Do you want the best seat on the railway?
Every day, our Train Drivers help thousands of customers travel safely, comfortably and on time. They're the face of our operation, playing a vital role in delivering an exceptional journey and helping shape the future of rail travel.
If you're looking for a career that offers responsibility, challenge, continuous learning and genuine pride in what you do, our Trainee Train Driver programme could be your ticket to an exciting new future.
About the Role
As a Trainee Train Driver, you'll embark on a structured and intensive training programme designed to give you all the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to become a fully qualified Train Driver.
Driving a train is about far more than operating the controls. You'll be responsible for:
This is a rewarding career that combines technical expertise, personal responsibility and customer focus. Throughout your training, you'll undertake both practical and academic assessments, supported by experienced instructors and colleagues who are committed to helping you succeed.
About You
We're looking for people from all backgrounds who share our commitment to safety, customer service and teamwork.
You don't need previous railway or driving experience. Many of our successful drivers have joined us from a wide variety of industries and professions.
What matters most is that you:
✅ Put safety at the heart of everything you do
✅ Can remain calm, focused and attentive for extended periods
✅ Are comfortable following rules, procedures and instructions precisely
✅ Have excellent communication skills
✅ Enjoy working as part of a team
✅ Are committed to learning and completing an intensive training programme
✅ Take pride in delivering great customer experiences
If that sounds like you, we'd love to hear from you.
A Railway for Everyone
At GWR, we're building a railway that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive, feel valued and fulfil their potential.
We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.
Ready for a New Direction?
This could be your opportunity to step into a career unlike any other.
Drive your career forward with GWR.
Take your seat in the cab and become part of the future of rail travel.
Apply now for the chance to become one of our Trainee Train Drivers.
Important Information
Safety is at the heart of everything we do. As part of our selection process, candidates will complete a series of assessments and interviews designed to measure the key skills and attributes required for the role.
Before applying, please ensure that you can answer yes to the following:
Eligibility Requirements
Talent Pool Opportunities
We are currently advertising for Trainee Train Drivers for specified locations to join our Talent Pool. Successful candidates who complete the full recruitment and assessment process will be placed into the Talent Pool and considered for future vacancies as they arise.
Please note that:
Apprenticeship Opportunities
Some Trainee Train Driver programmes may be delivered through an apprenticeship route, leading to a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification alongside your professional driver training.
The Reward
Starting salary: £33,594 p/a
Qualified Driver salary: £71,455 p/a
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 a 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, for example, 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.
