Transition from the Armed Forces into a Railway Career
From military operations to rail operations
Structured support, real recruitment insight, and proven preparation to help you succeed in rail.
Leaving the Armed Forces can be a significant transition, but many of the skills developed during Service are highly valued within the railway industry. Discipline, following procedures, situational awareness, and the ability to operate safely under pressure are all directly aligned with safety-critical rail roles.
At Train Driver Foundation, we specialise in helping Service Leavers understand how to translate their experience into a successful civilian railway career.
✅ Effective preparation ✅ Structured CPD ✅ Transferable skills
Financial Support for Service Leavers
Funding is available for Service Leavers (SL) through the Standard Learning Credit (SLC) scheme. This scheme provides financial support to Service Personnel throughout their career, enabling participation in a range of structured learning activities designed to support personal and professional development. Eligible personnel can claim up to £175 per financial year, covering up to 80% of course costs, for approved learning purposes.
SLC funding can be used towards all our Level 2 and Level 3 CPD courses, supporting the development of knowledge, skills, and behaviours that are relevant to both current duties and future career aspirations.
While most applications require a demonstrable benefit to the Service, this requirement does not apply during the resettlement period (typically the final two years of service), where the focus shifts to preparing for civilian employment.
Completing a CPD course supports your transition by:
- Developing industry-specific knowledge of railway operations and safety principles
- Demonstrating motivation, commitment, and proactive preparation to potential employers
- Helping you translate military experience into relevant civilian competencies
- Strengthening your ability to perform at application, assessment, and interview stages
👉 Download pre-filled SLC application form below to get started.
Our CPD courses
Our courses are structured professional development programmes designed to prepare candidates for safety-critical railway careers. Developed around current industry expectations, they provide the technical awareness, operational understanding and disciplined study approach required before entering formal train operator recruitment and training. We provide recognised independent CPD compatible with global CPD principles.
Train Driving - Pre Employment Training (PET) - Level 3 (CPD 40 Hours)
Industry-leading pre-employment training course for aspiring trainee train drivers or those already in the industry looking to change role.
Introduction to Personal Track Safety (PTS) - Level 2 (CPD 15 Hours)
Essential course for working safely on or near the railway. Learn the fundamentals of personal track safety.
Introduction to Traction and Rolling Stock - Level 2 (CPD 15 Hours)
Learn the fundamentals of train systems and operations. Perfect foundation for aspiring train drivers.
Introduction to Train Driving - Level 2 (CPD 15 Hours)
Introduction to the principles and practices of train driving. Build your knowledge before applying.
Train Driver Pre-Employment Training (PET) – Level 3 Standard (CPD 40 Hours)
The ONLY credible pre-employment training course for aspiring trainee train drivers in the UK. This industry-first qualification demonstrates to employers that you have:
- The motivation and commitment to succeed
- Ability to study at the required technical level
- Understanding of railway operations and safety
- Reduced retraining risk for employers
Student success stories
Ready to boost your career?
Join thousands of successful students who have enhanced their applications with our industry-recognised courses
Contact Us
trainingteam@traindriverfoundation
Membership Number: 022446