Trainee Train Conductor

Northern Trains Limited; Manchester; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free Travel

Pension

Cycle to Work

Exclusive Discounts

Training and Career Development

Job summary

Northern Trains Limited is seeking a Train Conductor in Manchester. You’ll be the face of our service, ensuring safe operation, helping passengers, checking tickets and providing information. The role involves evening and weekend shifts, with a formal assessment day as part of the recruitment process.

The position is a 1-year apprenticeship-style programme, with comprehensive training and progression to a fully qualified conductor. Competitive benefits available as part of the Northern package.

Qualifications

• RSSB safety critical role; meet industry standards and regulations.
• Excellent communication and customer service abilities required.
• Able to handle conflicts and maintain safety and composure.

Responsibilities

• Operate train equipment, doors, and controls.
• Greet passengers and provide information on routes and schedules.
• Check tickets and validate travel documents.
• Make clear announcements over PA system.
• Ensure safe boarding and assist vulnerable customers.
• Handle delays, emergencies and evacuations if needed.
• Maintain records on incidents and passenger counts.

Skills

Communication skills

Customer service

Conflict resolution

Time management

Situational awareness

Teamwork

Tools

Tablets

Body worn cameras

Job description

SALARY: Basic salary of £27,460 until successful completion of training (for approximately 3 months);rising to£37,132 per annum on completion of training. Plus, commission, overtime andthe Northernbenefits package.

ROLE TYPE: Full Time.

LOCATION: Manchester

HOURS: Rolling 35 hours per week. Shift pattern includes evenings, nights and weekends (for example:03:00– 10:30,07:00–16:30,15:30 – 12:30, 18:00 – 02:30).

START DATE: Please note this is for 2026 and 2027 recruitment, with the first course scheduled to start in October 2026.

IMPORTANT: As part of the recruitment process, you will be required to attend an Assessment Day. This day will be held on Monday 7th September in Manchester.Attendance on this date is essential, and unfortunately we are unable to offer alternative dates. If you are not able to attend, we kindly ask that you do not submit an application at this time.

As a Train Conductor, you'll be the face of our service, ensuring the efficient operation of our trains while providing exceptional customer care. From checking tickets to managing onboard safety and looking after passengers, you can be sure that no two days will ever be the same.

What you'll be doing

• Inspect & Operate: Train equipment, doors, and controls.
• Greet Passengers: Create a welcoming atmosphere for all.
• Check Tickets: Verify passenger tickets and travel cards.
• Provide Information: Answer questions on routes, schedules, and connections.
• Make Announcements: Provide clear updates over the onboard PA system.
• Ensure Safe Boarding: Help passengers safely board and disembark the train.
• Handle Delays & Emergencies: Confidently manage unexpected delays, issues, or emergencies.

Take a behind-the-scenes look at a day in the life of a Train Conductor - https://bit.ly/3XGPwcH

Key responsibilities

As a Train Conductor, every dayis unique bringingnew facesand fresh challenges. Your main duties include:

• Train Operations: Coordinate with Drivers and Operational Teams keeping the train running smoothly, stick to schedules,monitorsignals, and stay in touch with Control.
• Customer Assistance: Help passengers on and off, check tickets, provide information & handle inquires, ensure a safe, comfortable journey,assistvulnerable customers, deescalate conflicts, andmaintaina welcoming atmosphere.
• Safety & Compliance: Enforce safety rules, manage door procedures, conduct inspections, and handle emergencies,includingleadingevacuations if needed.You’llbe fully trained and regularly assessed on all safety standards.
• Fare Collection: Collect fares,validatetickets, and tackle fare evasion.
• Communication: Provide updates on delays or disruptions, relayingimportant informationto passengers.
• Reporting: Maintainaccuraterecords of customer counts, ticket sales and detailed reports on incidents,faultsand delays.
• Customer Service: Deliver a professional service, handle complaints, and create a positive enjoyable travel experience.
• Utilise Tech: Daily use of technologyincludingtablets and body worn cameras.
• Knowledge Retention: Learn andretainhigh volumes of detailed information relating to safety standards, with regular assessments to keep your skills sharp.

About you

The role of a Train Conductor is safety critical and is subject toRailSafety&StandardsBoard (RSSB)regulations. YouMUSTmeet the following criteria for this position, or your application will be automatically rejected:

• Exceptionalcommunication skills.You’llbepersonable,courteous,empathetic,patientandable todemonstrateoutstanding customer service.
• You will have the ability to handle and defuse conflicts, offering effective conflict resolution strategies.
• Self-disciplined, with the ability towork independentlyusing your owninitiative.
• Able to work to and enforce strict industry standardrules and regulations.
• Punctual with excellenttime management skills, ensuring your traindepartsas scheduled.
• Resilient and adaptablewith the abilityto face multiple different challenges and prioritise them depending on risk.
• Goodproblem-solvingskills.
• Excellent concentration skills,remainingfocused on repetitive tasks whilst managing distractions.
• Situational awareness with the abilitytoanticipateand reactappropriatelytohazards or potential problems.
• Able to learn andretainhigh volumes ofdetailedsafety information which will be regularly assessed to ensureknowledgeismaintainedat the highest level.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION– PLEASE READ:

• Therecruitment process for this role is expected to takeapproximately three monthsdueto the nature of the position and required training. We receive an incredibly high volume of applications and screen each one with careful consideration, so you may not hear back from us for up to 12 weeks whilst it’s still being processed.
• Successful candidates will be invited to a face-to-face assessment day, which will include both individual & group assessments and competency-based questions. If you pass the final interview stage, a conditional offer will be made, subject to available training course placements and passing required medical, DBS and reference checks.
• Due to the high volume of applications, we receive, anyone that has interviewed for a conductor position within a 1-year timeframe could be automatically rejected.
• We do not accept AI applications.Anysuspecteduse of AI as part of your application will also result in immediate rejection.
• Northern reserves the right to close recruitment for this role before the published closingdate, ifhigh volumes of applications are received.
• The trainee conductor course is deliveredin houseas part of a1-yearapprenticeship programme, finishing with an end-point assessment.
• Please note as part of the programme you will have a3-monthintensivetrainingperiod which is delivered inaclassroomlearningsettingduring normal office hours.Thefocus ofthistraining isthesafety critical information you will have to learn, to become a fully qualified conductor.During the first 9 weeks of the course, you are not allowed to take any annual leave.Our training centres are in Leeds and Manchester, so you may requireto travel to attend.However, hotels are provided to those living over 1.5 hours away.

What’s in it for you?

At Northern, we don’t just value our people - we go the extra mile to support them. Here’s a taste of what you can look forward to:

• Free Travel: Unlimited free travel for you, your partner, and your dependents on Northern services. Plus up to 75% discount on other networks in the UK and Europe.
• Generous Pension Scheme: We top up your contributions by 1.5 times.
• Enhanced Family Benefits: We offer 9 months of full pay for maternity leave and 2 weeks for paternity leave.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Save up to 42% on a bike and spread the cost.
• Electric Car Scheme: Lease a brand new electric or plugin hybrid car.
• Exclusive Discounts: From shopping to wellbeing, Northern Perks has you covered.
• Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 support for family, lifestyle, and more.
• Training and Career Development: We offer tailored training to our colleagues and opportunities to gain recognised qualifications. Plus enhanced career pathways no matter what part of the business you’re in.
• Recognition: We know how important it is to show how much we appreciate our people. That’s why we have our Northern Lights and Northern Sparks Awards, recognising and celebrating brilliance every day.

Why Northern?

We’re more than just a train operator. We’re the heartbeat of the North - connecting communities, creating opportunities, and driving sustainable growth. With 2,500 trains running daily, we’re on a mission to improve rail travel and enhance the customer experience while protecting the environment.

Back in 1825, the first passenger train set off in the North of England, after which rail quickly spread across the globe - and this year, we’re celebrating 200 years of the modern railway. As we look back on the historic events that led us here, we also look towards the future as we move into the era of Great British Rail. Join us at this pivotal moment in rail history and play your part in our journey.

A place for everyone

The best journeys happen when everyone feels welcome on board.

At Northern, we don’t just move people from A to B - we’re building a team where everyone feels they belong. Our talent team can make reasonable adjustments to the process if that’s something you need. We're also a Level 2 Disability Confident employer, so if you meet the minimum criteria for the role , we’ll always offer an interview.

We automate parts of our screening process to remove any unconscious bias and to make sure every application is treated fairly. All successful offers will be subject to a DBS check and a medical assessment.

No matter your background, experience, or whether you call it a bap, barm , or cob… there’s a place for you here in the railway.