Train Driving

Learning Programme Content

The Learning Programme provision shall comprise of three mandatory elements:

• Qualification
• Essential Skills
• On/off the job training

The total minimum credit value required for the Level 3 Pathway – Train Driver is 108 credits, this includes combined knowledge and competence elements.

Entry requirements

There are no entry requirements for this framework, however:

Entrants to this pathway are likely to primarily be learners aged 20+ who have completed their GCSE / A Levels (equivalent) or Welsh Baccalaureate studies, and in some cases relevant vocational qualifications. 

Other entrants may have experience of working in the sector and are now seeking to become qualified by undertaking an apprenticeship programme. Interest would be shown to those applicants who have had previous work experience or employment in the rail/transportation sector or seeking a career change.

In addition:

• Learners will need to be on a formal training scheme with a rail service company. 

• Due to the nature of the role candidates must meet medical standards of physical health these are set out within the Train Driving Licences and Certificates Regulations 2010.

• Learners must have both the potential and opportunity to achieve the assessment criteria set out in the qualification units and gain evidence from the workplace.

Apprenticeship pathway learning programme(s)

Level 3 - Train Driver

Level 3 - Train Driver Qualifications

Participants must achieve the following combined qualifications below.

Essential Skills Wales (ESW)

Essential Skills Wales qualifications assessment languages are English-Welsh

On/Off the Job training

On/Off the Job Qualification details (Minimum Credit & Hours)

Pathway with minimum and total learning hours = 1075

Combined qualification = 834 GLH / 90 credits

Essential Skills Wales (60 hours x 3) = 180 hours / 18 credits

Pathway duration, minimum of 12 months

On/Off the Job Essential Skills details (Minimum Credit & Hours)

• 6 credits/45 GLH Level 2 Essential Skills Wales Communication
• 6 credits/45 GLH Level 2 Essential Skills Wales Application of Number
• 6 credits/45 GLH Level 2 Essential Skills Wales Digital Literacy

Other additional requirements

• Learners will need to be on a formal training scheme or employed as a train driver

• Due to the nature of the role candidates must meet medical standards of physical health these are set out within the Train Driving Licences and Certificates Regulations 2010.
• Learners must have both the potential and opportunity to achieve the assessment criteria set out in the qualification units and gain evidence from the workplace.

Job roles

Progression

Learners and employers may consider the following progression opportunities:

• Driver Instructor
• Driver Trainer
• Management
• Senior Management  

Progression from:

On completion of the Pathway, apprentices could seek internal progression to Driver Instructor, Driver Trainer, Management and Senior Management.

Equality and diversity

 It is important that apprenticeship Pathways are inclusive and can demonstrate an active approach to identifying and removing barriers to entry and progression. Pathways should advance equality of opportunity between persons who share protected characteristics and those persons who do not as identified in the Equality Act 2010.

The Protected characteristics identified in the Equality Act are age, disability, gender re-assignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity. Marriage and civil partnership is also included although only in respect of the requirement to eliminate discrimination in employment.

Training providers and employers MUST also comply with the other duty under the Equality Act 2010 to ensure that applicants are not discriminated against in terms of entry to the industry based upon those nine protected characteristics.

Department for Transport Rail fact sheet: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1049929/rail-factsheet-2021.pdf

Employment responsibilities and rights

Employment Responsibilities and Rights (ERR) is no longer compulsory.  But it is recommended that all apprentices (especially the 16 years -18-year group) receive a company induction programme.

Responsibilities

It is the responsibility of the Training Provider and Employer to ensure that the requirements of this pathway is delivered in accordance with the Welsh Government Apprenticeships Guidance.

 Further information may be obtained from: Welsh Government

DfES-ApprenticeshipUnit@gov.wales

Document revisions