James B. asked a question to Claire S.
Hello Claire, I live in London and I am interested in training to become a train driver. I understand that I will be notified of these vacancies by email, as I have signed up to receive them. Do you know how frequently these roles become available? Thanks, James
Hi James,
Trainee Train Driver roles are typically advertised two or three times a year and I would expect there to be one more campaign with GWR before the end of this year. We're not in a position to say exactly when, but if you have registered for the relevant job alerts then you will be notified when the advert goes live. Alternatively, you can keep regularly checking this page.
For any roles within Avanti West Coast, these will be advertised here, whilst they also have a great page here on what it's like to be a train driver and a Q&A which will likely answer any questions you may have about the role and the application process.
I hope that's helpful.
Hello Alex,
Thanks for this. You have been very helpful with your answers. I hope trainee roles become available soon, as I am keen and it sounds like the ideal career change for me. I have heard, that to stand a realistic chance of becoming a trainee driver, you need to already be working in FirstGroup. How true is this?
Thanks,
James
There are occasions where Trainee Train Driver roles are advertised internally only, and therefore naturally that does give current employees a greater opportunity of securing a role, however when roles are advertised externally, this is because the company will be looking for recruits outside of the company as well, and therefore internal priority is reduced. It's also common practice to create a talent pool of Trainee Train Drivers at the end of a campaign, so those that pass all the recruitment stages but there are no further roles available for at the time, will be kept in this talent pool for a period of time awaiting new roles becoming available. When this happens, these individuals will then be contacted and offered the opportunity to join one of our training schools. So my answer to your question is yes and no!
For those that are already employed by the company in alternative roles and later become Train Drivers, there is a common journey that they will typically follow, whereby they join the company in an on-train customer service role e.g. a Customer Host, before moving on to a Guard role, and then finally that of a Train Driver. Therefore, for those that hold an interest in working in the Railway as a whole, this is a career path we commonly see.
I should also advise that the competition for Trainee Train Driver roles is extremely high, whether that be for our internal or external populations. I certainly don't say that to deter you in any way, I just feel it's something you should be aware of 🙂
Hello Alex,
There has just been a job role for trainee train drivers advertised, however, it is for the Central Region and I therefore can't apply, as I live in London. Do you know roughly, when trainee driver roles are going to be recruited for, in the London area? Thanks, James
Hi James,
I think I've just replied to you on a duplicate discussion, but from the guidance I've received, it's unlikely that GWR will be advertising for Trainee Train Drivers based out of London before early next year.
