Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) is partnering with Women Returners to launch inaugural Returner Supported Hiring Programme. GTR is passionate about having a diverse workforce and is looking for enthusiastic individuals with great interpersonal skills from all backgrounds.

Join GTR virtually for a Launch Event on 16 June, 9:30am to 12pm to find out more about this exciting opportunity of becoming a Trainee Train Driver. At the event, you will:

Hear from senior leaders about why they want to hire you
Learn more about the programme and the structured apprenticeship training programme that will enable you to qualify as a train driver
Find out about what life is like as a train driver
Understand the recruitment process and timeline
Benefit from a Women Returners workshop to support your return-to-work journey

The Programme will open for applications on 16 June.

Who is the event for?

This event is aimed at potential applicants who have a career break of 18 months or more and who wish to learn more about GTR Supported Hiring Programme.

GTR is looking for candidates who are positive, friendly and able to keep a level head whilst handling a range of different situations. You must have the right to work in the UK to register for the event and apply for the programme.

It is not a requirement to attend the event to apply for the programme.

About the GTR Returner Supported Hiring Programme

The programme is designed to enable you to qualify as a train driver through a formal training programme where you will also gain an apprenticeship. You will be employed on a permanent basis and in addition to the formal training programme with GTR you will also benefit from Career Returner Coaching support delivered in your cohort by Women Returners.

People from all walks of life drive trains and you’ll join their diverse team of drivers that deliver over 3600 journeys per day. Working an average of 35 hours a week, 4 days a week; you’ll know when your days off will be - meaning you can plan how work fits in with any family or other commitments.

GTR strongly believe in personal growth and career development. They nurture you to become an expert and ready to hit the tracks (on your own!) within 12-15 months whilst you undertake structured classroom-based learning, state of the art simulator training and one-on-one driving lessons. If you’re flexible, adaptable and willing to learn; their team will be there to give you the support that you need to progress your career and grow your skills.

As a Trainee Driver you will automatically be enrolled onto the national Train Driver Level 3 apprenticeship programme. The overall driver training course has been mapped into the train driver apprenticeship meaning the training you receive helps you become a qualified train driver but also achieves a nationally recognised apprenticeship. You do not require any previous qualifications, but as functional skills are part of the overall apprenticeship you will need to achieve English, Maths and ICT at level 2. You may be exempt from these if you already hold equivalent qualifications.

GTR are committed to their customers and keep them at the heart of what they do. You’ll have the opportunity to provide excellent customer service to thousands of passengers every day, by keeping them updated and informed on their journey, whilst helping them get to where they need to be – safely and on-time.

Further information

You’ll receive a starting salary of £32,080, rising up to £63,196 once you’re qualified, in addition to their excellent benefits package which includes 24 days annual leave per year and a final salary pension scheme. In addition to this, you’ll get free travel across their networks and 75% discount off other train service providers and leisure travel for your spouse/partner and dependents.

GTR is an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, gender identity or age.

Registrations are closed

Govia Thameslink Railways Supported Hiring Programme Launch Event