Trainee Train Driver - Crewe

WM Trains

Trainee Train Driver - Crewe

Application Deadline: 14 November 2026

Department: Operations

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Crewe

Reporting To: Mark Atkinson

Compensation: £36,717 / year

Description

Become a Trainee Train Driver – Crewe 2027

Have you ever wanted a career where every day brings responsibility, purpose and the opportunity to make a real difference to people's journeys?

At London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands Railway, we're looking for motivated, dependable people to join our Level 3 Train Driver Apprenticeship based at Crewe. If you're someone who takes pride in doing things the right way, enjoys learning and can stay calm under pressure, we'd love to hear from you.

This vacancy is for our mid 2027 & 2028 Trainee Driver intake.

Before you apply

Our application form includes a series of questions designed to help us understand your suitability for the role. We'd encourage you to take your time when completing these, thinking about the skills, experiences and qualities that make you a great fit, and what you could bring to our team. Train driver recruitment is highly competitive, so this is your opportunity to help us get to know you beyond your CV.

To be eligible, you'll need to live within 60 minutes' travel time of Crewe train station. As many of our shifts start early, finish late or take place overnight including the first and last train of the day, public transport may not always be available For this reason, having access to your own transport is strongly recommended to help you get to and from work reliably.

Please submit just one application for your preferred and closest location. To give everyone a fair opportunity, we ask that you do not apply for multiple locations. If you already have an active application for Trainee Train Driver, there's no need to apply again.

If you've already applied, or currently have an active application for one of our Trainee Train Driver roles, there's no need to apply again.

Check out the video below to find out more about the day in the life as one of our drivers!

What we're looking for

Becoming a train driver is both challenging and incredibly rewarding. Our apprenticeship is designed to give you the skills, knowledge and confidence to succeed, but it does require commitment, focus and a willingness to learn.

As part of the programme, you'll need to successfully complete the apprenticeship, including achieving Level 2 Functional Skills in Maths, English and ICT if you don't already hold the required qualifications.

You'll also need to meet the following operational requirements, which will be assessed throughout our selection process:

Live within 60 minutes' travel time of the vacancy location. This helps minimise fatigue and supports your wellbeing, particularly when working early, late, or overnight shifts.
Be aged 18 or over.
In line with the Train Driver Licence and Certificate Regulations have completed at least nine years of education (primary and secondary). Please ensure you include full details on your application, as incomplete education history may result in your application being withdrawn.
Be able to follow rules, procedures and instructions consistently within a safety-critical environment.
Be willing and able to work shifts across a 24-hour operation, seven days a week. (Having your own transport is strongly recommended due to varying shift start and finish times.)
Be willing to undergo a full medical assessment, including drug and alcohol screening.
Meet the required safety standards for cab access, including a minimum height of 5'2" and a maximum height of 6'4".
Have full colour vision.

If you're looking for more than just a job and want to build a long-term career where safety, teamwork and professionalism are at the heart of everything you do, we'd love to welcome your application.

If you have any further questions regarding the role of a trainee train driver, please see the FAQ document at the bottom of this advert.

You can aslo find out more about becoming a train driver and additional resources to help with your application here: https://www.thetraindriversacademy.com/

To ensure continuity and an effective delivery of service, successful candidates will be required to commit to a minimum 14-month period in role after achieving competence. This also includes existing colleagues who move by internal promotions and transfers. This time allows our future colleagues to support personal career development by allowing time to build strong knowledge and expertise.

What is the salary and benefits that come with the job?

Starting salary is £36,717, rising through increments to £70,234
A defined benefit pension from day 1 – one of the best in the UK.
Free travel on all London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands Railway services for you, your spouse/partner, and dependents.
75% off all other train operating companies for you, your spouse/partner, and dependents.
8 Friends and Family Day passes to gift per annum on our network.
A 24/7 Virtual GP service for you and your household.
Our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)- A confidential employee benefit that supports you with personal or work-related issues affecting your home life, work life, health, or wellbeing
Our cycle to work scheme with Evans Cycles.
A retail discount portal- offering savings, discounts and cashback at over 800 retailers and restaurants.

Due to the volume of applications we receive, the advert may close earlier than the published closing date. Please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid missing out.

As an inclusive employer, we welcome applications from all backgrounds and ensure no-one receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender, race/ethnicity, religion, belief and sexual orientation.

Applications will be considered from colleagues with 6 months experience, after completion of their probationary period and a full check of absence and disciplinary records.