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?
Join LNER as an Apprentice Train Driver – A Career Like No Other!
At LNER, we're offering a career journey that goes beyond just driving trains – it's about joining a team that values diversity, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence. If you're someone who thrives in dynamic environments, takes pride in responsibility, and is passionate about providing outstanding customer service, we want you to be part of our team.
We're not just looking for people to fill a seat, we're seeking passionate, resilient individuals from all walks of life and industries. Whether you have experience in customer service, logistics, engineering, nursing, teaching, or any other field, your unique skills and background could make you a perfect fit for our team.
As an Apprentice Train Driver, you'll embark on a 52-week immersive training program that seamlessly combines classroom learning with practical, hands-on experience. This journey isn't just about learning to drive trains; it's about developing the skills and confidence to ensure our passengers travel safely, comfortably, and on time.
Your training will begin with 16 weeks of classroom-based learning, where our expert trainers will provide you with essential knowledge and unwavering support. It's a challenging yet rewarding period that lays the groundwork for a fulfilling career. You may even spend some time in York, offering a fantastic opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the experience.
Once you've mastered the theoretical aspects, you'll transition to hands-on, practical training out on the network. Under the guidance of experienced Driver Trainers, you'll take the controls of real trains, putting your knowledge into action and gaining invaluable experience.
This apprenticeship leads to a Level 3 qualification, marking a significant step toward becoming a Qualified Train Driver. Beyond the technical expertise, you'll acquire essential non-technical skills that will empower you to excel in your career and beyond.
Key Responsibilities:
Study hard and perform at your best during the intense training phase – this is a real investment in your future.
Pass assessments as you progress to becoming a fully qualified train driver.
Always maintain the highest standards of safety – we take pride in our commitment to safety, operational and occupational.
Communicate clearly and professionally, both with passengers and colleagues.
Build strong working relationships across the business – we're a team, and we rely on each other.
Provide exceptional customer service, keeping safety and punctuality at the forefront of everything you do.
Essential Requirements:
Be over 20.5 years old at the time of application.
Live within 60 minutes of your depot.
Willingness to work shifts – we're operational 24/7, including weekends and nights.
Experience in responsible roles – whether it's from previous jobs, voluntary work, or even school projects, we value commitment and reliability.
Strong concentration and the ability to work independently for long periods.
Resilience under pressure – this is a demanding but rewarding job.
Punctuality and professionalism are non-negotiable.
The Recruitment Process:
We want to make sure you're the right fit for us – and we want to be the right fit for you. Our process is straightforward but thorough:
Step 1: Application and Online Testing
Step 2: Video Interview
Step 3: Competency-Based Interview 4.
Step 4: Psychometric Testing
Step 5: Medical
If you're ready to embrace the challenge, and join a company that values your background and experiences, click “Apply” now! Your journey to becoming a qualified train driver at LNER starts here.
What you'll get:
Free travel on LNER + 75% off other companies' tickets (for you & dependents)
Discounted international train tickets (after one year's service)
50% discount on LNER tickets for friends & family
Generous pension scheme
Annual cycle to work schemes/electric vehicle scheme
Discount, savings and cashback scheme from top retailers
Health & wellbeing schemes and discounts
Host of training opportunities to help further your career
Rewards & awards to recognise when you shine
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
but I’m holding out hope