Southern Trainee Drivers - Victoria & London Bridge

[arthurtwosheds]

Unless already mentioned, I see Southern are advertising again for Trainee Train Drivers for Victoria and London Bridge.

 

[ushawk]

One is also wanted at Barnham. GatEx also want a qualified driver at Victoria.

Conductors also wanted at Selhurst, Brighton (X2) and Horsham.

 

[carriageline]

I see you need a PTS To join them, don't you need a sponsor to get it?

 

[SPADTrap]

Shame you already need to be PTS!

 

[pendolino]

Shame you already need to be PTS!

Is that what the job advert says? I'm not sure that's correct. One of the first parts of the trainee driver course for Southern is PTS, has been for years. If you're interested in the vacancy, it might be worth querying with Southern.

 

[SPADTrap]

Is that what the job advert says? I'm not sure that's correct. One of the first parts of the trainee driver course for Southern is PTS, has been for years. If you're interested in the vacancy, it might be worth querying with Southern.

After reading it through again I think the "mandatory requirements" mean to do the actual job after, not for when applying! I'll apply anyways! I have their number so ill give them a call first.

 

[Vicpaul]

It's not a requirement you will do it on the first two days of training.

 

[carriageline]

Cheers Paul, I did think that, and rules knowledge was a strange requirement, yet I can't see a maximum distance from depot?

 

[Vicpaul]

It was an hour and I don't believe its changed. However I live in bletchley and its not been an issue "yet"

 

[carriageline]

That's fine, I'm within an hour of vic, and slightly over for London bridge so will try for both anyway! Many thanks bud

Jamie

 

[Darksoul27]

Was wondering as I have passed all the tests for FFC if I apply for this position will I be expected to sit all the tests again for Southern?

 

[skizz]

I keep getting a message that says "the opportunity has expired" when getting through the initial questions, anybody else getting this? Then when I go to my applications it's there as incomplete but I can't edit anything. How odd!

edit: all fixed, good luck to all who apply

 

[arthurtwosheds]

When I applied last year for a similar position at the Selhurst depot, I was told that because I don't live within 30mins of the depot they wouldn't let me apply to that particular depot (I live in Islington). However, don't let that stop you applying as you could get lucky if you live further afield.

As mentioned on previous posts within the forum, some TOCs are starting to clamp down on rest periods between shifts and that includes travelling to and from work but please correct me if wrong on this. Perhaps Vicpaul, Beveridges and TDK are the people whom might have more in depth knowledge on this but good luck to all whom apply.

 

[W230]

I see you need a PTS To join them, don't you need a sponsor to get it?

It might mean that the position is conditional to passing your PTS (which is at the beginning of the course). While at training academy we were told about someone who failed their PTS twice after starting. They ended up leaving not long after...

Was wondering as I have passed all the tests for FFC if I apply for this position will I be expected to sit all the tests again for Southern?

You shouldn't be required to sit the ones you've already passed + Southern require. Might be worth mentioning on your application that you already have a assessment pass with another TOC.

 

[Vicpaul]

Was wondering as I have passed all the tests for FFC if I apply for this position will I be expected to sit all the tests again for Southern?

They will run your name on the data base and test you accordingly, however I believe it's mentioned in the application anyway

 

[jonathan1409]

I failed the role play for the platform assistant but even though passed the other assessments i was told to wait six months before applying again by Southern, does this mean i can not apply for other roles such as trainee train driver or conductor? i only live less than 3omin from both victoria and london bridge or even selhurst.

 

[arthurtwosheds]

You should be OK to apply for the trainee train driver position as the six month ban is only for the Platform Assistant position. If in doubt give Southern HR a call (number on their website).

 

[carriageline]

I wonder if you are allowed to apply for both (London Bridge, and Victoria)?
I couldn't see anything saying otherwise, but on the form it asked if you have any other application forms being processed by them.

 

[Vicpaul]

It's odd for them to do it that way. I applied for selhurst but I went to vic one to bridge and two to selhurst. I'd submit just the one

 

[Raffa]

When I applied last year for a similar position at the Selhurst depot, I was told that because I don't live within 30mins of the depot they wouldn't let me apply to that particular depot (I live in Islington). However, don't let that stop you applying as you could get lucky if you live further afield.

I live in Haringey and will try for London Bridge although there is a question 'Do you currently live within a 30 minute commute of the depot you have applied for?'.

By car is about 27 min, by public transport about 50min.

 

[Stuart-h]

Im up in Wellingborough - wouldnt be much of a problem getting in.

 

[387star]

I failed the role play for the platform assistant but even though passed the other assessments i was told to wait six months before applying again by Southern, does this mean i can not apply for other roles such as trainee train driver or conductor? i only live less than 3omin from both victoria and london bridge or even selhurst.

If you didn't pass that you might struggle with this

 

[ushawk]

Im up in Wellingborough - wouldnt be much of a problem getting in.

I highly, highly doubt you could get to any of the depots advertising in 30 minutes.

 

[A-driver]

Im up in Wellingborough - wouldnt be much of a problem getting in.

Worth applying-they can only say no-if you can get in in reasonable time you may be ok. Southern have drivers living all over-Wellingborough is fairly local! Clacton, Ipswich, peterbourgh, Southend, Milton Keynes, reading etc all have southern drivers in residence.

 

[playmore64]

Peterborough! Whoa, I had no idea anyone from P'boro was employed by Southern, must be protected staff, right?

Southern are a very good employer they really go out their way to make you a competent individual, I thoroughly enjoyed my short spell with them and was pretty upset the day I handed my notice...

 

[A-driver]

Peterborough! Whoa, I had no idea anyone from P'boro was employed by Southern, must be protected staff, right?

Southern are a very good employer they really go out their way to make you a competent individual, I thoroughly enjoyed my short spell with them and was pretty upset the day I handed my notice...

Wow-good quote, don't think I have ever heard someone say that about southern before! Infact first time I read it I thought you were being sarcastic!

 

[Vicpaul]

I would have to disagree with that statement but wouldn't openly express the extent here

 

[sarahj]

How can you fail PTS after passing the assesments?

Southern has its ups and downs, like many places.

If your applying for the drivers work, for those depots remember for the first years its all metro work. One driver recently said he was stopping over 150
times a day.

Southern training will never be the same now they have 'allowed' one of the best rail trainers to leave. The welsh one will never be forgotten by so many southern staff.

SJ

 

[Vicpaul]

How can you fail PTS after passing the assesments?

Southern has its ups and downs, like many places.

If your applying for the drivers work, for those depots remember for the first years its all metro work. One driver recently said he was stopping over 150
times a day.

Southern training will never be the same now they have 'allowed' one of the best rail trainers to leave. The welsh one will never be forgotten by so many southern staff.

SJ

You'd be surprised how many people can't do the practical Sid of PTS. Under the new training programme it took one candidate 3 1/2 days to complete PTS which is ridiculous for what you need to know.

 

[carriageline]

What is the practical side mate?

Isnt that where you have to cross a depot or something similar?