A day in the life of a train driver

• Lesson Up
• Special Education

A day in the life of a train driver

Do you remember which jobs we have explored in our Employment lessons this term?

Train Driver

A train driver safely operates trains to transport people or goods. They follow signals, keep to timetables, check the train before each journey, and stay focused while driving. 

Train drivers work with other railway staff to keep passengers safe and trains running on time. This job requires good concentration, responsibility, and the ability to stay calm under pressure.

Before watching

Listen out for these facts:

- How long did it take her to become a train driver?

- Who does Charlotte drive the train with first?

- What skills do you need?

- What does Charlotte say is a challenge for her for this job?

After you have studied the rules about train driving, who do you drive a train with first?

1. A friend
2. Nobody
3. An instructor
4. A stranger

How long does it take to learn to be a train driver?

1. One week
2. One month
3. 1 year
4. 5 years

Charlotte describes the skills needed for this job, what are they?

1. Working outdoors
2. Being strong
3. Social skills
4. Multi-tasking

Multi-tasking

Multitasking means doing more than one task at the same time or switching between different tasks. It involves staying organised, managing your time, and keeping focused so that all the tasks are completed safely and correctly.

Which brain do you have?

Everyone's brain is different! Some people find it easier and more enjoyable to just focus on one task (single-tasking). Whereas others can focus on more than one thing at once (multi-tasking). Which one do you think you are?

Multi task jobs

Single task jobs

Shift Work

In the video, Charlotte talks about shift work. This means sometimes she will be doing a day shift (working in the day) and sometimes she will do a night shift (working through the night). 

Shift work - is it for you?

If you are a good sleeper, shift work could be a good option for you in the future. If you have a night shift, this means you will be working through the night, so would need to sleep during the day.

Which of these jobs do you think involves shift work - working both days and nights.

1. Security Guard
2. Teacher
3. Zoo keeper
4. Tree surgeon

Which of these jobs do you think involves shift work - working both days and nights.

1. Train driver
2. Lorry driver
3. Police officer
4. All of these

Do you think train driving is a job that suits you? Why or why not?