Train Driver - Training Program

You want to help deliver safe and reliable journeys for millions of passengers across NSW.

Learn all the skills to become a qualified Train Driver while earning a full-time salary.  

In this role 

As a Train Driver, you’ll travel all over Sydney while helping our passengers connect to work, school, and their loved ones safely and on time. It’s a dynamic and rewarding long-term career that carries much responsibility.  

Our one-year, full-time Trainee Train Driver program will help you develop skills and capabilities to become a qualified Train Driver.

You’ll learn how to safely operate a train and manage a variety of work scenarios through a combination of on-the-job and classroom/train simulation training. You’ll also receive ongoing mentoring and support from your dedicated Driver Trainer and experienced team members and get to know others in your training cohort. 

Our Trainee program reflects the work conditions and personal commitment you’ll need to help Sydney Trains run its network 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Your training will include in person at our dedicated training facility and on the job training. Your training schedule will involve travelling to our various depots across the Sydney metropolitan area and include early morning, evenings, weekends and public holidays.

To successfully complete the program, you must participate in all training activities and take on extra home study to prepare for ongoing assessments. 

• Read the Read the Role Description


• Learn all about the role responsibilities, training, locations, shifts and the recruitment process via the Trainee Train Driver candidate information pack


• Watch the one-minute video to glimpse a Day in the life of a Train Driver

It’s important that you review these materials before commencing your application, as you will be assessed on your understanding of the role based on the above materials throughout the recruitment process.

About you

• You’re interested in a long-term career as a Train Driver. 


• You’re prepared to commit to a demanding training schedule which includes assessments and further home study.


• You understand that as a qualified Train Driver, you will be rostered for varying shift start and finish times within a 24-hours a day, seven-day-a-week timetable (including public holidays).  


• You can adapt to different work scenarios, including working independently or as a team. 


• You are resilient, dependable and organised.


• You enjoy problem-solving and a fast pace of work, as you’ll sometimes need to make decisions under pressure. 


• Previous experience working in a safety-focused workplace is highly desirable. 

Who we are 

Transport for NSW provides a safe, integrated, and efficient transport system. We connect people, communities and industry every day.

At Sydney Trains, our rail services keep Sydney moving by putting our customers at the centre of everything we do. We work with our local communities to deliver safe, timely and efficient rail services 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Our trains and network are evolving to meet the needs of our customers now and well into the future. We’re continuing to integrate technological innovations that help us deliver a smarter and more sustainable network.

Join us

Our workforce is as diverse as the community we serve. If you’d like further information on our inclusion and diversity initiatives, visit Transport careers.