Hogwarts Express Trainee Driver

The line connects Glasgow with Oban and also Fort William and Mallaig, taking passengers through places that have featured in films and on TV. The locations include Glenfinnan, which has appeared in the Harry Potter films.

The West Highland Line was voted the top rail journey in the world by readers of independent travel magazine, Wanderlust, in 2009.

Working for ScotRail

With more than 5,000 employees, ScotRail plays a vital role in serving the people and communities of Scotland. We recognise a modern and diverse workforce, encouraged to use their talents, and develop their skills, is integral to our success in serving and reflecting the communities of Scotland. We are committed to being a diverse and inclusive employer and have also set ourselves ambitious sustainability targets including having a carbon-free railway in Scotland by 2035. 

ScotRail is four times accredited as a Top Employer, has achieved Leaders in Diversity and is a Disability Confident Employer. We value, celebrate, and respect the diversity our people and aim to inspire, attract, retain, and develop the best talent. Because we value diversity and the benefits it brings, we want to continue improving the diversity of our people and particularly welcome applications from women, young people, LGBT+ people, people with a disability, and people from ethnically diverse backgrounds. 

Job Overview

Come on board for a career where you’ll look forward to coming to work every day.  This is an exciting chance to embark on a new and interesting career with great prospects and benefits.

As a driver with ScotRail, you could be travelling along some of the most scenic rail routes in the world, doing the important job of transporting and connecting the people of Scotland.

All we ask is that you’re keen to learn, can stay calm under pressure and will always maintain the highest levels of safety. If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you. Train driving could be your perfect career!

Being a train driver with ScotRail

Train drivers are at the heart of ScotRail, making sure our customers get to where they need to be safely, comfortably and on time. Driving a train comes with a lot of responsibility and being able to work alone, concentrate for long periods of time and follow strict protocol are essential. It’s also a very rewarding job – our drivers play a key role in building the future of Scotland’s Railway with their professionalism, excellent customer service skills and dedication to ensuring their services run safely and on time.

Our customers have busy lives, so we need to be there for them when they need us; from the early hours of the morning until late at night, seven days a week. That’s why, as a train driver, you’ll need to be happy working a variety of shifts over seven days.

All new drivers take part in a training programme that could last between 18 and 24 months, involving practical training, classroom learning and training in our new train simulators. Once you’re qualified, you’ll be expected to carry on learning with continuous professional development. We'll give you the support you need to progress your career and grow your skills.

What are we looking for?

• You must be over 21 years old (you can start training at 20)
• Be able to pass a safety critical medical examination including eyesight, hearing, colour vision tests and drugs/alcohol screening
• A good communicator.
• Enthusiasm, a positive approach and an ability to stay focused.
• Good problem solving.
• Experience working in an equally responsible role where safety is paramount.
• A flexible approach is vital as shift and weekend working will be required. 
• Ideally (but not essential) you will hold a current (car) driving licence

There are a few stages to the application process.

• Short-listed candidates will be invited to attend psychometric assessment, this could be on two separate occasions. You may be asked to attend these days at short notice. This assessment will be held in Glasgow.
• Competency based interview
• Medical examination including drugs/alcohol screening
• Successful candidates will be asked to submit satisfactory reference, Disclosure Scotland and complete a six-month probation period.
• The stages above will ensure that we get the right people into our driving seats.

As well as offering a starting salary of £32,968 per annum, we’ll ensure you’re rewarded for your contribution with a competitive package that includes:

• Contributory Final Salary Pension scheme
• Free and reduced rate rail travel for you and your family
• Generous holiday allowance
• Hapi benefits package, offered to everyone at ScotRail

Sound like your perfect job? If you think you have what it takes, we would love to hear from you.