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Train driver apprenticeships

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Train driver apprenticeships - where to start

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

    • Apprenticeship
    You can apply to a train operating company and begin a train driver Level 3 apprenticeship. You'll usually need GCSEs grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, in English and maths.


    Work
    You can start as a rail passenger assistant or train conductor, then apply for a trainee driver post. This is also a common way to become a London Underground driver. 

    Direct Application
    You can apply directly to a train operating company to become a trainee driver. Employers usually expect you to have GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) in English and maths, or equivalent qualifications. Training can last between 12 and 24 months. A good way to find out about trainee driver vacancies is to sign up for job alerts with train operating companies.

    Train driver apprenticeships - what it takes

    Skills and knowledge

    You'll need: 

    • concentration skills 
    • to be thorough and pay attention to detail 
    • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations 
    • the ability to operate and control equipment 
    • knowledge of public safety and security 
    • observation and recording skills 
    • the ability to work well with others and on your own
    • knowledge of transport methods, costs and benefits
    • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
    Restrictions and Requirements
    You'll need to: 

    • be over 20 years of age 
    • live within 1 hour's travel of the depot you're applying to
    • pass enhanced background checks
    • pass a medical check

    Train driver apprenticeships - what you'll do

    Day-to-day tasks

    In this role you'll:

    • check controls and equipment before a journey 
    • drive the train between stations or freight depots 
    • speak with control centres along the route about any issues 
    • follow track signalling, safety and speed instructions
    • leave platforms and pull into stations safely 
    • make passenger announcements 
    • control automatic doors position and hand over engines to drivers on the next shift 
    • record incidents like equipment problems, onboard issues or delays
    Working environment
    Your working environment may be noisy and you may spend nights away from home. You may need to wear a uniform.

    Career path and progression - Train driver apprenticeships

    Once you're qualified, you could work on passenger, freight or engineering trains. With experience, you could combine your job with instructing trainee drivers, who are learning new routes and cab controls. You could also become a driver trainer, teaching new starters in the classroom, working with driver simulators and accompanying trainees on journeys. You could move into management, supervising drivers and making sure trains and crew are where they need to be on the rail network. Operations management is another possibility, planning future rail developments.

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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!

    Start searching for Apprenticeships Near You

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