Am I cut out to be a Trainee Train Driver? Quickfire questions before researching career.

[class80]

In recent months to a year my co workers in various bit jobs have said I'd make a great train driver. But I have a few niggling questions before I spend a few hours combing already posted threads here.

The reasoning is
- I like the aesthetic and functioning of trains and have a passing interest in new types of trains as public transport. I seemed to know what that the STADLER Flirt trains or Class 345 were in trade journals 12 months before some Abelio staff were even aware of such proposals.
- Trains are a preferred method of transport getting to London and Heathrow and I've used the Norwich to Liverpool Street line multiple times its not even a chore.
- I can do long car journeys without breaks or breaking a sweat or getting agitated like some people.
- Watched various Transport for London documentary videos on how Train Drivers operate (their cabins).

What put's me off applying for Abelio jobs 2019
- Anxiety about being ripped off or short changed on annual Salary.
- Crossing a picket line where seasoned drivers "might" sneer at me for doing their job on the cheap (which ties into my last point)
- I'm not a team player and don't like workplace drama or gossip. I prefer to work alone. Ok the cabin means I might be doing just that, but the job description says "team people skills". That's not me sorry.
- Abelio Anglia claims to hire "nice people". But looking at some staff in uniform, local faces whom I know their history, I'd beg to differ! Very bullish sounding banter on the platform = cronyism?
- Reading glassdoor relatives that say Greater Anglia's work culture is "it's not what you know it's who you know". With recrutiment selection and work based on nepotism.
- Abelio always advertising jobs and taking, what 18 months, to actually get behind the controls of a c̶l̶a̶s̶s̶ ̶8̶0̶ STADLER Flirt train providing you complete all trials and exams.

Phew. Sorry for being demanding in my first post. But Greater Anglias recrutiment page doesn't tell half the story your forum does.

 

[Halfway Boy]

I will try and tackle some of your points but if you want the highlight it’s basically that I honestly don’t think you’re cut out for this job.

How much you like trains is irrelevant, in fact, showing such an unusual interest in them might paint you as a bit odd. I really couldn’t care less about the new trains I’m getting whenever they eventually come in. I’m a train driver, not a train geek. The longer I am in this job, the more I come to dislike spotters and the like.

Using trains is something everyone does.

The salary is the salary, either take it and stay there (or use them as an in to become a qualified driver and transfer to another TOC), or don’t apply.

Crossing picket lines is never advisable. What other drivers think of you matters a hell of a lot more than people think outside the railway, because ultimately, it’s them and the union who could one day save your career when you mess up. If you’re a “scab”, or come across the way your post comes across, they won’t like you and they won’t back you.

Chatting to other experienced drivers is a great way to learn things, and picking their brains when you don’t know something or the books don’t make sense is a god send. Given my last point, and the fact you apparently don’t like people, they will not be inclined to help you.

The fact you don’t like their banter links back to the point about you liking people. There are some characters in my mess room, no one says you have to engage with them - there are plenty of quiet types also, but more importantly, the quiet ones don’t do what you are doing and look down their nose at those characters. Thinking you’re better than people who have more experience than you (because those staff you look down on have passed the recruitment process and can actually do the job, you might not even get that far) won’t serve you well in this industry.

Becoming a driver is a long process. Everyone knows this.

 

[Railweigh]

I’ve just read your post and it seems like a wind up. If it’s serious, then I don’t think the job or industry is for you.

 

[Stigy]

In recent months to a year my co workers in various bit jobs have said I'd make a great train driver. But I have a few niggling questions before I spend a few hours combing already posted threads here.

The reasoning is
- I like the aesthetic and functioning of trains and have a passing interest in new types of trains as public transport. I seemed to know what that the STADLER Flirt trains or Class 345 were in trade journals 12 months before some Abelio staff were even aware of such proposals.
- Trains are a preferred method of transport getting to London and Heathrow and I've used the Norwich to Liverpool Street line multiple times its not even a chore.
- I can do long car journeys without breaks or breaking a sweat or getting agitated like some people.
- Watched various Transport for London documentary videos on how Train Drivers operate (their cabins).

What put's me off applying for Abelio jobs 2019
- Anxiety about being ripped off or short changed on annual Salary.
- Crossing a picket line where seasoned drivers "might" sneer at me for doing their job on the cheap (which ties into my last point)
- I'm not a team player and don't like workplace drama or gossip. I prefer to work alone. Ok the cabin means I might be doing just that, but the job description says "team people skills". That's not me sorry.
- Abelio Anglia claims to hire "nice people". But looking at some staff in uniform, local faces whom I know their history, I'd beg to differ! Very bullish sounding banter on the platform = cronyism?
- Reading glassdoor relatives that say Greater Anglia's work culture is "it's not what you know it's who you know". With recrutiment selection and work based on nepotism.
- Abelio always advertising jobs and taking, what 18 months, to actually get behind the controls of a c̶l̶a̶s̶s̶ ̶8̶0̶ STADLER Flirt train providing you complete all trials and exams.

Phew. Sorry for being demanding in my first post. But Greater Anglias recrutiment page doesn't tell half the story your forum does.

I’m not a driver yet, but will add my two cents as far as the industry is concerned as I’ve been knocking about the railway for a few years now.

You seem to know a lot about trains, which is good, but not necessary for the industry.

I appreciate your honestly regarding not being a team player (albeit surprised you openly admit that, as most people come here and say the opposite) but that is an important attribute to most jobs. Even though most of your time as a driver will be spent alone, you’ll be required to integrate well as a team member. If you were lucky enough to get an interview, you’ll almost certainly be asked to give examples of times where you’ve had to work well as a team. It’s not just about working with large groups of people, it also goes hand-in-hand with being able to take instructions and deal with incidents, often involving other parties, during your working day.

My view is that this maybe isn’t the career for you.

 

[RBSN]

This is not the industry for you.

 

[oz220]

In recent months to a year my co workers in various bit jobs have said I'd make a great train driver. But I have a few niggling questions before I spend a few hours combing already posted threads here.

The reasoning is
- I like the aesthetic and functioning of trains and have a passing interest in new types of trains as public transport. I seemed to know what that the STADLER Flirt trains or Class 345 were in trade journals 12 months before some Abelio staff were even aware of such proposals.
- Trains are a preferred method of transport getting to London and Heathrow and I've used the Norwich to Liverpool Street line multiple times its not even a chore.
- I can do long car journeys without breaks or breaking a sweat or getting agitated like some people.
- Watched various Transport for London documentary videos on how Train Drivers operate (their cabins).

What put's me off applying for Abelio jobs 2019
- Anxiety about being ripped off or short changed on annual Salary.
- Crossing a picket line where seasoned drivers "might" sneer at me for doing their job on the cheap (which ties into my last point)
- I'm not a team player and don't like workplace drama or gossip. I prefer to work alone. Ok the cabin means I might be doing just that, but the job description says "team people skills". That's not me sorry.
- Abelio Anglia claims to hire "nice people". But looking at some staff in uniform, local faces whom I know their history, I'd beg to differ! Very bullish sounding banter on the platform = cronyism?
- Reading glassdoor relatives that say Greater Anglia's work culture is "it's not what you know it's who you know". With recrutiment selection and work based on nepotism.
- Abelio always advertising jobs and taking, what 18 months, to actually get behind the controls of a c̶l̶a̶s̶s̶ ̶8̶0̶ STADLER Flirt train providing you complete all trials and exams.

Phew. Sorry for being demanding in my first post. But Greater Anglias recrutiment page doesn't tell half the story your forum does.

My advice to you would be to research about what being a train driver involves.

Unfortunately, it’s seems from your post you have stated positives which don’t really fit in to being a good train driver.

Most TOC’s seem to prefer not to hire train spotters/geeks. I have no evidence of that but it’s my opinion.

Research the job a little more and see if you feel you would enjoy the job.

Now the negatives you mention, let’s just say that if you can hide those facts during your interview and proactively show occasions of the opposite then it’s not impossible for you to pass. However, I suggest that if you show your true characteristics during any interview, you are unlikely to be accepted.

 

[kickin aff]

Wind up post????

 

[scouseyb123]

The OP must be a troll cos I seriously cannot believe anyone genuinely thinks like this.

If you are genuine then no point applying

If you are a troll, go outside and enjoy the fresh air. Why waste your life writing this rubbish?

 

[bionic]

Why would you be talking about crossing imaginary future picket lines? You've already decided to be a "scab" in a future dispute that hasn't happened, may never happen, and exists solely in your head? Over the years I've seen many people who thought they didn't need the union, wouldn't pay the subs and scabbed on strikes come begging to the reps as soon as they get into trouble. It doesn't work like that. You can't take out house insurance AFTER your house has burned down.

As a driver you do have to work with others and communicate with others as a team... platform staff, control, signallers, fleet, shunters, guards, managers, rosters, other drivers etc. You've already decided you don't like some of the staff that work there and admitted you are not a team player.

Also nobody calls it a "cabin".

My advice to you is that you wouldnt last two minutes as a driver (if by some miracle you succesfully managed to hide all the reasons why you shouldn't be one during the application process) so save your energy and time and don't bother applying.

 

[ComUtoR]

In recent months to a year my co workers in various bit jobs have said I'd make a great train driver. But I have a few niggling questions before I spend a few hours combing already posted threads here.

The reasoning is
- I like the aesthetic and functioning of trains and have a passing interest in new types of trains as public transport. I seemed to know what that the STADLER Flirt trains or Class 345 were in trade journals 12 months before some Abelio staff were even aware of such proposals.
- Trains are a preferred method of transport getting to London and Heathrow and I've used the Norwich to Liverpool Street line multiple times its not even a chore.
- I can do long car journeys without breaks or breaking a sweat or getting agitated like some people.
- Watched various Transport for London documentary videos on how Train Drivers operate (their cabins).

I'm pretty sure, due to the role I'm in, I know what makes a Train Driver.

Trains/Spotting/Enthusiasts - Not many in the grade know anything about trains so that isn't really a factor in any ability or competence. I've been doing this 15+ and don't read industry magazines or trade journals. I might read Right Track every now and then and check out a few things on SPARK or OpsWeb but that's about it. One of the reasons you knew what trains are coming before other staff is because, they just don't care. Its not important enough and has little to no significance to them until they are introduced. Some of us take a deeper interest but generally we are out there doing our jobs and know from experience that we don't worry about anything till it happens.

Preferred method of travel - I hate trains. They are crowded, late, dirty, expensive and don't really provide local links. I prefer my car. I choose to take the train when its more efficient or benefits me. Neither makes me a better or worse Train Driver.

Long journeys - Potentially this may benefit you. Time spent alone and the ability to concentrate for long periods is a positive.

Watched videos - It is very different to do something because you have watched it. I watch NASA documentaries; that doesn't make me an Astronaut. As for 'cabins' In all my years, I have never heard them called that, school boy error there. Try not to mention that in your interview.

What put's me off applying for Abelio jobs 2019

Quite simply, don't apply for Abelio.

Phew. Sorry for being demanding in my first post. But Greater Anglias recrutiment page doesn't tell half the story your forum does.

I haven't read anything about Abelio staff, their histories, wage disparity, or any of the vitriol you posted. Do you have a link ?

Becoming a driver is a long process. Everyone knows this.

Maybe not everyone


Becoming a Driver is something YOU have to decide for yourself. As to your ability to do the job ? There are many different people with many different backgrounds. I would suggest doing a little more research into the role, rather than a specific TOC. This forum can provide lots of information. If you have videos and documentation you have watched with cabin cab rides and wish to discuss them and find out how they relate to 'real world' driving then also post them here as they may help others and clarify things better.

Good luck with your decision

 

[Dave19801980]

This is definitely a wind up. Only been a member since yesterday and wrote that as a first post?...

Good on you all for replying honestly to all of that....but I fear you have wasted your time.

 

[steve1981]

You would make a good train cleaner and with your attitude you wont go no further.
As for abelio, they inherited the staff not created them, think more about what you say on here mate!!!

 

[Stigy]

This is definitely a wind up. Only been a member since yesterday and wrote that as a first post?...

Good on you all for replying honestly to all of that....but I fear you have wasted your time.

I fear it’s not a wind up....I meet a lot of people day to day just like class 80, who have slipped through the net.

 

[OneLowban]

Unfortunately, your co-workers are wrong.

 

[class80]

I fear it’s not a wind up....I meet a lot of people day to day just like class 80, who have slipped through the net.

And what net might this be?

What is it to you, who passes recruitment?

 

[Paulm36]

I personally think you answered your own question within your original post. Your negatives far outweigh your positives. Its probably not for you.

 

[Darandio]

And what net might this be?

What is it to you, who passes recruitment?

Strange that despite all other replies in the thread you concentrated on this one.

 

[Stigy]

Strange that despite all other replies in the thread you concentrated on this one.

The plot thickens

 

[Stigy]

And what net might this be?

What is it to you, who passes recruitment?

As has been said, you’ve had numerous replies here, and very details ones at that. Why focus on the proverbial net?

 

[DanDaDriver]

The whole post has a strange syntax and use of English.

 

[tiptoptaff]

The plot thickens

Stop replying to yourself Stigy

 

[tiptoptaff]

A bizarre post. Has to be a troll. If you're not, don't let the door hit you on the way out of the proverbial messroom. This job isn't for you.

As for the "bullish" humour, there are lots of ex-force and ex-emergency services in this industry, whom, through their previous experience have a dark and perverse sense of humour. I'm neither, but find it quite funny myself. If you don't like or can't hack that humour, the industry isn't for you, let alone driving.

 

[Stigy]

Stop replying to yourself Stigy

I did think, maybe people think it’s me because of the only reply Class 80 actually posted haha...it’s not me, for the record.

 

[tiptoptaff]

it’s not me, for the record.

"It wasn't me guv" yeah, likely story

 

[driver9000]

Smells like a journalist fishing for responses.

 

[387star]

Clearly a troll
Made me laugh at least

 

[Sirgerbil]

Troll post, Either a Journo or someone that wasn't able to pass recruitment and become very bitter about it.

 

[Islineclear3_1]

Troll post, Either a Journo or someone that wasn't able to pass recruitment and become very bitter about it.

Or somebody who might be on the autistic spectrum?

 

[Juliet Barvo]

Or somebody who might be on the autistic spectrum?

Yep. My thoughts entirely.

Somebody who may not be able to express themselves in the same way as everybody else.

Steps into work
The Steps into Work programme is a 12-month scheme which offers people with mild to moderate learning disabilities and those on the autism spectrum the chance to gain skills and work experience:

https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/careers/steps-into-work?intcmp=50844

 

[Bucephalus]

Or somebody who might be on the autistic spectrum?

Indeed. And in my opinion, there's nothing stopping them from making the grade if they follow the correct steps and understand what behaviours are required