You could do a college course like a Level 2 Certificate in Customer Service, which would teach you some of the general skills you need. This may help when you apply for jobs.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

You may be able to get into this career by completing a passenger transport onboard and station team member intermediate apprenticeship with a train operating company.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

You may be able to move into this job after first working as a member of the platform or ticketing staff at a train station.

There are no set entry qualifications if you want to apply directly to train operating companies, although employers will expect you to have a good standard of English and maths.

If selected for interview, companies will usually test you on your maths, communication, and customer service skills.

You'll need:

• customer service skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• knowledge of transport methods, costs and benefits
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• knowledge of public safety and security
• the ability to work on your own
• the ability to work well with others
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You'll need to:

• pass a medical check
• be screened for drugs and alcohol

On a typical day you may:

• check the carriages are clean before the start of a journey
• make sure equipment, doors and controls are working properly
• greet customers and create a welcoming atmosphere
• walk through carriages during the journey to check tickets and travel documents
• answer passengers' questions about routes, arrival times and connections
• make announcements over the public address system
• make sure passengers get on and off the train safely
• deal with unexpected delays or emergencies, for example a passenger falling ill

You could work on a station platform or from a vehicle.

Your working environment may be crowded, cramped and outdoors some of the time.

You may need to wear a uniform.