JOB TITLE: Trainee Train Driver.
SALARY: £27,870 per annum during training (approx. 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 Victoria or Manchester Piccadilly - locations will be assigned on depot requirements.
HOURS: Rolling 35 per week. Shift pattern includes evenings, nights and weekends (for example: 03:00– 10:30, 07:00 – 16:30, 15:30 – 00:30, 18:00 – 02:30).
AVAILABLE TRAINING COURSE DATES: November 2026 and various dates from January to May 2027 available.
What you'll be doing
- Train Operation: Responsible for the professional operation of trains, ensuring the train adheres to schedule whilst maintaining safe operations.
- Safety Compliance: Strictly adhere to safety protocols, including signalling systems, speed limits, and track conditions, to ensure the safety of passengers, crew, and the public.
- Emergency Response: In the event of an emergency or unexpected situation, respond quickly and appropriately, following established procedures and protocols.
- Continuous Training & Assessments: Undergo regular training and competency assessments to stay updated on safety procedures, regulations, and any changes in operating practices. You will be expected to maintain your own appropriate professional knowledge and keep informed of industry developments.
- Train Inspections: Conduct safety inspections of trains prior to driving and reporting any defects to maintenance staff. Securing the train on completion of your journey and promptly reporting any faults which have arisen during service.
- Record-keeping: Ensure accurate documentation of activities, including departure and arrival times, any incidents or delays, and other relevant information.
- Communication: Maintain clear and effective communication with control centres, signal operators, and other relevant personnel to ensure smooth train operations.
- Adaptability: Adapt to changes in routes, weather conditions, or unexpected circumstances while maintaining operational efficiency.
- Preparation for Duty: Due to the demanding nature of the role of a train driver, you will be expected to manage your lifestyle appropriately, ensuring adequate rest before shifts. This will at times impact your personal life and require you to make social sacrifices. We also enforce a zero-tolerance policy regarding recreational drugs and alcohol.
About you
The role of a Train Driver is safety critical and is subject to Rail Safety Standards Board (RSSB) regulations. You MUST meet the following criteria for this position, or your application will be automatically rejected:
• Currently live within a 45-minute car journey from the station you work from.
- Be at least 18 years of age at the time of application.
- Pass the TDLCR Train Driver medical assessment, including drugs and alcohol screening.
- Not have defective colour vision.
- Obtain a pass to an enhanced level on the Train Driver Psychometric Assessments, which will be taken as part of the recruitment process. If you pass the test, it is valid for 5 years. Please note you have only three attempts to complete the psychometrics – if you fail on your third attempt you are unable to re-take them and cannot qualify for a train driver position.
- Commit to working early, late and weekend shifts – without relying on public transport (for example: 03:00 – 10:30, 15:30 – 12:30, 21:00 – 06:00).
You will also posses the following skill set:
- Ability to work calmly under pressure and remain focused and vigilant in a high-pressured environment.
- Maintain high standards of work at all times.
- Exceptional concentration skills within a low stimulus environment, whilst carrying out repetitive or monotonous tasks.
- Ability to learn and retain large amounts of information and be subject to ongoing competency assessments.
- Self-disciplined and able to work within rules and regulations.
- Excellent time management skills, ensuring your train departs as scheduled.
- Resilient and adaptable with quick reaction skills.
- Ability to shift priorities to meet other requirements without creating more significant difficulties.
- Diligent with the moral courage to challenge unsafe or unprofessional practices.
- Good communication skills with the ability to build rapport with colleagues and customers.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION– PLEASE READ:
- The recruitment process for this role is expected to take approximately six months due to the nature of the position and required training.
- After submitting your application, please note that you may not receive an update for 8-12 weeks. This is due to the large volume of applications and our thorough screening process. During this time, applications will be carefully reviewed, and only those meeting the necessary criteria will proceed to the next stage. We kindly request that you refrain from contacting us for updates before the 12-week period has passed, as we will not be able to provide any information other than that your application is being processed. If you pass the initial screening, you will be invited to a telephone interview. Successful candidates from this stage will then attend an in-person interview, followed by psychometric testing. If you pass the final interview and psychometric test, a conditional offer will be made, subject to available training course placements and passing required medical tests.
- Due to the high volume of applications, we receive, anyone that has interviewed for a driver position within a 1-year timeframe could be automatically rejected.
- We do not accept AI applications. Any suspected use of AI as part of your application will also result in immediate rejection.
- Northern reserves the right to close recruitment for this role before the published closing date, if high volumes of applications are received.
- The role of a train driver is not just a job, but a career which takes dedication and extensive training to become competent. If successful you will join our trainee driver course, which is delivered in house as part of a 2-year apprenticeship programme.
- The training program begins with a 5-month intensive classroom-based learning phase, focused on teaching the theoretical knowledge and safety-critical information necessary to become a fully qualified driver. During this period, you are not permitted to take any annual leave. After completing the classroom training, you will be paired with a Driver Mentor and begin on-the-job training, shadowing them through their shift pattern for at least 230 driving hours. Your competence will be continuously evaluated throughout the process to ensure you meet the required standards to qualify as a driver. The full program lasts approximately 12 months and concludes with a final assessment, which may take up to two weeks to complete.
- Our training centres are in Leeds and Manchester, so you may be required to travel to attend. However, hotels are provided to those living over 1.5 hours away.
- The trainee train driver course is delivered as part of an apprenticeship.
- As a train driver it is important to note that you can be required to work bank holidays, and you will be allocated set amount of leave.
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 dependents on Northern services. Plus 75% discount on other networks in the UK and Europe.
- Generous Pension Scheme: We top up your contributions by 1.5 times.
- Enhanced Family Benefits: We offer 9 months of full pay for maternity leave and 2 weeks for paternity leave.
- Cycle to Work Scheme: Save up to 42% on a bike and spread the cost.
- Exclusive Discounts: From shopping to wellbeing, Northern Perks has you covered.
- Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 support for family, lifestyle, and more.
- Training and Career Development: We offer tailored training to our colleagues and opportunities to gain recognised qualifications. Plus enhanced career pathways no matter what part of the business you’re in.
- Recognition: We know how important it is to show how much we appreciate our people. That’s why we have our Northern Lights and Northern Sparks Awards, recognising and celebrating brilliance every day.
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 2,500 trains running daily, we’re on a mission to improve rail travel and enhance the customer experience while protecting the environment.
Back in 1825, the first passenger train set off in the North of England, after which rail quickly spread across the globe - and this year, we’re celebrating 200 years of the modern railway. As we look back on the historic events that led us here, we also look towards the future as we move into the era of Great British Rail. Join us at this pivotal moment in rail history and play your part in our journey.
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 to the 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 an interview.
We automate parts of our screening process to remove any unconscious bias and to make sure every application is treated fairly. All successful offers will be subject to a DBS check and medical assessment.
No matter your background, experience, or whether you call it a bap, barm, or cob… there’s a place for you here in the railway.
