The Department for Transport (DfT) has announced that the lower limit for entering train drivers’ apprenticeship has been reduced from 20 to 18, effective from 30 June 2026. The change in the legislation being made this week will allow school leavers to enter the rail industry and learn a highly skilled job that will afford them great opportunities for job progression. It also brings train drivers into line with the rest of the transport sector, where pilots, tram and London Underground tube drivers can enrol from 18. And it will align the UK with countries like Switzerland, Germany and Australia.
It is all part of the government’s plan to encourage young people into rewarding industries and tackle youth unemployment. But lowering the recruitment age is not just a matter of giving young people new opportunities. There is also a very practical consideration: by 2030 a quarter of existing train drivers will be expected to reach retirement age. (In Scotland and the north east, this figure rises to 32%, and 38% in Wales).
So, there is already a clear need for succession planning within the industry, which has an ageing population of train drivers, around 96% of whom are over 30. The legislation aims to help the rail sector secure its next generation of drivers. As only around 11% of train drivers are women, and minority ethnic background drivers account for less than 13% of drivers, there is plenty of scope to improve representation in those areas.
Dave Calfe, general secretary of ASLEF, the train drivers’ union said: “ASLEF has been campaigning for many years to lower the age at which drivers can start training. This decision, to allow people to leave education and become a driver at 18, will increase diversity in the driver’s cab by encouraging more young people from all communities to drive trains on Britain’s railways.
“Because, at the moment, many young people make their career choice at 18 and the industry misses out as the current minimum age is 20. This change will widen the opportunity for the rail industry to recruit the large numbers of train drivers required over the next five years.”
Find out what’s involved
Train drivers must undergo rigorous training before they operate a train independently. Training combines extensive classroom learning, work on simulators as well as supervised driving. This aims to ensure every driver meets safety and competency standards.
The DfT and rail industry are working together to simplify finding train driving opportunities and understanding of what the job involves. There will be a new online portal in time for the 30 June changes, which aims give clear and accessible information to prospective drivers on day-to-day job responsibilities, along with guidance on preparing for applications and assessment, as well as links to current job vacancies across the rail network. The existing legal and competency requirements for becoming a train driver are available from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR).
These measures are also a necessary precursor to the government’s creation of Great British Railways. Half of train operators are now back in public ownership and a new generation of train drivers will be part of the next stage in working to increase the rail network’s potential for passengers, business and freight.
Rail Minister, Lord Peter Hendy said: “It’s a move that will help secure the future of Great British Railways and the wider rail industry, and ensure the workforce reflects the energy, talent and ambition of the next generation.”
Northern Rail engineer apprenticeships
As well as the driver apprenticeships, it is worth young people looking at the individual rail operators, who may also be offering training opportunities.
Northern Rail, the UK’s second largest train operator, is hiring up to 18 apprentices in mechanical and electrical engineering, learning the skills needed for fixing and maintaining the operators’ more than 370 trains. They will take on a three-year apprenticeship, which involves classroom learning and formal on-the-job training, before gaining a nationally recognised Level 3 Engineering and Rolling Stock Qualification.
Apprentices will complete a year at Myerscough College in Preston, where accommodation can be offered, after which they will be based at one of three TrainCare Centres – Allerton in Liverpool, Newton Heath in Manchester or Heaton in Newcastle – or the light maintenance depot in Barrow-in-Furness.
Around 90% of those who complete the apprenticeship are offered permanent positions with Northern. There are over 1700 people working in the engineering team at five depots and seven outstations across the north of England.
Raj Basi, Northern’s engineering director, said: “This is not work experience. This is an opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills and experience you need to work on the railway and keep services running for customers, day in day out.
“We are looking to take on people who have a practical mindset and a genuine interest in engineering, so they can begin a rewarding and well-paid career in a safety-critical industry.
“We’re invested in building careers that last, creating opportunities to grow and develop as the railway changes.”
Applicants must be over 15 when they apply, and 16 or over by 1 September 2026; educational and location-based entry requirements apply.
Adapted from press releases
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