as directed.
• Rules assessments for PQA and qualified drivers, helping to maintain competence and minimise skills fade.
• Supporting the development and design of Learning & Development programmes, ensuring they meet all relevant industry and company standards and securing internal or external approval and accreditation where required.
• Line managing trainee drivers during core training, through to their return to depot for handling.
• Working closely with depot teams to provide regular updates on trainee progress and identify any actions required to help individuals achieve the required standard.
• Maintaining accurate training and assessment records, monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of training programmes, and working with the Head of Driver Training to ensure content remains current and effective.

What you’ll bring

• At least five years’ experience as a qualified Train Driver, with experience across a range of routes and operating conditions.
• Extensive knowledge of railway rules, regulations and operational procedures, including signalling, timetabling and emergency procedures.
• Knowledge and experience of the train types relevant to your training area.
• Strong mentoring and coaching skills, with the ability to provide constructive feedback and support individuals through challenging situations.
• Excellent instructional delivery and communication skills, with the ability to explain complex information clearly and adapt your approach to different learning needs.
• Strong assessment and evaluation skills, with the ability to accurately assess performance and identify where further development is required.
• An A1 Assessors Qualification is desirable, but not essential.
• A genuine passion for developing people, maintaining high standards and sharing your operational experience to help others succeed.

Why become a Driver Trainer?

This is more than a training role. It’s an opportunity to use your experience to make a lasting impact on the people who will help keep CrossCountry moving. You’ll be at the heart of developing safe, competent and confident drivers, while continuing to build your own professional skills and operational expertise.

Diversity and inclusion

At CrossCountry, we recognise the value that diverse experiences, talents and cultures bring to our organisation. Embracing diversity and creating an inclusive environment is a key part of our talent strategy. A diverse and inclusive workforce is central to our success, helping us unlock potential, encourage different perspectives and enable our people to thrive.

If you’re ready to take the next step and help shape the future of driving at CrossCountry, we’d love to hear from you.

Closing date for applications: 25 September 2026