Trainee train driver Review
at Southeastern Railway
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Driver
Tonbridge
Review Submitted: April 2025
Overall Rating
4.9 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
5/5
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
4.8/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
Trainee Train driver: first three months of rules and procedures/ track safety followed by 7-9 months of train handling and leaning of routes.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
It’s been great!! The pay is good and once fully qualified it jumps up again. I love doing a job I am passionate about. Moving trains and getting people to where they need to be! I’ve had support all the way!
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Non-technical skills.
Workload balance.
Following rules.
Prioritising.
Problem solving.
Workload balance.
Following rules.
Prioritising.
Problem solving.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
There’s always someone to contact. Emails and team calls are arranged with plenty of notice. For programme is well structured and organised.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I have a great line manager who has gave me all the materials and resources I need to fulfill my role. They want you to succeed!!
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
I send weekly reports to my training provider. If I am struggling or finding anything difficult they always get in touch to see if I am alright. They show that they care.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
I think it’s great to be working towards something that will be recognised by other employers! I don’t see myself leaving Southeastern tho as it has some amazing people.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
In the railway we look after each other. There are unions to join and many events that have been arranged. Football matches and Gold awards to mention a few.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Southeastern Railway to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I feel they are working towards something great. They want to provide the best service to its passengers and I can’t wait to be apart of it.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Southeastern Railway?
You’ve got nothing to lose!! I never thought I could be a train driver. But I made it.
