Young people across the UK will soon be able to start careers as train drivers at 18 instead of waiting until they are 20, as the government takes action to address an impending industry shortage.
The Department for Transport (DfT) has announced that thousands of jobs and apprenticeships will be made available to those aged 18 to 20 as early as December 2025, opening up skilled roles and long-term career opportunities in the rail sector.
The move comes as figures reveal 30% of train drivers are set to reach retirement age by 2029, with the current average driver age standing at 48 and rising.
Officials say driver shortages currently account for 87% of cancellations made the night before a service runs.
Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said: "We're taking bold action to improve train services and unlock thousands of jobs.
"We're committed to getting the economy moving and a big part of that is getting young people into the workforce, putting them on track for a skilled and fulfilling career, which will boost growth across the country and help deliver our Plan for Change.
"We're future-proofing our railways against delays and cancellations caused by a shortage of drivers, ensuring that we can provide reliable, passenger focused train journeys under Great British Railways for decades to come."
The change follows a consultation by the DfT last year, which reportedly received widespread industry support.
Train drivers' union ASLEF has welcomed the announcement. General Secretary Mick Whelan said: "ASLEF has been campaigning for many years for the lowering of the age at which drivers can start training.
"This decision – to allow people to leave school, or college, and join the railway in the driving grade at 18 rather than wait until they're 20 – will increase diversity in the driver's cab by encouraging more people from ethnic minority backgrounds, more LGBT+ people, and more women – as well as more young people – to drive trains on Britain's railways.
"Because, at the moment, young people who want to become train drivers leave school or college at 18, get other jobs, and we miss out as an industry, as they don't wait around until they turn 20 to find a career."
Currently, the profession has less than 9% female representation and less than 12% representation from ethnic minorities. The government hopes that recruiting younger individuals will help diversify the workforce.
Several European countries, including the Netherlands, France, Germany and Switzerland, already allow train drivers to begin training at 18. Transport for London has successfully permitted 18-year-olds to drive underground trains since 2007.
Mark Phillips, CEO at Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB), emphasised the appeal of the profession for young people: "Starting a train driving career could be more appealing at 18 than at 20, as young people can choose it over pursuing a degree or an office job. It is an excellent career choice, offering the opportunity to work independently in a role that carries huge responsibility."
The DfT has stressed that all train drivers, regardless of age, will continue to undergo rigorous training to ensure they are competent, qualified and fit for the role, maintaining railway safety standards.
This initiative forms part of the government's wider railway reform plans, which include the eventual establishment of Great British Railways to bring track and train operations together under unified management.