Join us as a volunteer…
All ages and abilities are welcome. Make new friends and learn new skills.
To become a volunteer, complete the form below and our Volunteer team will be in touch. If you want to find out more information about volunteering, email [email protected] or telephone 01978 860979 during office hours.
If you apply to become an active volunteer at Llangollen Railway, you will have an induction in addition to comprehensive training with the department you join. You will also be issued with an identity card that will entitle you to concessionary travel (Terms & Conditions apply).
We understand commitment can vary and you can volunteer as often as you like. The more frequently you volunteer the quicker you will gain the knowledge and experience in the role you wish to undertake.
We look forward to welcoming you as a new volunteer to the Llangollen Railway.
Volunteer Application Form
We have a wide variety of volunteering opportunities available including customer-facing and non-customer-facing roles.
Station Staff
We have various roles available at each of our five stations including booking office staff, platform staff, retail and catering staff.
Station Staff look after each station. Station masters run teams who greet passengers and give them information, keep stations tidy and take part in working parties to maintain and decorate stations.
Guards
The guard is in charge of the train and their role is to ensure the safety of the train and its passengers. They watch signals and all safety aspects. Only the Guard can give the signal for the train to move. Rules must be learned, and regular exams and assessments to be passed. When only one train is running, Guard also operates the Signal Box at the end of the line to run the Locomotive round the train. A dress code operates for this role and you need to undergo a medical.
Travelling Ticket Inspectors
The travelling ticket inspector (TTI) is the person that most passengers meet. The TTI travels on the train, checks tickets, issues tickets where applicable, and advises passengers on all sorts of things. The TTI may also assist the Guard with some other tasks. You need to enjoy working with the public. A uniform is required for this role.
Events and Administration
Event co-ordination and administration takes a lot of time and volunteers are essential when it comes to running our larger events.
During larger events, especially our Santa Specials, we do require additional staff to help check tickets, guide our passengers, man stations and even dress as Elves to help Santa deliver presents.
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General Maintenance
With a wide variety of buildings covering a 10 mile stretch of line, we have many general maintenance tasks to undertake. This could include mending fences, changing locks, gardening, cleaning, plumbing, general labouring and painting.
Heritage Group
Our Heritage Group enhance the appearance of our stations for our visitors from a bygone era. The mix of work is varied from restoration of genuine GWR and railway heritage to the painting of fire buckets. A great opportunity to contribute and learn.
Signalling Department
Signallers operate the Signal Boxes. There are five Signal Boxes, including one with a Level Crossing to operate. The Signaller controls the movement of trains through the Section using a system of tokens, which are linked to the Signal Boxes at each end of the Section. There are Rules and Bell Codes for the token machines to be learnt, and regular exams to be passed.
Steam Locomotive Cleaner, Fireman and Driver
Many people want to be a steam locomotive driver but it is a long, hard slog to get there.
You will start in the Shed, as a cleaner, cleaning the engines before the day’s work and learning how they work. Early starts are necessary by the way! As a cleaner, you will gradually learn how to fire the engine and manage the boiler. There are operational rules to be learned and exams to be passed before you become a fireman.
From here, you may eventually train to be a driver. Yet more exams and regular assessments to be passed. The whole process will take several years and much dedication to the task.
Other Roles
If you cannot work regularly, we run many special events, such as our Santa Specials. Help is always needed for these events.
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Carriage & Wagon Department
Our C&W Department repairs and restores carriages including both interior and exterior renovations. If you have any of the following skills – metalwork, woodwork, welding, electrics, upholstery, painting, we need your help.
Permanent Way (P-Way)
Our P-Way team are responsible for line inspection, maintenance, hedging and fencing. If you enjoy working outdoors, as part of a team, this is a great department for you.
Motive Power Department (MPD)
MPD covers both steam and diesel operations. (For Diesel Group see next page).
There are two sections detailed here, footplate crew and maintenance.
Training to drive a steam locomotive can take many years. Everyone has to start at the bottom which involves cleaning locomotives and helping in the shed. Very early starts are expected as there is a lot to do to prepare the locomotive for the day’s running.
If you are interested in the mechanical side of locomotives you may be interested to learn more by volunteering in MPD assisting with the restoration and maintenance of our locos. Skilled and unskilled volunteers are required engaging in tasks ranging from cleaning and painting to machining and assembly.
Diesel Group
Our Diesel Group operate 3 diesel locomotives at Llangollen and both skilled and unskilled volunteers are welcome.
You can help with the maintenance, and learn how they work, starting as a traction trainee and then becoming a second man before progressing to driver. This also entails learning the operational rules and passing exams.
Heritage Railcar (DMU) Group
Our DMU Group operate 4 DMU’s and both skilled and unskilled volunteers are welcome.
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