MORE than 22,000 people applied for 100 train driver jobs in just two weeks.

A ScotRail recruitment drive launched a fortnight ago to find new drivers was inundated with applicants, with around 220 people chasing each post on offer.

Around 8,000 people applied during the first week, but the figure more than doubled during the second week of the job hunt as news of the posts spread through the media.

Following the closure of recruitment drive on Wednesday, ScotTail said that the final number of applications for driver vacancies was 22,135.

Train drivers start on a salary of £24,559, but this rises to more than £40,000 once a probationary period is completed.

Rob Shorthouse, client and communications director, said: “This is an extraordinary number of applicants. It is not just a sign that people want to work for us - it is a clear statement that thousands of people want to be a part of the transformation of our railway in the next few years.

“We obviously have a big job on our hands to work through all of these applications. That work is well underway and we will be contacting successful applicants in the coming weeks.”

ScotRail is recruiting the trainee train drivers for depots including Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Gourock, Inverness, Perth and Stirling.

During their first year of training, they will be paid £24,559, which will gradually rise to £43,212.

The company launched the recruitment drive as part of its plans to expand timetables and roll out faster, bigger and greener trains.

Phil Verster, managing director of the ScotRail Alliance, previously said: "These new roles present a great opportunity for those looking to embark on an exciting new career in the railway.

"Supporting the people of Scotland and the country's economy is very important to us.

"Our staff are our biggest asset and we're looking forward to welcoming a further batch of driver recruits to ScotRail."

After the initial sift, successful applicants undertake the first part of a psychometric test, followed by an interview.

Those selected then undergo the second part of the psychometric test, followed by a medical exam.

New recruits will be put on a one-year training programme which consists of a mix of classroom-based learning, route learning and at least 265 hours of supervised driving.

Following training, drivers have a three-week period of driving exams and will be issued with a train driving licence if they pass.