What is a tram driver's salary in the UK and how do I become one? | The Sun

TRAMS are once again considered the way of the future as they are cheap to run, quick, frequent and reliable.

But how much do drivers make, and how can you become one? Here's all you need to know.

What is a tram driver's salary in the UK?

The salary of a tram driver is subject to location and experience.

The average tram driver's salary in the United Kingdom is £25,043 per year.

Entry-level positions usually start at £21,904 per year while most experienced workers make up to £31,840 per year.

According to Transport for London, their average salary for a tram driver is between £44,801 – £48,416.

How do you become a tram driver?

There are no set entry routes to becoming a tram driver.

But you will need to have held a full UK car driving licence for at least a year and be at least 18 years old.

Some companies require a minimum age of 21.

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Experience as a bus, coach or train driver would be useful but is not essential.

Some tram drivers start in different roles within the same organisation before moving into driving positions – such as a tram conductor.

Vacancies are advertised on recruitment and employers' websites.

Social media websites, such as LinkedIn, Twitter or Facebook, are a great way to network, find vacancies and get in contact with possible new employers.

What qualifications do you need to become a tram driver?

While there are no set requirements, some tram operating companies request qualifications.

Some employers will prefer you to have a few GCSEs at grades nine to four (A* to C), particularly in English and math.

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You could also apply to tram operating companies for tram driver training.

If you would like some training, City & Guilds offers a NVQ at level 2 in rail services (tram/light rail vehicle driving). 

Other courses could be available in your area.

Do you get paid while training to become a tram driver?

Trainees normally begin as Conductors and later train to be Drivers.

However, if you wish to go straight into training to become a tram driver, it usually takes between 12 to 24 months.

As a trainee, you are expected to be paid an entry-level salary which ranges from £16,000 to £20,000.

Tram drivers work, on average, 40 hours a week and may have to work evenings, weekends and bank holidays.

Some Tram Drivers go on to take the Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) driving test, enabling them to become Bus or Coach Drivers.

What age do tram drivers retire?

Technically, there is no maximum tram driver age limit for driving trams.

This means you're welcome to continue as long as you wish to subject to passing the medicals.

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However, the average age seems to be between 60 and 65.

Some companies start to discuss having people retire at 65 to help open up more jobs for the younger generations.

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