How to Become a Train Driver in the UK
Are you looking for a career in the railways? Learn what it takes to become a successful train driver.
A job in the UK rail industry can be rewarding, lucrative, and a promising career pathway. Every day, millions of people across the UK take a train, and for many, it's essential to the way they live their lives. Train drivers play a critical role in getting passengers to their destination safely and promptly. Do you thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic environment? Are you looking for an alternative to the traditional 9-5 job? Learn how to become a train driver and get on the fast track to success.
There is a wealth of job opportunities in the railway industry. With around 36 passenger and freight train companies operating throughout the UK, you can find plenty of work with either local or national rail networks.
Rail is an integral part of the country's economy. You'll be surprised to know that many of the goods arriving at your front door will have been on a freight train at some point. Furthermore, organisations such as The UK's Campaign for Better Transport are striving to promote the environmental benefits of trains over other means of transportation. Read on to learn more if you're ready to work towards a more sustainable future in transport.
What is a Train Driver?
A train driver is a professional who operates a train on the rail network, carrying passengers or freight around the country. You'll be expected to perform various tasks in this role, including checking the engine status, monitoring air pressure during transit, and following track and speed instructions.
There are many opportunities for flexible working environments in the rail industry, from shift working to location alternatives and even four-day workweeks, which means you can find the ideal career to suit your lifestyle. You could work in various rail environments, including high-speed rail, freights, passenger, underground, depots, or driving on-track machines to perform infrastructure work.
What Does a Train Driver Do?
A train driver’s primary responsibility is to get the train safely and efficiently to its destination. This may sound straightforward, but there’s a lot more work and skills involved to learn how to become a train driver. You'll be required to work long periods of time on your own, maintain a high concentration level, and make quick decisions in emergency situations. As a train driver, you'll play a crucial role in public safety, and businesses across the nation will rely on you to safely transport goods and bulk commodities.
In this role, your typical duties could include:
- checking controls and equipment before each journey
- monitoring the weather and track conditions
- obeying all applicable route signals
- verifying route details with the control centre
- making passenger announcements
- leaving platforms and pulling into stations safely
- controlling automatic doors
- recording incidents such as equipment problems, onboard issues, or delays
How to Become a Train Driver in the UK
Although you won't need a bachelor's degree to work as a train driver, most rail companies will require you to have some GCSEs in English and maths. To apply for your training licence, you must be at least 21 years old and pass a background check and a medical fitness exam with an approved physician registered with the ORR (Office of Rail and Road.) You'll also need to take a psychometric assessment with an ORR-certified psychologist.
Once you have received your licence, you can choose one of the following:
- apply for a train driver apprenticeship - where you'll combine hands-on work experience with academic study. The training usually takes around 12-18 months to complete, and you'll need some GCSEs in English and maths to apply.
- start work as a rail passenger assistant or train conductor. You can then apply for a trainee driver position.
- apply directly to a rail company to become a trainee driver. Training can last between one to two years.
With experience and training, you could move into many different roles, including train driver instructor, depot driver team leader, train driver manager, or operations management.
To be a successful train driver, you'll need essential skills such as:
- attention to detail
- problem-solving and critical thinking
- strong concentration
- observation and recording skills
- knowledge of public safety and security
- ability to work well under pressure
How Much Do Train Drivers Make?
In the UK, the average salary for a train driver is £61,880 per year. However, this will depend on your location, experience, qualifications, employer, and shift hours. You can research salary expectations for this job and related roles online. Additional benefits could include a pension scheme, free or discounted travel, health cash plan, investment opportunities, and retirement benefits.
How to Apply for Train Driver Jobs
Are you ready to apply for train driver jobs on Monster? Now that you've learned how to become a train driver, you can start by updating your CV and writing a persuasive cover letter before applying for jobs.
There are plenty of train driver job vacancies across the UK. Depending on your location, you may want to consider looking for roles in:
Get on track to finding your next job on the railways. Start Today with Monster
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