Trainee Guard

CptIronside · 16 Oct 2015

Hi all!

I'm completely new here.

Anyway, after a lengthy application process, I have just been offered a job as a Guard with SWT. I begin the 12 weeks training in January 2016.

Any currently serving Guards out there willing to share their experiences?

RailUK Forums

plastictaffy · 16 Oct 2015

Depends what you want to know. Although I'm a Guard, I don't work for SWT, I'm afraid.

Mike11 · 16 Oct 2015

I'm a commercial guard for SWT so I can tell you abit. Training will take place at Basingstoke on a Mon - Fri, 9-5 basis and that does NOT include travel. Training will last for about 8-12 weeks. Lunch is not included. Need anymore info just ask. Congratulations by the way it's a great job.

Northernboy67 · 16 Oct 2015

Congratulations. I am about to start as a Conductor with another TOC. I start my training on 2nd November.

CptIronside · 17 Oct 2015

Thanks for the responses so far

Basingstoke is a long way from where I live- will accommodation be provided, or do I need to find myself a short term lease? I won't be based in Basingstoke after training.

I haven't had much information so far- I've been accepted into the job, but haven't been given a definite date to start training other than January

I'm really rather excited- I've been yearning for a change in career paths- up until now, I've been office-bound doing admin work.

tsr · 17 Oct 2015

It is by no means unheard of for long & medium distance commuting to take place for guard/conductor training. How doable this is can depend a lot on how hard your trainer/s work/s you, and whether there are any instances where you have to go even further for something like PTS or despatch training. The other big factor for many is how much of the journey can include free travel by train (make the most of this to commute to work whilst doing office-ish hours) and how much must be paid for, either by rail or road. I don't think any passenger operators in the South of England pay for accommodation, though I could be wrong.

Above all, not only ensure that you enjoy the training as much as you can, but also ensure you are not too tired to take in all the important safety detail. Even with all the above said in a tone which may encourage a longer-distance commute, training can be undermined by fatigue and this is a bad way to start in a safety-critical industry. Changing the topic a little, conductor training can be fantastic fun and a great way to build up relationships with your colleagues. The railway is a strange sort of family and you will find no place quite like it (most people learn to get along when a freight driver wants a chat at 3am or you have to negotiate a 10 and a half hour shift changeover). Your training is when this starts... and good luck with the learning bit too!

sarahj · 18 Oct 2015

Enjoy it, at esp enjoy the 9-5 of your early training days. Soon you will find yourself waiting for a taxi at midnight for an hours ride back to your home depot.

I've noticed that newbies either last 6 months or then stay forever on the railway. You will either love it or hate it.

The other night after a crappy shift I was working an empties back to base. As I walked though the totally empty train I found myself saying 'this is what you wanted, and this is what your doing'. Ok, it was only a 377 and not a whole HST to myself, but you get the picture.

Sometimes, it can be the pits, but you also meet some nice folks, some folks say thanks, some even more. Mind last night a passenger did say to me as I was checking tickets 'may Jesus bless you and look over you on the rest of this journey'.

And no matter what, you can always have a bitch in the mess room with folks who know what you mean.

leonardos84 · 19 Oct 2015

CptIronside said:
Hi all!

I'm completely new here.

Anyway, after a lengthy application process, I have just been offered a job as a Guard with SWT. I begin the 12 weeks training in January 2016.

Any currently serving Guards out there willing to share their experiences?

I start 30th of november, what depot are you gonna be?

CptIronside · 19 Oct 2015

Thank you again for all the responses!

I guess commuting for the first few months wouldn't be too bad, though still quite a hassle as I have to go in the opposite direction somewhat before heading down to Basingstoke. Either way, I will make it work- it's one heck of an opportunity

From what I have read about working on the railway so far, I think I'm really going to enjoy it! I'm really looking forward to starting my training

I'm going to be based down Guildford way, yourself Leonardos?

leonardos84 · 19 Oct 2015

CptIronside said:
Thank you again for all the responses!

I guess commuting for the first few months wouldn't be too bad, though still quite a hassle as I have to go in the opposite direction somewhat before heading down to Basingstoke. Either way, I will make it work- it's one heck of an opportunity

From what I have read about working on the railway so far, I think I'm really going to enjoy it! I'm really looking forward to starting my training

I'm going to be based down Guildford way, yourself Leonardos?

I am gonna be based at Waterloo...

MV63 · 19 Oct 2015

Just out of curiosity, when did you initially apply. I applied to SWT for a Guard position in mid September, and as yet have heard nothing. Not even a rejection.

leonardos84 · 20 Oct 2015

MV63 said:
Just out of curiosity, when did you initially apply. I applied to SWT for a Guard position in mid September, and as yet have heard nothing. Not even a rejection.

I'd advise you to give recruitment a call i applied in april or so....Some of my other colleagues applied way back in january and we going to be on same course. We all work for swt by the way.

MV63 · 3 Nov 2015

I have now heard back from Recruitment. Off to Southampton next week for a day of assessments!

leonardos84 · 4 Nov 2015

MV63 said:
I have now heard back from Recruitment. Off to Southampton next week for a day of assessments!

Wish you good luck mate....

MV63 · 6 Nov 2015

Thank You, I'm working on the practice tests every evening.

Flik · 17 Nov 2015

leonardos84 said:
I start 30th of november, what depot are you gonna be?

Hi Leonardo,

I am also due to start on the 30th! See you there!

CptIronside · 18 Nov 2015

Hi all,

sorry I haven't been responding- life got pretty busy lately!

Update: I will now be starting training on the 30th November too! They brought my start date forwards

leonardos84 · 18 Nov 2015

CptIronside said:
Hi all,

sorry I haven't been responding- life got pretty busy lately!

Update: I will now be starting training on the 30th November too! They brought my start date forwards

Oh nice....will see you guys on the 2nd....seen as I am internal staff...first two days is cooperate induction....so see you lots Wednesday....gonna be fun.

GingerRH · 19 Nov 2015

I do believe you guys will have the new Guards depot manager on your course too!

The new Basingstoke Campus is really nice and the food there is so so cheap!

Induction will take place in Southampton, then the afternoon will be collecting uniform. Day 2 will be corporate welcome in Basingstoke, some courses will be held on Platform 1 at Basingstoke station, gaurds training itself will take place at The ROC eg basingstoke campus!

CptIronside · 29 Nov 2015

Hey everyone,

Congratulations to everyone starting their training tomorrow. Does anyone happen to know what the dress code is for tomorrow. The welcome instructions say it is business attire/uniforms from Tuesday, but doesn't mention anything about the induction in Southampton tomorrow

Phil. · 29 Nov 2015

This 12 weeks training. I presume that's the entire issue, induction, rules and routes.

Lrd · 29 Nov 2015

CptIronside said:
Hey everyone,

Congratulations to everyone starting their training tomorrow. Does anyone happen to know what the dress code is for tomorrow. The welcome instructions say it is business attire/uniforms from Tuesday, but doesn't mention anything about the induction in Southampton tomorrow

I would dress smartly, shirt and tie at least.

CptIronside · 29 Nov 2015

Oops too late :/ I'm the middle of moving house at the moment so my suit is packed away at the moment, going to have to be smart casual for me now.

Flik · 30 Nov 2015

I've opted for suit and tie just in case. I too wondered as it was clear about suit/uniform from Tuesday but not for today. I went smart casual to my medical took the advice on another thread on here.

tsr · 30 Nov 2015

At the last pre-employment medical I did for the railway, the health centre was also in a building which was also (without my knowledge at the time) used for meetings by very senior staff, who would be separated only by a glass door just down the corridor. In all these things it pays to make a good impression; however, if you only have the logistical ability to wear "smart casual" clothes, just make a decent effort on the little things such as clean shoes and good ironing. Such things can make a world of difference. Scruffy customer-facing staff are always a bad impression for everyone - a bit of thought and 5 minutes of a morning goes a long way. ISTR I wore a suit and tie at my last TOC induction but not everyone did, with a range of smart shirts with or without ties, sweaters and so on, but just no jeans or trainers permitted. FWIW I'm fortunate enough that I've never had any notable criticism for my standard of appearance as far as I can remember.

Trainee Guard

Member

RailUK Forums

Member

Member

Member

Member

Established Member

Established Member

Member

Member

Member

New Member

Member

New Member

Member

New Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Established Member

Established Member

Member

Member

Established Member