Railway station assistants carry out a range of duties on the platform and more generally around the station. These may include dealing with passengers, checking tickets, shunting wagons, loading, unloading and moving luggage and parcels or sweeping the platforms. Specific job titles include gateline assistant, ticket examiner and customer service assistant.

The Work

You could be:

• signalling to the train driver that all passengers are safely on board
• checking tickets at ticket barriers and making sure that automatic ticket barriers are working properly
• operating information boards and making announcements over the public address system
• dealing with customer enquiries and complaints and helping passengers with special requirements
• directing passengers and managing queues
• loading and unloading parcels and freight
• if working in the ticket office, selling tickets and other rail products
• carrying out shunting and train dispatch duties, ensuring trains leave safely and on time
• keeping the platforms, footbridges and waiting shelters well maintained, clean and free from obstructions.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:

• where you work
• the size of the company or organisation you work for
• the demand for the job.

Railway stations assistants receive a training salary of £17,880 a year. Once qualified you can earn between £24,275 and £29,541 a year, depending on the specific role.

There is also free or reduced rail travel for yourself and your immediate family.

Conditions

• You would be based in a large or small station, rail depot or freight yard.
• Your duties might involve working both indoors and outdoors, in all weather.
• You would usually be part of a team, but at times might have to work on your own. Some stations are manned by one person.
• You would work shifts, including early mornings, evenings, nights and weekends. In some cases you might work split shifts.
• You must be physically fit enough to carry out your duties.
• You would wear a uniform provided by your employer.

Getting In

• A good general education is useful, including a reasonable standard in English and maths.
• You would first complete online assessments and if successful, attend an assessment centre. The final stage is an interview.
• Your employer may require you to be 18 years of age or over. If so, this would be due to shift work regulations.
• You could get in through a Modern Apprenticeship in Customer Service with ScotRail. This is an 18-month programme covering many roles including ticket examiner and gateline. There are no formal entry requirements, but National 5 English and Maths is an advantage.
• You would have to pass a medical examination, including drug and alcohol tests.
• Previous customer facing experience may be advantageous.
• You will require a satisfactory criminal record check from Disclosure Scotland to show that you are suitable for this type of course. Contact Disclosure Scotland for details on the type you would need.

The main employer is ScotRail, which runs over 2,300 services every day, and is responsible for nearly 5,000 employees.

Job Outlook Scotland

Job Outlook Scotland and UK

  Scotland

2019

1654

0.2 %

RISE

2024

1657

  United Kingdom

2019

16315

1.8 %

RISE

2024

16604

LMI data powered by EMSI UK

What Does it Take?

You need to have:

• good communication skills
• a strong sense of responsibility
• awareness of health and safety matters
• a smart appearance
• a polite and helpful manner.

You have to be able to:

• work well in a team and alone
• deal with emergencies quickly and calmly
• handle cash and card transactions
• relate to passengers of all ages and backgrounds
• work to set rules and regulations.

Training

• You would normally be given an induction course by your employer, covering topics such as company rules, regulations and services, fares and timetables, health and safety issues, first aid training, emergency procedures and customer care skills.
• Following this, you would train on the job under the supervision of more experienced station assistants.
• During an apprenticeship, you would work towards Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) Customer Service at SCQF Level 5 and a Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Getting On

• With experience and further training, you may gain promotion to posts such as station supervisor or train conductor.
• If you show ability, you may in time be able to move into more general supervisory or management posts, or be recommended for train driver training.

Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.