Our volunteers are an integral and vital part of our railway. Volunteers contribute in all areas of what we do, and the opportunities we offer are so varied we can usually find you a suitable role.
Volunteering can benefit your general wellbeing; it enables you to meet new friends, learn new skills, boost your confidence, add to your CV, stay active, and fulfil ambitions the world of employment may not be able to offer.
As an organisation, we know our volunteers keep the trains running and the gates open so we actively try to offer our team as many benefits and incentives as we can – volunteering is a two-way street!
We promise all our volunteers:
- A warm welcome to the Isle of Wight Steam Railway team
- A comprehensive induction and ongoing training
- Fair and respectful treatment, and recognition of your contribution
- You will be fully insured whilst you volunteer with us
- The opportunity to acquire skills and knowledge in all areas of the railway
- We will provide branded clothing where required, as well as all the necessary PPE to make sure you’re safe
- References if you wish to use your volunteering to enhance your CV or apply for further education
Our volunteers have access to:
- Unlimited personal free travel on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway
- A discount of up to 50% on food and drink in our refreshment room, plus free tea and coffee whenever you are volunteering
- A 10% discount in the Railway shop
- Generous discounts on cross-Solent travel
- The Heritage Railway Association’s national discount scheme
- Subsidised social events and excursions
- A range of prize draws and giveaways
- Free accommodation in our well-appointed hostel for volunteers from the mainland
You can find out a little bit more about some of the specific roles on our railway here:
Day in the Life of a Passenger Assistant
Day in the Life of a Guard (Starter Role = Passenger Assistant)
Day in the Life of a Locomotive Workshop Assistant
Day in the Life of a Fireman (Starter Role = Locomotive Cleaner)
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OPENING DAYS + TIMES
Our Havenstreet booking office and station open at 9.30am every day when trains are running…
EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCES
Go on treat yourself, whether you want to be at the coal face with the immersive Footplate Experience or you want absolute luxury…Â
TRAIN RIDES
The Isle of Wight Steam Railway will take you back in time to the heyday of steam, our traditional steam trains…
