What are the benefits of volunteering? Expand To ensure the railway's viability and long term sustainability, it is run as part of the local community, with its day to day function carried out by an army of volunteers. Becoming a volunteer presents you with many opportunities including; meeting new people, gaining worthwhile skills and more importantly knowing that you have helped and supported a not-for-profit charity. Volunteering for a heritage railway results in a real sense of achievement because you are preserving its historical assets and infrastructure for future generations to enjoy. As a volunteer you receive other benefits including a travel & discount card, which enables free travel whilst volunteering along the line and discounts to the tearoom & gift shops.
Who do I speak to regarding volunteering? Expand The railway has a dedicated Volunteer Liaison Officer, John Bruce, who has an extensive knowledge and over 40 years experience of volunteering at the railway. The Volunteer Liaison Officer's role is to guide and support volunteers during the recruitment period and act as a mentor/guide to the existing members.
What roles are available? Expand The NYMR is multi faceted, as a railway operator, tourist attraction and charity. There are many roles available across the various departments including Administration, Education & Archives, Customer Service & Marketing, Catering & Retail, Station Groups, Infrastructure, Operating and Traction & Rolling Stock.
Can I volunteer if I don’t have a railway background? Expand The NYMR is multi faceted, as a railway operator, tourist attraction and charity. Whilst experience and knowledge in train operating and traction & rolling stock is welcome, we also need volunteers to support the various departments along the line in delivering an excellent passenger experience. Why not get involved with our front of house departments which include customer services and catering and retail? Experience is not essential as we have excellent training schemes in place. What we really need are enthusiastic volunteers wanting to join the team, meet new friends and interact with passengers.
How often do I need to volunteer? Expand Many of our volunteers give a day or two each week, others a week per month and others spend their holidays working as a volunteer on the railway. We expect most volunteers to attend at least twice a month (or equivalent) during the season.
If I volunteer, can I bring my family? Expand There are plenty of opportunities that enable families to get involved, including volunteer roles which are not directly linked to operating trains. Many of our younger volunteers sign up to our Junior Volunteers scheme as we try to capture the enthusiasts for the future.
What happens when I apply? Expand Once you have agreed your preferred role, the Volunteer Liaison Officer will arrange for you to start the Induction process with a Welcome Induction in the Learning Centre at Pickering. There, we will take you through the history of the railway, details of the line, what being a volunteer means, our values and general safety. If you are going to be trackside whilst volunteering, we will also arrange for you to complete Personal Track Safety (PTS) training, usually on the same day. The Volunteer Liaison Officer will arrange for you to go to your chosen department for a First Day Briefing, where you will learn everything you need to know. This may take a few weeks to arrange, depending upon the time of year. We will also agree the dates of your first four or five turns with us and after that we will review your progress with you. If we like you and most importantly if you like us, you will become an established volunteer. Note: If you intend to become a member of the footplate crew or to work in the Motive Power Depot (MPD), you will attend a separate induction session at Grosmont. This consists of the Welcome Induction and First Day Briefing all in one go. It is slightly different because of the unique safety risks associated with the MPD.
What happens if I don’t like the role and would prefer to do something different? Expand Advise your department manager or mentor at the review session if you are not happy in your role and they will endeavour to find you something more suitable, after all we really would like to keep you.
Are there any specific health requirements? Expand A reasonable level of health and fitness is required. The precise requirements depend on the roles for which you volunteer. Drivers and firemen, for instance, will need good eyesight, the physical strength to shovel tons of coal on a rocking footplate and the agility to crawl into the bowels of a locomotive whilst preparing it. Signalmen require good hearing and an ability to work alone for long periods whilst maintaining concentration. All new volunteers are required to complete a self-declaration medical form on their volunteer application form. This must be completed honestly.
Uniforms and travel expenses? Expand During your First Day Briefing we will discuss whether you will need to purchase any specific clothing, which is dependent on your role. The railway supplies ties, scarves, name badges and Hi-Viz jackets as necessary. All other items are your responsibility. We will be able to give you details of outlets that sell the correct clothing of good quality and at reasonable prices. Personal expenses, including travel expenses and clothing are not paid.