Train Driver/Train Captain (Chef De Train)

We offer a competitive salary package (potential earnings in the region of £60Kpa)and a fully funded training programme designed to develop you into a qualified Train Driver / Train Captain (Chef de Train).

• £29,496 per annum during training
• £48,689 per annum upon successful completion of training and qualification
• £50,977 per annum once fully competent and autonomous in the role as a Train Driver / Train Captain (Chef de Train)
• Additional earnings available through shift payments and opportunities to work additional shifts, subject to operational requirements
• Attractive benefits package including pension, healthcare, employee travel benefits and wellbeing support.

The primary purpose of this role is the safe operation of Eurotunnel Passenger and Freight Shuttle trains through the Channel Tunnel and across the Fixed Link, ensuring the safe and efficient movement of customers, freight and vehicles between the United Kingdom and France.

This is a highly skilled, safety-critical position requiring exceptional concentration, situational awareness, professionalism and decision-making.

In addition to train driving responsibilities, you will perform the role of Train Captain (Chef de Train), where you will oversee onboard operations, support Train Crew colleagues and ensure the safety of customers, vehicles and colleagues. You will coordinate activities during routine operations, service disruptions, and emergencies, playing a vital role in one of Europe's most unique rail operations.

This role offers a rare opportunity to combine professional train driving with operational leadership responsibilities within an international railway environment.

• Safely operate Passenger and Freight Shuttle trains in accordance with railway rules, operational procedures and safety standards.
• Maintain the highest standards of safety for customers, vehicles, colleagues and railway operations.
• Promote and support the Company's commitment to safety excellence and continuous improvement.
• Lead onboard operations and support Train Crew colleagues during normal operations, disruption and emergency situations.
• Ensure commercial operations are delivered safely, efficiently and to time.
• Respond to operational incidents, technical faults and emergency situations using approved procedures and sound operational judgement.
• Work collaboratively with operational control, maintenance and safety teams to ensure safe and effective service delivery.
• Support incident investigations, safety initiatives and continuous improvement activities.
• Deliver a high standard of customer service whilst maintaining operational performance and safety standards.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential

• Educated to GCSE level or equivalent.
• Full UK Driving Licence.
• Valid passport and ability to travel to France as required.
• Ability to meet the medical standards required for a safety-critical railway role.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to make safe and effective decisions in time-critical situations.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Flexibility to work a roster covering a 24-hour operation, 7 days a week, including weekends, public holidays and rostered annual leave.

Desirable

• Experience within rail, transport, logistics, aviation, emergency services or other operational environments.
• Supervisory or team leadership experience.
• Knowledge of French or another European language.

Person Specification

We are looking for individuals who:

• Demonstrate a strong commitment to safety and compliance.
• Have excellent concentration and attention to detail.
• Communicate clearly and effectively with colleagues and customers.
• Remain focused and effective when working in safety-critical and time-sensitive situations.
• Show initiative and sound judgement when resolving operational issues.
• Take personal responsibility and accountability for maintaining high professional standards.
• Are committed to continuous learning and development.
• Represent the Company professionally and positively at all times.

Recruitment Process

Selection for this position is dependent upon successfully completing the Train Driver recruitment process, which is expected to include:

• Application review and shortlisting
• Train Driver psychometric and aptitude assessments
• Assessment Centre
• Competency-based interview
• Safety-critical medical examination

Assessment Eligibility

Eligibility to undertake Train Driver assessments will be determined in accordance with current rail industry assessment requirements. Candidates who have previously participated in a Train Driver selection process will have their assessment history reviewed before progressing through the recruitment process. Please note: The national rules governing train driver psychometric assessment attempts changed on 7 December 2024 under RIS-3751-TOM Issue 4. Candidates who have previously undertaken train driver psychometric assessments may be subject to different eligibility requirements depending on whether their assessments were completed before or after this date. Please review the guidance to check your eligibility before submitting an application: https://www.theopc.co.uk/files/3751-FAQ.pdf

Additional Information

• The minimum age requirement for a cross-border Train Driver is 20 years.

• Applicants will be required to present their Driving Licence during the recruitment process.
• Successful candidates will undertake a fully funded training programme combining classroom learning, operational instruction and practical assessments, leading to qualification and certification as a Train Driver / Train Captain (Chef de Train).
• Travel to and work within both the United Kingdom and France forms part of this role.

This role operates within a safety-critical railway environment and is subject to ongoing competence, medical and operational requirements.

Before applying, please check that you can commit to the following dates and training requirements.

The selection process includes two assessment stages:

• Stage 1 Assessment:15th,16th and 17th December*
• Stage 2 Assessment: 12th,13th,14th and 15th January

If you successfully pass Stage 1, you will be invited to attend Stage 2. As these are the only assessment dates available, please make sure you can attend before submitting your application.

If successful through the recruitment process, you will undertake a six-month Train Driver training programme, and you will need to be available and able to commit to the programme in full.

If you are interested in applying, please submit your application online by Wednesday 25th November 2026.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications. Therefore, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Please Note: From 1 January 2021, non-British and non-Irish nationals who do not already hold a UK immigration status will be required to obtain a visa in order to be able to work in the UK. Before applying for this role, please ensure that you are permitted to apply. For further information, please visit the UK Visa and Immigration Website.