Train guards, also known as conductors or ticket inspectors, make sure that rail passengers enjoy a safe and comfortable journey while on their train. They work on long distance and cross-country routes, and suburban commuter lines.

Train guards' main duties involve:

• checking the carriages are clean and safe before the start of a journey
• checking equipment, doors and controls are working properly
• walking through carriages en route, checking passenger tickets and travel documents
• answering passengers' questions about routes, arrival times and connections
• making travel announcements over the address system 
• making sure passengers get on and off the train safely
• dealing with unexpected delays or emergencies, for example a passenger falling ill.

Train guards make written reports, detailing any delays or incidents that occur during each journey.

Hours and Environment

As a train guard, you normally work 35 to 37 hours a week. Shifts and overtime are common. This could include weekends, evenings and nights. If you work on a long distance journey, you may have to stay overnight and travel back the following day.

You work from a small office on the train, which normally has a computer terminal, CCTV panel (this is increasingly common) and communications equipment that allows you to speak to the driver.

You wear a company uniform while on duty.

Skills and Interests

To be a train guard, you need:

• excellent customer service skills
• a pleasant manner and smart appearance
• a good understanding of rail regulations, safety procedures, fares and timetables
• some knowledge of railway geography
• a clear speaking voice for making passenger announcements
• the ability to accept responsibility and work without supervision
• the ability to deal professionally with upset or angry passengers
• good numeracy skills for handling cash and payments
• good eyesight, with or without glasses
• normal colour vision
• a willingness to work flexibly.

Entry

You do not need any specific qualifications to become a train guard, but a good general education is helpful together with customer service or retail experience.

The normal way into this job is to apply directly to train operating companies. They often promote existing station staff to these positions, so it may be worth looking at related jobs, such as platform assistant, onboard catering host or retail manager, then work your way up. 

If you are successful in your initial application to a company, they will normally invite you to an assessment centre to take aptitude tests and and have an interview. The tests will cover areas like memory recall, comprehension and concentration skills. You will also have to pass a medical examination covering your fitness levels, eyesight, colour vision and hearing.

Train operating companies have strict policies on drug and alcohol abuse, and they can screen you at any time.

You may be also able to get into this job through an rail transport apprenticeship scheme. Funding for apprenticeships is available for 16-24 year olds and some over-25s. To find out more, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk. For information about apprenticeships in other parts of the UK, see Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

See the Careers in Rail and GoSkills websites (in Further Information) for more details about rail transport careers and contacts for train operating companies.

Training

Once you are working as a trainee guard you will attend sessions in the classroom and on board trains, learning the skills and knowledge needed to work effectively as a guard. Training covers rules and regulations, safety, ticketing, timetables and customer service. It normally lasts up to six months.

Once you are assigned to your routes you can often work towards NVQ/SVQ Level 2 in Rail Transport Operations (Passenger Services). Customer Service qualifications are also relevant.

Opportunities

You can find work with the passenger train operating companies (TOCs), and light rail and metro companies. Some TOCs operate national routes, others run operations at regional and local levels.

Recent reports suggest that there has been a huge increase over the last decade in passenger travel on both commuter and long-distance routes. The demand for train guards is forecast to grow, with more opportunities on the complex, busy networks in and around London and the south-east.

Your opportunities for progression include promotion to senior conductor, revenue protection officer and train manager. You may also be able to transfer to driver training programmes, when vacancies arise.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Train guards usually start on about £12,000 while training.
Once they complete the training period, they can earn between £18,000 and £21,000 a year.
With experience, train guards can earn up to £25,000 a year. 

Overtime payments, allowances and benefits may add value to annual incomes.

Further information

Concorde House
Trinity Park
Solihull
Birmingham
B37 7UQ
Tel: 0121 635 5520