Trainee Train Driver: Drive Your Career Forward!

At Avanti West Coast, we’re committed to creating a driver workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. That’s why we’re actively encouraging applications from people who are under‑represented in the rail industry, including women, ethnic minority candidates, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people from a wide range of backgrounds.

If you’ve ever thought, “Train driving isn’t for someone like me” ‿. we want you to know: it absolutely is.

Join us at our London Euston Depot and train to become a fully qualified Train Driver through a structured two‑year programme. You’ll receive expert training, ongoing support, and all the tools you need to succeed in a role that’s challenging, rewarding, and full of potential.

What you’ll get when you choose us:

• A structured Level 3 Train Driver Apprenticeship programme.
• Up to 16 weeks of classroom training, combining academic learning with hands‑on practical instruction.
• A long‑term career you can be proud of, offering stability progression, and opportunity.

What we need from you:

• You must be at least age 20 on application

• Commitment to completing the full apprenticeship programme.

• Flexibility to work shifts, including weekends and nights.

• Living within 60 minutes of the depot, with the ability to make your own way to the depot at all times, even outside usual public transport hours.

• The ability to deliver brilliant customer service and follow safety‑critical instructions.

• Willingness to comply with our Drugs and Alcohol Policy

• wear your uniform with pride as an Avanti West Coast ambassador.

To succeed in this role, you’ll need to:

• Pass the psychometric assessments and driver medical examination (including the Ishihara colour vision test).
• Stay focused during lone working and maintain concentration for extended periods.
• Communicate effectively, follow instructions carefully, and work well with colleagues and customers.
• Learn quickly, apply your knowledge effectively, and pass all required assessments.
• Be punctual, professional, and consistently customer‑focused.

As part of the recruitment process all successful candidates will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check that is satisfactory to the company, before commencing employment.

We’re passionate about building a diverse driver workforce and strengthening the representation of under‑represented groups within our business. We strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. If you have the potential and the passion, we want to hear from you.

We are committed to equality of opportunity and will consider reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.

If successful with your application you will be placed in a Talent Bank, and offered a role as and when they arise.

What you’ll receive:

You’ll benefit from exceptional training, join a supportive and passionate team, start on a salary of £47,100, and have the potential to progress to over £80,000 within a few years.

You’ll also have access to a great range of Avanti West Coast benefits, including:

• A defined benefit pension scheme
• Free travel across the Avanti West Coast network for you and your family
• Discounted travel with other train operators
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program
• Access to our inclusion networks

Ready to take the driver’s seat?

This is more than a job; it’s a career that puts you at the heart of connecting people and places. With competitive pay, excellent benefits, and clear progression opportunities, your future starts here.

Apply now and start your journey with Avanti West Coast today!

​Please note: We may close this advert early if we receive a strong response, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. 

Be You. With Us.

At Avanti West Coast, we believe our strength comes from the unique perspectives, experiences and backgrounds of our people. We are proud to build a workplace where diversity is embraced, and everyone is supported to thrive.

We welcome individuals of all races, religions, ages, genders, gender identities, sexual orientations and abilities. Our goal is to reflect the communities we serve and create an environment where everyone feels valued and heard.

When you join Avanti West Coast, you become part of a close-knit team that encourages authenticity. We want you to bring your whole self to work. No need to change who you are to fit in. Your individuality is what makes us better.

We celebrate it, we respect it and we put it to great use.