On Wednesday 23 October, the train operator for the east of England, Greater Anglia, hosted an online webinar where members of the public learnt what it takes to become a train driver.
The webinar, organised by the train company’s recruitment team, was designed to provide an in-depth insight into the recruitment process, the role, and what life is like when working at Greater Anglia.
Attendees heard about the rigorous training programme for both a mainline driver, who drives trains in passenger service, and a depot driver, who drives trains in and around the depots and prepares them for service.
They also heard the stories of driver manager, Elizabeth Ward, and Sarah Swanston, a right-time (performance) manager, both of whom have driven trains in their careers. The pair hosted a brief quiz to bust myths around the role.
In addition, a member of the recruitment team spoke about the various tests and stages of applying for drive positions. Greater Anglia’s HR director, Katy Bucknell, also explained about the employee benefits and its many employee network groups.
From 1 November, Greater Anglia is advertising a number of trainee depot driver roles at Clacton, Ilford, Norwich, and Southend Victoria, along with trainee mainline driver roles at Bishop’s Stortford, Cambridge, Clacton, Colchester, Ilford, Ipswich, London Liverpool Street, Norwich, and Southend Victoria.
Dawn Robinson, Greater Anglia’s Head of Talent, Resourcing and Development, said:
“This is the first time we have hosted an online webinar that gave prospective candidates a real insight into a job at Greater Anglia from colleagues who have first-hand experience.
“Our drivers work all hours to ensure that customers across the East of England can get to their destination safely at all times of the year and in all weathers. The railway is a great place to work, with many benefits.”
Greater Anglia will be advertising depot and mainline driver vacancies from 1 November.
