17.09.15
ScotRail to take on 100 new drivers
ScotRail has launched a nationwide recruitment drive for an extra 100 drivers needed at several depots across Scotland.
It will be recruiting trainee train drivers at locations including Aberdeen, Ayr, Bathgate, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Gourock, Helensburgh, Inverness, Perth, Stirling and Tweedbank.
They will be paid £24,559 during their first year of “intensive training”, gradually increasing to £43,212 after a probationary period.
Phil Verster, ScotRail Alliance managing director, said: “We’re investing in Scotland’s railways by modernising trains, expanding timetables and adding journey options – and recruiting a large group of new drivers is vital to make these improvements possible.
“We are proud to be supporting local communities and the Scottish economy by creating quality jobs that will make a real impact for customers.”
The train operator said it wants “enthusiastic and reliable” candidates to come forth if they have “excellent” attention spans, experience of safety-critical roles and a “passion” for customer service.
Verster and transport minister Derek Mackay today (17 September) met the company’s existing trainee drivers who are currently going through the qualification process in Edinburgh.
Mackay called the railway staff a “key asset” to investments from the Scottish government into infrastructure and electrification.
He said: “This recruitment campaign will support the delivery of Scottish jobs in the industry and means that we are able to continue to operate a word-class facility in the future.”
Scottish secretary of the Aslef trade union, Kevin Lindsay, welcomed the announcement, calling it a great opportunity for all sections of the community to join the railway.
He added: “As a union, we look forward to continuing our good working relationship with the Scottish government and Abellio as we jointly develop and deliver Scotland’s railways.”
Earlier in September, ScotRail unveiled the first of 40 restored Class 158s set to roll out at the rate of one a month between now and April 2018 on several Scottish routes.
The TOC took on 14 extra workers specifically for the overhaul project, which is turning the 40 trains into ‘go anywhere’ vehicles specifically intended for the ‘scenic railways’ routes.
(Top image c. Alex Drennan)