Career outlook for train conductor
Figures and forecasts for roles at the same level, which require similar skills and qualifications.
Average UK salary
£36,400
Currently employed in Scotland
1,000
Average UK salary
£36,400
Currently employed in Scotland
1,000
"LMI for All" supplies our salary and employment status information. "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures.
Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.
What's it like?
You would issue tickets to rail passengers and make sure that their journey is safe and comfortable.
You would:
- Check the carriages are clean before the start of a journey
- Make sure equipment, doors and controls are working properly
- Walk through carriages during the journey, checking tickets and travel documents
- 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 such as a passenger falling ill
- Write reports on any delays or issues that occur
It would be important to have a good understanding of rail regulations, safety procedures, fares and timetables.
Working conditions
Hours
Environment
UK employment status
Full-time
70%
Part-time
23%
Self employed
7%
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Discover my routeTop skills
Here are some of the skills needed for this job. Sign in to see how your skills match up.
- Positive attitude
- Resilience
- Cooperating
- Supporting
- Listening
- Verbal communication
- Observation
- Respecting
- Taking initiative
- Recalling
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Qualifications
There are no formal qualifications required to enter this role but some employers may ask for qualifications at SCQF level 4/5. Most employers value a good general education.
A satisfactory standard of English is important, together with confident money-handling skills.
Useful subjects
- English
- Maths
You will also need
Before entering the job you will need to pass:
- an interview at an assessment centre
- a medical examination to check fitness, eyesight, colour vision, hearing and any alcohol or drugs use
Once you start work you could be tested for drugs or alcohol at any time.
You may need to be approved for membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme run by Disclosure Scotland.
Helpful to have
Qualifications that show helping customers, cash handling, health and safety awareness and physical fitness such as Skills for Work Travel and Tourism (SCQF level 4/5) or Uniformed and Emergency Services (SCQF level 4).
Communication and language qualifications may also be helpful such as SQA Modern Languages for Life & Work Award (SCQF level 3/4).