Apprentice Driver - Doncaster Only

Why LNER?

We go beyond. For everyone. Our vision is to be the most loved, progressive and responsible way to travel for generations to come. Now we're looking for the people who can deliver this, every day.

Since we took over on the East Coast mainline, we've been changing the face of rail travel. Our new Azuma train has brought faster journey times, more space and greater reliability. Our exciting plans to embrace new ideas, experiences, backgrounds and ambitions make this the ideal time to join.

Bringing passion. Being bold. Always caring. Owning it. They're the values that make us LNER.

Are you on board?

What will you do as an Apprentice Driver?

If you're successful, it will be back to school on an intensive training programme designed to give you the foundations to become a professional Qualified Train Driver. This will take around 52 weeks to complete, so you will need to be aware that this fantastic opportunity comes with a lot of commitment

You'll need to be committed to studying, as the first 16 weeks will involve classroom-based learning, including homework! Our expert team of trainers will be on hand to show you the ropes and ensure you are gaining all the knowledge required and will support and coach you through the course. You'll be assessed along the way as you get closer on your journey to becoming a Train Driver.

When you have completed the theory-based element and passed your assessments, you'll then be out driving a train on our network with real customers on board. No pressure! Don't worry though, you will be guided by an experienced Driver Trainer, who will teach you how to apply your learning into the practical element of driving, embedding non-technical skills into your everyday working life.

We are pleased to announce that the Driver Training will become professionalised through the awarding of a Level 3 qualification. This will allow us to further enhance our driver training by building on best practice in the sector via the Drivers Academy and reinvest apprenticeship levy funding into the training. Therefore successful candidates are likely to be offered the role as an apprenticeship opportunity.

Please note that this vacancy is for a Department for Education funded apprenticeship role and requires a strong commitment to learn and succeed from the successful candidate. Our training embeds the apprenticeship standard within delivery.

As an Apprentice Driver you'll be involved in the following;

• Ensuring that you work to the best of your ability during the intensive training period.
• Studying for and passing all relevant assessments which contribute to becoming a Qualified Train Driver
• Delivering the highest standards of operational and occupational safety at all times.
• Preparing, driving and disposing of trains and traction units safely, ensuring the correct processes and procedures are rigorously followed.
• Ensuring all communication is carried out in accordance with industry and LNER standards.
• Building and maintaining productive and professional relationships with colleagues across the business.
• Locating and rectifying where possible or reporting defective equipment safe on the train and liaising with the LNER Control team to ensure the safe working of trains.
• Providing excellent customer service by ensuring a safe and punctual service for both customers and colleagues.

Does this sound like the opportunity for you? There are few must haves…

To be considered for our Apprentice Driver position you will need to be able to demonstrate the following :

Take a look at to find out more and hear some of current drivers

talk about the role and its requirements.

What to expect from the recruitment process?

Step 1. Application and Online Testing

As soon as you click on the ‘Apply' button you'll be asked to complete the application form which includes some personal details and uploading your CV. The application process will also involve some online tests. These tests are made up of behavioural and concentration tests, so we would advise that you find some time and a quiet space to complete them so that you aren't disturbed. Once you click ‘Start Now' you will need to complete that test to ensure a fair approach for all candidates.

Step 2. Video Interview

If successful at stage 1 you'll be invited to join us for a video interview. Just as with a face to face interview we recommend that you prepare in advance and find a quiet place to do the video interview where you won't be disturbed.

Step 3. Competency Based Interview

If successful at telephone interview, we'll invite you to attend an interview with our Driver Team Managers and a member of our People Resourcing team. Due to the current situation with Covid-19 these interviews are taking place on Microsoft Teams.

Step 4. Psychometric Testing

If successful at interview you'll be invited to attend psychometric testing which is conducted face to face. If you have already completed Driver psychometrics within the last five years, we'll simply check they are to our standard and you will skip this stage. If you have been unsuccessful within the last six months with any TOC, you'll unfortunately be unable to apply on this occasion. We anticipate that there will be further opportunities further down the line though, so watch this space.

Step 5. Medical

As always, there are strict medical standards to adhere to. Head to the RSSB website and look at RIS-3451-TOM to check you meet the standards.

Once you've checked you meet the minimum criteria, hit Apply now!

Please note this advert will close once a certain number of applications have been received, which may be before the advertised closing date.

What you'll get :

What we believe :

To be the most loved, progressive and responsible train operating company, we must make a meaningful difference – always doing what's right for our customers, our people, the communities and destinations we serve, the future of the industry we lead and the environment we cherish.

We know that our people are the beating heart of everything we do. We are committed to creating an inclusive, engaged culture that supports everyone at every stage of their journey – and ensures that when you're at LNER, you can always be you. No wonder most people never want to leave!

Diversity and inclusion

We are passionate about creating a diverse and inclusive workforce, representative of the communities we serve, and are creating ways to inspire diverse talent to join LNER.

Developing our people

We are focused on creating a learning culture, to support our people to be the best they can be at work by providing them with the tools and resources to navigate their development and career journey.

Health & wellbeing

To create a culture where our people can perform at their best, the physical health and mental wellbeing of our people is of paramount importance to us.

What next?

As we say, we have fantastic opportunities for ambitious people from all sorts of different backgrounds, so now is the time to join the team at LNER – without delay!

Start your journey here