How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
College
You could do a college course in customer service, which may help when you apply for jobs as a trainee conductor.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
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Apprenticeship
You can apply to do a Passenger Transport Operative Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship with a train operating company.
This takes around 1 year to complete and combines on-the-job learning with time spent at a company's training centre.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
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Work
You may be able to work as a member of platform or ticketing staff at a train station before moving into a conductor job through training and promotion.
Direct Application
There are no set entry qualifications if you want to apply directly to train operating companies, although employers will expect you to have a good standard of English and maths.
If selected for interview, companies will usually test you on your maths, communication and customer service skills.
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Career tips
Experience of working with the public in retail, hospitality or customer service could give you an advantage. It will also help if you have good knowledge of UK geography and the rail network.
Further information
You can find out more about a career as a conductor from train operating companies listed with the Rail Delivery Group.