Career FAQs

The answer to your question may be closer than you think.

It’s only natural that you will have some questions when applying for a new role, which is why we’ve pulled together answers to our most frequently asked career questions.

If you’re looking for your next challenge, then why not have a browse over on our owning company website (Abellio) to see our current vacancies, or to sign up for job alerts?

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Application process

All our vacancies can be found on the Abellio website (parent group). If your preferred career is not currently available, keep an eye out for what we have to offer or register for job alerts so that you never miss an opportunity.

We will keep in contact with you at every stage of your application process. Whether you are cruising through the process and gaining a job offer, or not just quite making the grade at application or interview, we’ll let you know!

Due to the large number of applications we receive, we cannot always provide personal updates on your application. However, our handy guide to the application process may help explain where your application is within the process and what to expect next.

Yes. You can apply for as many vacancies that you have a keen interest in and have the relevant skills and experience for. If you are successful and are offered a position, all other applications will automatically be withdrawn thereafter.

However, if you choose to make multiple applications with us, do bear in mind that many of our roles require a common minimum standard set against certain assessment criteria. If you do not pass the assessment for one application - it may withdraw all applications with the same criteria.

No. There is an opportunity to upload your CV within our online application process, but you are expected to complete all the questions. A CV alone will not be accepted.

The job description is attached to the relevant job vacancy published, which is available to view and download to help you throughout your application process.

We offer careers in everything from Train Crew and Station Staff, Train Care and Maintenance, to office and support roles such as Finance, HR and Marketing. Browse our careers to discover more about working at West Midlands Railway.

No. All our recruitment is done online.

No. Due to us receiving so many applications, we are unable to keep your details on file.

However, you can register for job alerts and be the first to know when the role you're looking for becomes available. You can reapply for the same job role six months after your most recent unsuccessful application.

Please check your email (including SPAM folders) for your message. If you have not received an email, please contact the recruitment team to provide an alternative email address or resend the message to you.

Yes. All roles are offered subject to receiving medical and drug and alcohol clearance. Jobs within the business that are deemed to be safety-critical require a more thorough medical.

No. We don’t look after the tracks. However, if you are interested in this type of role, we suggest that you contact Network Rail .

We offer a competitive salary for all our careers which may vary depending on the role and location, therefore sometimes we cannot publish it within the job vacancy advert.

For some jobs, relevant experience may be useful but we will look at all applicant's skills and experience. Many of our roles come with training, ensuring you understand your role and the rail environment.

Interviews

For most of our roles, the interview is the last stage in the recruitment process. If you are successful, we will call you when the interview panel have reached their decision to make you an offer for the role, or we will send you an email to confirm what the next stage in the process is. If you are unsuccessful, we will email you as soon as we can to let you know.

Work experience and apprenticeships

Depending on business needs we may (at times) offer work experience. When these are available, they will be advertised on our careers page. Whilst we do not run a Graduate Scheme at West Midlands Railway, we do welcome applications from recent graduates to any of the roles advertised.

Yes. We offer apprenticeships in Train driving and Fleet Engineering. The Train Driving apprenticeship can last up to 18 months. We also offer a four-year programme for engineering, designed to give practical on the job training in our Fleet Engineering depots, combined with classroom-based learning that will give you all the underpinning knowledge you need to be successful in your apprenticeship.

Apprenticeships are often advertised in Spring in readiness for the new academic year.

Working at West Midlands Railway

We offer a wealth of rewards and benefits when you join us. Check out our Work Perks to learn about some of the benefits of working at West Midlands Railway.

All our customer-facing careers such as Train Crew and Station Staff are required to wear uniforms, which will be issued to you during your training.

Employees based in our Headquarters are not required to wear a uniform, but smart business wear is encouraged.

West Midlands Railway is an inclusive employer committed to the recruitment and promotion of all on the basis of ability and merit and irrespective of disability, race, gender, health, social class, sexual preference, marital status, nationality, religion, employment status or age. We’ll treat your application fairly and assess you for the job based on merit and skills.

Find out more about equality, diversity and inclusion at West Midlands Railway.

Your wellbeing matters to us which is why we have a wide range of resources available, including:

  • Dedicated Mental Health First Aiders
  • Free 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) providing access to information, advice and counselling.
  • Discounted gym membership
  • Health Cash Plan
  • Free winter flu vaccines
  • Free eye care vouchers.