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Train station worker

Alternative titles for this job include Railway station assistant

Train station workers sell tickets, provide travel information and help passengers on the platforms.

Average salary (a year)

£24,000 Starter

to

£29,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

40 to 45 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become Train station worker

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.

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do a Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship, for example:

  • Passenger Transport Operative
  • Customer Service Practitioner

These take around a year to complete and combine on-the-job training with study in the classroom with a training provider.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

More Information

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

More Information

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.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • customer service skills
  • the ability to work well with others
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • sensitivity and understanding
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • knowledge of public safety and security
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

  • pass a medical check
  • be screened for drugs and alcohol

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a train station worker, your exact duties will depend on your role, for example, you could:

  • give information on services, routes, train times and delays
  • sell and inspect tickets
  • help passengers get on and off trains safely
  • deal with lost property
  • signal the guard or driver to depart
  • update message displays showing passenger information
  • make passenger announcements on a public address system
  • operate CCTV cameras
  • carry out regular safety and security checks

Working environment

You could work at a ticket office or on a station platform.

Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time and crowded.

You may need to wear a uniform.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could be promoted to customer service or station team supervisor, assistant station manager and eventually station manager.

You could also become a ticket inspector and progress to revenue protection officer.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Workshop Receptionist and Customer Service Apprentice

  • Wage: £12,979.20 a year Annually
  • Location: Tushingham, Whitchurch

Customer Service Apprentice

  • Wage: £12,480 a year Annually
  • Location: 35 BOLDMERE ROAD, SUTTON COLDFIELD

Courses In England

Diploma in Customer Service

  • Provider: SCL EDUCATION & TRAINING LIMITED
  • Start date: 09 September 2025
  • Location: Dudley

Customer Service in Hospitality

  • Provider: On Course South West
  • Start date: 17 March 2025
  • Location: Plymouth

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