Railway Job Hopping

[Up_Tilt_390]

With Virgin Trains having a RedTrack scheme currently undergoing with applications, I have considered applying for it even though I'm unlikely to get accepted but hey-ho, I can at least learn to practice applications.

Though the scheme doesn't involve anything to do with train driving, some of you may know my ultimate train driver goal, and Virgin themselves would be my ideal choice, though at this point I am not fussy because they only take qualified drivers and also because driver jobs are rare, I'm lucky to get one with any company let alone the "premier" operator.

But let's say I successfully completed this RedTrack scheme, and then after a while a trainee driver job came up for Arriva Trains Northern (as it will be) and I completed the two year probation period where I can then freely transfer to any other companies. Then a qualified driver placement comes up at Virgin should they get the next WCML Franchise and I decide to go for that.

Would my history at leaving one company to get a driver job with another and then coming back to that company for another one just make my loyalties look like they're all over the place, or would they just say "oh it's that guy, I think we'll consider him since we already know what kind of worker he is"? Or would it be something else, do let me know what you think.

Thanks, and here's hoping I can get a successful application at that scheme...

 

[tlionhart]

Virgin do take trainees on but they are usually; very few candidates, RARELY recruited for and it's usually internal.

There isn't a a yes or a no to your answer. I've heard of both sides of the coin to people leap frogging companies. Some will give you the negatives to jumping to another TOC and back and tell you it would be frowned upon. Whereas others may give you a positive experience of doing so and receiving a lovely welcome back.

In my opinion say you held Virgin down for a year then left for ARRIVA and drove for 2yrs (giving you roughly 3yrs-including the trainee training) it would look bad. If you held Virgin for 5yrs, went and come back then it would look better. Could say you missed the brand!

I don't want to come accross as being a dark cloud, but getting into the driving grade is tough enough to even start worrying about how to join a TOC and drive the fast ones to London. Your next focus after getting into a driving cab is to make sure you have a super clean driving record with a reasonable amount of experience. Easier said than done...
(I do know of some who have joined Virgin or XC with the odd operational incident, but it's better to have zilch)

 

[Aivilo]

I very much doubt you will get on internally with virgin as a driver.

As per your first ever post get in with another toc, when you come of age or get near to the age of applying for trainee jobs get those applications in. Gain experience as a driver (you'll never know it all so be open) and then what will be will be.

You really can't timeline this job, it isn't as simple. You could get in with virgin just after your probationary period you could do it 10-15 years later. And as discussed Liverpool will be a very unlikely depot to get

 

[tlionhart]

I'm lucky to get one with any company let alone the "premier" operator

Just wondering, What is 'premier' about working for Virgin?

I know in aviation there use to be a case of everyone wanting to work for a premier airline like BA, however this doesn't tend to be the case anymore. (In aviation)
I don't mean to come accross condescending, but I'm interested to see your view as to why you think working for Virgin is a premier TOC?

 

[Up_Tilt_390]

Just wondering, What is 'premier' about working for Virgin?

I know in aviation there use to be a case of everyone wanting to work for a premier airline like BA, however this doesn't tend to be the case anymore. (In aviation)
I don't mean to come accross condescending, but I'm interested to see your view as to why you think working for Virgin is a premier TOC?

It's not necessarily my opinion, but given that the majority of the time Virgin can realistically expect to get all the drivers they need by transfers, and the rate of pay they give alongside the quality of work, it's probably what makes it the "premier" operator. It sort of sounds more prestige to some people when you say "I'm a train driver for Virgin Trains" than it does "I'm a train driver for Northern Rail". I think brand fame plays a good part in it.

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Just a reminder, this thread isn't about getting into the driver grade, it's whether one company would frown upon an individual leaving and coming back, or embrace it because they've got someone who they know what kind of worker they are wanting to work with them again.

 

[SPADTrap]

It's not necessarily my opinion, but given that the majority of the time Virgin can realistically expect to get all the drivers they need by transfers, and the rate of pay they give alongside the quality of work, it's probably what makes it the "premier" operator. It sort of sounds more prestige to some people when you say "I'm a train driver for Virgin Trains" than it does "I'm a train driver for Northern Rail". I think brand fame plays a good part in it.

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Just a reminder, this thread isn't about getting into the driver grade, it's whether one company would frown upon an individual leaving and coming back, or embrace it because they've got someone who they know what kind of worker they are wanting to work with them again.

Think hard about if it's the job you want cos you'll soon run out of people to tell you're a driver if that's your motivations. Not sure many will care at 3am! You'll soon learn to blend in rather than purposely have your uniform and drivers badge on show when travelling passenger at work. :razz:

 

[CromptonLad]

Is pride really the best 'core incentive' to join an intense job like driving? Okay, finding a company you're happy to work for day in day out is a definite, but in terms of 'bragging rights'..?

 

[Gemz91]

It's not necessarily my opinion, but given that the majority of the time Virgin can realistically expect to get all the drivers they need by transfers, and the rate of pay they give alongside the quality of work, it's probably what makes it the "premier" operator. It sort of sounds more prestige to some people when you say "I'm a train driver for Virgin Trains" than it does "I'm a train driver for Northern Rail". I think brand fame plays a good part in it.

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Just a reminder, this thread isn't about getting into the driver grade, it's whether one company would frown upon an individual leaving and coming back, or embrace it because they've got someone who they know what kind of worker they are wanting to work with them again.

I would say it depends how you are as an employee the first time you're at the first TOC. If you keep your nose clean, known as a hard worker, leave on good terms then I don't see it being a problem. If your known as being a bit of a cow boy and have a bad attitude the first time your at your first TOC then there's no chance.

I'm currently in a similar position to you, left the first TOC I worked for a few years ago but now I'm wanting to go back (in a different grade though). When I left the first time round I left on good terms, felt I had a good reputation with them, and when I saw former managers round I would stop and chat with them, asking how the company was and telling them how I was doing and so on. Now I'm chatting to them about the possibility to return and things so far seem to be going well.

How ever, I know of at least two other people who left at a similar time to me, and I know for a fact that the first TOC wouldn't touch them again, because they had a poor attitude when they worked there and left on poor terms.

I'm not exactly sure what Red Track scheme is, so may be different if your successful in getting onto it. Just remember the railways a small world, I soon learnt ever manager from every TOC seems to know every other manager from every other TOC, so word can soon get round about a bad employee. So long your known as a hard worker and keep your nose clean, I can't see why you'd have a problem of going from TOC A to TOC B back to TOC A.

 

[tiptoptaff]

I'm on a tie-in on my current apprenticeship, I would highly expect there to be a lengthy tie-in to the Red Track scheme if they are going to be paying for you to do a degree...they're not going to want to waste their investment, so don't be surprised if you start working for them and you are "blocked" from transferring during that period of training/tie-in.

Also - although you have a handle, if TOCs somehow knew who you were from this forum, and you have asked a question about hopping companies, don't expect them to take it kindly. They want committed people, not someone they know is thinking about jumping round from job to job

 

[Fred Dinenage]

It sort of sounds more prestige to some people when you say "I'm a train driver for Virgin Trains" than it does "I'm a train driver for Northern Rail". I think brand fame plays a good part in it.

Really? Some people, i.e. Yourself?

Do you wear an ACME train driver's uniform and Richard Branson mask whilst admiring yourself in the mirror?

Toot toot!

 

[Minilad]

Really? Some people, i.e. Yourself?

Do you wear an ACME train driver's uniform and Richard Branson mask whilst admiring yourself in the mirror?

Toot toot!

Don't forget to steer the train!

 

[Johncleesefan]

You should concentrate on just getting the job in the first place. Trying to plan your life out in the railway industry is impossible. The driver job is high profile. Doesn't matter what's behind your cab or whose brand your wear. Terms and conditions should be your focal point if you have a Toc in mind

 

[Up_Tilt_390]

Also - although you have a handle, if TOCs somehow knew who you were from this forum, and you have asked a question about hopping companies, don't expect them to take it kindly. They want committed people, not someone they know is thinking about jumping round from job to job

Therefore I have concluded that it's best to take an alternative approach. I never thought job hopping was particularly good anyway, but honestly I don't know much about working, cause I'm young and have never worked a day in my life.
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Think hard about if it's the job you want cos you'll soon run out of people to tell you're a driver if that's your motivations. Not sure many will care at 3am! You'll soon learn to blend in rather than purposely have your uniform and drivers badge on show when travelling passenger at work. :razz:

Yeah it was more of an explanation of why I labelled Virgin as the "Premier" operator. The speechmarks are kind of there to suggest it's not necessarily my opinion, cause I'd embrace any driver job I was lucky enough to get a hold of. Besides, I think being a driver would be enough for me to brag about, but I'm actually a modest man.
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Is pride really the best 'core incentive' to join an intense job like driving? Okay, finding a company you're happy to work for day in day out is a definite, but in terms of 'bragging rights'..?

Pride is no incentive at all. I am a very modest man and pride isn't exactly something I am filled with.

 

[notadriver]

Yeah it was more of an explanation of why I labelled Virgin as the "Premier" operator. The speechmarks are kind of there to suggest it's not necessarily my opinion, cause I'd embrace any driver job I was lucky enough to get a hold of. Besides, I think being a driver would be enough for me to brag about, but I'm actually a modest man.
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Pride is no incentive at all. I am a very modest man and pride isn't exactly something I am filled with.

Would you be proud to be a rail replacement bus/coach driver? That's what I do sometimes and I'm proud.

 

[Up_Tilt_390]

Really? Some people, i.e. Yourself?

Do you wear an ACME train driver's uniform and Richard Branson mask whilst admiring yourself in the mirror?

Toot toot!

Yes, I do mean some people, not speaking for everyone. I myself would see a certain company as a bonus if it's a really good company. In regards to whether I wear a uniform and mask, I think I'll just leave you with a "no comment" so you can decide for yourself
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Would you be proud to be a rail replacement bus/coach driver? That's what I do sometimes and I'm proud.

I wouldn't actually say no to that job if given the option. But whatever job I had and enjoyed, I would more or less just be happy with it rather than proud.