What will you do as an Apprentice Train Driver

This role is the start of a career that really goes places. Successful candidates join LNER on an intensive and well structured training programme designed to build the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to become a professional Qualified Train Driver. The programme takes around 52 weeks and combines learning, practice and support every step of the way.

Training begins in the classroom, where the focus is on understanding how the railway works, how safety underpins every decision and how trains are operated day to day. There is a lot to learn and plenty to get stuck into, including assessments and independent study. A dedicated team of trainers provides guidance, coaching and encouragement throughout, helping learning turn into real confidence.

Once the theory stages are complete and assessments are passed, training moves out onto the railway. Practical training involves driving trains on the LNER network with customers on board, supported closely by an experienced Driver Trainer. Alongside technical driving skills, there is a strong focus on communication, decision making and staying calm and focused in a live operational environment.

Driver training at LNER is being enhanced through the award of a Level 3 qualification. This reflects best practice across the rail industry and supports continued investment in high quality training through the Drivers Academy. Successful candidates are therefore expected to be appointed into the role as an apprenticeship opportunity. This vacancy is funded by the Department for Education and requires commitment, curiosity and determination to succeed. The apprenticeship standard is fully embedded within the training programme.

As an Apprentice Train Driver the role involves

• Giving full commitment during the intensive training period
• Preparing for and passing all assessments required to qualify as a Train Driver
• Putting safety first in every task, every shift and every decision
• Preparing, driving and securing trains and traction units in line with strict processes and procedures
• Communicating clearly and professionally in line with industry and LNER standards
• Building strong and respectful working relationships across the business
• Identifying and reporting defects and working with LNER Control to support the safe running of services
• Playing a key part in delivering safe, punctual and reliable journeys for customers and colleagues

Is this the right opportunity

To apply for the Apprentice Train Driver role based in Edinburgh, applicants must be able to demonstrate the following.

• Aged 20.5 or over at the time of application
• Living within a 60 minute drive of the depot and able to make independent travel arrangements, including when public transport is not available
• Have checked and confirmed your eligibility to undertake psychometrics with LNER as part of this process  (Explore the updated RIS 3751 TOM Iss 4 for the latest guidance on the psychometric assessment rules)
• Flexibility to work a range of shifts including early starts, late finishes, nights and weekends
• Responsibility in a role where rules, procedures or standards mattered
• Sustained concentration and the ability to work independently for long periods
• Resilience and focus when under pressure or when things do not go to plan
• Clear and professional communication that supports a safe working environment
• A genuine commitment to delivering a high standard of service
• Effective teamwork and positive working relationships
• A positive attitude to learning, feedback and change
• Consistent punctuality, which is essential in a safety critical role

Why start a driving career with LNER

An apprenticeship with LNER offers more than a qualification. It is the start of a long term career on one of the UK's most iconic rail routes, connecting Edinburgh with major cities along the East Coast. LNER is proud of the support given to new drivers, the quality of its training and the strong sense of teamwork across depots. Many drivers progress into roles such as Driver Instructor, Driver Team Manager or wider operational leadership positions.

Alongside structured development, LNER offers competitive pay during training, free LNER travel, discounted rail travel for family and friends, a strong pension and access to wellbeing and support services.

What you'll get:

• Free travel on LNER + 75% off other companies' tickets (for you & dependents)
• Discounted international train tickets (after one year's service)
• 50% discount on LNER tickets for friends & family
• Generous pension scheme
• Annual cycle to work schemes/electric vehicle scheme
• Discount, savings and cashback scheme from top retailers
• Health & wellbeing schemes and discounts
• Host of training opportunities to help further your career
• Rewards & awards to recognise when you shine

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check

If you are successful in your application and are new to the business, we will undertake a basic DBS check as part of our pre-employment checks. This only happens once we have conditionally offered you the job. Here we check for any unspent convictions and conditional cautions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. If there is evidence of an unspent conviction or conditional caution, the details of these are reviewed internally by a cross functional panel on a case by case basis before a final offer of employment is issued. This however may result in any offer being withdrawn. Further information on how we collect and use this data is available on our privacy notice.

Medical screening

We're a safety conscious business so for all roles you'll need to pass a medical screening and a drugs and alcohol test before we send you an unconditional job offer. For our safety critical roles, you'll also need to have a safety critical medical. Our friendly, in-house Health and Wellbeing team will book a time and place to suit you. The sooner, the better, so please be flexible with your availability. Once your medical gets the thumbs up, we'll finalise any last details and look forward to you joining our team. 

What we believe:        

To be the most loved, progressive and responsible train operating company, we must make a meaningful difference – always doing what's right for our customers, our people, the communities and destinations we serve, the future of the industry we lead and the environment we cherish.

We know that our people are the beating heart of everything we do. We are committed to creating an inclusive, engaged culture that supports everyone at every stage of their journey – and ensures that when you're at LNER, you can always be you. No wonder most people never want to leave!

Diversity and inclusion
We are passionate about creating a diverse and inclusive workforce, representative of the communities we serve, and are creating ways to inspire diverse talent to join LNER.

Developing our people
We are focused on creating a learning culture, to support our people to be the best they can be at work by providing them with the tools and resources to navigate their development and career journey.

Health & wellbeing
To create a culture where our people can perform at their best, the physical health and mental wellbeing of our people is of paramount importance to us.

What next?        

As we say, we have fantastic opportunities for ambitious people from all sorts of different backgrounds, so now is the time to join the team at LNER – without delay! 

Start your journey here