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Train conductor apprenticeships

Rail travel assistants > Train Conductor

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Train conductor apprenticeships - where to start

You can get into this job through
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly

    • College
    You could do a college course like a Level 2 Certificate in Customer Service, which would teach you some of the general skills you need. This may help when you apply for jobs. You'll usually need 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a Level 2 course.


    Apprenticeship
    You may be able to get into this career by completing a passenger transport onboard and station team member Level 2 apprenticeship with a train operating company.

    You'll usually need some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent. 

    Work
    You may be able to move into this job after first working as a member of the platform or ticketing staff at a train station. 

    Direct Application
    There are no set entry qualifications if you want to apply directly to train operating companies, although employers will expect you to have a good standard of English and maths. If selected for interview, companies will usually test you on your maths, communication, and customer service skills. Experience of working with the public in retail or customer service could give you an advantage. It will also help if you have good knowledge of UK geography and the rail network.

    Train conductor apprenticeships - what it takes

    Skills and knowledge

    You'll need: 

    • to be thorough and pay attention to detail 
    • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations 
    • knowledge of transport methods, costs and benefits
    • excellent verbal communication skills 
    • knowledge of public safety and security 
    • the ability to work on your own 
    • the ability to work well with others 
    • to be flexible and open to change 
    • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
    Restrictions and Requirements
    You'll need to pass a medical check and be screened for drugs and alcohol.

    Train conductor apprenticeships - what you'll do

    Day-to-day tasks

    On a typical day you may: 

    • check the carriages are clean before the start of a journey 
    • make sure equipment, doors and controls are working properly 
    • walk through carriages during the journey to check tickets and travel documents
    • answer passengers' questions about routes, arrival times and connections 
    • make announcements over the public address system 
    • make sure passengers get on and off the train safely 
    • deal with unexpected delays or emergencies, for example a passenger falling ill
    Working environment
    You could work on a station platform or from a vehicle. Your working environment may be crowded, cramped and outdoors some of the time. You may need to wear a uniform.

    Career path and progression - Train conductor apprenticeships

    Train operating companies often promote existing station staff to conductor jobs, so you may be able to transfer from a platform assistant or onboard catering host role. With experience, you may be able to progress to senior conductor or train manager, or transfer to a driver training programme.

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    Considering an Apprenticeship?

    There are lots of benefits to apprenticeships, here are our top 5:

    Paid Training

    Not only will your organisation (or the Government) pay for all of your training, but you’ll be paid to do it. That means you could actually get paid to get your degree and have no debt!

    Range of career opportunities

    There are over 625 different apprenticeships to choose from, in a range of industries. Whether you’re interested in law, marketing, construction, or engineering, you’ll find something up your street!

    Earn & learn

    As an apprentice, the minimum you’ll earn is £6.20 an hour, but we’ve seen apprentices earn a starting salary of up to £30,000 a year! You could also get other employee benefits like gym memberships, paid holiday, and sick pay.

    Great career prospects

    Employers think apprentices are 15% more employable than those with other qualifications. In fact, many large employers train their graduates and apprentices together!

    Learn on the job

    There’s only so much you can learn when you just do a qualification. As an apprentice, you’ll also get to learn on the job – whether that’s designing amazing graphics, chopping vegetables, or building engines!

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