Business Function: Engineering
Grade: L3/Driver
Salary: £43,889 per annum rising to £45,169 per annum, 2 years post driver qualification
Role Type: On site
Hours: 35 per week
This process will include an assessment day on either 12/08/2026 or 09/09/2026 in Leeds, followed by psychometric testing throughout end Aug/Sept/Oct. Please ensure you are available for either assessment date. Site tours and interviews will be conducted following successful outcomes.
As part of our engineering team at our new Shipley TrainCare Centre, you'll help keep our fleet in top condition while also driving trains safely around the depot. It's a varied role that combines practical engineering, train movements and teamwork, giving you the chance to make a real difference before the first passenger even boards.
This role is a great way to build hands on experience in rail engineering while developing operational capability. You’ll support the servicing and maintenance of trains, as well as undertake train movements within the facility, playing a key role in keeping operations running safely and efficiently. Every task you take on helps ensure trains are safe, reliable and ready for service.
No previous train driving experience? That's absolutely fine. We'll provide all the training you need to take you from the classroom to the cab in as little as 5 to 8 weeks, followed by hands-on support from experienced colleagues as you build your confidence over the next six months.
Be Part of Something New
Shipley TrainCare Centre is a brand-new facility, giving you the opportunity to help build the standards, culture and ways of working from the very start. In this role, you’ll support the day to day running of the facility while helping to create a professional, safe and high performing team environment. This means:
- Supporting the delivery of clear standards and expectations from day one
- Leading by example to build the right behaviours and ways of working
- Embedding safety, quality and continuous improvement into everything we do
- Promoting a positive, people focused culture where everyone feels supported to do their best
Our ambition is clear: for Shipley to become a benchmark TrainCare Centre, recognised for engineering excellence, operational safety, and a culture where people feel valued, supported, and able to build long‑term careers.
Your Future, Built Here
At Northern, we’re committed to developing our workforce, and that commitment is amplified at Shipley. As this new facility grows, so too will the skills, capabilities, and progression pathways of those who join us.
Whether your ambition is to progress into senior leadership, specialist engineering roles, or wider operational management, Shipley offers the opportunity to be part of something new and to grow with it.
What you'll be doing
No two shifts are quite the same, but you can expect to:
- Supporting the servicing, maintenance and repair of trains and equipment
- Undertaking train movements within the facility, were trained and competent, following all safety procedures
- Carrying out underframe cleaning and body washing to keep trains in top condition
- Completing basic fault diagnosis and assisting with repairs
- Following instructions from your Team Leader and keeping them updated on progress or issues
- Completing work to the required standards, including accurate sign off and reporting of outstanding tasks
- Using tools, equipment and materials safely, correctly, and taking responsibility for their care and condition
- Taking pride in maintaining a clean, safe and well organised work area
- Supporting colleagues and contributing to a positive, safety focused team environment.
- Working with the team to prioritise tasks and keep work moving.
About you
Practical skills, teamwork and a safety-first mindset – that's the combination that will help you succeed.
You'll bring:
- A practical approach with engineering experience, or the willingness to learn.
- The ability to follow instructions and work safely
- Good attention to detail and pride in completing work to a high standard.
- Clear communication skills and a team focussed mindset.
- Working as part of a team and understands the importance of setting high standards.
- The flexibility to adapt in a busy operational environment where priorities can change.
- A willingness to learn new skills, develop your knowledge and complete all required training for this safety-critical role.
- An understanding of safety processes such as COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health), or a willingness to learn,
If you’ve used tools or equipment before, that’s helpful – but full training will be provided to help you build your confidence and capability.
You'll also be excited by the opportunity to help shape a brand-new depot, where your ideas, attitude and commitment will help build a culture that people are proud to be part of.
Before you apply
This role is safety critical and subject to Rail Safety & Standards Board (RSSB) requirements. To be eligible, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old when you apply.
- Live within a 60-minute car journey.
- Be able to pass a safety-critical medical assessment, including drugs and alcohol screening.
- Willing to meet the required psychometric standard.
- Have no defective colour vision.
If you don't meet these mandatory requirements, your application won't be able to progress.
You'll work a range of shifts including early starts, nights, weekends and Bank Holidays. Living within 60 minutes of Shipley TrainCare Centre is essential so you can respond reliably to the roster.
What's in it for you?
At Northern, we don't just value our people - we go the extra mile to support them. Here's a taste of what you can look forward to:
- Free Travel: Unlimited free travel for you, your partner and your dependants on Northern services, plus up to 75% discount on other rail networks across the UK and Europe.
- Generous Pension Scheme: We top up your contributions by 1.5 times.
- Enhanced Family Benefits: Nine months' full pay for maternity leave and two weeks' full pay for paternity leave.
- Cycle to Work Scheme: Save up to 42% on a bike and spread the cost.
- Electric Car Scheme: Lease a brand-new electric or plug-in hybrid car.
- Exclusive Discounts: Shopping, wellbeing and more through Northern Perks.
- Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 support for you and your family.
- Training and Career Development: Tailored learning, recognised qualifications and opportunities to build your career across Northern.
- Recognition: Celebrate great work through our Northern Lights and Northern Sparks Awards.
Why Northern?
We're more than just a train operator. We're the heartbeat of the North, connecting communities, creating opportunities and driving sustainable growth. With 2,650 trains running every day, we're on a mission to improve rail travel, deliver a great customer experience and protect the environment.
Back in 1825, the world's first passenger railway journey began in the North of England and changed travel forever. We've recently celebrated 200 years of the modern railway and, as we reflect on that legacy, our focus is firmly on the future as Great British Rail takes shape.
Join us at this exciting moment in rail history and help shape what's next.
A place for everyone
The best journeys happen when everyone feels welcome on board.
At Northern, we don't just move people from A to B - we're building a team where everyone feels they belong. Our Talent team can make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process if that's something you need. We're also a Level 2 Disability Confident employer, so if you meet the minimum criteria for the role, we'll always offer you an interview.
We automate parts of our screening process to help remove unconscious bias and make sure every application is treated fairly. Any offer of employment will be subject to a DBS check and a medical assessment.
No matter your background, your experience, or whether you call it a bap, barm or cob... there's a place for you here in the railway.
