Become a Train Driver with Full Training Provided

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Become a Train Driver

As a Train Driver you will deliver a professional transport service to the general public in accordance with the company rules, regulations and manuals ensuring an excellent customer service is delivered at all times so that customers enjoy a safe, pleasant and comfortable journey.

We operate 7 days per week including public holidays therefore you can expect to work a variety of shifts.

We will provide full paid training to attain your Train Driver licence, setting you on the right track for a promising and fulfilling career with Translink.

Mission Key Benefits Clients

Train Drivers.
Drive Your Future Forward

We are the accessible, inclusive and green public transport provider for Northern Ireland. The first choice for travel, today and for tomorrow.

We provide award-winning bus, coach and rail services and are recognised as an Industry leader who has continued to deliver strong performance despite challenging economic times.

At present, we have over 4000 employees and have several exciting projects underway that will positively contribute to the NI economy and ensure we meet our Climate Action Pledge to reach net zero carbon by 2040.

Essential Criteria:

Aged 20 or over (as per railway regulations)

Have a minimum of 9 years full time education

Live within 1 hours travel of Home Depot

Proficient in both spoken and written English

A Role with Responsibility

Train drivers play a vital role in keeping the country moving. Every day, our customers rely on focus, judgement, and professionalism to get them to their destination safely and on time

This is a career that offers more than just a job — it offers purpose, stability, and opportunity.

Desirable Criteria:

A career I'm proud to pursue.

Caomhan - Trainee Train Driver

How to Apply and the Recruitment Process

Possess GCSE Maths and English at grade C or above, or equivalent qualification

To find out more about the recruitment process of becoming a train driver:

View here

How to Apply and the Recruitment Process

Stage 1: Register your interest

You should keep an eye on your email inbox including spam/junk folder for for updates of your application.

Stage 2: Random selection

In anticipation of a high volume of applications, Translink reserves the right to implement a random selection protocol.

The Company is committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. Random selection will only be applied to reduce application numbers at an early stage, where all applicants have met the essential criteria for the role. Candidates who are not selected during this phase will be held on a waiting list for a period of 24 months and may be considered for future opportunities within that timeframe.

Stage 3: Mini Safe Concentration and Attention Test (Mini SCAAT)

The Mini SCAAT is a short, online screening test developed to assess an individual's ability to concentrate on routine tasks and respond to various stimuli. Translink use this screening tool as an indicator of competence in advance of statutory assessments.

The mini SCAAT assesses:

Monotonous Task Concentration: Capacity to maintain focus on a task that lacks variety.
Divided Attention: Ability to concentrate on two different things simultaneously.
Attentional Switching: Speed and accuracy with which an individual can shift their focus between different stimuli.

The test will be administered by a registered provider. Candidates will be contacted by the provider and will be required to complete the online assessment within 5 days. Only those candidates who successfully meet the required standard on the Mini SCAAT will progress to the next stage.

Stage 4: Recruitment Event with Interview

Candidates who meet the required standard at stage 3 (Mini SCAAT test) will be invited to attend an in-person Recruitment Event. The event will include:

A face-to-face competency-based interview.
A marketplace featuring stalls from Recruitment, Traction and Translink Training Academy which will provide valuable opportunities to learn more about the role and connect directly with team members.

Following the Recruitment Event, candidates will be informed of the outcome of their interview and top performing candidates will advance to the next stage of the recruitment process.

Stage 5: Psychometric Assessments

This assessment process applies to any person or role that is required to hold a Train Driving Licence issued by the DfI RSA or CRR and is administered by a registered provider on behalf of Translink.

Stage 6: Waiting Lists

Successful candidates will be placed on a waitlist for a period of 24 months, during which time they may be considered for opportunities as they arise, subject to the validity of all psychometric assessments. Candidates whose assessments have expired will be excluded from consideration and will be removed from the wait list.

Please note that being recommended to a waitlist is not a guarantee of employment and offers will be conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks. Offers will be made based on location preferences which will be determined during the application and interview stage of the recruitment process and in compliance with travel time requirements.

Stage 7: Conditional Offer of Employment

When a vacancy arises, a conditional offer of employment will be made subject to the following pre-employment screening requirements:

Medical Screening
Pre Employment Screening

A final offer of employment will be made subject to the required standards being met during the pre-employment stage. Candidates will be issued an initial Trainee Train Driver contract and provided with a commencement date for training. Candidates will be provided with further information regarding the onboarding process at this stage.

Stage 8: Translink Training Academy

At our purpose-built Training Academy, we are committed to developing safe, skilled, and confident Drivers. You will commence as a Trainee and subject to satisfactory completion of the training programme, will progress to the role of Train Driver.

Benefits when working for Translink

Receive practical on-the-job training by our qualified Driving Instructors at our Translink Training Academy in Belfast, whilst gaining your Train Driver licence

Gain Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) upon completion of training

Attractive salary

Excellent opportunities for career progression and personal development

Membership of an excellent NILGOSC Pension Scheme, and death in service benefits

34 days annual leave including statutory holidays

Company Sick pay scheme

Cycle to Work Scheme