Train conductor

On a typical day you may:

• check the carriages are clean before the start of a journey
• make sure equipment, doors and controls are working properly
• greet customers and create a welcoming atmosphere
• walk through carriages during the journey to check tickets and travel documents
• answer passengers' questions about routes, arrival times and connections
• make announcements over the public address system
• make sure passengers get on and off the train safely
• deal with unexpected delays or emergencies, for example a passenger falling ill

• customer service skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• knowledge of transport methods, costs and benefits
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• knowledge of public safety and security
• the ability to work on your own
• the ability to work well with others
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You can get into this job through:

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

Train operating companies often promote existing station staff to conductor jobs, so you may be able to transfer from a platform assistant or onboard customer host role.

With experience, you may be able to move on to senior conductor or train manager, or transfer to a driver training programme.