Hull Trains is showcasing the diverse career opportunities available within the railway industry, highlighted by the inspiring story of Dave Kildea, who transitioned from a military engineering background to become the company’s Driving Simulator Manager.
Kildea, who joined Hull Trains in May 2023, is a prime example of how individuals from various sectors, including the military, can apply their skills to new career paths in the rail industry. With a rich history of service in the Army and RAF, Kildea’s extensive engineering and flying experience has set him up for success in his new role.
“I’ve found that many skills from my military career have been highly transferable,” says Kildea. “Concentration, focus, punctuality, discipline, procedures, and honesty are all crucial elements in military life, and these are just as important for train drivers at Hull Trains.”
Kildea’s military career, spanning from 1985 to 2014, included a diverse range of roles, from working on hovercrafts and helicopters to the Lockheed C-130 Hercules planes. He also served as a Flight Instructor on the Boeing 707. These roles fostered Kildea’s passion for teaching and training, which he would later pursue in the railway industry.
Before joining Hull Trains, Kildea had worked as a train driver with Northern for five and a half years. This led to a role as a Train Driver Instructor at First Transpennine Express, where he operated bi-mode trains. His journey eventually brought him to Hull Trains, where he now manages the company’s state-of-the-art simulator and trains new drivers.
“I work with all types of individuals—some come directly to driver training, others are existing staff looking to transition into driving roles, and some, like me, are switching careers from different industries,” Kildea explains. “Those who understand the demands of shift work and are highly motivated tend to do well. I love the role, and it gives me great pride seeing people develop their careers.”
Hull Trains, which operates services along the East Coast Mainline between Beverley and King’s Cross, has garnered attention for its supportive work culture. The company was recently awarded the ‘Great Place to Work’ title at the National Rail Awards, and Kildea’s experience reflects this. He finds that the size of the company, which allows for close-knit teams, makes it an ideal environment for those seeking a fulfilling career.
“I still occasionally drive the trains to maintain my competence and to cover services when needed,” Kildea says. “It’s a privilege to be involved in training the next generation of drivers and seeing them succeed.”
Hull Trains’ Service Delivery Director, Louise Mendham, commented: “People like Dave are the heartbeat of our organisation. With his impressive background in engineering and teaching, he’s the perfect fit for this role. We’re always looking for people with transferable skills and a passion for a rewarding career in the rail industry.”
Hull Trains continues to welcome applications from individuals interested in pursuing a career in the railway industry, regardless of their previous professional background.
