Trainee Train Driver - Manchester

Northern; Manchester; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company as a Trainee Train Driver, where you will be trained to operate trains safely and efficiently. This role offers a unique opportunity to learn and grow in a safety-critical environment, ensuring you adhere to strict safety protocols while providing excellent service. With a comprehensive training program lasting around 12 months, you will gain valuable skills and experience in train operation, emergency response, and safety compliance. Enjoy a competitive salary, free travel benefits for you and your family, and a supportive workplace that values inclusivity and employee development.

Benefits

Free travel for you, your partner, and dependents

Generous pension scheme

Paid maternity and paternity leave

Cycle to Work scheme

Exclusive discounts

Holiday purchase scheme

Employee assistance program

Tailored training and career development

Awards recognizing employee excellence

Qualifications

• Must live within a 45-minute drive from the work station.
• Must pass the TDLCR medical assessment including drugs and alcohol screening.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the professional operation of trains, ensuring adherence to schedule and safety.
• Conduct safety inspections before driving and report defects.

Skills

Calmness under pressure

High work standards

Concentration

Ability to learn large amounts of information

Self-discipline

Excellent time management

Resilience

Adaptability

Moral courage

Good communication

Education

Functional skills tests in Math and English

Job description

JOB TITLE: Trainee Train Driver

SALARY: £26,016 per annum during training (approx. 12 months), rising to £49,652 in Year 1, £54,496 in Year 2, and £62,642 in Year 3.

ROLE TYPE: Full Time

LOCATION: Manchester Victoria or Manchester Piccadilly

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

AVAILABLE TRAINING COURSE DATES: 25.08.25, 15.09.25, 06.10.25

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING:

1. Train Operation: Responsible for the professional operation of trains, ensuring adherence to schedule and safety.
2. Safety Compliance: Follow safety protocols including signalling, speed limits, and track conditions.
3. Emergency Response: Respond promptly and appropriately to emergencies, following established procedures.
4. Continuous Training & Assessments: Undergo regular training and assessments to stay updated on safety and operating procedures.
5. Train Inspections: Conduct safety inspections before driving, report defects, and secure trains after journeys.
6. Record-keeping: Maintain accurate logs of activities, incidents, and delays.
7. Communication: Maintain clear communication with control centres and relevant personnel.
8. Adaptability: Adjust to route, weather, or other unexpected changes while maintaining efficiency.
9. Preparation for Duty: Manage your lifestyle to ensure rest before shifts, with a strict no drugs or alcohol policy.

ABOUT YOU:

The role is safety-critical and compliant with RSSB regulations. You must meet the following criteria:

1. Live within a 45-minute drive from your work station.
2. Be at least 20 years old.
3. Pass the TDLCR medical assessment, including drugs and alcohol screening.
4. Have no defective colour vision.
5. Obtain a pass in the enhanced level of the Train Driver Psychometric Assessments (valid for 5 years, with only three attempts).
6. Be willing to work early, late, and weekend shifts without relying on public transport.

Skills required include calmness under pressure, high work standards, concentration, ability to learn large amounts of information, self-discipline, excellent time management, resilience, adaptability, moral courage, and good communication.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION – PLEASE READ:

• The recruitment process takes approximately six months.
• Applications may not be updated for 8-12 weeks due to volume and screening procedures.
• Previous applications within a year may lead to rejection.
• AI applications are not accepted.
• The role involves extensive training, including classroom and on-the-job components, lasting around 12 months.
• Training centers are in Leeds and Manchester; accommodation may be provided.
• As an apprenticeship, you will need to pass functional skills tests in Math and English.
• Work may include bank holidays, with allocated leave.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU:

• Free travel for you, your partner, and dependents on Northern services, with discounts on other networks.
• Generous pension scheme with contributions topped up by 1.5 times.
• Family benefits, including paid maternity and paternity leave.
• Cycle to Work scheme and exclusive discounts.
• Holiday purchase scheme, employee assistance program, and tailored training and career development.
• Awards recognizing employee excellence.

WHY NORTHERN:

We connect communities and support sustainable growth, celebrating 200 years of rail history and shaping the future of British Rail.

A PLACE FOR EVERYONE:

We promote inclusivity and fairness, offering reasonable adjustments and a Level 2 Disability Confident status. We treat all applications fairly and conduct DBS and medical checks for successful candidates.