Train conductor
Train conductors check passenger tickets and passes, provide travel updates and make sure passengers have a safe and comfortable journey.
Also known as: Train guard, train crew, senior conductor
- Starter salary£25,000 a year
- Experienced£37,000 a year
- Typical hours36 to 45 a week
What you'll do
As a train conductor, you could:
- make sure equipment, doors and controls are working properly
- greet customers and create a welcoming atmosphere
- collect fares and check tickets and travel documents during journeys
- answer passengers' questions about routes, arrival times and connections
- make announcements over the public address system
- make sure passengers get on and off the train safely
- deal with unexpected delays or emergencies, for example a passenger falling ill
- handle feedback and complaints
- keep an accurate record of incidents, faults and delays
Working environment
You could work on a station platform or from a vehicle.
Your working environment may be crowded and outdoors some of the time.
You may need to wear a uniform.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- customer service skills
- excellent verbal communication skills
- knowledge of transport methods, costs and benefits
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- knowledge of public safety and security
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- the ability to work on your own
- the ability to organise your time and workload
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
How to become a train conductor
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
College
You could do a college course in customer service, which may help when you apply for jobs as a trainee conductor.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
Apprenticeship
You can apply to do a Passenger Transport Operative Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship with a train operating company.
This takes around 1 year to complete and combines on-the-job learning with time spent at a company's training centre.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
Work
You may be able to work as a member of platform or ticketing staff at a train station before moving into a conductor job through training and promotion.
Direct application
There are no set entry qualifications if you want to apply directly to train operating companies, although employers will expect you to have a good standard of English and maths.
If selected for interview, companies will usually test you on your maths, communication and customer service skills.
Restrictions and requirements
You'll need to:
- pass a medical check
- be screened for drugs and alcohol
Career path and progression
Train operating companies often promote existing station staff to conductor jobs, so you may be able to transfer from a platform assistant or onboard customer service role.
With experience, you could become a senior conductor, train manager, transfer to a driver training programme, or move to a position in a rail operations office.
Career tips
Experience of working with the public in retail, hospitality or customer service could give you an advantage. It will also help if you have good knowledge of UK geography and the rail network.
Guides for this industry
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