The OPC has worked with global light rail operators to design recruitment processes that help identify key qualities and Non-Technical Skills (NTS) essential for safe and effective tram driving. A flagship project with Uk’s First Group’s Tram Operations refined their selection process to assess critical attributes like concentration, situational awareness, checking, and commitment to learning required of an outstanding driver.
Andy Wallace, Head of Safety at Tram Operations and London Cableway in the UK, explained, “Tram driving is dynamic and relies very much on ‘line of sight.’ Concentration and vigilance are crucial. Drivers can fall into a ‘look but don’t see’ mindset, expecting proceed signals without actively checking them.” He added, “While Tram signals are system-based, drivers must still actively verify them on approach. A secondary check helps prevent autopilot, ensuring safety through attention to detail.”
Situational awareness is equally key when managing unpredictable pedestrians and track hazards. “With the increased phone and headphone use, drivers must assume pedestrians are unaware of approaching trams and proactively manage risks,” Andy noted. Other hazards, like parked vehicles, delivery scooters, and cyclists, also require constant vigilance.
Assessment Tools to Help Identify the best candidates
To improve recruitment outcomes, Tram Operations integrated two key OPC Assessment tools into their process to identify top candidates:
- The Safe Concentration and Attention Test (SCAAT): A world-leading tool assessing sustained concentration and multitasking ability.
- The Rules Acquisition Aptitude Test (RAAT): Evaluates a candidate’s ability to understand, remember, and follow rules—critical for safe tram operations.
Building a Supportive Safety Culture
Effective tram driving goes beyond recruitment—that’s just the first step. Tram Operations invests heavily in NTS training and continuous development for newly qualified drivers. “We integrate NTS into all key processes, from assessment to incident investigations,” Andy explained. “Our in-house NTS training provides an in-depth understanding of critical NTS through group discussions and practical applications relevant to real-world scenarios.” He added, “NTS also play a crucial role in our incident investigations. Drivers usually know what they should do—the question is why they didn’t do it, which typically comes down to an NTS factor.”
Non-Technical Skills play a crucial role in ongoing performance support. A driver struggling with concentration failed two assessments and had multiple incidents after qualifying. However, after targeted support from an OPC-trained NTS trainer, they returned to solo duties and have remained incident-free. Andrew Benham, a Tram Operations Competency Development Specialist, highlighted the impact: “Embedding NTS in driver training reinforces our safety culture. Great tram driving isn’t just about recruitment—it’s about continuous development and support, ensuring drivers are prepared for unexpected challenges.”
Proven Results
By refining recruitment and integrating NTS training, Tram Operations has significantly improved outcomes. “We’re now selecting higher-calibre candidates who perform better and experience fewer incidents in their first year,” Andy stated. “Technical skills can be trained, but the real challenge is applying NTS to diverse driving scenarios. That’s where embedding NTS across all processes brings real value.”
Ongoing Validation
With the OPC’s support, Tram Operations plans to validate the recruitment process by analysing candidate assessments against training outcomes and actual driving competency. This analysis will help continuous refinement of assessments and role profiles. Furthermore, analysis will also help them to identify the key traits of their top-performing tram drivers.
Dr Stephen Fletcher, Joint CEO at the OPC, emphasised, “By integrating NTS into both selection and ongoing driver development, Tram Operations has created a multi-faceted approach to recruiting and supporting capable drivers. This holistic strategy significantly enhances safety and performance standards, equipping drivers to meet the dynamic challenges of tram operations.”
Contact the OPC’s friendly team to discover how their proven assessment tools and NTS training solutions could help you build a safer, more capable tram driver team.
T: +44 (0)1923 234646
