Tram driver

Tram drivers take passengers to and from destinations, following a set timetable.

Salary range: £17,000 to £28,000

How to become a tram driver

You can get into this job through:

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

College

You could do a Level 2 Diploma in Rail Services – Tram and Light Rail Vehicle Driving.

You’ll usually need to be working in a passenger transport or be on a placement to do this course.

Entry requirements

You’ll usually need:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

More information

• equivalent entry requirements
• funding advice
• search for courses

Apprenticeship

You can get into this job through a passenger transport driver intermediate apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You’ll usually need:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

More information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

Work

You can start as a passenger assistant or conductor and move into driving work after taking company training.

Direct application

You could apply to tram operating companies for tram driver training. Some employers will prefer you to have a few GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), particularly in English and maths.

You’ll usually need a driving licence to apply. Experience as a bus, coach or train driver would be useful but is not essential.

More information

Further information

You can find out more about careers in passenger transport from Careers That Move.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You’ll need:

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

Restrictions and requirements

You’ll need to:

• be over 18 years of age
• have a full driving licence
• pass a medical check
• be screened for drugs and alcohol

What you’ll do

Day-to-day tasks

Your day-to-day duties may include:

• carrying out equipment checks at the start of your shift
• driving the tram along set routes
• picking up and dropping off passengers at tram stops
• keeping in radio contact with the control room for up-to-date route information
• making passenger announcements (this may be automated)
• writing up reports on any incidents that happened during your shift

Working environment

You could work from a vehicle.

Your working environment may be noisy.

You may need to wear a uniform.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could move into a supervisory role, like depot manager or route manager.

With further training you could become a driving trainer, teaching new staff how to drive trams.