Do you need qualifications to be a train driver?

Qualifications for Becoming a London Underground Train Driver. First, you need to be at least 21 years of age to start training to be a train driver with any entity other than London Underground. In addition, you will need to have good GCSE grades to show that you have a good standard of education.

Is it hard to become a train driver?

Train Driving is one of the most popular careers available, and every single TOC receives thousands upon thousands of applicants for each and every job opening. With this in mind, the train driver application process is extremely competitive.

Why do train drivers earn so much UK?

Train drivers have a very strong union. When a union is strong, the pay that the workers get is usually a bit better. Unions help to ensure a group of people who are working in the same trade have access to fair benefits and fair pay.

What is the maximum age for a train driver in the UK?

The current Train Driver retirement age is between 60 and 65, subject to a medical test to assess if you still meet the minimum requirements.

How can I get a job as a train driver?

You can apply to a train operating company and begin a train driver advanced apprenticeship. You can start as a rail passenger assistant or train conductor, then apply for a trainee driver post. This is also a common way to become a London Underground driver. You can apply directly to a train operating company to become a trainee driver.

Why do we need a train driver academy?

The idea behind the Train Drivers Academy started in 2017 and is now gaining momentum with the aim to create a sustainable and diverse driver workforce for the modern railway with its purpose being to develop and improve driver recruitment, diversity, training and throughput.

Why are there so many train drivers in UK?

Drivers will swap some of the oldest rolling stock on the network for some of the most state- of-the-art in the world as a result of the country’s current multi-billion-pound train-building boom. The good news doesn’t end there either.

Who is the chair of the train drivers Academy?

Training will now be developed once for the industry, rather than separately by each operator. Kirsty Derry, East Midlands Trains’ human resources director, who is also chair of the Train Drivers Academy, welcomed rail minister Andrew Jones to Derby in November, to introduce him to a special cohort of nine new apprentice drivers.