Northern Rail is looking to hire over 300 drivers and conductors across the North of England this year. The train operator emphasises that these openings are part of its ongoing recruitment process, occurring as existing staff members retire, advance in their careers, or transition to other companies. In 2024, Northern aims to recruit 108 train drivers and 198 conductors, actively welcoming applications from individuals without prior rail industry experience.
Prospective recruits will undergo paid apprenticeships at Northern's training academies in Leeds or Manchester. Train driver positions, starting at £23,000 per year, will be advertised in various locations such as Barrow-in-Furness, Blackburn, Blackpool, and others.
After completing a 64-week training course, salaries can rise to £54,500. Similarly, conductor roles, with starting salaries at £22,000, will be available in locations including Barrow-in-Furness, Blackburn, and Leeds. Following a 16-week training course, salaries can increase to £29,000.
Tricia Williams, chief operating officer at Northern, commented: “We have a range of rewarding roles for anyone who wants to become part of a dedicated team that runs more than 2,500 services a day to over 500 destinations.
“We are looking for customer-focused people with excellent communication skills who thrive in a dynamic environment and may not have considered a career in rail before.
“Successful applicants will demonstrate a high level of responsibility, a strong work ethic and a commitment to maintaining safety standards.”
Northern currently employs over 2,000 drivers and 1,400 conductors to run services across its network.