Trainee Train Driver Carlisle

Northern; Carlisle; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent train operator in the United Kingdom is seeking a Trainee Train Driver. This role offers comprehensive training over 12 months, leading to a competitive salary and opportunities for career development. Responsibilities include ensuring train safety, responding to emergencies, and adhering to operational schedules. Ideal candidates must be 20+, pass medical assessments, and reside within a short driving distance from work. The position also offers generous perks and benefits.

Benefits

Free travel for employee and dependents

Generous Pension Scheme

Enhanced family benefits

Cycle to Work Scheme

Exclusive discounts

Employee Assistance Programme

Training and Career Development

Recognition Awards

Qualifications

• Must live within a 45-minute car journey from the station.
• At least 20 years of age at application time.
• Pass medical assessment including drugs testing.
• Not have defective colour vision.
• Pass Train Driver Psychometric Assessments.

Responsibilities

• Operate trains professionally and safely.
• Ensure adherence to safety protocols and standards.
• Respond effectively in emergencies.
• Undergo regular training and competency assessments.
• Conduct train safety inspections.

Skills

Calm under pressure

High standards of work

Exceptional concentration skills

Ability to learn and retain information

Self-discipline within rules

Excellent time management

Resilience and adaptability

Ability to shift priorities

Moral courage

Good communication skills

Job description

JOB TITLE: Trainee Train Driver.

SALARY: £28,020 per annum during training (approx. 12 months) rising to £48,417 in Year 1, £53,424 in Year 2 and £64,772 in Year 3.

ROLE TYPE: Full Time.

LOCATION: Carlise.

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

AVAILABLE TRAINING COURSE DATES: We will be recruiting throughout 2026 with a small number of course dates available in March, April and September.

What You'll Be Doing

• Train Operation: Responsible for the professional operation of trains, ensuring the train adheres to schedule whilst maintaining safe operations.
• Safety Compliance: Strictly adhere to safety protocols, including signalling systems, speed limits, and track conditions, to ensure the safety of passengers, crew, and the public.
• Emergency Response: In the event of an emergency or unexpected situation, respond quickly and appropriately, following established procedures and protocols.
• Continuous Training & Assessments: Undergo regular training and competency assessments to stay updated on safety procedures, regulations, and any changes in operating practices. You will be expected to maintain your own appropriate professional knowledge and keep informed of industry developments.
• Train Inspections: Conduct safety inspections of trains prior to driving and reporting any defects to maintenance staff. Secure the train on completion of your journey and promptly report any faults which have arisen during service.
• Record-keeping: Ensure accurate documentation of activities, including departure and arrival times, any incidents or delays, and other relevant information.
• Communication: Maintain clear and effective communication with control centres, signal operators, and other relevant personnel to ensure smooth train operations.
• Adaptability: Adapt to changes in routes, weather conditions, or unexpected circumstances while maintaining operational efficiency.
• Preparation for Duty: Due to the demanding nature of the role of a train driver, you will be expected to manage your lifestyle appropriately, ensuring adequate rest before shifts. This may impact your personal life and require social sacrifices. We also enforce a zero-tolerance policy regarding recreational drugs and alcohol.

About You

The role of a Train Driver is safety critical and is subject to Rail Safety Standards Board (RSSB) regulations. You MUST meet the following criteria for this position, or your application will be automatically rejected.

• Currently live within a 45-minute car journey from the station you work from.
• Be at least 20 years of age at the time of application.
• Pass the TDLCR Train Driver medical assessment, including drugs and alcohol screening.
• Not have defective colour vision.
• Obtain a pass to an enhanced level on the Train Driver Psychometric Assessments, which will be taken as part of the recruitment process. If you pass the test, it is valid for 5 years. You have only three attempts; failure on the third attempt disqualifies you.
• Commit to working early, late and weekend shifts – without relying on public transport (for example: 03:00–10:30, 15:30–12:30, 21:00–06:00).

You will also posses the following skill set

• Ability to work calmly under pressure and remain focused and vigilant in a high-pressured environment.
• Maintain high standards of work at all times.
• Exceptional concentration skills within a low stimulus environment, whilst carrying out repetitive or monotonous tasks.
• Ability to learn and retain large amounts of information and be subject to ongoing competency assessments.
• Self-disciplined and able to work within rules and regulations.
• Excellent time management skills, ensuring your train departs as scheduled.
• Resilient and adaptable with quick reaction skills.
• Ability to shift priorities to meet other requirements without creating more significant difficulties.
• Diligent with the moral courage to challenge unsafe or unprofessional practices.
• Good communication skills with the ability to build rapport with colleagues and customers.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION– PLEASE READ

• The recruitment process for this role is expected to take approximately six months due to the nature of the position and required training.
• After submitting your application, you may not receive an update for 8‑12 weeks. During this period your application will be reviewed; only those meeting the necessary criteria will proceed. We ask you not to contact us for updates before the 12‑week period. If you pass the initial screening you will be invited to a telephone interview, then an in‑person interview, psychometric testing, and ultimately a conditional offer if you meet all requirements.
• Due to the high volume of applications, we will automatically reject any candidate who has interviewed for a driver position within the last 12 months.
• We do not accept AI applications. Any suspected use of AI will result in immediate rejection.
• Northern reserves the right to close recruitment for this role before the published closing date if high volumes of applications are received.
• The role of a train driver is not just a job, but a career that requires extensive training. Successful candidates will join the trainee driver course, delivered as part of a 2‑year apprenticeship programme.
• The training programme begins with a 5‑month intensive classroom‑based learning phase, after which you will be paired with a Driver Mentor and begin on‑the‑job training, shadowing for at least 230 driving hours. Competence will be continuously evaluated. The full programme lasts approximately 12 months and concludes with a final assessment, which may take up to two weeks.
• Our training centres are in Leeds and Manchester; you may need to travel to attend. Hotels are provided for those living over 1.5 hours away.
• The trainee train driver course is delivered as part of an apprenticeship.
• As a train driver you may be required to work bank holidays and you will be allocated a set amount of leave.

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 a 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: 9 months of full pay for maternity leave and 2 weeks of paternity leave.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Save up to 42% on a bike and spread the cost.
• 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: Tailored training and opportunities to gain recognised qualifications, with enhanced career pathways.
• Recognition: Northern Lights and Northern Sparks Awards to celebrate 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 world – 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 toward 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 are 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 unconscious bias and to treat every application fairly. All successful offers will be subject to a DBS check and 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.