Trainee Train Driver

Is operating trains and navigating rail routes your thing?

Then we’re looking for Trainee Train Drivers to help deliver exceptional service to our passengers every day.

About the Role:

As a Train Driver, you’ll transport our customers safely and efficiently across the Northern network. You might drive the train on your own, but you’ll be part of a big team here at Northern. Working on the frontline, you’ll collaboratively work alongside Train Conductors, Station Dispatch, and Control colleagues – together ensuring our customers enjoy a true Northern experience onboard our trains.

Key responsibilities:

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.

Requirements:

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 20 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).

Required Skills:
We are seeking candidates with following skill set;

You’ll have the ability to work calmly under pressure and remain focused and vigilant in a high-pressured environment.
You will 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.

We’re an equal opportunities employer and a promoter of diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We encourage and welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds, regardless of gender, sex, ethnicity, race, religion, education, socioeconomic background, disability, or sexual orientation.

We also have Disability Confident status, which means we’re committed to making the most of the talents that disabled people can bring to the workplace.

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