New Career Route Opens for Young People as Train Driver Age Drops to 18

Young people considering their next steps after receiving their GCSE or A-level results now have a new career option, following a change to the minimum age for becoming a train driver.

New rules introduced this summer mean 18-year-olds can now apply to train as train drivers, reducing the previous minimum age of 20. The change is designed to create more opportunities for young people while helping the rail industry address future workforce shortages.

Training is paid, with national trainee salaries ranging from £27,000 to £33,000, and a university degree is not required. Apprentices can earn while they learn, developing the skills needed for a long-term career in the rail industry.

The change comes as the sector looks to attract a new generation of workers. Currently, fewer than 4% of train drivers are under 30, while around a quarter of the existing workforce is expected to reach retirement age by 2030.

Young people interested in the career can access information, application support and trainee vacancies through the Train Drivers Academy.

Find out more: Read the full announcement on GOV.UK