stories Stuart Cowan – Freight Train Driver Find your career
What does the role entail?
I am a freight train driver who drives a variety of different locomotives (loco), hauling all types of products around the country for our customers.
Before I start work, I get a briefing on the route and then I check the loco is in good working order by checking the power, brakes and safety systems before driving. Safety is very important in my job and I am trained and assessed on my knowledge of the different routes before I can drive them.
Skills Required:
Listening
Speaking
Adapting
What was your educational pathway?
I left school having completed my GCSEs and went straight to work as a trainee train planner. When I was old enough to work shifts, I went into the operations control and from there to training as a train driver. All the qualifications I have, have come from the railway industry.
I have recently qualified to train “Street to Seat” drivers how to deliver the goods!
What do you love about the role?
The people! You can spend quite a bit of time alone as a train driver so when there is a chance to stop, I love a cup of tea and a chinwag.
Get in touch
If you have any questions about this or any other career within the rail industry, please get in touch with us and a member of our team will be more than happy to anser any questions you might have!
Contact UsWhat do you enjoy doing outside of work?
All types of cycling, mountain biking, cycle touring and trials.