What does it take to train a train driver?
There’s been a lot of discussion recently about the recruitment and training of train drivers, so we’d like to explain this process and how we’re getting more drivers on board.
First of all, we need to point out that it’s an extensive training process that takes an average of 18 months to complete.
Drivers must pass exams on every route and type of train that they drive. That means training in some locations will take longer as trainees have more to learn.
Our driver training programme was heavily impacted by the pandemic, leading to a delay in trainees moving through the process.
Without COVID and the impact it had, we'd actually have around 130 extra qualified drivers by now. That would've significantly reduced our need for drivers to work overtime and rest days.
As restrictions began to ease we were able to resume driver training and we’re doing everything we can to transition the current trainees through the process.
In the first half of 2022, 38 more new drivers will be hired with a further 119 being recruited by the end of 2023.
Trainee train driver positions with us are massively oversubscribed whenever we advertise for them.
So much so that we have 845 candidates (from 9,000 applications) already in a talent pool who will be used for upcoming vacancies.