Trainee Train Driver Wigan

Northern; Wigan; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading train operating company in the UK is seeking a Trainee Train Driver in Wigan. The role involves responsibility for safe train operations, adherence to strict safety protocols, and participation in extensive training over 12 months. Candidates should meet specific safety-critical criteria, including medical assessments and not having defective color vision. The position offers a full-time contract with competitive salary progression during training and opportunities for career development.

Benefits

Unlimited free travel for employee and dependents

Generous Pension Scheme

Enhanced Family Benefits

Cycle to Work Scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Tailored training and career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Live within a 45-minute car journey from the station.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Operate trains ensuring adherence to schedule and safe operations.
• Adhere to safety protocols including signalling systems and speed limits.
• Respond quickly to emergencies following established procedures.
• Conduct safety inspections of trains prior to driving.

Skills

Ability to work calmly under pressure

Maintain high work standards

Exceptional concentration in low-stimulus environments

Learn and retain large amounts of information

Self-discipline

Excellent time management

Resilience

Adaptability

Moral courage to challenge unsafe practices

Good communication skills

Job description

JOB TITLE : Trainee Train Driver.

SALARY : 26901 per annum during training (approx. 12 months) rising to 51341 in Year 1 56349 in Year 2 and 64772 in Year 3.

ROLE TYPE : Full Time.

LOCATION : Wigan

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 : April and May 2026

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.
• Undergo continuous training & assessments to stay updated on safety procedures, regulations and any changes in operating practices. Maintain your own professional knowledge and stay informed of industry developments.
• Train Inspections : Conduct safety inspections of trains prior to driving and report any defects to maintenance staff. Secure the train on completion of your journey and promptly report any faults arising during service.
• Maintain accurate record‑keeping of activities including departure and arrival times, incidents or delays and other relevant information.
• Maintain clear and effective communication with control centres, signal operators and other personnel to ensure smooth operations.
• Adapt to changes in routes, weather conditions or unexpected circumstances while maintaining operational efficiency.
• Manage lifestyle appropriately to ensure adequate rest before shifts, accepting that the role may impact personal life and require social sacrifices. Enforce a zero‑tolerance policy for recreational drugs and alcohol.

About you

The role is safety critical and is subject to Rail Safety Standards Board (RSSB) regulations. You must meet the following criteria:

• Live within a 45‑minute car journey from the station you will 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. This pass is valid for 5 years. You have only three attempts; failure on the third attempt disqualifies you permanently.
• Commit to early, late and weekend shifts without relying on public transport.
• Possess the following skills: ability to work calmly under pressure, maintain high work standards, demonstrate exceptional concentration in low‑stimulus environments, learn and retain large amounts of information, self‑discipline, excellent time management, resilience, adaptability, moral courage to challenge unsafe practices and good communication skills.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION PLEASE READ :

• The recruitment process 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 time only candidates meeting the necessary criteria will proceed to the next stage. Please refrain from contacting us for updates before the 12‑week period has passed.
• Any candidate who has interviewed for a driver position within a one‑year timeframe may be automatically rejected.
• We do not accept AI applications. Any suspected use of AI will result in immediate rejection.
• Northern reserves the right to close recruitment before the published closing date if high volumes of applications are received.
• The trainee driver course is delivered as part of a 2‑year apprenticeship programme and begins with a 5‑month intensive classroom phase. Afterward you will be paired with a Driver Mentor for on‑job training, accumulating at least 230 driving hours. The full programme lasts approximately 12 months and concludes with a final assessment.
• Training centres are in Leeds and Manchester; you may be required to travel. Hotels are provided for those living more than 1.5 hours away.
• As a train driver you may be required to work bank holidays and will receive a set amount of leave.

Whats in it for you

• Free Travel : Unlimited free travel for you, your partner and dependents on Northern services. Plus 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 for 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 career pathways in any part of the business.
• Recognition : Awards such as Northern Lights and Northern Sparks recognize and celebrate brilliance everyday.

Why Northern

We’re more than just a train 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, enhance the customer experience and protect the environment.

Back in 1825 the first passenger train set off in the North of England, and this year we’re celebrating 200 years of the modern railway. 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. We’re building a team where anyone can request reasonable adjustments. We remove unconscious bias through automated screening and treat every application fairly. All successful offers will be subject to a DBS check and medical assessment.

We welcome candidates from all backgrounds, experiences, and identities to apply. If you meet the minimum criteria for the role we always offer an interview.

Employment Type : Trainee

Experience : 0 years

Vacancy : 1