Conductor
Conductors work on board a train providing key services to passengers including checking and selling tickets and responding to passenger queries. They may also make announcements on the train to passengers using the train’s public address system.The conductor works closely with the train manager to ensure that all passengers have a safe and comfortable journey. They also work closely with other members of the train crew such as those responsible for keeping the train tidy and those who sell refreshments.
Conductors play an important role in ensuring that passengers are satisfied with their journey, but also have the responsibility for dealing with problems that arise, such as passengers who have not paid, or who do not have the correct pass or ticket.
Starting salaries for conductors can vary from £12500 to around £16000. These salaries can increase with experience.Go Back
Working environment
The majority of a conductor’s working day is spent on board trains. They will start at a ‘base’ station and will return there at the end of the day. They may take scheduled breaks off the train during the day.Conductor usually work between 37 and 40 hours a week, in the form of shift work involving early mornings, late nights and weekends.
Conductors must wear uniforms and identification at all times when they are on duty.Go Back
Skills and interests
Conductors must be committed to delivering high levels of customer service.As well as this, they need:
- good communication and interpersonal skills
- the ability to remain calm under pressure
- assertiveness, especially for dealing with difficult situations or passengers
- awareness of health and safety
- the ability to be a reliable part of a team.Go Back
Entry into the role
Conductors are recruited by train operating companies. Vacancies are available all over the UK.There are not usually any specific academic entry requirements, although a sound education including GCSEs (or national equivalent) in English and maths may be preferred. Previous experience of working in any form of customer service environment can be an advantage.
Most employers require applicants to be aged 18 or over, although some companies run trainee schemes for those over the age of 16.
Successful applicants for the job have to undergo criminal records and medical tests including for general health and for drug and alcohol abuse.
Vacancies are usually advertised on train operating company websites, in the local press or on specialist recruitment websites.
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Opportunities
There are opportunities for conductors to progress their career into roles such as train manager. Conductors could also progress into areas including customer service management.Train crew members can also work towards industry related qualifications including:
- City & Guilds Level 2 NVQ in rail transport operations (passenger services).
- SQA Level 2 SVQ in rail transport operations.
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Useful links
Go BackCase Studies
RAIL - conductor
Michael Foy, conductor for ScotRail, speaks about his work - courtesy of www.icould.com. (click on the image to play)
RAIL - conductor
Find out what a train conductor has to say about her work (links to Virtual Work Experience from Learning and Teaching Scotland).
View case study (external website)
RAIL - train conductor
See an interview with Graham Scholes, a conductor for Northern Rail (links to Jobs4U careers database)
View case study (external website)