Engine Driver: It’s time to move to the front of the train.
As an engine driver, you’re an important part of something very big: When you work for SBB’s Passenger Division, you help us move some 458 million travellers every year. After completing our secondary training programme, which runs for 14-16 months, your job will take you along the most beautiful rail routes in Switzerland. You’ll always be on the move, but you’ll never be alone, and your working day will be as varied as your working hours and the different types of trains you operate.
The complexity of rail operations and the interplay between humans and technology never ceases to fascinate me, day after day.
ThomasErdin
Head of locomotive crew, likes tinkering with cars as a hobby.
Taking on responsibility.
Safety, punctuality, reliability and quality all play a key role on Switzerland’s busy rail network. As an engine driver, you don’t only take over the front of the train; you also take on responsibility for the train and everyone travelling on it. You don’t just transport people, you also keep Switzerland moving.
You monitor instruments and displays while at the same time keeping a close eye on the route ahead, the timetable and the weather. As you proceed on your journey, you react quickly and appropriately to signals, speed limits and any unforeseeable events that might occur. In this manner, you ensure safety, quality and punctuality. You act independently but also maintain contact with train-control centres at all times.
The high level of autonomy and the advantages of working shifts encouraged me to change jobs
SabineLang
Career changer and engine driver since 2018.
New technologies will change engine driving as a career, but it will still be a career with a future. Engine drivers must be interested in modern mobility and will undergo continuous technical training.
ClaudioPellettieri
Head of Train Driving and Shunting.
How to start your career.
Several training courses begin every year in different locations in Switzerland. After successfully completing your training, where possible, you will be given a job in the same region.
Depending on the location and skills required, the training takes 14 to 16 months. During the training period, you will be employed by SBB and receive a wage. You will sit a theory and practical competency exam set by the Federal Office of Transport at the end of the course.
As a budding engine driver, you will be an independent, conscientious and balanced individual with quick reactions.
You will also meet the following requirements:
You will have passed a three-year VET programme or your school-leaving examCompleted professional training, “Abitur”, “Baccalauréat” or similar (applicants from outside the EU will need a VET programme of at least three years’ duration recognised in Switzerland or a degree from a university or other higher education institution). For information on the equivalence of certificates of professional qualifications from abroad, visit sbfi.admin.ch., or for degrees from abroad visit swissuniversities.ch..
You will be diligent, reliable and happy to work shifts round the clock in this challenging profession.
You will be physically and mentally strong and able to react quickly and correctly thanks to your independent way of working.
You will have both written and oral fluency in the language spoken at your workplace and have knowledge of a second national language (A1 level).
You have perfect colour vision (no red / green colour blindness).
We recommend that you come to a fact-finding event about the profession. Then apply for a vacancy in good time online. The application process takes three to five months and involves psychological and medical fitness tests, among other things.
As an engine driver, you will have various opportunities for further training. You may also be able to relocate or develop a career in management, training or planning.
Qualified engine drivers can also sit the examination for the Federal PET Diploma. 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.
We support and promote the personal work-life balance of our employees. You will have the chance to work part-time after you finish your training.
Our ultramodern trains are state of the art in terms of their design, ride comfort and technology. The variety of our train fleet makes your job exciting and interesting, and as you travel on all our varied routes, you help us keep Switzerland on the move.
Remuneration system.
We pay competitive salaries. Our remuneration system takes into account the requirements for a given position, rewards individual performance and creates transparency. As the first company in Switzerland, we were recently awarded the "Excellence in Fair Compensation" label in recognition of our achievements in this regard.
Your salary during training.
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.
Extra pay.
Up to CHF 250 for night and Sunday work, depending on the shift plan (Hourly rate for night work: CHF 6 / hourly Sunday rate: CHF 16)
Flat-rate subsistance allowance: CHF 19 per day
Child benefit: CHF 320 for the first child (CHF 205 for each additional child) and other SBB benefits
Individual salaries will be fixed as part of the employment contract following our remuneration system which forms part of the collective agreement. Find out more about your salary after training at a career information event.
Special offers for SBB employees.
Our employees benefit from attractive discounts with companies throughout Switzerland – that includes everything from insurance through to language courses and electronic devices.
GA travelcard.
Our employees are issued a 2nd class GA travelcard – the only requirement is that they work at least 50% of full-time working hours and have been employed at SBB for more than a year. Our staff also benefit from discounted rail journeys abroad.
As an engine driver, challenging tasks, stimulating activities and numerous opportunities for further professional development await you. Here you can achieve big things, contribute your ideas and quickly take on responsibility. You’ve invested a lot in yourself – your qualifications and commitment are crucial to our success.
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.
