ScotRail's youngest ever train driver - at 21

SCOTRAIL’S YOUNGEST EVER TRAIN DRIVER – AT 21

Monday 9 November 2009

Douglas Craddock has become ScotRail’s youngest ever qualified train driver – at 21.

Ironically, his boyhood ambition was to become an airline pilot. And, even before joining the railway, he had spent two years sailing the world…

Douglas joined ScotRail in April 2008 and drove his first train - under the watchful eyes of a driver trainer – in December last year.

He has now passed every stage of training with flying colours and just become a qualified driver.
Douglas said: “The training was intense but it’s amazing how much you take in. Now that I’m out driving by myself, I’m loving it - and the money’s not bad either!”

As a newly qualified driver, he earns more than £27,000 a year and within months will be on more than £31,000.

Educated at Hutchison Grammar School in Glasgow, he had spent two years with the Merchant Navy before deciding it was time for a change.

“I didn’t like being away from home all of the time,” he recalled of his ocean adventures. “So when I saw the trainee driver job advertised, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to take my career in a different direction.

It ticked all the right boxes, including responsibilities. I didn’t let age hold me back and, since joining, have found that people are applying to be trainee drivers aged in their forties and fifties as well as people like myself in their early twenties.”

Chris Kelly, a driver trainer, said Douglas showed 100% commitment during his training, and added: “We hope his success encourages more people to look at the career opportunities open to them in Scotland’s railway.” 

Colleagues are not the only people who are proud of Douglas, who hails from Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire, and is ScotRail’s youngest qualified driver since awarded the franchise. His family and friends are also delighted with his career choice. 

“My family has been really supportive”, said Douglas, who will celebrate his 22nd birthday next month.  “Everyone’s really happy for me - especially my gran!”

Based at Glasgow Central station, Douglas drives trains in Inverclyde as well as on Neilston, Newton and the Cathcart Circle routes.

Media Enquiries
Clare Meikle, ScotRail Communications, 0141 335 5152
Carla Rinaldi, ScotRail Communications, 0141 335 5156
Out of hours – 07738 141 198 / www.firstscotrail.com

Notes to Editors
The minimum legal age for a train driver to drive unaccompanied within the UK is 21 years old

ScotRail on average recruit 76 trainee drivers per year

Currently, 984 drivers are employed by ScotRail  

All vacancies within ScotRail are noted here:

www.scotrail.co.uk/recruitment

Salary Scale