ON BOARD
Our On Board teams work across our network, putting customers first in all they do. These teams are made up of Customer Hosts, Train Managers and Conductors. They work out of various stations across the region, including London Paddington, Bristol Temple Meads, Exeter St Davids, Plymouth, Penzance and Swansea.
What ties all these roles together is their face-to-face interaction with customers during the journey. No two days are ever the same – which makes for work that’s as satisfying as it is challenging. And whether working on long distance or commuter services, safety and service is always a priority.
As a member of this team you’ll work shifts, including weekends and bank holidays. You’ll need to be 18 years of age due to the Safety Critical work involved.
Our Train Managers and Conductors need to be confident and utterly focused on providing an impeccable service to First Great Western customers. So if you’re to join us in these roles you must have a high level of initiative, resilience and attention to detail.
You’ll be working on busy train services – and often the driver will be your only other colleague on the train. With this in mind, you’ll need the ability to manage a wide range of situations from service disruptions to emergency situations. Of course, we’ll provide you with extensive training. But you’ll need the capacity to develop the knowledge you learn and apply it in real life.
Ultimately, you’re responsible for the quality of service we provide on board trains, for the safety of customers, and for ensuring that everything possible is done to ensure the punctuality of trains. You’re also there to make sure everyone on board has the right tickets or passes for their journeys. Doing all of this well takes a smart, positive and friendly attitude.
It’s crucial that you’ve experience of working in a demanding retail or customer service environment. And because trains run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, you’ll need the flexibility to work a variety of shifts.
Customer Hosts work aboard our trains in both First and Standard Class; delivering the highest standards of service and safety to the customer throughout their journey. As a host, you might cover any of four roles: working at the buffet, offering a First Class trolley service, providing an at-seat restaurant service or performing a variety of tasks as a support host.
If you’re to fit into the team, you’ll need a commitment to safety, great communication skills and a real understanding of the needs of your customers and your colleagues. You’ll be fully trained in a variety of safety and emergency procedures, and briefed on important topics including Food Safety and Hygiene. As a result, it’s important that you’re a keen learner with a flexible approach.