Train Driver Tops UK's Dream Job List
Digital financial services provider Remitly analysed Google searches for 'how to be a [job]' across more than 140 countries. In the UK, train driver emerged as the most searched dream job, surpassing modern roles like influencer and DJ. This marks a notable shift from 2024, when YouTuber held the top spot.
Why Train Driving Appeals to Brits
Dr Deirdre Hughes, policy adviser and international careers specialist, says the findings offer a striking insight for careers guidance. The shift reflects how quickly perceptions of aspirational jobs can change. Career coach Hannah Salton found the news 'initially surprising' but noted the appeal: 'Many people are feeling burnt out by the corporate world. There's a perceived predictability to a career like train driving, and it's reasonably well paid compared to other jobs in transport that don't require a degree.'
According to Glassdoor, the average annual salary for a train driver in the UK is £56,000, almost £20,000 more than the median UK figure. The role also offers stability in an era of AI disruption, as train driving is one of the professions unlikely to be completely replaced by automation in the near term.
Young Brits Anxious About Future Careers
New research from the King's Trust reveals that over a quarter of 16 to 25-year-olds felt they would fail in life, while 73% of 4,097 respondents were anxious about their future careers and worried about a lack of jobs. This anxiety may explain the appeal of traditional careers like train driving, which offer clear progression and strong salaries without requiring a degree.
Influencer Dream Fades Amid Saturation
While 57% of respondents in a 2023 survey said they would choose to be an influencer if given the chance, Hannah Salton notes that 'the market is seen as saturated, with many aspiring and relatively few making a decent living long-term. People are more aware of the downsides: lack of privacy, scrutiny, trolling.'
Is Train Driving Future-Proof?
Dr Hughes highlights that train driving is typically a 'unionised role with clear progression,' and sustained coverage of pay and industrial disputes has made its pay-to-qualification ratio visible. Hannah Salton is more cautious: 'Automated trains are common on closed systems like the DLR and parts of the Underground, and automation will likely expand. Mainline train driving is further off from automation, so it's not about to disappear, but it's not entirely future-proof.'
How to Become a Train Driver
To become a train driver, apply directly for Trainee Driver positions or Train Driver Apprenticeships advertised by Train Operating Companies (TOCs). Most companies require candidates to be at least 21 years old, with GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics at grade 4 or higher (Grade C or above). Candidates must undergo medical and fitness checks, including vision, hearing, and drug/alcohol screening. Training takes 12 to 18 months, involving theoretical learning, simulator assessments, and monitored driving hours. During training, earnings range from £27,000 to £36,000, increasing with experience.
