Transport for Wales - Trainee Train Drivers

[eSTeeSCe]

Just to add - they've recently advertised for Qualified Drivers at Chester. Application's closed last week and sifting began immediately. I'm led to believe they're recruiting Qualified Drivers ASAP. Could be a little bit more of a wait for those at Chester.

I’m starting at Chester next month as a trainee. Contract signed last week.

I originally applied in summer ‘22, so it’s been a long wait.

 

[SJTee]

I’m starting at Chester next month as a trainee. Contract signed last week.

I originally applied in summer ‘22, so it’s been a long wait.

Congrats. Im assuming they extended your talent pool to 5 years? **EDIT** Just noticed it must be 3 years for you now, misread and thought it said 2020!

 

[JLyons]

Has anybody else had any good news lately, I believe there has been some movement on the talent pools as of late?

 

[LoftyTD]

Has anybody else had any good news lately, I believe there has been some movement on the talent pools as of late?

Nothing as of yet, I saw my driver friend recently but didn’t have a chance to chat. The only news I've seen is from what some of the Chester guys have said on here. Have you heard anything with regard to Cardiff? Im itching for that call.

 

[JLyons]

Nothing as of yet, I saw my driver friend recently but didn’t have a chance to chat. The only news I've seen is from what some of the Chester guys have said on here. Have you heard anything with regard to Cardiff? Im itching for that call.

No nothing as of yet unfortunately

 

[BOMPO83]

Has anybody else had any good news lately, I believe there has been some movement on the talent pools as of late?

Which ones ?

 

[eSTeeSCe]

Which ones ?

Chester and Holyhead.

 

[BOMPO83]

Chester and Holyhead.

Thank you

 

[SJTee]

Has anybody else had any good news lately, I believe there has been some movement on the talent pools as of late?

Nothing on the Cardiff side of things. I did speak to someone at the same stage (talent pool and passed all tests) who has been let go. I’m hoping this is positive for the people with the two year extensions.

 

[BOMPO83]

Nothing on the Cardiff side of things. I did speak to someone at the same stage (talent pool and passed all tests) who has been let go. I’m hoping this is positive for the people with the two year extensions.

This mean they did trim the talent pool a little ?

 

[LoftyTD]

Has anyone sent any emails or enquired since we all had the talent pool extension email? Or has anyone heard ANYTHING at all?

 

[BOMPO83]

Think that last email they sent us was to stop people enquiring

 

[LoftyTD]

Think that last email they sent us was to stop people enquiring

Yeah Ive not sent anything as of yet because of that, but was just wondering if anyone had done so or had any updates, just hoping someone has heard something positive

 

[craigybagel]

There are 3 courses taking place this Autumn/Winter for the north. Those drivers have likely all been informed by now but it should mean others left in the pool are getting closer to the top.

 

[LoftyTD]

There are 3 courses taking place this Autumn/Winter for the north. Those drivers have likely all been informed by now but it should mean others left in the pool are getting closer to the top.

Thats good news. Hopefully there is some movement for Cardiff soon.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 19 Aug 2025 ==

Chester, Shrewsbury and Holyhead trainee driver vacancies are up. Likely replacing the recently recruited people for North. The fact they haven’t advertised Cardiff is good news for us in the talent pool.

 

[NSEWonderer]

Chester

Holyhead

Shrewsbury

Becoming a 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.
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.
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. You will then spend approximately 24 weeks with an experienced instructor out on our Network.
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.
This could be the start of a fantastic career on the Railway, offering the chance to progress your career in many different directions.
Whilst you would be solely responsible for driving the train, you will also be part of an integrated wider team, working with other areas of the business to provide the best service to our customers.
Role responsibilities:
Our training team will prepare you for all responsibilities of the role, which will include:
• Moving trains between our various stations and depots safely
• Learning and understanding nationally agreed rules, regulations and operational instructions
• Responding to out of course situations as they arise and carrying out emergency procedures in accordance with rules and regulations
• Complying with the 'Drivers' Safety Responsibility Statement
• Completing written and verbal reports
• Participating in ongoing training as required
To be successful in this training, we are looking for people who:
• Understand the importance of rules, regulations and strict instructions
• Are always very safety conscious
• Are resilient and resourceful
• Are able to concentrate for long periods of time
• Are able to remain cool, calm and responsible
• Are committed to delivering great customer service
• Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills
Essential requirements for the role:
• You must live within one hour of your chosen depot
• You must be 21 or over for legal purposes (applications will be accepted from candidates who are 20 years old, however you will not be able to commence shift work until you turn 21)
• You must be able to work a varied shift pattern we work 24 hours so will include night shift and early mornings.
• You will be required to undertake a medical examination that will include a Drug & Alcohol test
• You must be able to provide a high level of commitment whilst balancing and fulfilling the training requirements and a new role
Desirable requirements for the role:
• Level 2 essential skills in Maths, English and IT or equivalent such as A-C grade in GCSE Maths, English and IT, or alternatively you will need to complete the Essential Skills qualification during the training to fulfil the requirement of the Apprenticeship Scheme
Transport for Wales encourages individuals from under-represented group to join so we can achieve a workforce representative of our communities.
Benefits of coming on board:
• 35-hour week over a 4-day week
• 28 days holidays
• Free travel on TfW services for you and free leisure travel for dependants
• 75% discount on other Rail Services for you and your dependants
• Pension scheme with additional voluntary contribution (AVC)
• Salary sacrifice schemes (cycle to work, electric car scheme)
• Discounted benefits for you and your family (Reward Gateway)
If successful in your application, the next stages of the process will include:
• Industry-wide Driver Assessments that will be undertaken at our Assessment Centre in Cardiff
• Operational Interview
• A full medical check in line with the Rail Industry Standard (RIS-3451-TOM Train Drivers) and Train Driving Licences & Certificates Regulations 2010
Offer of employment:
If successful following the recruitment process, you will be held in our ‘Talent Pool’ for up to 5 years from the date of your paper assessment until a training course becomes available. If you are not allocated to a course after this time, you will need to re-apply and complete the process again.
Once a start date is confirmed, you will be required to attend a medical appointment and undergo basic background and reference checks. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory medical and background checks and a satisfactory 10 month probation period.
Good luck with your application - we look forward to hearing from you!

 

[Fran1878]

I've started my application, wondering if anyone has an idea on when they might pull the ad? Was thinking about completing my application Saturday but unsure if that's risking it a bit too much.

 

[baker_06]

I think a matter of days - possibly into early next week. I would complete the application ASAP and wouldn't risk waiting.

 

[WAB]

It'll get pulled very quickly if previous adverts are anything to go by.

 

[eSTeeSCe]

It’ll get pulled as soon as they have decent numbers. Don’t delay!!!

 

[baker_06]

Advert taken down now

 

[chalkijr]

Only thing that worried me about the application is the questions regarding speaking/reading Welsh... I'm hoping it doesn't matter too much especially if applying for Chester. What's everyone else's thoughts?

 

[WAB]

Only thing that worried me about the application is the questions regarding speaking/reading Welsh... I'm hoping it doesn't matter too much especially if applying for Chester. What's everyone else's thoughts?

Comms on the railway are done in English, and it’s unlikely that there’ll be many Welsh-speakers in Chester that have applied for the job and will make it through the assessments… it’s most likely a Welsh government requirement to ask those questions/is more relevant for specific roles like customer services or publicity.

 

[chalkijr]

Comms on the railway are done in English, and it’s unlikely that there’ll be many Welsh-speakers in Chester that have applied for the job and will make it through the assessments… it’s most likely a Welsh government requirement to ask those questions/is more relevant for specific roles like customer services or publicity.

Ahh okay that's reassuring to know then! Thankyou.

 

[Termak]

Advert taken down now

Shrewsbury was taken down on Friday, guess there’s higher number of applicants than the other two.

 

[baker_06]

Shrewsbury was taken down on Friday, guess there’s higher number of applicants than the other two.

Wow only live for 3 days! Blink and you've missed it

 

[Fran1878]

I applied for Chester but did anyone else have issues with the word count for their scenario answers? I'm sure it said 200-500 words for each however when pasting over from word it cut sections of my examples out. In the end I had to go with 412 words for each.

 

[chalkijr]

I applied for Chester but did anyone else have issues with the word count for their scenario answers? I'm sure it said 200-500 words for each however when pasting over from word it cut sections of my examples out. In the end I had to go with 412 words for each.

Is it too late to check :/ I certainly hope mine was okay...

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 25 Aug 2025 ==

Just logged in, you can check your application by downloading it as a PDF.

Mine copied over fine thankfully

 

[TC12]

Anyone had an email today for the Chester role?

 

[ndjefc82]

Anyone had an email today for the Chester role?

I've had one - I've been shortlisted