• Our booking engine at tickets.railforums.co.uk (powered by TrainSplit) helps support the running of the forum with every ticket purchase! Find out more and ask any questions/give us feedback in this thread!

Trainee driver job

Status
Not open for further replies.

Gaunty

Member
Joined
7 Nov 2019
Messages
14
Location
Manchester
Hi I’m in the greater Manchester area looking to embark on a new career,any advice on which would be the best way to go about getting started.Do I apply to train operators directly or are there job alerts posted that I would need to sign up to,thanks for any help
 
Sponsor Post - registered members do not see these adverts; click here to register, or click here to log in
R

RailUK Forums

tiptoptaff

Established Member
Joined
15 Feb 2013
Messages
2,983
Sign up for job alerts for any TOC or FOC within an hour of where you live. Monitor their job boards daily and be ready to apply there and then if you see a job advertised. They can and do close early!
Have you considered another role on the railway? Working internally can give you early access to jobs with some TOCs and build your experience in areas they're looking for
 

Gaunty

Member
Joined
7 Nov 2019
Messages
14
Location
Manchester
Thanks for quick reply I’m employed in the emergency services at the moment so other roles wouldn’t be possible,thanks
 
Joined
11 Apr 2019
Messages
65
Hi I’m in the greater Manchester area looking to embark on a new career,any advice on which would be the best way to go about getting started.Do I apply to train operators directly or are there job alerts posted that I would need to sign up to,thanks for any help

Still astounds me this question comes up more than any other, I understand that you want to know the answer, but by literally scrolling through one or two pages maximum, there will already be a thread on this, which makes me wonder how much you want the job to start with?

Also I agree with the other two about getting your foot in the door with another role..
 

Rockhopper

Member
Joined
29 Apr 2019
Messages
736
You'll find that most roles on the railway will pay more than the emergency services (unless you are in a senior role)
 

baz962

Established Member
Joined
8 Jun 2017
Messages
3,283
In fact , although the driver's salary is good , the trainee wage can be less than say a guard . Of course taking into account ot , commission on tickets etc.
 

Gaunty

Member
Joined
7 Nov 2019
Messages
14
Location
Manchester
I have 12 maths left in my role then I will leave with a pension to top up my sallee whilst taking on any trainee role
 

Oska

Member
Joined
22 Aug 2018
Messages
10
I have 12 maths left in my role then I will leave with a pension to top up my sallee whilst taking on any trainee role
Thats exactly what i did mate. As well as the advice already given, have your CV ready and also have a draft application ready as these jobs are like rocking horse ****. Tailor your draft CV and application for the specific TOC and get it in asap. Good luck.
 

Gaunty

Member
Joined
7 Nov 2019
Messages
14
Location
Manchester
Thats exactly what i did mate. As well as the advice already given, have your CV ready and also have a draft application ready as these jobs are like rocking horse ****. Tailor your draft CV and application for the specific TOC and get it in asap. Good luck.
Cheers as it’s the second job I’ll I’ll have applied for in 31 years is it possible to see a job spec anywhere for trainee drivers
 

Gaunty

Member
Joined
7 Nov 2019
Messages
14
Location
Manchester
I would like a new challenge,take on a rewarding role both apply skills that I have gained in my current role to develop a new career rather than sit in the garden
 

Gaunty

Member
Joined
7 Nov 2019
Messages
14
Location
Manchester
An ability to work under difficult and distressing situations whilst remaining came and adhering to policies,carying out dynamic risk assements to priorities my own and other crew members action to effect rescues or avert further damage to life or property, Cary out inspections to business and domestic property’s giving advice or guidance as per brigade policy, instructing public in life saving skills and CPR. National resuscitation guidelines , driving emergency vehicales to incidents whilst adhering to the system of vehicle control and being fully aware of exemptions to the Highway Code that apply to emergency vehicles, maintain equipment and vehicles so as to always be to the required standard and correct state of preparedness,work where ever is required adapting to evolving situations whilst working to organisation standard operating procedures
 

Stigy

Established Member
Joined
6 Nov 2009
Messages
4,881
I need to stay on in my current job for another 12 maths due to my financial situation, but thankyou for your comments
I’m still not sure I understand why you’re discounting other roles on the railway? There are literally countless roles within the rail industry which you might want to consider, which will utilise the skills you’ve obtained in the Fire Service over the years. I don’t know what rank you are within the service, but if you have managerial skills in terms of incident command etc, certain roles in control with either Network Rail or a TOC are worth considering for a start. Pay wise, as a trainee driver you’ll be on between £20k and £30k for at least a year before any increase usually.
 

Gaunty

Member
Joined
7 Nov 2019
Messages
14
Location
Manchester
Ok thanks for you advice I’ll take a look ,but as with the role I do at the moment the driver just strikes a cord in me as me current job did when I was 19
 
Last edited:

Gaunty

Member
Joined
7 Nov 2019
Messages
14
Location
Manchester
Ok thanks for your opinion the driver role is simply a role which appeals to me as it requires practical skills , decision making on the job and on top of all not to corny strikes me as a usefull rewarding job that I feel I’d enjoy
 

Stigy

Established Member
Joined
6 Nov 2009
Messages
4,881
Ok thanks for your opinion the driver role is simply a role which appeals to me as it requires practical skills , decision making on the job and on top of all not to corny strikes me as a usefull rewarding job that I feel I’d enjoy
Fair enough. Bear in mind it may take several attempts to even be selected for an assessment centre due to the volume of candidates, so don’t be put off if you don’t make the paper sift a few times.
 

Joliver

Member
Joined
29 Apr 2018
Messages
224
An ability to work under difficult and distressing situations whilst remaining came and adhering to policies,carying out dynamic risk assements to priorities my own and other crew members action to effect rescues or avert further damage to life or property, Cary out inspections to business and domestic property’s giving advice or guidance as per brigade policy, instructing public in life saving skills and CPR. National resuscitation guidelines , driving emergency vehicales to incidents whilst adhering to the system of vehicle control and being fully aware of exemptions to the Highway Code that apply to emergency vehicles, maintain equipment and vehicles so as to always be to the required standard and correct state of preparedness,work where ever is required adapting to evolving situations whilst working to organisation standard operating procedures
I too was in the Fire Service before becoming a train driver. There are many transferable skill sets. Now, this is no way a pop at you, as my spelling and grammar could be better. However, when you do eventually apply make sure your C.V, covering letter (If required) and application are top notch. Otherwise, you'll get nowhere near an assessment centre, let alone a trainee course.
Good luck.
 

Lee0901

Member
Joined
20 Sep 2018
Messages
88
Ok thanks for your opinion the driver role is simply a role which appeals to me as it requires practical skills , decision making on the job and on top of all not to corny strikes me as a usefull rewarding job that I feel I’d enjoy
If you just want driver go for it. It may take a while but why would you want to apply for other roles you wouldn't enjoy?, just to get your foot in the door. While you're waiting to apply search this site all the info you need is on here. Good luck.
 

C J Snarzell

Established Member
Joined
11 Apr 2019
Messages
1,506
Gaunty

I was in the police for 15 years and like yourself I live near Manchester. One thing I'll say first of all is that I've quickly realised being a former member of the emergency service family doesn't give you a golden pass into a railway job. I've submitted a large number of applications over the last few months - I've had three interviews for operational roles with three TOCs but lost out to other candidates. The rest of my applications didn't get passed the initial paper sift. I would definitely look at the job you are applying for and try to tweak your CV and cover letter to reflect how your skills are tailored for that specific role. I don't like to come across as negative but you'll more than likely experience a few set backs like myself if you are serious about a railway career but it's a case of being optimistic and keep plugging away.

As Stigy and other members have quite rightly stated, the volume of applications for Drivers and Conductors is ridiculous and one role may attract applications in treble figures. That said, I honestly believe other roles such as customer services and platform hosts are getting plenty of wiling applicants.

If you are serious about TOC roles you need to set your stall out and regularly check the careers pages of the respective TOCs. The Arriva group TOCs advertise on the Deutsche Bahn site (Northern, Grand Central and Cross Country all operate in the North West). Transpennine Express operate under the First Group umbrella and the new TOC replacing Virgin Trains in December will more than likely advertise their vacancies alongside TPE on the same site. I'm not too sure if you can sign up for job alerts but I generally just keep checking their careers pages every few days. Northern generally add new jobs on Thursdays each week to their vacancy board.

All the best and good luck.

C J
 

Gaunty

Member
Joined
7 Nov 2019
Messages
14
Location
Manchester
Gaunty

I was in the police for 15 years and like yourself I live near Manchester. One thing I'll say first of all is that I've quickly realised being a former member of the emergency service family doesn't give you a golden pass into a railway job. I've submitted a large number of applications over the last few months - I've had three interviews for operational roles with three TOCs but lost out to other candidates. The rest of my applications didn't get passed the initial paper sift. I would definitely look at the job you are applying for and try to tweak your CV and cover letter to reflect how your skills are tailored for that specific role. I don't like to come across as negative but you'll more than likely experience a few set backs like myself if you are serious about a railway career but it's a case of being optimistic and keep plugging away.

As Stigy and other members have quite rightly stated, the volume of applications for Drivers and Conductors is ridiculous and one role may attract applications in treble figures. That said, I honestly believe other roles such as customer services and platform hosts are getting plenty of wiling applicants.

If you are serious about TOC roles you need to set your stall out and regularly check the careers pages of the respective TOCs. The Arriva group TOCs advertise on the Deutsche Bahn site (Northern, Grand Central and Cross Country all operate in the North West). Transpennine Express operate under the First Group umbrella and the new TOC replacing Virgin Trains in December will more than likely advertise their vacancies alongside TPE on the same site. I'm not too sure if you can sign up for job alerts but I generally just keep checking their careers pages every few days. Northern generally add new jobs on Thursdays each week to their vacancy board.

All the best and good luck.

C J
That’s great advice thanks, very much appreciated
 

Gaunty

Member
Joined
7 Nov 2019
Messages
14
Location
Manchester
If you just want driver go for it. It may take a while but why would you want to apply for other roles you wouldn't enjoy?, just to get your foot in the door. While you're waiting to apply search this site all the info you need is on here. Good luck.
Brill thanks very much I will do
 

TheVicLine

Member
Joined
21 Aug 2012
Messages
430
Location
Liverpool
Sign up to the train companies vacancy pages for email job alerts when trainee positions are advertised. Have a cover letter and CV ready to go when the jobs are advertised as there are 1000's of applicants.
You would be looking at Northern or TPE working out of Pic and Vic.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Top