Trainee Train Conductor

Salary

On target earnings (OTE) range from £36,000 to £38,000. The basic salary is £26,505 until successful completion of training, which lasts approximately three months. After training the salary rises to £35,841 per annum, plus commission, overtime and the Northern benefits package.

Full Time

Manchester

Rolling 35 hours per week with shift patterns that include evenings, nights and weekends. Example shifts: 03:00–10:30, 07:00–16:30, 15:30–12:30, 18:00–02:30.

The role is for 2026 recruitment, with the first training course scheduled to begin mid‑September.

As a Train Conductor you will be the face of our service, ensuring efficient operation of the train while providing exceptional customer care. Your day-to-day tasks include checking tickets, managing onboard safety, assisting passengers and responding to delays or emergencies.

• Train Operations
  :
  Coordinate with drivers and operational teams, keep the train running smoothly, adhere to schedules, monitor signals, and maintain contact with control.
• Customer Assistance
  :
  Help passengers board and alight, check tickets, answer questions, provide information, and handle inquiries.
• Safety & Compliance
  :
  Enforce safety rules, manage door procedures, conduct inspections, handle emergencies, and perform evacuations if required.
• Fare Collection
  :
  Collect fares, validate tickets, and address fare evasion.
• Communication
  :
  Give updates on delays or disruptions, relaying important information to passengers.
• Reporting
  :
  Maintain accurate records of customer counts, ticket sales, and detailed incident, fault and delay reports.
• Customer Service
  :
  Deliver a professional service, handle complaints and create a positive travel experience.
• Technology Use
  :
  Use tablets and body‐worn cameras daily.
• Knowledge Retention
  :
  Learn and retain high volumes of safety information, with regular assessments to keep skills sharp.

• Live within a 45‑minute car journey from the station where you will work.
• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Pass the RIS
  3452 Train Worker medical assessment, including drugs and alcohol screening.
• Commit to early, late and weekend shifts (e.g., 03:00–10:30, 07:00–16:30, 15:30–12:30, 18:00–02:30) without relying on public transport.
• Have exceptional communication skills and be personable, courteous, empathetic, patient, and able to demonstrate outstanding customer service.
• Be capable of handling and defusing conflicts, offering effective conflict‑resolution strategies.
• Be self‑disciplined, able to work independently and take initiative.
• Enforce strict industry standard rules and regulations.
• Be punctual and possess excellent time‑management skills.
• Be resilient, adaptable, and able to prioritise under risk.
• Have good problem‑solving and concentration skills.
• Possess situational awareness and the ability to anticipate and react appropriately to hazards.
• Be able to learn, retain, and maintain high volumes of safety information through regular assessments.

• Free travel for you, your partner and dependents on Northern services; up to 75% discount on other UK and European networks.
• Generous pension scheme – Northern top‑ups 1.5 times your contributions.
• Enhanced family benefits – 9 months of full pay for maternity leave, 2 weeks for paternity leave.
• Cycle‑to‑Work Scheme – save up to 42% on a bike.
• Electric Car Scheme – lease a brand new electric or plug‑in hybrid car.
• Exclusive discounts on shopping, wellbeing and more via Northern Perks.
• Employee Assistance Programme – 24/7 support for family, lifestyle, and other needs.
• Training and career development opportunities, including recognised qualifications.
• Recognition awards – Northern Lights and Northern Sparks Awards celebrate employee achievements.

We are a Level 2 Disability Confident employer and are committed to building a team where everyone feels they belong. We can make reasonable adjustments for applicants who need them.