How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
College
You could do a college course in customer service, which would teach you some of the skills you need in this job. This may help when you apply for work.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
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Apprenticeship
You could apply to do a Rail Level 2 Foundation Apprenticeship with a train company.
You could also do a Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship, for example:
- Passenger Transport Operative
- Customer Service Practitioner
Foundation apprenticeship
You can apply for a foundation apprenticeship if you're aged 16 to 21.
If you're aged 22 to 24, you can apply if you:
- have an education, health and care (EHC) plan
- are in care or have been in care
- are in prison or have been in prison
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- no specific qualifications or experience to apply for a foundation apprenticeship
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
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Direct Application
You can apply directly to train operating companies. Employers will expect you to have a good standard of English and maths, with some GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C).
Experience of working with the public in retail or customer service could give you an advantage when applying for jobs.
If your application is successful, you'll be invited to an assessment day, where you'll:
- be tested on your maths, communication and customer service skills
- have an interview
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Career tips
It's a good idea to check out a train operating company's passenger charter so that you are familiar with the company's standards and values, before making an application.
Further information
You'll find train operating companies through the Rail Delivery Group.
You can also get more information about careers in the rail industry from Routes into Rail.