Train Driver

Description

Typical Job Titles

Passenger Train Driver, Depot Driver, Freight Train Driver and On-Track Machine Driver

Occupational Profile

Train Drivers are responsible for driving trains in a safe, punctual, economic manner over various routes in accordance with rail rules, regulations and procedures. A Train Driver could work in a number of rail environments, such as high speed, passenger, freight, underground, metro, suburban, cross border, depots, sidings or maintenance sheds; moving passengers, goods, empty coaching stock or driving on-track machines to perform infrastructure maintenance work.

Train Drivers can be required to work for long periods of time on their own, they must be able to maintain a high level of concentration and be able to make instant complex decisions quickly during normal and degraded conditions e.g. severe weather conditions, infrastructure failures and emergency working. They must be able to communicate clearly and accurately with stakeholders and may be required to supervise others to enable compliance with regulations through safe and effective rail operation. A driver has overall responsibilities for passengers, staff and goods on the train. Responsibilities may include communicating with: the signaller, crossing attendant, operations control, other rail industry personnel or the British Transport and the civilian police.

A Train Driver will work shifts that include weekends, evenings and nights. On freight or engineering trains, train drivers usually tend to be rostered more night shifts. On long-distance routes, there may be a need for overnight stays.

Main duties typically include:

• Responsibility for ensuring the train is fit to enter into service
• Driving the train safely and to time at all times
• Being fully up to date with the route features and how to react to changing conditions
• Ensuring the correct protocol is followed consistently throughout the duration of the journey
• Dealing with customer enquiries promptly, politely and in the correct manner

Behaviours

• Act professionally, demonstrating dependability, determination, honesty and integrity
• Display a self-disciplined, self-motivated, proactive approach to work and your own health and wellbeing
• Be risk aware, mitigate risks by checking information, concentrating on the task, maintaining an awareness of changing circumstances and remaining calm under pressure
• Willing to learn new skills and to adjust to change
• Be approachable, respect others, act ethically and contribute to sustainable development
• Always seeks to support business goals and maintain an awareness of economic challenges

Entry Requirements

Individual employers must meet minimum requirements set by the Train Driving Licences and Certificates Regulations 2010; due to the nature of the role candidates must meet medical standards of physical health these are set out within the above regulations. To enter into an apprenticeship scheme the minimum age of a train driver is 18 years.

Link to Professional Registration

The Institution of Railway Operators and the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport supports the development of this apprenticeship standard. Successful completion of the apprenticeship programme allows them to progress to the Associate or Affiliate level of professional registration.

Progression

Progression from this apprenticeship is expected to lead to a number of different roles these include; Train Driver Instructor, progressing to Train Driver Manager, Depot Driver Team Leader, progressing to Depot Delivery Co-Ordinator.