To train as a locomotive driver, you must have the following profile:

• You are conscientious, reliable, a team player and willing to work in shifts covering 24 hours, as is required for this demanding work.
• You are physically and mentally resilient and your independent way of working allows you to take correct decisions consciously.  
• You have completed a 3-year vocational apprenticeship or the Matura. Your motivation is more important to us than the industry you come from.
• You have full professional competence in the language of the place of training, both orally and in writing (level B2), and bring knowledge of a second national language (level A1). 
• You are able to use a range of digital tools and applications and willing to continually learn and develop your skills.

We highly recommend coming along to an information event. Find out first hand about the career profile, how the paid 12-month training programme is structured, which requirements must be met and how the application process works. Gain an insight into the working day of a Cargo locomotive driver.

Recorded information event (in German).

No time? Event fully booked? No problem. Watch the recorded event whenever and wherever suits you best.

As a category B100 Cargo locomotive driver, you carry out shunting moves at your base and prepare trains for their journey. This may involve working together in a team with a shunting specialist, but you may also work independently using remote control. Your responsibilities also include preparing the train and performing a technical check of the wagons where required.

Your tasks also include inspecting, coupling and securing locomotives and freight wagons and checking the brakes of freight trains.

You mainly drive on regional routes with diesel locomotives, but, depending on where you work, you may also drive electric units. You drive at a maximum speed of 100km/h, deliver to our customers and ensure loading and unloading of the freight wagons. You make a valuable contribution to quality and punctuality. You are happy to work at different times and like to be outside whatever the weather. You follow the safety provisions and work both independently and in a team.

Training.

• The training lasts 12 months. Theoretical training in German takes place in Olten or Zürich Altstetten. The location of practical experience during and after training will be agreed by arrangement.
• Theoretical training in French takes place in Renens VD. Practical experience during and after your training takes place in Geneva, Yverdon, Denges, St Maurice, Sion or Bienne.
  
• Theoretical training in Italian takes place in Bellinzona. The location of practical experience during and after training will be agreed by arrangement. 
• As far as possible, you will be hired in the region following your further training.

Fancy being in control of over 10,000 horsepower? Then this is just the place for you.

Safety, punctuality, reliability and quality all play a key role on Switzerland’s busy rail network. As a category B Cargo locomotive driver, the freight loads and your driving speeds are virtually unlimited. You don’t just sit at the head of the train – you are also responsible for it.

During the journey you react fast and correctly to signals, speed rules and unpredictable events. You monitor instruments and displays while at the same time keeping a close eye on the route ahead, the timetable and the weather. You act independently but also maintain contact with train-control centres at all times.

Training.

• Theoretical training in German takes place in Olten or Zürich Altstetten. The location of practical experience during and after training will be agreed by arrangement.
• Theoretical training in French takes place in Renens VD. Practical experience during training takes place in Denges or Bienne.
• Theoretical training in Italian takes place in Bellinzona. The location of practical experience during and after training will be agreed by arrangement.
• You will be told where you could work following the further training in your interview.

As a category B locomotive driverLink opens in new window., you can change your base or take the Federal Professional Examination. This examination supplements the licensing by the FOT, which remains a requirement. Passing it will open up more varied opportunities for progression and further development for you.

Both categories also offer the option of a career in management, planning or training.

We support and promote the personal work-life balance of our employees. After training, you have the opportunity to work part-time.

Apply online for a job vacancy. Because of the psychological and medical suitability tests, the application process takes two to three months.

Anyone applying to train as a traffic controller or engine driver must undergo a psychological examination by an approved psychologist. During the psychological examination, an approved psychologist assesses whether the examined person can be declared psychologically fit for the safety-relevant activity.

Remuneration system.

We have a fair and progressive remuneration system. We reward individual performance, take the nature of the job market into account and create transparency. We have also been awarded the We Pay Fair label.

Your gross monthly salary including the thirteen month’s pay depends on age, experience and location. The graphics show the salary scale excluding extra pay.

Salary during training – on the move regionally (category B100).

Your salary after training – on the move regionally (category B100).

Salary during training – on the move across Switzerland (category B).

Salary after training – on the move across Switzerland (category B).

Extra pay.

• Up to CHF 500-800 for night and Sunday work, depending on the shift plan (hourly rate for night work: CHF 6 / hourly, Sunday rate: CHF 16). During training up to CHF 250.
• Child benefit CHF 320 (for each additional child: CHF 215) and further SBB benefits. 
• External food and drink expenses covered.

Individual salaries will be fixed as part of the employment contract following our remuneration system which forms part of the collective agreement. 

Special offers for SBB employees.

Our employees benefit from attractive discounts with companies throughout Switzerland – this includes everything from insurance through to language courses and electronic devices.

GA travelcard.

Our employees receive a 2nd class GA travelcard – the only requirement for this is a level of employment of at least 40 percent and an employment period of more than one year at SBB. Our staff also benefit from discounted rail travel abroad.

Advantages of 24-hour operation.

SBB operates around the clock, which means you’ll be travelling throughout Switzerland on weekdays, weekends and holidays. Irregular working hours are the rule at SBB – but you’ll also benefit from free ski slopes during the week, no longer having to go shopping during peak hours and the ability to structure your free time flexibly.