Trainee Train Driver

Overview

Who are First Group?

GWR is the proud custodian of Brunel's railway - one of the most prestigious networks in the world.  First Group have some of the newest trains in the country and exciting plans to extend First Group's services.   With more than one hundred million passenger journeys each year, First Group 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. 

First Group is transforming the way people think about train travel, empowering First Group's team of over 6,000 people from all different backgrounds to make it a great experience for First Group's customers.  Together, First Group will revalue rail as a very special way to travel – relaxing, fast, efficient, friendly and fun.

About the team?

This role reports to the Driver Management Team at Westbury.

About the role?

First Group's Trainee driver role is for those passionate about customer service.

Train Drivers play a crucial role in setting a new standard for rail in the 21st Century which is focused on creating a relaxed, fast, efficient, and fun experience for First Group's passengers. In addition to driving First Group's customers to their destinations, giving amazing customer service, following the correct procedures, and working with colleagues to ensure First Group's services runs efficiently.

First Group's Training programme requires hard work, a commitment to an intensive period of training and exceptional attention to detail but offers a rewarding career with the opportunity to be part of the changing future of travel. There will be assessments throughout your training period, both practical and academic, which will give you all the tools and support you need to progress through to a Qualified Driver.

About You

Do you have fantastic time management skills with the ability to work alone and focus on concentrating in a safety conscious environment?

Are you able to follow instructions when the need for safety is paramount, always?

Do have excellent communication skills and enjoy working within an environment with strict procedures and protocols?

Do you enjoy assisting colleagues and customers in the interests of safety and customer service?

If so, this role could an excellent career opportunity for you.

As a minimum you'll need to have:

• You must be 21 years of age or older to be accepted on to the training course, as this is an industry requirement.
• You'll need to live within 60 minutes travel time to the depot, without using public transport when it is not available. The safety responsibilities make this requirement a necessity. This is therefore not negotiable
• The ability to work shifts of varying start times, including weekends and nights shifts.
• You'll need to pass a full driver medical which includes passing hearing, sight, and colour vision tests (using the Ishihara plates)

Additional Information:

First Group don't need you to have previous Railway experience. First Group have colleagues from a wide range of industries and backgrounds. First Group do need you to bring your energy, enthusiasm and willingness to learn in a structured environment.

First Group is committed to making GWR and inclusive place of work that, to ensure First Group deliver a railway that is inclusive for First Group's customers.

As this role is an important safety role, First Group have a stringent recruitment process, that includes various ability tests, that measure the key requirements needed for the role. But don't worry too much about this, First Group will send you Practice Test Materials, before First Group invite you to any ability testing events, so you will have plenty of time to practice for the tests.

The training salary rate is £28,268 per annum, rising to £60,124 when fully qualified.

First Group have opportunities for Trainee Drivers at Westbury, to join First Group's Talent Pool for 2024/2025.

For further information, please review First Group's FAQ's.