East Midlands Railway (EMR) has launched a recruitment campaign to find apprentice train drivers who could earn £30,000-plus.
The Midland Mainline operator said it needs to fill roles based out of depots in Derby and Nottingham, and is encouraging candidates from all backgrounds to apply.
In particular the franchise operator wants to hear from women, younger people and members of ethnic minority groups.
The apprenticeship scheme is open to people aged 21 and above and involves a 12-month programme that blends theory and practical work in the classroom with practical skills development including locomotive cab rides and signal box visits.
Successful applicants will have access to what EMR calls its “world class” training academy facilities where classroom learning is underpinned by virtual reality replicating real life railway situations.
EMR also has a cab simulator so apprentices can learn about train driving under different circumstances - but within a safe environment.
Apprentice drivers will be initially based out of Derby for around 16 weeks for classroom learning.
As well as a competitive salary, EMR offers a range of benefits including a Railway Pension Scheme, free travel on the East Midlands network, subsidised travel across the whole rail network and staff retail discounts.
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Kate Holden, HR Director for EMR said: “At EMR, we currently employ just over 600 drivers and to fulfil our fleet rollout, we need drivers to operate the trains across the network.
“One of our major challenges is encouraging a more diverse driving workforce.
“We’ve been working to increase the number of females applying for our driver roles, with open evenings aimed specifically at women, as well as tackling the unconscious bias through blind screening.
“We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and ages and we’d urge anybody interested in a career in any of these driver roles to check out our website.”
Closing date for applicants is Sunday 28th November 2021.
EMR provides intercity and regional train services across England, to and from London St Pancras International, covering Leicester, Nottingham, Lincoln, Derby and Sheffield and other towns and communities across the East Midlands.
EMR Regional provides local train services to towns and communities across England, including Liverpool, Manchester, Crewe, Stoke-on-Trent, Peterborough, Ely, Grantham and Norwich.
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Paul Griffin, head of drivers for EMR, started working on the railway in 1995.
He said: “The role of a train driver is unique and challenging, but it is rewarding.
“I have worked in many roles within the driver function, from a driver on Central Trains to a driver mentor and depot manager.
“I have been in my current role as head of drivers since August 2019.”