Virgin Trains launch recruitment programme to find drivers for new Azuma trains

Virgin Trains has begun the largest single recruitment programme for drivers on the east coast route since the 1980s, challenging people who may not have previously considered becoming a train driver to think about whether they’ve got what it takes to take on this exciting and rewarding career.

The initiative coincides with the arrival of its new fleet of Azuma trains that are set to revolutionise travel on the east coast, providing an extra 12,200 seats, a new and expanded timetable and increased capacity into Kings Cross by 28% during peak times. When it launches in 2018, the Azuma, built in the UK by Hitachi, will be one of the most advanced trains on the UK’s rail network and Virgin Trains needs 78 drivers to operate the 65-strong fleet.

Recruitment needs to begin now to allow for a year-long development programme before becoming fully-qualified trainee train drivers.

Over the course of the year trainees will take part in a mix of classroom-based and ‘on the job’ learning at different locations on the east coast route. Modules range from track safety, understanding operational route risks and emergency situations to getting to know the traction they will be driving.

New recruits also go through rigorous immersive practical learning including driving Virgin Trains’ state of the art simulator in order to familiarise themselves with the cab and build train handling experience.

Clare Burles, People Director at Virgin Trains east coast, said:

“We’re getting ready for some really exciting changes and as part of that we want to challenge people’s perceptions of rail and shake up just what it means to travel in the UK. The arrival of our Azuma trains is an important part of our plans and we need amazing people to join us on our journey.

“It doesn’t matter if you have never worked in rail or if you haven’t even considered a career as a train driver before, we are looking for people who are not afraid to do things a little differently and want to be part of something innovative and rewarding.

“As a train driver with us, you’ll not only get fantastic benefits and career development but also spectacular views of the iconic intercity east coast route from a very unique working environment – how many jobs can offer you that?!”

Tara Johnson, a driver for Virgin Trains east coast, said:

“I started my career on the east coast route just over nine years ago as a customer service assistant before becoming a train guard. I was really interested in the operational side of the job; I enjoyed working shifts and being onboard a train. The opportunity to apply to become a driver came up and I thought it was the perfect mix of challenge and reward so I went for it.

“I haven’t looked back. I love the freedom and benefits of the role and there is never a boring day on the job!

“It’s a lot of responsibility too – the safety of our customers and getting them to where they need to be on time is top priority but the training and support we receive is brilliant.

“Some people ask what it’s like to be in the cab solo but it really doesn’t feel like that. I always feel part of a team. There’s such a strong sense of family across Virgin Trains.”

This is the next phases of Virgin’s plans for the east coast route that will see investment of £140m to create a more personalised travel experience. This includes £21m that has already been invested to completely revamp the existing fleet.  

Notes to Editors:

• 1.East coast recruited 24 trainee drivers in January, the first appointments for nearly three years.