The Role
Operate and control depot shunting and stabling activities safely and in line with local rules. Perform PICOS/Designated Person/PIC duties, couple/uncouple and reform trains, assist with servicing tasks (CET, tanking, cleaning, replenishing consumables), develop stabling plans, report safety incidents, and follow leadership instructions.
Summary Generated by Built In
WM Trains delivers around 1,300 train journeys a day, for more than 60 million passengers a year, across our two brands - London Northwestern Railways & West Midlands Railways.
We are committed to delivering a safe and reliable train service, by investing in our fleet of trains, stations and employees. As part of this, we are looking to recruit a Shunter on a full-time, permanent basis, based in Bletchley.
You will ensure that all shunting and CET activities are carried in accordance with the appropriate instructions and specifications in a safe, timely and efficient manner.
We are committed to delivering a safe and reliable train service, by investing in our fleet of trains, stations and employees. As part of this, we are looking to recruit a Shunter on a full-time, permanent basis, based in Bletchley.
You will ensure that all shunting and CET activities are carried in accordance with the appropriate instructions and specifications in a safe, timely and efficient manner.
Key Responsibilities
- Liaise with relevant persons in charge and signal box for control of movements as defined in the Depot Operating Procedures
- Marshall, and authorise coupling/uncoupling of units as required.
- Record the number and position of units as appropriate and keep the Status Board current.
- Control and reporting of the arrival and departure of trains to depot and liaise with relevant staff.
- Notification of apparent defects via appropriate reporting system.
- Maintain and compile records & logs
- Winterisation of hand points around the sidings and assist around the depot as required
- Control of appropriate depot systems in accordance with the Depot Protection procedures
- Be the contact point for Network Rail, trains operations staff, contractors and visitors to operational areas.
- Conduct other activities to include maintaining of tail lamps and painting of point’s levers. Walkway edges in sidings.
- Be trained in First aid at work; carry out regular audits of First aid boxes. Ensure own safety and that of others at all times.
- Cover other locations i.e. Camden, Northampton after formal training given on locations.
- Drive company vehicles, if licence held, on a voluntary basis.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- Pass out on Rules and Regulations
- Track Safety
- Depot Protection systems and procedures
- COSHH regulations and handling
To ensure continuity and an effective delivery of service, successful candidates will be required to commit to a minimum 14-month period in role after achieving competence. This also includes existing colleagues who move by internal promotions and transfers. This time allows our future colleagues to support personal career development by allowing time to build strong knowledge and expertise.
Benefits
- A defined benefit pension from day 1 – one of the best in the UK.
- Free travel on all London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands Railway services for you, your spouse/partner, and dependents.
- 75% off all other train operating companies for you, your spouse/partner, and dependents.
- 8 Friends and Family Day passes to gift per annum on our network.
- A 24/7 Virtual GP service for you and your household.
- Our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)- A confidential employee benefit that supports you with personal or work-related issues affecting your home life, work life, health, or wellbeing
- Our cycle to work scheme with Evans Cycles.
- A retail discount portal- offering savings, discounts and cashback at over 800 retailers and restaurants.
About
London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands Railway operate rail services across the Midlands, the Northwest and London, with Birmingham at the heart of our network. West Midlands Railway provides most of the local services across the region, offering direct connections to towns and cities including Redditch, Stratford‑upon‑Avon, Worcester, Hereford, Shrewsbury, Telford and Northampton. Our London Northwestern Railway brand serves the route between London and Liverpool via key locations such as Crewe, Birmingham, Milton Keynes and Northampton. On 1st February 2026, London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands Railway entered public ownership and both services are now part of WM Trains Limited operated by DFTO. Our mission remains unchanged: to provide a safe, comfortable and reliable service for passengers across 235 miles of track and 150 stations, from London to Liverpool and Hereford to Lichfield. We expect over 80 million journeys to be made this year, that’s more than 1,252 services every day, and we remain committed to delivering the rail experience our passengers expect.
Skills Required
- Completion of required shunting competencies (PICOS, Designated Person, PIC)
- Competence in coupling, uncoupling and reformation per Industry Group Standards and Depot Operating Instructions
- Ability to conduct traction movements safely and comply with local rules, regulations and depot procedures
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, able to engage confidently at all levels
- Ability to work independently, use initiative in a dynamic operational environment and commit to a minimum 14-month period in role after achieving competence
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The Company
What We Do
WM Trains Limited, operating as West Midlands Trains, is a British state-owned train operating company. It runs commuter and local services across the West Midlands and on the West Coast Main Line, connecting London, the Midlands, and the North West.
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