Trainee Depot Driver - 1715

Greater Anglia; Colchester; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Travel Discounts

International Adventures

Exclusive Discounts

Vouchers for Loved Ones

Wellbeing Support

Pension Perks

Family-Friendly Policies

Save While You Spend

Car Scheme

Job summary

Greater Anglia is offering a permanent, full-time Trainee Depot Driver role based in Colchester. You will join a depot team, undergo full training, and start with a defined progression path while supporting 24-hour shift patterns.

This entry-level position requires you to live within a reasonable distance to the depot, work about 35 hours/week including early starts and late finishes, and obtain necessary Right to Work and medical clearances. Training and a uniform are provided.

Qualifications

• Candidate should live within a reasonable distance to the depot.
• You will work an average of 35 hours per week with shifts over a 24-hour cycle.
• You must arrange your own transport for early/late shifts.
• Applicants must be over 18 years of age.
• Employment is subject to Right to Work and DBS checks and safety-critical medical checks.

Responsibilities

• Operate trains safely within the depot area following all rules.
• Couple and uncouple trains as required.
• Shunt trains to position vehicles.
• Report faults and irregularities promptly.

Skills

Friendly demeanor

Effective communication

Calm under pressure

Can-do attitude

Problem solving

Concentration

Job description

Trainee Depot Driver - 1715

Application Deadline: 16 October 2026

Department: Train Service Delivery

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Colchester

Reporting To: John Smith

Compensation: £36,739 - £40,491 / year

Description

Please note that we are unable to accept your application if you do not meet the following criteria:

• You are required to live within a reasonable distance to the depot you are applying for.
• You will work an average of 35 hours per week, and shifts are over a 24-hour period.This position will require you to work a combination of shifts which includes early starts, late finishes, weekend, and bank holiday working.
• You must be able to arrange your own transport to ensure timely arrival for early and late shifts.
• Applicants must be over 18 years of age
• Employment is subject to Right to Work and DBS checks and a safety‑critical medical check (eyesight, colour vision, hearing and fitness).
• GE Progression Rate: £36,739 rising to £40,491 per annum
• Please note that you will not be able to take annual leave in the first six months of training.

Kickstart Your Career with Greater Anglia!

Are you looking to launch your career in a dynamic and supportive environment? Greater Anglia, a key player in the railway network from London Liverpool Street to the East of England, is offering an exciting opportunity to join our team. With our new, modern, and environmentally friendly trains, now is the perfect time to join us as we elevate the customer travel experience.

Train drivers are at the heart of our business, they are integral to the smooth running of our trains and we currently have some exciting opportunities for enthusiastic and highly motivated individuals to join our incredible team as Trainee Depot Drivers at Colchester Depot. Full training and a uniform are provided upon joining.If you’re ready for a rewarding career that goes beyond the typical 9-5, we want to hear from you!

Key Responsibilities

• Operating trains safely within the depot area within all rules and regulations
• Coupling and uncoupling trains
• Shunting trains
• Reporting faults and irregularities

Training & Development

If you have the right behaviours and attributes, we will provide you the training for you to be an effective part of our community working as a Trainee Depot Driver.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

We’re Looking for Candidates Who:

• Have a friendly, approachable demeanor with the ability to communicate effectively dealing with both customers and colleagues alike
• Are calm under pressure, able to think on their feet, and able to handle various situations with the willingness to accept the high level of responsibility associated with the role
• Possess a “can-do” attitude with the ability to work well on their own
• A problem solver, as the role will encounter many different situations, whilst always maintaining integrity.
• Possess solid concentration skills which are highly required for this role.
• Live within a reasonabledistance to the depot you are applying for.

Job Benefits

What’s in it for you?

• Travel Discounts: Enjoy free travel on Greater Anglia and 75% off with other train operators, plus discounts for eligible family members too!
• International Adventures: After 12 months, unlock discounted international travel for you and your family.
• Exclusive Discounts: Access the GA Hapi App for deals on shopping, dining, and fun days out.
• Vouchers for Loved Ones: Get 12 annual discount vouchers for family and friends to enjoy.
• Wellbeing Support: 24/7 employee assistance, eyecare vouchers, flu jabs, and physiotherapy services.
• Pension Perks: Start with a Defined Contribution pension, with the option to upgrade to a Final Salary pension after 2 years.
• Family-Friendly Policies: We’ve got you covered with maternity, paternity, adoption leave, and shared parental leave after 26 weeks.
• Save While You Spend: Cycle to work and tech purchase schemes once you pass probation.
• Car Scheme: Eligible colleagues can access our Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme, offering a hassle-free way to drive a new or pre-loved electric vehicle.

The closing date for all completed applications is on Friday 16th October 2026

*Please note vacancies can close earlier due to high influx of candidate applications*

At Greater Anglia we are proud of the work that we do. We’re investing to help shape the future of rail in the UK and being a part of our team gives you every opportunity to contribute to the journey we are on.

Join Us and Experience:

• Inclusivity & Respect: Be yourself and thrive in a supportive environment where every idea and person is valued. Help us be Greater Together.
• Community & Teamwork: Work together to deliver the best for our customers while enjoying a friendly, can-do atmosphere.
• Pride & Progress: Contribute to meaningful change and a sustainable future, with continuous improvement is the norm.

Ready to Bring Your G A Game?