Lappa Valley Recruiting New Railway Operations Assistant

A well loved railway near St Newlyn East is looking for someone to join the team, and the role includes something many people have imagined doing since childhood.

A Chance To Drive Trains In Cornwall

Lappa Valley is recruiting a full time Railway Operations Assistant. The job includes driving trains across its three narrow gauge railways, following the historic GWR Newquay to Chacewater Branchline. The attraction carries more than 100,000 passengers each year and operates steam, diesel, petrol and battery electric locomotives.

Ben Harding, Operations Director, said: “2025 has been an incredible year for Lappa Valley, with a record numbers of visitors. We’re looking to evolve and expand our team in anticipation of another period of growth.”

📷Lappa Valley Steam Locomotive Ellie pulls a train out from the historic surroundings of the former East Wheal Rose Mine.

What The Role Involves

Ben added: “As well as driving regular services throughout the year, the successful applicant will also help maintain our fleet of 13 locomotives, passenger carriages, various wagons and over 2.5 miles of railway.”

Lappa Valley marked its 50th birthday in 2024 and has invested heavily in recent years, adding a new indoor soft play and café, new railway infrastructure and a brand new train called “City of Truro”. The attraction has also been recognised with several awards, including being named the UK Heritage Railway of the Year 2025 and being listed as one of Cornwall’s top tourist attractions in the Cornwall Tourism Awards for four years running.

A Year Round Job With Training Provided

Ben said: “We’re a small and passionate team, and very lucky to be working with a variety of different locomotives. This is a year-round position, for an established and successful business and although we are looking for someone with experience, we will be providing in-house training too.”

Full job details and how to apply can be found at https://lappavalley.co.uk/work

📷A Railway Operations Assistant at Lappa Valley fills the coal bunker on the Railway’s flagship engine Zebedee.