Tram driver apprenticeships

Train and tram drivers > Locomotive Driver

Tram driver apprenticeships - where to start

You can get into this job through

a college course

an apprenticeship

working towards this role

applying directly

College

You could do a Level 2 Diploma in Rail Services - Tram and Light Rail Vehicle Driving. You'll usually need to be working in a passenger transport or be on a placement to do this course. You'll usually need 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent.

Apprenticeship

You can get into this job through a passenger transport driver Level 2 apprenticeship. You'll usually need some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent.

Work

You can start as a passenger assistant or conductor and move into driving work after taking company training.

Direct Application

You could apply to tram operating companies for tram driver training. Some employers will prefer you to have a few GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), particularly in English and maths. You'll usually need a driving licence to apply. Experience as a bus, coach or train driver would be useful but is not essential.

Tram driver apprenticeships - what it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

knowledge of transport methods, costs and benefits
the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
customer service skills
patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
knowledge of public safety and security
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
the ability to work well with others
the ability to operate and control equipment
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

be over 18 years of age
have a full driving licence
pass a medical check
be screened for drugs and alcohol

Tram driver apprenticeships - what you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As part of your day-to-day duties, you may:

carry out equipment checks at the start of your shift
drive the tram 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 (this may be automated)
write up reports on any incidents that happened during your shift

Working environment

You could work from a vehicle. Your working environment may be noisy. You may need to wear a uniform.

Career path and progression - Tram driver apprenticeships

With experience, you could move into a supervisory role, like depot manager or route manager. With further training you could become a driving trainer, teaching new staff how to drive trams.

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Considering an Apprenticeship?

There are lots of benefits to apprenticeships, here are our top 5:

Paid Training
Not only will your organisation (or the Government) pay for all of your training, but you’ll be paid to do it. That means you could actually get paid to get your degree and have no debt!
Range of career opportunities
There are over 625 different apprenticeships to choose from, in a range of industries. Whether you’re interested in law, marketing, construction or engineering, you’ll find something up your street!
Earn & learn
As an apprentice, the minimum you’ll earn is £6.20 an hour, but we’ve seen apprentices earn a starting salary of up to £30,000 a year! You could also get other employee benefits like gym memberships, paid holiday and sick pay.
Great career prospects
Employers think apprentices are 15% more employable than those with other qualifications. In fact, many large employers train their graduates and apprentices together!
Learn on the job
There’s only so much you can learn when you just do a qualification. As an apprentice, you’ll also get to learn on the job - whether that’s designing amazing graphics, chopping vegetables or building engines!

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