advice needed please.

[simond224]

Hi everyone,

I want to get a job as a trainee train driver and after completing all of the assesments back in 2012 only to be unsuccessful at criteria based interview stage I am not giving up. Now my question is would it be worth waiting to find an actual trainee driver position or would it be better gaining employment at an entry level position? And use that as a stepping stone. I only ask because I have found a job and have been called forward for interview, would there be any benefit from being an internal candidate rather than a member of the public applying for a trainee train driver roll?

Sorry if I've waffled on and if my grammar is bad (using my phone on my break) but any help would be appreciated thanks in advance

 

[Thedispatcher]

Personally I'd think so, if you're in a safety critical role, and therefore have industry experience and understanding of the rules, that gives you an edge on anyone coming in "off the street."

Just an opinion, mind.

 

[simond224]

I don't know if it would be classed as safety critical (on train cleaner). I am in more of a safety critical roll at the moment, I drive lorry's around an airport.

 

[Si_leeds]

A friend of mine started as a cleaner, after a month decided he wanted to the be a conductor and within 18 months was offered a driving job. I start my conductor training on Monday and fully plan on one day becoming a driver. As others have said, get your foot in the door and prove yourself worthy first, it costs a lot to put someone through their licence so they don't do it willy nilly

 

[BTU]

I don't know if it would be classed as safety critical (on train cleaner). I am in more of a safety critical roll at the moment, I drive lorry's around an airport.

Train cleaner is NOT safety critical really is it .

 

[ComUtoR]

Train cleaner is NOT safety critical really is it .

I'm pretty sure that some of ours are fully PTS trained and certified. They work in Depots and Sidings and will be on or near the line. They also work below sole bar level.

 

[Si_leeds]

Train cleaner is NOT safety critical really is it .

No but it's another way of getting your foot in the door, my point was that a friend went in as a cleaner and is now a qualified driver.

And as far as I'm aware northern cleaners still have to do their pts

 

[simond224]

Thanks everyone for your advice...Im just finishing off another application but this time for Customer service assistant so we will see how they both go! Do they offer the trainee positions internally first? or do they just go out for everyone?

 

[red2005]

Train cleaner is NOT safety critical really is it .

That very much depends on the TOC, depot and requirements of the job doesn't it. I know our cleaners are regularly trackside in our yard and are PTS competent......I'd say that's VERY MUCH safety critical.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

I don't know if it would be classed as safety critical (on train cleaner). I am in more of a safety critical roll at the moment, I drive lorry's around an airport.

A lot of other people take on other roles on the railway first to get either customer service and safety critical experience they don't yet have or to get some kind of internal applicant advantage (which isn't necessarily always an advantage in my eyes) I'd say driving a hgv around an airport very much covers you with the safety element!

 

[R Trevithick]

Could depend on where you are.

Northern certainly take trainees from the Conductor grade.