Trainee Train Driver
Location: New Cross Gate
Job Type: Permanent Full-Time
Salary: £39,463 + Free London Underground & Overground Travel!
Closing Date: 29th September 2025
Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
At Arriva Rail London, we acknowledge the importance of our people's diverse experiences, talents, and cultures. Embracing diversity and creating inclusion is a key component of our talent strategy. The creation of a diverse, inclusive workforce is central to our ability to unlock potential and enhance our success.
About Arriva Rail London
Arriva Rail London is a leading train operating company, running the London Overground network under a concession agreement with Transport for London (TfL). We are part of the Arriva Group, which delivers over 2.2 billion passenger journeys across 14 European countries every year. We're on a mission to become the leading passenger transport partner in Europe. Join us as we shape the future of the passenger transport industry through digitisation, sustainability, and continuous improvement.
About the role
As a Trainee Train Driver, you will be at the very heart of our business, ensuring a safe, reliable, and punctual service for our customers. This is a fantastic apprenticeship opportunity where you will receive a comprehensive training programme and support to help you progress into a fully qualified driver with a nationally accredited qualification. The training program, spanning 35-39 weeks, is a vital part of your journey with us.
A little about you
We are looking for people who are committed to safety and have a strong focus on customers. While we offer a comprehensive training program, we are looking for applicants with the following essential skills and attributes to set them up for success:
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Demonstrate a positive, can-do attitude at work.
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Live within 1 hour of the New Cross Gate depot.
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Be able to commit to the full 35-39 week training programme.
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Be at least 20 years of age or older.
Our benefits
We believe in rewarding our employees and providing a supportive environment. Our benefits include:
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Free travel for you and a nominated person on the TfL Network, a benefit worth £5,200 per year.
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Discounts on European rail services after one year of service.
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Free travel on Arriva branded rail services around the country.
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A 75% discount off season tickets on other Train Operating Companies.
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Access to Arriva Village, our web-based discount programme.
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A 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme.
Our hiring process
We anticipate a high number of applications for this role. To help you prepare, here’s an overview of our hiring process:
Application Review: We will review your CV and application and will contact you to request any missing information.
Initial Assessments: You will be invited to complete some rules and safety tests.
Interviews: This will be followed by a series of interviews.
Safety Critical Medical: A medical assessment will be required as part of the process.
Offer and Onboarding: If successful, we will make you an offer and begin the onboarding process.
If you require any reasonable adjustments to be made to the application or interview process, please let us know. We are committed to making our hiring process accessible and equitable for everyone.
Next steps
Sounds like your type of job? We encourage you to apply. Please ensure you include a CV and a cover letter detailing your suitability for the role and any driver assessments you have already passed.
A note to past applicants: Those who have previously applied will need to complete a new application due to the length of time passed. Please also be aware that annual leave must be taken where it is programmed into the training course.