Skip to content
ADVERTISEMENT
News

Train driver careers open to 18-year-olds following rule change

The Department for Transport said the change could create more work and apprenticeship opportunities for young people.

3 min read
Share
Train driver careers open to 18-year-olds following rule change
ADVERTISEMENT

Young people can now apply to become train drivers from the age of 18 following a change in the law aimed at widening access to rail careers and addressing workforce shortages.

The new rules, which came into force in June, lowered the minimum age for training as a train driver from 20 to 18, allowing school and college leavers to apply without needing a degree.

The Department for Transport said the change could create more work and apprenticeship opportunities for young people at a time when around one million 16 to 24-year-olds are not in education, employment or training.

It also comes as the rail sector faces an ageing workforce, with fewer than 4% of train drivers currently aged under 30 and a quarter expected to reach retirement age by 2030.

Fewer than 12% of drivers are women.

ADVERTISEMENT

Lord Peter Hendy, Rail Minister, said: “Lowering the minimum age for train drivers is a significant step forward for young people across Britain.

“It opens doors for those wanting to move straight into the workplace, giving a younger generation the chance to build lasting careers in the railway.

“This is a move that will help secure the future of the passenger and freight sectors as we work to set up Great British Railways and ensure the workforce reflects the energy, talent and ambition of the next generation.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Training is paid, with national trainee salaries ranging from £27,000 to £33,000, and apprentices are able to earn while developing the skills needed to qualify.

No degree is required to apply, with the industry looking for candidates who can remain focused under pressure, make sound decisions, work effectively as part of a team and prioritise safety.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Government said lowering the age threshold would support its wider efforts to tackle youth unemployment, backed by £2.5bn of investment, while helping the rail industry recruit the next generation of drivers.

ADVERTISEMENT

Daniel Mann, co-chief executive officer at Rail Delivery Group, said: “The railway plays a key role in connecting communities and supporting the economy. Attracting the next generation of talent is essential to its future.

“Lowering the minimum age for train drivers is opening up a rewarding career in rail to more young people while helping the industry build the strong and skilled workforce it needs for the years ahead.

“By bringing in people with a broader range of skills, experiences and perspectives, we can support the long term resilience of the railway and make sure it continues to deliver for passengers.”

The change brings Britain into line with countries including Switzerland, Germany and Australia, where people can already train as drivers from 18.

ADVERTISEMENT

Dave Calfe, general secretary of ASLEF, said: “It’s fantastic to see the legislation now in place for the reduction in the minimum train driver age to 18.

“This will enable the rail industry to recruit the large number of drivers it needs as well as ensuring that the people in the drivers’ cab better reflect the communities we serve.

“By widening the goal posts to allow younger candidates to apply as soon as they leave school or college, we open the door to new talent which may otherwise have been lost – helping to make sure our railway is fit for the 21st century.

“The move brings the UK in line with countries like Switzerland, Germany and Australia, where 18-year-olds can already train as drivers. It also matches other transport roles closer to home: 18-year-olds can already become pilots or drive trams and tubes for Transport for London.”

Related