Train driver age cut to 18 as 38% in Wales near retirement
School leavers in Wales will be able to apply to become train drivers from the age of 18 from 30 June 2026, under new legislation laid by the UK Government.
The legal minimum age will fall from 20 to 18 in a move ministers say is aimed at tackling skills shortages and opening up new career routes for young people.
The Department for Transport said the change comes at a pivotal time for the rail industry. By 2030, a quarter of all train drivers across Britain are expected to reach retirement age. In Wales, that figure rises to 38%.
The legislation was introduced during National Apprenticeship Week and comes as the government establishes Great British Railways, which will bring track and train together under a single public body.
Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy said: “Lowering the minimum age for train drivers is a significant step forward for young people across Britain. This change will open doors for those wanting to move straight into the workplace, giving a younger generation the chance to build rewarding careers in the railway, whether that’s in freight or passenger services.
“It’s a move that will help secure the future of Great British Railways and the wider rail industry and ensure the workforce reflects the energy, talent and ambition of the next generation.”
Half of train operators are now back in public ownership. Ministers say a younger intake will help support both passenger services and freight operations.
Figures released alongside the announcement show fewer than 4% of train drivers are under 30, 11% are women and less than 13% are from a minority ethnic background.
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said: “With almost a million young people not in education, employment or training, we need to open up new routes into skilled, well-paid careers.
“Lowering the minimum age for train drivers puts young people at the controls – of a train today, and of their own futures tomorrow.
“Apprenticeships like these benefit everyone. Young people gain skills and a foot on the career ladder, while employers gain the fresh talent they need to grow. It’s a great example of what’s possible when government, unions and industry work together.”
Ken Skates, Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales in the Welsh Government, said: “This is great news and will open up opportunities for young people. It opens the door to a rewarding career earlier, giving young people an opportunity to be part of the exciting developments in our railways.”
The Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen, ASLEF, has previously campaigned for the age limit to be reduced.
General secretary Dave Calfe said: “ASLEF has been campaigning for many years to lower the age at which drivers can start training. This decision, to allow people to leave education and become a driver at 18, will increase diversity in the driver’s cab by encouraging more young people from all communities to drive trains on Britain’s railways.
“Because, at the moment, many young people make their career choice at 18 and the industry misses out as the current minimum age is 20. This change will widen the opportunity for the rail industry to recruit the large numbers of train drivers required over the next 5 years.”
The government said the change will also bring Britain in line with countries including Switzerland, Germany and Australia, where younger applicants are already able to begin train driver training.
Check live fuel prices near you before you set off.
Spotted something? Got a story? Email news (@) deeside.com
NEW: Add Deeside.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Latest News
