Your journey starts here: EMR seeks aspiring train drivers
- EMR welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds to apply
- Gain the skills necessary to support a long and interesting career at EMR
- Practical experience working at maintenance depots in either Derby or Nottingham
Budding train drivers of the future are being encouraged to apply for new roles at East Midlands Railway (EMR).
EMR has opened its latest recruitment drive to attract trainee depot drivers based in Nottingham and Derby.
As part of the Depot Driver team, applicants will be responsible for moving EMR trains around the depots, shunting, light maintenance, and other tasks such as fault-finding and reporting.
EMR is keen to encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply for the roles, including women, younger people, and individuals from ethnic minority groups.
Trainee drivers will be enrolled on EMR's year-long apprenticeship scheme and will train alongside other successful applicants at EMR's training academy, based in Derby.
Kate Holden, HR Director for EMR, said: "These roles are a fantastic first step in becoming a mainline or regional driver of the future.
"At EMR we want to proactively embrace diversity across our workforce and recognise that we are under-represented in terms of females and ethnic minority groups.
"We’re therefore taking positive steps to promote an inclusive culture and we welcome applications from those that identify with these groups to better represent our communities."
Full details of the role and how to apply can be found here: https://jobs.eastmidlandsrailway.co.uk/vacancy.aspx?ref=2025-TDD
Contact Information
East Midlands Railway Press Office
Notes to editors
Successful candidates must be responsible and committed to delivering excellent service through efficiency, high standards, and, above all, safety.
Strong communication skills are essential for Depot Drivers to ensure effective collaboration with the wider team. While no formal qualifications are required, applicants must hold a GCSE grade C or above (or equivalent) in Maths and English to complete the apprenticeship. Support in obtaining these qualifications can be provided if necessary.
The recruitment process consists of four assessment stages, including OPC national driver testing and a driver medical screening for those who progress successfully.
The initial assessment dates are as follows:
Stage 1 – Driver Testing Part 1: Between 1st April – 11th April 2025
Stage 2 – Assessment Days: Week commencing 12th May – 16th May 2025
Stage 3 – Competency-Based Interview: Week commencing 2nd June – 13th June 2025
Stage 4 – Driver Testing Part 2: Between 24th June – 4th July 2025
Further testing will take place throughout 2025 to ensure all successful applicants are assessed. Please note that the dates provided may be subject to change.