Website Colas Rail
Colas Rail is a leading provider of Plant & Freight Services
Job Description: Purpose of the Role
We are looking for enthusiastic people to join our team who are interested in training to become a qualified Freight Train Driver to support us in the timely and safe delivery of goods for our customers.
This role will involve attending and completing all aspects of Colas Rail’s Basic Driver training and competency assessment. On successful completion the individual will begin to build and maintain their route knowledge and will have an individual competency plan to support their development.
Where is this Role Located?
This is a UK Mobile role
The role will be based in Eastleigh and is a UK mobile role which will operate across the UK, mainly in the south: Kent, Sussex & Wessex.
We operate a variety of shifts covering both day and night, scheduled on a one month roster with 11 rest days in that period.
Additional Benefits
34 days annual leave
Company issued pool vehicle and fuel card
Key Responsibilities
What will I be doing?
You will undergo training in order to obtain the competencies to become a qualified Freight Train Driver.
Successful completion of elements of Basic Driving Training and Competency Assessment (TO2-203) including:
Train driver rules and regulations
Principles of route learning
Traction training
Introduction to driving (10 initial drives with a Trainer)
Practical train handling
Simulator
Drive and conduct Colas Rail’s operational fleet as directed
Undertake all driving duties in accordance with all Driving Standards and the Rulebook
Ensure any Locomotives you are planned to drive are prepped according to safety standards
Self-organisation skills – Check and follow weekly orders and rosters and communicate any issues in a timely manner
Conduct all pre-start safety checks using designated daily and weekly check lists
Respond to, and if possible, fix service faults and failures
When Driver cannot personally fix machine, they are responsible to help and assist the “Fitter” to repair and fix the machine
Report all service faults and failures immediately both in writing and verbally
Shut down & dispose of locomotives safely
Person Specification
What attributes and skills are we looking for?
Essential
• At least 20 years old
• GCSE’s – English and Maths 4-9 or A*to C
• Basic IT skills for emails, basic Microsoft word and Excel knowledge
• Full clean UK driving licence
• Willing to work nights, days, evenings and weekends including bank holidays
• Willing to lodge away from home, as required
• Be prepared to travel across the UK
• Professionalism – when working with others and alone
• Good organisational skills
• Ability to communicate professionally with customers, management and team
Desirable
• Higher education (A-Level, NVQs, National Diploma, Degree etc.)
• Transferable experience from a relevant technical role e.g. Emergency Services & Military Service, etc.
What We Offer
• Competitive Salary
• 34 days Annual Leave
• Industry leading Life Assurance
• Healthcare Cash Plan
• Wellbeing Employee Assistant Programme
• Pension Scheme
• Eye Care Vouchers
• Long Service Award
• Season Ticket Loan
We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We believe that diversity drives innovation and creativity, and we actively seek to create an environment where everyone feels welcome, heard, valued and respected. Regardless of background, disability, age, race, religion, or gender, everyone is welcome at Colas Rail.
We strive to promote equity and eliminate discrimination, actively seeking to create a workforce reflective of communities we serve. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, offering flexible and inclusive adjustments to the interview process.
As part of a positive action drive to address under-representation we encourage applications from women, ethnically diverse individuals and people with disabilities, along with all candidates who identify with protected characteristic groups under the Equality Act 2010.
We are proudly part of the Disability Confidence Scheme, and as such we operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme if you meet the minimum requirements.
On joining Colas Rail you’ll have access to our growing Employee Network Groups including Railbow (representing the LGBTQ+ community), BeyonDisability (representing those with disabilities) and Cross Culture (representing people from ethnic backgrounds). Everyone is welcome to join our network groups whether you are part of the community or an ally.
Work life balance is important to us; flexible working options are available where feasible and dependant on the role. Please discuss this during the interview process.
Join us in making a positive impact! Apply and be part of a team that values diversity and embraces unique perspectives.

