Train Driving Age Lowered to 18 in UK to Address Workforce Crisis
The minimum age to operate a train in Britain will be reduced from 20 to 18 starting June 30, the Department for Transport has announced. This significant policy shift comes as the rail industry faces a pressing demographic challenge, with a quarter of current train drivers expected to reach retirement age by 2030.
Addressing an Ageing Workforce
According to official statistics, fewer than one in twenty-five train drivers are currently under the age of thirty. The industry also struggles with diversity, with only one in nine drivers being women and less than thirteen percent coming from ethnic minority backgrounds. The legislative change, which Parliament will consider during National Apprenticeship Week, aims to create a more representative and sustainable workforce for the future.
Government and Industry Support
Rail Minister Lord Hendy emphasised the importance of this move, stating it will "open doors for those wanting to move straight into the workplace" and provide younger generations with opportunities in both freight and passenger services. He added that it will help secure the future of Great British Railways and ensure the workforce reflects the energy, talent and ambition of the next generation.
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden highlighted the broader social benefits, noting that with nearly a million young people not in education, employment, or training, this change creates new pathways into skilled, well-paid careers. "It puts young people at the controls – of a train today, and of their own futures tomorrow," he said.
Aligning with International Standards
The Department for Transport pointed out that this adjustment brings Britain in line with other nations such as Switzerland, Germany, and Australia. It also levels the playing field within the domestic transport sector, where eighteen-year-olds can already drive Tube trains or trams on the Transport for London network or qualify as pilots.
Union Backing for Diversity and Recruitment
Dave Calfe, general secretary of the train drivers' union Aslef, welcomed the decision, stating it will "increase diversity in the driver's cab by encouraging more young people from all communities to drive trains." He explained that many young people make career choices at eighteen, and the previous minimum age of twenty meant the industry was missing out on potential talent. This change is expected to help recruit the large numbers of train drivers needed over the next five years.
The initiative represents a proactive step to revitalise the rail sector, offering school leavers a direct route into a stable railway career while addressing critical workforce shortages and promoting greater inclusion across the industry.
