RAIL operator Northern is looking to recruit as many as 21 new train conductors for its bases across Yorkshire over the next 12 months – and the train operator is urging anyone that finds themselves at a ‘career crossroads’ to apply.

No previous rail industry experience is required as full training is provided through an apprenticeship at Northern’s academy in Leeds city centre.

The roles, which will be based at Doncaster, Leeds, Skipton or York, come with a salary of £29,000 once fully qualified and benefits including free train travel.

Initial training takes 12 weeks and the apprenticeship is complete in 12 months.

Kerry Peters, regional director for Northern, said: “The days when apprenticeships were just for school or college leavers are long gone – but that perception remains and it can be a barrier to more experienced people putting in an application.

“Lots of jobs have transferable skills the rail industry can benefit from, so anyone that fancies taking their career in a completely fresh direction should give it go.”

Recruitment for the first of the 21 positions is already underway, with the deadline for applications on Sunday, September 24.

For more information and details of how to register for job alerts, visit northernrailway.co.uk/careers.