Drivers

Who we are

At Transport for Wales, we’re on a mission to transform transport in Wales and make it fit for the future, whether that’s rail, bus, walking or cycling. We want to inspire a nation to change the way it travels, so that we all travel more sustainably and help to combat the climate emergency we’re all facing.

We’re an open and inclusive place to work, where everyone is welcome and our people are supported to reach their full potential. We want to create an environment where our people can grow and succeed. This is key to enabling us to deliver on the promises we’ve made to the people of Wales to build a sustainable transport network that meets their needs.

Our Driver roles are located across our network at the below depots:

Cardiff
Rhymney
Treherbert
Taffs Well
Carmarthen
Chester
Shrewsbury
Machynlleth
Pwllheli
Llandudno Junction
Holyhead
Crewe

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Role breakdown

Trainee Train Driver

No previous experience is needed for the role, as our Trainee Driver Academy Programme will prepare you fully for life on the Network. The important part is that you are passionate, professional, and motivated to learn, with an understanding of the importance of safety, performance, and customer service.

Driver Instructor

Driver Instructor roles are posted internally to grow our own talent. The role contributes to the professional development and assessment of trainee, new and experienced Drivers, through assessment, instructing, coaching and supporting in the range of activities required by Business/Industry standards. To support delivery of TOC and industry schemes that effect Drivers and also Company manpower plan. Ultimately to contribute towards reduction of operational risk within the Driver function.

Driver Team Manager

These roles are also posted internally to grow our own talent. To lead a team of train drivers (c25-30) within area of responsibility to deliver a fully competent and safe service and highly motivated employees. To deliver a range of performance targets in all areas of the business including safety, service, people and costs. To play a key role in the reshaping of the driver function towards a more business and customer focused one.

The Application process - Trainee Train Driver

If you have applied for another role within the Driver function, the process may differ slightly and will be outlined clearly in the job advert.

Online Application

If you meet the minimum requirements of the role, you can fill in and submit an online application which will include entering your personal details, experience and qualifications.

Online Quiz

You will then be sent an online quiz to answer questions around what your understanding of the Driver role is.

Online Testing

You will be required to complete an online error checking test and a Train Driver Situational Judgement test.

Video Interview

If you are successful through the above tests, you will be sent a link to an online video interview and record your answers to the questions.

Application/Video Interview Review

Your application will be reviewed to determine if it meets the requirements we are looking for, you’ll then be invited to an interview with our Driver Team Managers.

Interview

You’ll meet with the hiring team and complete a competency-based interview face to face. If you pass this, you will be invited to our Driver assessment centre split over 2 days.

Paper Assessments

You will complete 4 paper-based tests which takes approximately 3 hours. We’ll send you all the details you need to prepare beforehand. For depots in Mid/North Wales, these sessions will be held in Chester. For South/West Wales depots, these sessions will be held in Cardiff. If you pass this stage, you will be invited to the next round.

Computer Assessments & MMI

You will complete a situational judgement test and 3 computer tests which take approximately 2.5 hours. You will then complete a multi-model interview with one of our qualified assessors. We’ll send you all the details you need to prepare beforehand. All computer & MMI sessions are held in Cardiff.

Talent pool

If successful following your assessment days, you will receive an update from the recruitment team providing you with the talent pool details for the position.

Medical

Once a course becomes available for you, the recruitment team will call to go through the details and book you in for a face to face medical at one of the clinic locations.

Onboarding

When your medical results are back, the recruitment team will send across your onboarding forms to complete which will include your contract of employment.

Background Checks

After your contract has been issued, background checks will be raised. You will receive a link from our third-party supplier Pertemps who manage our checks.

Training

Driver Apprenticeship

On appointment into a Trainee Driver role, you will be enrolled into the Driver Apprenticeship – the first of its kind for Wales - which will lead to a nationally recognised qualification in train driver operations.

Training Programme

The role of a Train Driver is highly skilled, and an extensive training programme is provided for all Trainee Train Drivers. During the initial 11 weeks of our apprenticeship programme, you will be taught train driving theory within the classroom, including having the opportunity to apply all you have learnt on our new state-of-the-art train simulators. Our training course takes place at one of our training offices based in Chester or Cardiff. If you’re travelling from another location which is over 1 hour away, we will book you accommodation for the training period.

Start at home station

Once you’ve completed the course, you will start at your home station, and you will then spend approximately 24 weeks with an experienced instructor out on our Network.

Assessed in all aspects

At the end of the training, you will be fully assessed in all aspects of the role by one of our experienced Driver Team Managers.

FAQs

Sign up for job alerts on our website. When a vacancy goes live, you can submit your application. However, the response for our adverts is anticipated to be high so often close early, therefore early submission is advised.

The Company will pay you a basic training salary of £40,088 per annum until you become productive. Once confirmation of your full Driver competency has been received, your salary will increase to 90% of the full Driver rate (currently £66,085 per annum). After a further 24 months, you will progress to 100% of the full Driver rate (currently £73,430 per annum).

No previous experience is needed for the role, as our Trainee Driver Academy Programme will prepare you fully for life on the network. Some people apply for other roles within Transport for Wales to build their knowledge of the railway.

You may apply to be a Trainee Train Driver if you are over 20 years old but you will not be able to commence training until you are 21 years old.

No, you will need to live under 1 hour travel time from your chosen depot at point of application. This is due to the safety critical nature of the role and the fatigue element associated.

No, you can only apply for one depot. If you are within an hour of more than one depot, this can be discussed at interview stage.

No, we do not accept CVs, you will need to fill out our online application form via the website.

No, you do not need a driving license. However, you will need a way to get to work without relying on public transport.

You do not need any qualifications to apply. However, if you do not have C grade or above in GCSE English and Maths, you will be expected to complete a Level 2 Essential skills in Application of number and Communications as part of the apprenticeship.

You will work a 35 hour week over 4 days. The role requires flexibility as you will be working early mornings, evenings, nights and weekends.

We recommend that you dress smartly but comfortably (smart casual).

Yes. If you are invited to an assessment, you will receive practice materials via email at least a week before your assessment date.

If you have completed any part of the psychometric testing before 7^th December 2024, you are only able to complete the assessments twice. If you fail on your first attempt, you will need to reapply for a Trainee Train Driver position but need to wait until 6 months have elapsed from the assessment date. If you fail on your second attempt, you cannot apply for any Trainee Train Driver roles for TFW or other TOCs.

If you have completed the psychometric testing after 7^th December 2024, you are only able to complete the assessment three times. After one failed attempt, you will need to wait 1 year to be eligible to complete the assessment again. After two failed attempts, you will need to wait 5 years after your first attempt and 1 year after your second attempt.

If you are unsure of when you are able to re-apply, please contact us via email so we can look into your individual case.

Research into the role and company, make sure you understand the role you have applied for and what skills and experience you think you can bring to the role.

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