An on train catering member for Anglia Railways, the principal train operator in East Anglia.

On train catering team member

Answers supplied by Kerri Howard, communications manager for Anglia Railways, the principal train operator in East Anglia, offering fast, frequent and comfortable journeys between Norwich, Ipswich, Colchester and London as well as local services connecting many of the region's smaller towns and villages. Our vision is to be the leading UK train operator, delivering outstanding customer service.

What does the job entail?
A train catering team member is responsible for providing excellent customer service to the passengers while they are travelling on the trains. It is a customer-focussed role and on train team members will be dealing directly with the public on a daily basis.

What skills and qualifications are needed?
You must have good customer service skills, enjoy dealing with people, with a positive, pro-active attitude and good communication skills. Catering experience or a food hygiene certificate is desirable, but not essential as full training is given.

What type of person will fit in?
The type of person who will fit in will be positive and enthusiastic about their work and a friendly and cheerful “people person”. A flexible, adaptable approach is needed as the job involves shift work.

What are the pluses and minuses of the job?
On train team members receive commission on all their food and drink sales and receive free travel for themselves and their family on the Anglia Railways network. Training is usually provided, including basic food hygiene, fire safety, first aid, manual handling, train evacuation and personal track safety courses. Most companies provide a pension scheme and full uniform is provided. The job is varied and is not office based and involves meeting a wide range of people. However, some late nights and early mornings are required as part of the shift pattern.

What opportunities exist for career progression?
There are excellent opportunities for the right person to progress quickly as staff are notified of internal vacancies.

What can I expect to earn?
Starting salaries are around £10,150 increasing after six months with the opportunity to progress to a more senior role. Senior team members have extra responsibilities such as stocktaking and handling cash. Opportunities for career progression are excellent. On train team members can progress to a conductor or a driver after two years and are notified of all internal vacancies.

Any hints on getting a job in this area?
Check the Anglia Railways website for job vacancies at www.angliarailways.co.uk, or contact Emma Page, Human Resources Department, Anglia Railways, St Clare House, Princes Street, Ipswich, IP1 1LY. Vacancies currently exist in Norwich and the job is permanent and full-time (35 hours per week) but part-time opportunities also exist.