The Department for Transport (DfT) has confirmed a change in law affecting UK trains, enabling 18-year-olds in England to apply to become train drivers immediately after receiving their GCSE results. The Labour Party government and the DfT announced the update in a press release, stating: "This change to the law means 18-year-olds can now apply to become train drivers, tackling train driver shortages and helping young people into stable, skilled and well-paid jobs."
New rules in force this summer
The update, from the DfT and Lord Hendy, explains that new rules in force this summer mean 18-year-olds can now apply to become train drivers in England straight after school or college. The rule change opens work and apprenticeship opportunities for young people as part of wider rail reforms to put the next generation in the driving seat of Great British Railways.
The law change tackles train driver shortages while helping young people secure stable, skilled and well-paid jobs.
Industry reaction to the law change
Daniel Mann, Co-Chief Executive Officer at Rail Delivery Group, said: "The railway plays a key role in connecting communities and supporting the economy. Attracting the next generation of talent is essential to its future."
Mann added: "Lowering the minimum age for train drivers is opening up a rewarding career in rail to more young people while helping the industry build the strong and skilled workforce it needs for the years ahead."
He continued: "By bringing in people with a broader range of skills, experiences and perspectives, we can support the long term resilience of the railway and make sure it continues to deliver for passengers."
Union support for the age reduction
Dave Calfe, General Secretary of ASLEF, said: "It’s fantastic to see the legislation now in place for the reduction in the minimum train driver age to 18."
Calfe added: "This will enable the rail industry to recruit the large number of drivers it needs as well as ensuring that the people in the drivers’ cab better reflect the communities we serve."
He concluded: "By widening the goal posts to allow younger candidates to apply as soon as they leave school or college, we open the door to new talent which may otherwise have been lost - helping to make sure our railway is fit for the 21st century."
