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Tram driver
Tram drivers take passengers to and from destinations, following a set timetable.
Average salary (a year)
£19000
Starter
£30000
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
39.0 to 41.0 hours
a week
Work Hours
evenings / weekends / bank holidays
on shifts
How to become
Explore the different ways to get into this role
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 for a passenger transport company 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|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
search for courses|/find-a-course
Apprenticeship
You can get into this job through a passenger transport driver intermediate apprenticeship, where you would follow the tram driver option.
This takes a minimum of 12 months to complete.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
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 working in light rail from UK Tram.
What it takes
Find out what skills you’ll use in this role
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
    Knowledge of transport methods, costs and benefits
    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 public safety and security
    To be thorough and pay attention to detail
    The ability to work well with others
    The ability to operate and control equipment
Digital Skills Level
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Related Restrictions
be over 18 years of age
have a full driving licence
pass a medical check
be screened for drugs and alcohol
What you will do
Discover the day-to-day tasks you’ll do in this role
Day to day tasks
As part of your day-to-day duties, you may
carry out equipment checks at the start of your shift, drive the tram along set routes, pick up and drop off passengers at tram stops, keep in radio contact with the control room for up-to-date route information, make passenger announcements on a public address system, write up reports on any incidents that happen during your shift
Working environment
You could work from a vehicle.
You may need to wear a uniform.
Your working environment may be noisy.
Career Path & Progression
Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities
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.
Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
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