Who are we?
GWR is the proud custodian of Brunel's railway - one of the most prestigious networks in the world. We have some of the newest trains in the country and exciting plans to extend our services. With more than one hundred million passenger journeys each year, we carry people to over 275 stations in the South West, from Cornwall and South Wales to London, passing through beautiful country and some of the UK's top tourist destinations.
We are transforming the way people think about train travel, empowering our team of over 6,000 people from all different backgrounds to make it a great experience for our customers. Together, we will revalue rail as a very special way to travel – relaxing, fast, efficient, friendly and fun.
About the team
You will be working as part of our 5 person announcer team in our purpose built Reading Control Room, providing information to all parts of the station. You will have to thrive under pressure and be able to deal with competing demands, liaising with other parts of our business to ensure we operate an efficient Railway service.
About the job
The purpose of the role is to be a focal point for the dissemination of time critical train running information. In addition you will be required to announce train services at the station, advising customers of any delays or service information. You will also have to coordinate resources to ensure that those customers requiring assistance are dealt with in a professional and timely manner. The role will also involve the ability to dispatch trains.
Your main responsibilities will be:
You'll need to be:
As a minimum you will need to have:
About the location
Reading is a transport hub with many local bus routes and train services operating. Facilities at the station including a number of retail outlets as well as mess facilities. There may be occasional travel to attend courses but the role is predominately based at Reading.
Working pattern
The working pattern is shift work rotating through a roster pattern of early (0600-1400), late (1400-2200) and night shifts (2145-0615), as well as weekend and bank holiday working.
Additional information
Applicants successfully short listed will be invited to undertake an online train dispatch test, and those that pass will then be invited to a competency based interview which will take place w/c 23rd February 2026. The successful candidate will need to meet the medical standards for the role which will include drugs and alcohol screen, colour vision and hearing tests. A Basic DBS is also required.
The Reward:
As well as a great team environment and comprehensive training, all GWR colleagues enjoy a range of benefits including on-going development, defined benefit pension scheme, free rail travel across the GWR network for you and your family, company-sponsored health care plan, discounted shopping and gym membership and an employee assistance programme.
We all belong at GWR. This is our vision for providing an inclusive environment for all our colleagues, ensuring all candidates have an equal opportunity to access meaningful employment.
We value our differences such as age, gender, LGBTQIA, ethnicity, religion and disability. We maintain zero tolerance towards any form of prejudice towards our colleagues, customers, and future talent.
We celebrate and encourage diversity of thought, progressive ways of working and seeing all our colleagues grow and thrive.
We review all roles and job descriptions to ensure they are accessible and, where possible, we support and provide flexible working options; we recommend that you refer to each vacancy description for further details.
If you require additional support to complete your application due to a disability or neurodivergent condition such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, or autism, please follow the links below. We encourage you to share any additional needs you may require so we can provide a fair and equal process for all who apply.
