Since the beginning of 2014, PKP CARGO has hired as many as 800 people who are currently undergoing train driver training at the company’s expense. In 2015 alone, 300 candidates have already been hired, and the company intends to employ another 200 people by the end of the year. The leader in rail freight transport in Poland announces that such intensive recruitment will continue in the coming years.
– We are not slowing down – next year we will hire another 500 people and invest approximately PLN 20 million in their training. This is not only a matter of filling the generational gap in the train driver profession, but also an element of PKP CARGO’s development. We want to grow both domestically and abroad, taking advantage of the increasingly better environment for the rail business. The implementation of the recently adopted “National Railway Program until 2023” will improve the competitiveness of this type of transport in Poland, giving us an additional boost for development – says Adam Purwin, President of the Management Board of PKP CARGO.
Candidates wishing to start a career as a train driver at PKP CARGO must have at least a secondary education. In addition, good health, a clean criminal record, and availability are required. Future train drivers do not incur any additional costs and are employed at PKP CARGO from the very beginning of their training, receiving a salary. Furthermore, they are guaranteed employment after obtaining full train driver qualifications. A train driver at PKP CARGO can count on four additional days of leave and numerous social benefits. Since the beginning of 2014, approximately 10,000 applications have been submitted to PKP CARGO.
– The huge number of candidates applying to us confirms that there is a renaissance of the train driver profession. Potential new employees see the good prospects of our industry and appreciate the attractive conditions and stability associated with performing this job – adds Adam Purwin.
The recruitment of train drivers is part of a long-term plan to rebuild the railway staff in the Company. Their training is conducted by train driver instructors from PKP CARGO. The full training cycle for a train driver is two-stage and lasts approximately 18 months. The first stage – training for a license – lasts two to three months and does not yet entitle one to operate a locomotive. The second stage of training, ending with the receipt of a train driver’s certificate, lasts about a year and a half and provides full qualifications to operate traction vehicles. Before receiving their qualifications, a train driver spends nearly 2,000 hours in a locomotive cab.
The train driver recruitment program at PKP CARGO has received the patronage of the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy. Recruitment is conducted in cooperation with District Labour Offices. Every year, PKP CARGO allocates PLN 20 million for train driver training. Currently, 4,200 train drivers work at the Company.