Getting a job as a train conductor is very difficult, as the place's competition is very high. This is because this position has a strong social group, namely: high wages, social guarantees, paid leaves, and the opportunity to receive free higher education to occupy the position of subway engineer; they mainly take men. A train conductor is essential for those who like to travel and even aspire to travel around the country. A person has the opportunity to stay away from home for days or weeks. This career has many benefits. That's why many job seekers want to know all about public transportation jobs and the right way to apply for public driving positions. Let's get started.

What are the Requirements of a Train Driver?

Every job has a set of eligibility criteria to approve applicants. This job is based on age, health conditions, and a driving license. For example, the applicant should not be under 18 years

-Should have undergone alcohol and drug testing,

-Should be able to work in challenging weather conditions for an extended period and emergencies.

In general, this job is to perform these functions:

-Monitoring the health of wireless communications and security,

-Ensuring the safe movement of trains in the process of transporting passengers and cargo,

-Completing the driver's tasks concerning the maintenance of the means of transport

-Eliminating identified malfunctions. Take a look at; What is a Blue Collar Job?

People who have a stable psyche can go to apprenticeship as a train driver. This job sometimes requires a co-driver, especially when there are distant journeys. The co-driver will have to work for at least two years and then pass the test. These difficulties in hiring final employees are because a train driver is trusted in hundreds of people's lives. To get this level of responsibility, applicants must be professional, and their apprenticeship and training are hard to complete.

Train Conductor Apprenticeship

The train driver must undergo an apprenticeship, which consists of theoretical and practical education. The applicant should be a GCSE graduate with A to C grades in Maths and English. This apprenticeship duration can be 12 months to two years, including a safety program and a final driving test. Many drivers are trained in institutions belonging to railway companies in the UK. But, some study in colleges and receive a fellowship degree in transportation.

The list of disciplines taught to future drivers is extensive. It includes knowledge of the train's technical characteristics, railway rules, safety procedures, etc. For example, computers appeared on the board of modern trains, and the drivers will also need to know the schedule of their work.

After completing an apprenticeship, you need to pass an assessment test to obtain a license in railways safety. Then, to gain experience, you will start vocational training. According to apprenticeship, the applicant can be hired as a metro driver or an assistant driver.

Train Conductor Training:

After the apprenticeship, there is training, which lasts several months, including driving, responsibilities, and first aid skills. Training involves traveling by an experienced train conductor to learn the process. After graduation, you will have to work as an assistant driver and then be allowed to become the train conductor. Then there will be a knowledge test about the different management of the mechanism.

During the training, applicants can settle in a warehouse (on the metro line) and undergo training in the mechanical profession. First, a visit helps the applicant understand the daily journeys that should be repetitively performed. Then, the future driver studies electric train equipment and learns to control the train.

Train Conductor Professional Duties

The knowledge of the different types of trains requires intensive training of the driver's profession. Trains are either transporting people or goods. On both occasions, a train driver always works with an assistant, and only the electric train driver can handle passenger transport. Long-distance routes are divided into specific sections. Railway stations have lounges for drivers because people's work is hard and physically demanding.

In Today's profession, driving the train has become linked to technology. The driver can find applications to know on railways, metro, mines, and large factories with internal rail connections.

Essential Skills and Qualities

This job requires a set of skills and qualities that ensure a better performance. The applicant should be self-confident, with a high sense of responsibility, rapid reaction, ability to concentrate. Moreover, this job requires some physical competencies that include good vision (including color vision) and intense hearing. The applicant should not suffer from cardiovascular diseases, nervous system ailments, bronchial asthma, vestibular disorders, and problems restricting him from work.

Concerning skills applicants should have :

• Organizational skills
• Flexibility
• Problem-solving skills
• Manual skills.
• An immediate reaction to changes in traffic conditions,
• the ability to quickly switch from one process to another,
• Responsibility
• Punctuality.

Train Driver's Salary:

The profession of a train conductor requires concentration, availability for night shifts, and long-distance journeys. That's why it offers a good salary with early retirement due to the job's negative impact on the body. This job provides a Railway Pension Scheme for retirees, and a final wage is known as Defined Benefit. A train conductor can earn up to 28,000 per year as an entry-level conductor. The wage will increase in terms of experience and years of profession. The railway company can also cover the medical expenses of its employees and ensures free annual medical checks. You may also read; How to Become a Delivery Driver?

That was all about getting a train conductor job in the UK. The job consists of completing apprenticeship, training, and co-driving participation to obtain the job, not to mention the necessary skills and physical conditions. This job is also associated with technical development by downloading phone applications for both passengers and train employees to help conductors perform more professionally and respect the train schedule.