Teenagers may qualify as prepare drivers to ease staffing shortages

Teenagers could soon be taking the wheel across Britain’s railways by qualifying as train drivers, as the government has announced plans to lower the minimum age.

Ministers are keen to attract young train drivers into the cab in a bid to tackle the UK’s widespread railway staffing crisis and ‘build resilience’ in the sector.

Under the new apprenticeships, school leavers could be transporting passengers from as early as this summer, while earning up to £60,000 per year. 

The Department for Transport says the proposals should help provide a more reliable rail service when staff are sick or on annual leave.

Rail Minister, Huw Merriman, said: ‘We want to open the door for young people considering transport as a career, and this proposal could give school-leavers a clear path into the sector. 

‘By boosting age diversity in the sector and attracting more drivers, we can help support reliable services while creating opportunities for more young people.’

The Department for Transport says the proposals should help provide a more reliable rail service when staff are sick or on annual leave (stock)

MP Huw Merriman (pictured) said the DfT wanted to open the door for young people considering a career in the sector 

On London Underground trains the minimum driving age is already 18, but despite this, the number of people entering into the industry ‘remains relatively low’.

The average age of a train driver is currently 48 and the workforce is projected to shrink as more train drivers retire.

Andy Bagnall, Chief Executive of Rail Partners said the proposals would have a ‘positive impact’ on encouraging more young people into the sector.

Ministers are keen to attract young train drivers into the cab in a bid to tackle the UK’s widespread railway staffing crisis and ‘build resilience’ in the sector (stock)

He said: ‘Taking forward these proposals would meet a long-standing aspiration for the industry which would have a positive impact on getting more young people into the railway. 

‘With driver shortages and an ageing workforce, it is critical to secure the skills we need for the long-term to help improve reliability for the customer. 

‘By lowering minimum age requirements for train drivers, working on the railways should be seen as a more attractive career choice for school leaders, including those from diverse backgrounds.’