Train Driver

Job Vacancy: Street to Seat – Trainee Mainline Train Driver

Are you ready for an exciting career change? Take the leap from street to seat and join our team as a Train Driver at c2c! We’re looking for motivated individuals who are eager to embrace a new challenge and help deliver a first-class rail service.

c2c is one of the most punctual rail companies in the country. Here at c2c we take pride in being an award-winning train operator running services between Fenchurch Street and Shoeburyness, serving 26 stations in East London and South Essex. Our customers never stand still and neither do we. We anticipate, innovate and flex around our customer’s needs and it takes a great team to do this.

What We Offer:

• Comprehensive Training: No prior experience necessary! Our intensive training program will equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed. You will gain a driver competence providing you pass through the exams and assessments. You will also gain a Train Driver Apprenticeship at the end of the program.
• Competitive Salary: Earn while you learn, with a highly competitive salary and great benefits package.
• Career Progression: This is just the beginning! We’re committed to helping you grow within the railway industry.
• Work-Life Balance: Enjoy a structured schedule that allows you to plan your personal time effectively.

What You’ll Do:

• Operate our trains safely and efficiently across our network.
• Ensure exceptional customer service and a positive experience for passengers.
• Work closely with the Service Delivery Centre and on-board teams to deliver a punctual and reliable service.

All the training you need to get up to speed

When you join us, you’ll be enrolled onto our Driver Apprenticeship Programme. From safety procedures to signalling rules and regulations, this will give you all the knowledge and skills you need to be a confident and capable Train Driver. What's more, it comes with a nationally recognised qualification.

What We’re Looking For:

• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team.
• A strong safety mindset and the ability to make decisions in challenging situations.
• High levels of attention and focus to operate in a safety critical environment
• Flexible approach to ensure the customer needs are put first.
• No train driving experience needed, but a passion for the railway and a willingness to learn is essential!

Is being a Train Driver for you?

• We're looking for people who are reliable, calm under pressure, understand rules and procedures, and can make sound decisions quickly.
• You also need to be at ease spending time alone and able to be alert and active for the whole of your shift.
• Train driving is a safety critical role, so you must be 18 years old or over to apply.
• Candidates must pass a Railway Standard Train Driver medical and drugs & alcohol test
• Candidates must pass the train driver psychometric assessments. It is highly desirable to have passed these driver assessments within the past 2 years.
• Passed or have the ability to achieve a standard GCSE pass in Maths and English as part of the functional skills assessments that form the Train Driver apprenticeship
• Candidates must live within 45 minutes (by your own transport) of either our East Ham or Shoeburyness depots. It is important that you’re able to commence shifts as early as 4:00am and finish as late as 3:00am
• A good safety record if you have worked in an operational railway environment previously.

Training salary starts at £34,773 rising to £70,066 upon passing out as a qualified driver.

We are looking to make appointments in March 2026, after which you will be enrolled onto our training course which lasts 1 year. Due to the nature of the course, there will be no opportunity for you to take any pre-booked holiday during the first 6 months of the course. (Mar-Sep 2026).

Take your career from the street to the driver’s seat and become a vital part of the railway family. Apply now and start your journey toward a fulfilling and exciting new role!

We welcome applications from a diverse range of candidates regardless of background, disability or gender as we strive to create workplaces that reflect the communities we serve.