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Tram driver

Alternative titles for this job include

Tram drivers take passengers to and from destinations, following a set timetable.

Average salary (a year)

£19,000 Starter

to

£30,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

39 to 41 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a tram driver

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly

College

You could do a Level 2 Diploma in Rail Services - Tram and Light Rail Vehicle Driving.

You'll usually need to be working for a passenger transport company or be on a placement to do this course.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

More Information

Apprenticeship

You can get into this job through a passenger transport driver intermediate apprenticeship, where you would follow the tram driver option.

This takes a minimum of 12 months to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

More Information

Work

You can start as a passenger assistant or conductor and move into driving work after taking company training.

Direct Application

You could apply to tram operating companies for tram driver training. Some employers will prefer you to have a few GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), particularly in English and maths.

You'll usually need a driving licence to apply. Experience as a bus, coach or train driver would be useful but is not essential.

More Information

Further information

You can find out more about working in light rail from UK Tram.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of transport methods, costs and benefits
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • customer service skills
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • knowledge of public safety and security
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to work well with others
  • the ability to operate and control equipment
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

  • be over 18 years of age
  • have a full driving licence
  • pass a medical check
  • be screened for drugs and alcohol

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As part of your day-to-day duties, you may:

  • carry out equipment checks at the start of your shift
  • drive the tram along set routes
  • pick up and drop off passengers at tram stops
  • keep in radio contact with the control room for up-to-date route information
  • make passenger announcements on a public address system
  • write up reports on any incidents that happen during your shift

Working environment

You could work from a vehicle.

Your working environment may be noisy.

You may need to wear a uniform.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could move into a supervisory role, like depot manager or route manager.

With further training you could become a driving trainer, teaching new staff how to drive trams.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Bus Driver Apprenticeship - Passenger Transport

  • Wage: £31,500.00 Annually
  • Location: 18 Merton High Street, London

Bus Driver Apprenticeship - Passenger Transport

  • Wage: £31,500.00 Annually
  • Location: 208 New Cross Road, London
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

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