Train conductor
Issue tickets to rail passengers and make sure that their journey is safe and comfortable.
Also known as: train crew, guard
About the job
What it's like
You would issue tickets to rail passengers and make sure that their journey is safe and comfortable.
You would:
Check the carriages are clean before the start of a journey
Make sure equipment, doors and controls are working properly
Walk through carriages during the journey, checking 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 such as a passenger falling ill
Write reports on any delays or issues that occur
It would be important to have a good understanding of rail regulations, safety procedures, fares and timetables.
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
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Transport
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- recalling
- taking initiative
- respecting
- observation
- verbal communication
- listening
- supporting
- cooperating
- resilience
- positive attitude
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Skills for Work: Retailing
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Skills for Work: Travel and Tourism
There are no formal qualifications required to enter this role but some employers may ask for qualifications at SCQF level 4/5. Most employers value a good general education. A satisfactory standard of English is important, together with confident money-handling skills.
Qualifications that show helping customers, cash handling, health and safety awareness and physical fitness such as Skills for Work Travel and Tourism (SCQF level 4/5) or Uniformed and Emergency Services (SCQF level 4).
Communication and language qualifications may also be helpful such as SQA Modern Languages for Life & Work Award (SCQF level 3/4).
Before entering the job you will need to pass:
an interview at an assessment centre
a medical examination to check fitness, eyesight, colour vision, hearing and any alcohol or drugs use
Once you start work you could be tested for drugs or alcohol at any time.
You may need to be approved for membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme run by Disclosure Scotland.
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