Please note that we are assembling a talent pool for the Trainee Train Driver position, as the selection process is extensive, and an immediate start is not guaranteed.

Who are we?

South Western Railway (SWR) operates over 1,500 services each weekday across the network and employs more than 5,000 people. We provide easy and convenient mobility, connecting people and communities in South West London, southern counties of England, and the Isle of Wight.

Join our team and help us continue to bring people together to get the most out of life.

What is it like to be a train driver?

Becoming a train driver at SWR is the start of a rewarding and fulfilling career. You'll sit at the front of our trains and see the world coming towards you, knowing you're a vital part of what makes SWR great.

You'll be taking customers to work, meetings with friends and family, to the beach, historic landmarks and major sporting and entertainment events. You'll also be getting our customers home again safely knowing that you have played an invaluable role in bringing people together to get the most out of life. You'll collaborate with colleagues at all levels to be the team everyone trusts to connect the people and places that matter.

You'll end each day proud, knowing you are part of a fantastic team, working together with care and commitment to make every journey, every day, easy and reliable.

Who needs a 9 – 5 anyway?

Our drivers commit to a varying shift pattern over 24 hours, 7 days a week to keep our services running, so you'll need to be disciplined, punctual, reliable and ready to go at any time of the day! As this role is safety critical, you'll need to be able to get to your depot within a maximum of 60 minutes commute time. Drivers work an average 35 hours over 4 days a week, however, during training you will work 40.5 hours over 5 days a week.

What does it take to be a train driver?

Here at SWR we pride ourselves on the diversity and the versatility of our colleagues. You don't need to have qualifications or prior knowledge of the rail industry to be a great driver, but you do need the dedication, drive, and interpersonal skills to be your very best self every single day.

At SWR our drivers:

Take the initiative, coming up with well-reasoned, informed solutions to help deliver the best service for our customers
Lead by example, carrying SWR values close to their heart and never walking past a problem.
Work well with others, forging strong professional bonds with colleagues from all backgrounds.
Evaluate their own behaviours, constantly seeking to succeed and improve.
Keep themselves up to date with rule changes, operational and business updates.

What do we offer?

We provide an exceptional training programme, designed to equip you with the skills, knowledge, and practical experience to help you become a great driver. Much of the training is delivered at our training facility in Basingstoke, but you will undertake hands on training at your local depot.

At SWR we are committed to the progression and development of all colleagues. As part of this, from day one, you'll be working towards a Level 3 Train Driver Apprenticeship, which is delivered by our Operations Training team and partner training provider.

We offer a competitive salary, with Trainee drivers starting on £36,620 per annum plus applicable regional allowances. Our training duration is approximately 14 – 18 months, during which time your salary will rise in increments as you reach key milestones in your learning objectives. The salary for a fully productive driver is £76,986 per annum plus applicable allowances.

We also provide fantastic travel concessions for you and your family, a generous reward and recognition scheme, brilliant opportunities to progress within the company and much more.

The Reward

In return we offer a competitive salary and a variety of valuable benefits, including:

Free duty and leisure travel on SWR services for employees
Free leisure travel for spouse/partner and dependants (criteria dependent)
75% discount on many other train operating companies
Full training and support with development
Excellent pension scheme

We all belong at SWR. Our vision is to provide an inclusive environment for all colleagues, ensuring all candidates have an equal opportunity to access meaningful employment.

We value our differences such as age, gender, LGBTQIA+, ethnicity, religion, and disability. We maintain a zero tolerance towards any form of prejudice towards our colleagues, customers, and future talent.

We celebrate and encourage diversity of thought, progressive ways of working and seeing all our colleagues grow and thrive.

If you require additional support to complete your application due to a disability or neurodivergent condition, for example, dyslexia, dyspraxia, or autism, please follow the links below. We encourage you to share any additional needs you may require so we can provide a fair and equal process for all who apply.

https://exceptionalindividuals.com/neurodiversity/

https://www.healthassured.org/blog/neurodiversity/

South Western Railway

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