Train Driver Review
at Southeastern Railway
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Driver
Hastings, East Sussex
Review Submitted: November 2025
Overall Rating
5 /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
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
5/5
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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
As a Train Driver, my main responsibility is to safely and efficiently operate passenger services across the network. Each day begins with booking on, checking any notices or updates in the WON/PON, and carrying out all required safety and operational checks on the train before departure.
My day-to-day duties include:
Ensuring the safe movement of trains in accordance with railway rules and signalling systems.
Conducting pre-departure checks and brake tests.
Maintaining constant communication with signallers, controllers, and station staff through GSM-R.
Monitoring train performance and dealing with any faults or incidents calmly and professionally.
Providing excellent customer service by ensuring punctual and comfortable journeys.
Completing post-journey procedures such as train handovers and reporting any defects or delays.
The role requires high concentration, quick decision-making, and a strong focus on safety at all times. Every shift is different, and that variety — along with the responsibility of keeping passengers and colleagues safe — makes it a really rewarding job.
My day-to-day duties include:
Ensuring the safe movement of trains in accordance with railway rules and signalling systems.
Conducting pre-departure checks and brake tests.
Maintaining constant communication with signallers, controllers, and station staff through GSM-R.
Monitoring train performance and dealing with any faults or incidents calmly and professionally.
Providing excellent customer service by ensuring punctual and comfortable journeys.
Completing post-journey procedures such as train handovers and reporting any defects or delays.
The role requires high concentration, quick decision-making, and a strong focus on safety at all times. Every shift is different, and that variety — along with the responsibility of keeping passengers and colleagues safe — makes it a really rewarding job.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I’ve really enjoyed the Train Driver Apprenticeship from start to finish. It’s been challenging at times, but very rewarding. The mix of practical learning, classroom theory, and on-the-job experience has kept it interesting and helped me build real confidence in the role of driver.
I’ve especially appreciated how supportive has been — always approachable, encouraging, and willing to help. The structure of the programme made it easy to track progress and stay motivated, and it’s been great to see how everything I learned directly applies to real railway operations.
Overall, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the programme and feel proud of how much I’ve achieved through it.
I’ve especially appreciated how supportive has been — always approachable, encouraging, and willing to help. The structure of the programme made it easy to track progress and stay motivated, and it’s been great to see how everything I learned directly applies to real railway operations.
Overall, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the programme and feel proud of how much I’ve achieved through it.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Yes, I’ve learnt a lot of new skills and developed existing ones throughout the apprenticeship. I’ve gained a strong understanding of railway safety procedures, signalling systems, and train operations, as well as how to handle different operational scenarios calmly and safely.
My communication skills have really improved too — especially using GSM-R and working closely with signallers, controllers, and station staff to keep services running smoothly. I’ve also developed better concentration, decision-making, and situational awareness, which are all vital for the role.
Overall, the programme has helped me grow both professionally and personally, giving me the confidence and competence needed to work safely and effectively as a train driver.
My communication skills have really improved too — especially using GSM-R and working closely with signallers, controllers, and station staff to keep services running smoothly. I’ve also developed better concentration, decision-making, and situational awareness, which are all vital for the role.
Overall, the programme has helped me grow both professionally and personally, giving me the confidence and competence needed to work safely and effectively as a train driver.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
I found the programme to be really well organised and structured from start to finish.
The OneFile system made it easy to track progress and know what needed completing, and the regular progress reviews kept everything on track. Communication from my learning coach was always clear and consistent, which made the whole process run smoothly.
Overall, I think the structure of the programme was excellent — everything built up in the right order and made sure I was fully prepared for the End Point Assessment and the responsibilities of the role.
The OneFile system made it easy to track progress and know what needed completing, and the regular progress reviews kept everything on track. Communication from my learning coach was always clear and consistent, which made the whole process run smoothly.
Overall, I think the structure of the programme was excellent — everything built up in the right order and made sure I was fully prepared for the End Point Assessment and the responsibilities of the role.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I’ve received a great level of support from my employer throughout the apprenticeship. From the start, everyone has been really helpful — managers, instructors, and colleagues have all taken the time to share their knowledge and offer guidance when needed.
My driver managers and mentors were always approachable and patient, which made it easier to ask questions and build confidence. I also felt supported during my training shifts and assessments, with plenty of feedback and encouragement to help me improve.
Overall, I’ve felt well supported every step of the way, both professionally and personally, and that’s made a big difference in helping me complete the programme successfully.
My driver managers and mentors were always approachable and patient, which made it easier to ask questions and build confidence. I also felt supported during my training shifts and assessments, with plenty of feedback and encouragement to help me improve.
Overall, I’ve felt well supported every step of the way, both professionally and personally, and that’s made a big difference in helping me complete the programme successfully.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
Whenever I had questions or needed clarification, my coach was quick to respond and always took the time to explain things properly. The learning materials and guidance provided were also well structured and relevant to my day-to-day role, which made the learning experience smooth and enjoyable.
Overall, the support from the training provider has been outstanding — it made a big difference in helping me achieve my qualification and feel confident throughout the process.
Overall, the support from the training provider has been outstanding — it made a big difference in helping me achieve my qualification and feel confident throughout the process.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
The qualification has definitely helped me perform better in my role. It’s given me a solid understanding of the rules, procedures, and safety standards that are essential for train driving, as well as the confidence to apply them in real situations.
The training provider made sure everything we learned was directly relevant to the job — from route knowledge and operational theory to communication protocols and emergency procedures. This combination of classroom learning and practical experience really helped things click together.
Overall, the qualification has been a huge help in developing my skills, confidence, and professionalism, and I feel much more capable in my role because of it.
The training provider made sure everything we learned was directly relevant to the job — from route knowledge and operational theory to communication protocols and emergency procedures. This combination of classroom learning and practical experience really helped things click together.
Overall, the qualification has been a huge help in developing my skills, confidence, and professionalism, and I feel much more capable in my role because of it.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
There has been some social activites and sports related but haven't been to any though.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Southeastern Railway to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Yes, I would definitely recommend Southeastern Railway to a friend. The team has been really supportive during my apprenticeship, and I’ve seen how much effort goes into keeping services running safely and efficiently.
The training and experience you get working with them are really good — you learn a lot, and there’s plenty of support from managers and colleagues. The network itself is busy, but it’s rewarding to be part of it and to see how everything works together.
Of course, like any big rail company, there can be delays or issues from time to time, but overall it’s a solid company to work for and a great place to develop your skills and career.
The training and experience you get working with them are really good — you learn a lot, and there’s plenty of support from managers and colleagues. The network itself is busy, but it’s rewarding to be part of it and to see how everything works together.
Of course, like any big rail company, there can be delays or issues from time to time, but overall it’s a solid company to work for and a great place to develop your skills and career.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Southeastern Railway?
Do your research, be reliable, ask questions, communicate clearly, and stay calm under pressure. Show enthusiasm and a willingness to learn — it really makes a difference!
