Driver Trainer

Arriva Group; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

CrossCountry is seeking an experienced Train Driver who will become a pivotal Driver Trainer, developing and supporting our drivers to operate safely and confidently. You will blend operational experience with coaching and assessment to raise training standards across programmes.

You’ll manage trainee development, contribute to L&D design, and work with depots to monitor progress and maintain high quality learning outcomes.

Qualifications

• Five years’ experience as a qualified Train Driver with diverse routes and operating conditions.
• Extensive knowledge of railway rules, regulations, procedures, signalling, timetabling and emergencies.
• Knowledge of train types relevant to the training area.
• Strong mentoring, coaching and feedback skills for challenging situations.
• Excellent instructional delivery and communication, with ability to explain complex information clearly.

Responsibilities

• Deliver engaging learning, development and assessment across driver training programmes.
• Lead initial driver training for new entrants and traction/conversion training.
• Develop and design Learning & Development programmes with appropriate approvals.
• Line manage trainee drivers through core training and depot handover.
• Provide regular updates on trainee progress and support needed actions.

Skills

Mentoring & coaching

Instructional delivery

Communication

Assessment skills

Feedback

Adaptability

Education

A1 Assessors Qualification

Job description

Ready to shape the future of train driving?

Are you an experienced, qualified Train Driver who is passionate about developing people and sharing your knowledge? If you’re looking for an opportunity to make a real difference to the next generation of drivers, CrossCountry wants to hear from you.

As a Driver Trainer, you’ll play a key role in developing and supporting our drivers, helping them build the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to operate safely and successfully. You’ll combine your operational experience with your coaching and assessment skills to deliver high-quality training that meets both industry and company standards.

What You’ll Do

You’ll be responsible for delivering 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.

You’ll also maintain accurate training and assessment records, monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of training programmes, and work with the Head of Driver Training to ensure content remains current and effective.

What you’ll bring

You’ll be an experienced and knowledgeable railway professional who can inspire confidence, communicate clearly and adapt your approach to get the best from every trainee.

We’re Looking For

• 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.

Above all, you’ll bring 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.

Closing date for applications: 25 September 2026

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.