Is interacting with people and providing exceptional customer service ‘Your Thing’?
We are looking for proactive and committed individuals to join our Trainee Train Conductor Apprenticeship, where you’ll receive interactive, informative and practical training to equip you in succeeding as a Train Conductor.
As a Trainee Train Conductor, you’ll learn the fundamentals of what it is to be a Train Conductor with Northern Trains. In this safety critical role, one of your main areas of focus will be on delivery exceptional customer service – interacting with a diverse range of passengers and making a positive impact on their journey. You'll collaborate with Train Drivers, Duty Control, Station Dispatch and Control colleagues, as you operate the train doors, assist passengers with their travel needs, prioritise their safety and ensure their comfort throughout the journey. You’ll be integral in creating a memorable rail experience.
To kick start your career, you’ll join our one year Level 2 Train Conductor Apprenticeship. Within the first three months you’ll undergo a comprehensive training programme led by our world-class Trainers. You’ll also gain hands on experience under the guidance of your Conductor Train Manager, Conductor Standards Coach and Conductor Minder; where you will learn the intricacies of safe train conducting, customer service standards, ticketing and much, much more.
Throughout the duration of the one year Apprenticeship, you’ll not only gain the skills and knowledge to become a qualified Train Conductor but benefit from the guidance and support of our Apprenticeship Development Coaches. They will mentor you to develop your functional skills, ensuring you have the tools and resources to necessary to excel in your Train Conducting career with Northern. We are fully committed to your success and growth within the company.
As a Train Conductor, you can expect a role where every day might look the same but the people you meet and the challenges you face will constantly differ. Here’s a snippet of what duties and activities you might encounter on a daily basis:
Train Operations: Coordinating with Train Drivers and other Operational Teams to ensure smooth train operations – Following schedules, monitor signalling systems, and communicate with Control to maintain adherence to timetables.
Passenger Assistance: Assist passengers with boarding and exiting trains, check tickets, providing travel information, and ensure a comfortable and safe journey. You’ll support passenger inquiries, offer assistance to vulnerable passengers, and maintain a welcoming atmosphere on board.
Safety and Security: You’ll enforce safety regulations, adhere to safety critical door procedures, conduct safety inspections, and respond to emergencies or incidents promptly. You’ll be trained in emergency procedures and act as leaders in evacuations or other critical situations.
Fare Collection and Revenue Protection: Collect fares, validate tickets, and ensure proper fare payment from passengers. You’ll also monitor for ticket irregularities and address instances of fare evasion or unauthorised travel.
Communication and Coordination: Maintain communication with Station Dispatch, Train Drivers, Dispatchers, and other crew members to ensure seamless coordination throughout the journey. You’ll provide updates on delays or disruptions and relay important information to passengers.
Record-Keeping: Maintain accurate records of passenger counts, ticket sales, incidents, and other relevant information. These records help track operational performance and provide data for analysis and planning.
Customer Service: Be responsible for delivering exceptional customer service – interact with passengers in a courteous and professional manner, address complaints or concerns, and strive to create a positive and enjoyable travel experience.
You’ll have a genuine interest in people, you might not have customer service experience, but you know what it’s like to receive it. So, you’ll be courteous, be able to demonstrate effective communication, as well as showing empathy and patience towards others. You also be self-disciplined and able to work within rules and regulations. As well as having excellent time management skills, ensuring you turn up for work on time, so your train departs as scheduled. Not forgetting your willingness to learn new skills and gain knowledge consistently throughout your career.
Because this is an apprenticeship, you’ll also need a good level of numeracy and literacy, so ideally you will hold GCSE grade D in Maths and English (or equivalent). Don't worry if you haven’t got any previous qualifications, as part of the apprenticeship, you'll sit a functional skills test to achieve a level 2 in Maths and English before you take the end-point assessments at the end of your apprenticeship.
The role is safety critical, so there are some essential requirements for you to meet:
Currently live within 45 minute car journey from the station you work from.*
Be at least 18 years of age at the time of application
Pass the RIS3452 Train Worker medical assessment, including drugs and alcohol screening.
Not have defective colour vision
Commit to working early, late and weekend shifts – without relying on public transport.
*We can only consider applications from candidates who currently live within 45 minute commute time of the depot being applied for.
Our Benefits:
Opportunities to progress and grow
Full Uniform for Frontline Facing Roles
Free Travel on Northern services
Defined Benefit Pension Scheme
Maternity and Paternity Benefits
Employee Assistance Programme
Exclusive benefits with Northern Perks
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to
Disability Confident.
