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Tram driver

Alternative titles for this job include Light rail passenger driver

Tram drivers provide passenger transport services along set routes, following a timetable.

Average salary (a year)

£24,000 Starter

to

£32,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

39 to 42 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

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly

College

Although not essential, you could do a customer service course at college before applying for a job as a trainee tram driver.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

More Information

Apprenticeship

You can apply for a place on a Passenger Transport Driver Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship, with a tram operating company.

This takes around a year to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

More Information

Work

You could start as a passenger transport assistant or conductor and move into driving work through internal company promotion and training.

Direct Application

You could apply to vacancies advertised by tram operating companies. Some employers may ask for GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), particularly in English and maths. Customer service skills are also important.

To apply, you'll usually need to be over 21 and have a clean driving licence.

Experience as a bus, coach or train driver would be useful but is not essential.

Further information

You can find out more about careers in light rail from UK Tram.

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 operate and control equipment
  • knowledge of public safety and security
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to work well with others
  • observation and recording skills
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

  • have a full driving licence
  • be over 21 years of age
  • 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 tram driver, you'll:

  • carry out safety checks on equipment controls at the start of a shift
  • follow a timetable schedule along set routes
  • pick up and drop off passengers at tram stops
  • keep in radio contact with the control room for up-to-date route information
  • make passenger announcements on the tram's public address system
  • report incidents that happen during a shift, such as signal or equipment failure

Working environment

Your working environment may be noisy.

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 and further training, you could move into a supervisory role, like depot manager or route manager.

Other options include working in revenue protection or being a driving trainer, teaching new staff how to operate trams.

There may also be opportunities to get involved with heritage tram services during holiday periods.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Bus Driver Apprenticeship - Passenger Transport

  • Wage: £31,500 a year Annually
  • Location: Marsh Lane, London

Bus Driver Apprenticeship - Passenger Transport

  • Wage: £31,500 a year Annually
  • Location: 51 River Road, Barking
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Are you interested in becoming a tram driver?

Search for training courses near you.

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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