Trainee Train Driver; Machynlleth

The Role

The Train Driver is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of trains carrying our customers across the Transport for Wales (TfW) network.

The current minimum age for train driver licensing is 20, though this will soon be lowered to 18. If you've completed secondary education and are keen to start a railway career, we'd love to hear from you. You can apply to join our Talent Pool now, and we'll progress your application once you meet the required age for driver training.

Transport for Wales encourages individuals from under‑represented groups to join so we can achieve a workforce representative of our communities.

No previous experience is needed for the role, as our Trainee Driver Academy Programme will prepare you fully for life on the Network. The important part is that you are passionate, professional, and motivated to learn, with an understanding of the importance of safety, performance, and customer service.

On appointment into a Trainee Driver role, you will be enrolled into the Driver Apprenticeship – the first of its kind for Wales – which will lead to a nationally recognised qualification in train driver operations.

The role of a Train Driver is highly skilled, and an extensive training programme is provided for all Trainee Train Drivers. During the initial 11 weeks of our apprenticeship programme, you will be taught train driving theory within the classroom, including having the opportunity to apply all you have learnt on our new state‑of‑the‑art train simulators. You will then spend approximately 24 weeks with an experienced instructor out on our Network.

• Move trains between our various stations and depots safely
• Learn and understand nationally agreed rules, regulations and operational instructions
• Respond to out‑of‑course situations as they arise and carry out emergency procedures in accordance with rules and regulations
• Comply with the Drivers' Safety Responsibility Statement
• Complete written and verbal reports
• Undertake ongoing training as required

Our training team will prepare you for all responsibilities of the role.

• Understand the importance of rules, regulations and strict instructions
• Are always very safety conscious
• Are resilient and resourceful
• Are able to concentrate for long periods of time
• Are able to remain cool, calm and responsible
• Are committed to delivering great customer service
• Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills

• You must live within one hour of your chosen depot
• You must be able to work a varied shift pattern – we work 24 hours so this will include night shift and early mornings
• You will be required to undertake a medical examination that will include a drug and alcohol test
• You must be able to provide a high level of commitment whilst balancing and fulfilling the training requirements and a new role

• Level 2 essential skills in Maths, English and IT or equivalent such as an A–C grade in GCSE Maths, English and IT, or otherwise you will need to complete the Essential Skills qualification during training to fulfil the requirement of the Apprenticeship Scheme

At the end of the training, you will be fully assessed in all aspects of the role by one of our experienced Driver Team Managers.

This could be the start of a fantastic career on the Railway, offering the chance to progress your career in many different directions.

Whilst you would be solely responsible for driving the train, you will also be part of an integrated wider team, working with other areas of the business to provide the best service to our customers.

• Industry‑wide Driver Assessments that will be undertaken at our Assessment Centre in Cardiff
• Operational Interview
• A full medical check in line with the Rail Industry Standard (RIS‑3789‑TOM Train Drivers) and Train Driving Licences and Certificates Regulations 2010

If successful following the recruitment process, you will be held in our ‘Talent Pool' for up to 5 years from the date of your paper assessment until a training course becomes available. If you…