SLC Operations looks to recruit qualified drivers

SLC OPERATIONS has launched a recruitment campaign to attract qualified train drivers to join the Birmingham-based train operator as the company celebrates its second anniversary and looks to double its team to more than 40.

The company was formed in February 2020 by former Chiltern Railways senior managers Cath Bellamy, Adrian Shooter and Ian Walters, and offers a wide range of services to the rail industry, such as train driver and guard hire, operations training, instructor hire and rail vehicle introduction and acceptance, and rolling stock collection and delivery.

The company is seeking five fully-qualified depot drivers and two fully-qualified main line drivers to be based in the London area, along with seven fully-qualified main line drivers to be based in the West Midlands. The successful candidates will be given the opportunity to develop their careers further, with depot drivers given the chance to train to become main line drivers and already-qualified main line drivers the chance to become driver instructors with the operator. The company is offering salaries of £62,000 for fully-qualified drivers joining them. SLC Operations managing director Cath Bellamy said: “We set out with a vision to become a market leader in the provision of railway operational support and safety-critical training. “Our first two years have been really successful and we are well on the way, with big plans for the future. “The role of the train driver has never been more important and forms a core role in our business. As such, we’re looking not just to fill new vacancies, but also offering people the chance of a rewarding career and self-development within a fast-moving business.”

SLC Operations was awarded its non-passenger operating licence within its first 12 months. In that first year the company operated more than 1000 trains. A passenger operating licence was granted in October 2021, as the company looked to expand its operations.

It also operated The Rail Academy, a specialist train driver training provider, offering driver, train crew and instructor training and route familiarisation services.

Russell Ayre The first of four consecutive weekend closures of the West of England Main Line between Exeter and Plymouth took place on February 5/6, 2022, with the Saturday coinciding with a fourth round FA Cup tie between League One Plymouth Argyle and European Champions Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Work was undertaken at several locations over that weekend, principally at Dawlish and near Tavistock Junction. GB Railfreight 66738 Huddersfield Town hauls a load of fresh ballast destined for the Tavistock Junction worksite, having just passed through Whiteball Tunnel with the 08.28 Westbury to Exeter St Thomas on February, 2022.