Train drivers
What do they do?
VR Ltd currently employs almost 1900 train drivers, who are based in about 30 locations around the rail network.
The work of a train driver mainly involves driving passenger and freight trains. Drivers also assemble trains in marshalling yards and drive trains for service at maintenance depots. They also have various supervisory and planning duties.
What are the requirements?
Training lasts about nine months and consists of three phases: initial training, theory and on-the-job training. Courses are held at the VR Training Centre in Pasila, Helsinki and in genuine work surroundings. At the end of the course, students have to give an acceptable skills demonstration.
The work of train drivers is responsible and independent. They have to drive trains safely, economically and on schedule. Train drivers usually work on their own, but they also need good social skills. Teamwork skills are particularly important in marshalling yards and at maintenance depots. A train driver’s work is also customer service.
Train drivers work irregular shifts, and night work accounts for about a third of the work. The length of the shifts varies considerably.
What is the application process?
About 100 students are chosen each year for train driver training. Application for courses is normally in January-February and August-September. More details about available jobs are given in the Job vacancies (in Finnish) section.
The basic requirements are a minimum age of 18 years and the ability to speak fluent Finnish. Suitable basic education is a vocational qualification preferably in a technical subject or high school graduation. Work experience especially in the transport sector is considered an advantage. The information on the application forms is used to select some of the applicants for interviews and some of these are then chosen for aptitude tests.
Particular emphasis is laid not just on previous education but also on the applicant’s mental qualities. Drivers need to have sharp senses in their work. Good eyesight, colour vision and hearing are particularly important. Applicants must also be in good general health.
The course is free and includes the teaching and the materials. Students receive a free VR rail pass for journeys between their home and the place of study. Students are entitled to study grants from Kela, the Social Insurance Institution.
What are the opportunities?
All those who successfully complete the training obtain a permanent position with VR at the location mentioned in the job vacancy announcement. VR gives the opportunity to develop into a highly skilled professional in the work of a train driver. As they gain experience and knowhow, drivers can apply for duties for example as consultants or work supervisors.
VR Ltd currently employs almost 1900 train drivers, who are based in about 30 locations around the rail network.
The work of a train driver mainly involves driving passenger and freight trains. Drivers also assemble trains in marshalling yards and drive trains for service at maintenance depots. They also have various supervisory and planning duties.
What are the requirements?
Training lasts about nine months and consists of three phases: initial training, theory and on-the-job training. Courses are held at the VR Training Centre in Pasila, Helsinki and in genuine work surroundings. At the end of the course, students have to give an acceptable skills demonstration.
The work of train drivers is responsible and independent. They have to drive trains safely, economically and on schedule. Train drivers usually work on their own, but they also need good social skills. Teamwork skills are particularly important in marshalling yards and at maintenance depots. A train driver’s work is also customer service.
Train drivers work irregular shifts, and night work accounts for about a third of the work. The length of the shifts varies considerably.
What is the application process?
About 100 students are chosen each year for train driver training. Application for courses is normally in January-February and August-September. More details about available jobs are given in the Job vacancies (in Finnish) section.
The basic requirements are a minimum age of 18 years and the ability to speak fluent Finnish. Suitable basic education is a vocational qualification preferably in a technical subject or high school graduation. Work experience especially in the transport sector is considered an advantage. The information on the application forms is used to select some of the applicants for interviews and some of these are then chosen for aptitude tests.
Particular emphasis is laid not just on previous education but also on the applicant’s mental qualities. Drivers need to have sharp senses in their work. Good eyesight, colour vision and hearing are particularly important. Applicants must also be in good general health.
The course is free and includes the teaching and the materials. Students receive a free VR rail pass for journeys between their home and the place of study. Students are entitled to study grants from Kela, the Social Insurance Institution.
What are the opportunities?
All those who successfully complete the training obtain a permanent position with VR at the location mentioned in the job vacancy announcement. VR gives the opportunity to develop into a highly skilled professional in the work of a train driver. As they gain experience and knowhow, drivers can apply for duties for example as consultants or work supervisors.