Trainee Train Driver

Job Title: Trainee Train Driver

Salary: £27,870 per annum during training (≈12 months) rising to £53,190 in Year 1, £58,378 in Year 2 and £67,104 in Year 3.

Role Type: Full Time

Location: Manchester Piccadilly or Manchester Victoria

Hours: Rolling 35 per week. Shift pattern includes evenings, nights and weekends (e.g., 03:00–10:30, 07:00–16:30, 15:30–00:30, 18:00–02:30).

Training Course Dates: This advert is used to build a talent pool for future course intake. Successful applicants will be considered for upcoming places as they become available.

• Operate trains professionally, ensuring adherence to schedules while maintaining safe operations.
• Strictly adhere to safety protocols: signalling systems, speed limits, track conditions.
• Respond quickly and appropriately to emergencies or unexpected situations, following established procedures.
• Undergo regular training and competency assessments, keeping up to date with safety procedures and regulations.
• Conduct safety inspections of trains before driving; report defects to maintenance staff.
• Secure the train at completion of the journey; report any faults that arise during service.
• Maintain accurate documentation of activities (departure/arrival times, incidents, delays).
• Communicate clearly with control centres, signal operators and relevant personnel to ensure smooth operations.
• Adapt to changes in routes, weather conditions or unexpected circumstances while maintaining operational efficiency.
• Manage lifestyle to ensure adequate rest before shifts; comply with zero‑tolerance drug and alcohol policy.

To be considered you must meet the following criteria:

• Live within a 45‑minute car journey from the station you will work at.
• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Pass the TDLCR Train Driver medical assessment, including drugs and alcohol screening.
• Have normal colour vision.
• Pass the enhanced level on the Train Driver Psychometric Assessments; three attempts allowed, valid for five years.
• Commit to working early, late and weekend shifts without relying on public transport (e.g., 03:00–10:30, 15:30–12:30, 21:00–06:00).

You will also possess the following skill set:

• Work calmly under pressure, remaining focused and vigilant in high‑pressure environments.
• Maintain high standards of work at all times.
• Possess exceptional concentration skills in low‑stimulus environments, while carrying out repetitive tasks.
• Learn and retain large amounts of information; be subject to ongoing competency assessments.
• Exercise self‑discipline and work within rules and regulations.
• Manage time effectively, ensuring trains depart as scheduled.
• Show resilience and adaptability with quick reaction skills.
• Prioritise tasks effectively without creating difficulties.
• Demonstrate moral courage to challenge unsafe or unprofessional practices.
• Communicate effectively and build rapport with colleagues and customers.

• Unlimited free travel on Northern services and 75 % discount on other UK and European networks.
• Generous pension scheme with employer match of 1.5 × contributions.
• Enhanced family benefits: 9 months full pay maternity leave and 2 weeks paternity leave.
• Cycle‑to‑Work scheme: save up to 42 % on bike purchase and spread costs.
• Exclusive discounts across retail, wellbeing and more through Northern Perks.
• Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 support for family, lifestyle and more.
• Tailored training and career development programmes with recognised qualifications.
• Recognition programmes:
  Northern Lights and Northern Sparks Awards.

We are a Level 2 Disability Confident employer and strive to ensure a fair and inclusive recruitment process. All successful offers will be subject to a DBS check and medical assessment.