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Police Officer to Train Driver

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Romneym335

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7 Dec 2015
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28
Hi all, I've been a Police Officer for 11 years now. I've enjoyed the job over the years, but with the constant changing service and limitations imposed on us and lack of career progression, I am now seeking work outside of the job. I have been looking at train driving for a while now. I would have to start off as trainee as I have no previous experience. I am based in the midlands so would be looking at chiltern & LM.

Is it doable to make this career switch? I know their is a lot of work to put in during assessments etc but I was wondering if there are any other similar success stories on here?

Cheers.
 
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Dottypea

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51
Definitely doable, there were at least 3 ex police officers at my second stage computer assessments.
 
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theironroad

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21 Nov 2014
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There are plenty of police,fire and armed forces as drivers. Quite a few threads one here as well from people wanting to make the switch. Only thing I'd pick up on in your op is career progression. Career progression is very limited for drivers, instructor/minder after a few years but after that it's management or staying in the cab. Otherwise go for it.
 

IKB

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15 Nov 2013
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366
I applied from the same background as you. I've passed all my assessments and hoping to start soon. I found having a 999 background certainly helped with competency based parts of the interviews. Getting through the paper sift is the first challenge - I was confident I had a good form, but due to the thousands of applications actually getting your form read can be the hardest part. Both the TOCs I applied for processed the applications in the order they received them, so if there were suitable candidates who apply when the advert first comes out then yours could be on hold for a while. Whether that applies for all TOCs I don't know. Get to know when the vacancies are 'live' by setting up email alerts with your local TOCs. So long as you can display in your application form how your skills and competencies from one role are applicable to the other then you shouldn't have too much trouble. Take your time to produce a good form in advance so you can send as soon as the vacancies come out.

I can't comment on the role itself as I have yet to start. But I gather there are plenty of ex 'job' people who have made the switch and are enjoying it.

You're welcome to PM if you have any specific questions about the application process.
 

Romneym335

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7 Dec 2015
Messages
28
Thanks for all for your help so far. I'd be happy with a driving role so I'm not necessarily looking for career progression on the trains.

Couple of questions, how do I set up email alerts and where can I get an application form to practice on?

Thanks for your offer IKB, I'm sure I'll be PM'ing you in the near future ;) good luck with your new career.
 

Johncleesefan

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4 Sep 2013
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Do u mean CHILTERN? And LM haha.

But yeah the railway loves ex forces and services and most of the blokes I work with are from a similar background.
 

Romneym335

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Joined
7 Dec 2015
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Do u mean CHILTERN? And LM haha.

But yeah the railway loves ex forces and services and most of the blokes I work with are from a similar background.

:oops: pesky autocorrect on my phone made it incorrect lol. Thanks for pointing that out.

I think LM recently invited applications so I reckon I've missed the boat this time, so will have to bide my time until they put out again.
 

Johncleesefan

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4 Sep 2013
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729
No worries.
Keep checking this forum regularly as trainee vacancies soon get posted. But look at the operators websites as often as you can, if your willing to relocate it will massively increase your chances. I had to do it, luckily I was able to as I have a very young family, no commitments to schools etc.
 

Romneym335

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7 Dec 2015
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28
No worries.
Keep checking this forum regularly as trainee vacancies soon get posted. But look at the operators websites as often as you can, if your willing to relocate it will massively increase your chances. I had to do it, luckily I was able to as I have a very young family, no commitments to schools etc.

Yeah I look at this forum daily, but will keep checking the operators sites also. I have 3 young children who are all in primary school, but I'm not ruling out relocating. Cheers :)
 

oxoneil

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Joined
22 Jan 2014
Messages
235
Hi all, I've been a Police Officer for 11 years now. I've enjoyed the job over the years, but with the constant changing service and limitations imposed on us and lack of career progression, I am now seeking work outside of the job. I have been looking at train driving for a while now. I would have to start off as trainee as I have no previous experience. I am based in the midlands so would be looking at chiltern & LM.

Is it doable to make this career switch? I know their is a lot of work to put in during assessments etc but I was wondering if there are any other similar success stories on here?

Cheers.

23 years RAF (aircraft technician) and 9 years police. Currently "on hold" for GWR and applied back in Nov 2013. It isn't a quick process (with some companies).

Key elements from policing which helped in interview and probably initial application; working alone, dealing with emergency situations, decision making, following rules and procedures, dealing with shift work, use of phonetic alphabet - all exactly what they're looking for.

DM if you want and good luck.
 

Romneym335

Member
Joined
7 Dec 2015
Messages
28
23 years RAF (aircraft technician) and 9 years police. Currently "on hold" for GWR and applied back in Nov 2013. It isn't a quick process (with some companies).

Key elements from policing which helped in interview and probably initial application; working alone, dealing with emergency situations, decision making, following rules and procedures, dealing with shift work, use of phonetic alphabet - all exactly what they're looking for.

DM if you want and good luck.

Brilliant, thank you. Good luck with rest of the process
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Thanks guys, feeling positive now
 

russmcp

Member
Joined
22 May 2011
Messages
58
Done the same. 11 years in the job. Was a great career, until May and Winsor ruined it.

Im a driver now, recently qualified and very happy.
 

red2005

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Joined
9 May 2009
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844
Location
north ish
23 years RAF (aircraft technician) and 9 years police. Currently "on hold" for GWR and applied back in Nov 2013. It isn't a quick process (with some companies).

Key elements from policing which helped in interview and probably initial application; working alone, dealing with emergency situations, decision making, following rules and procedures, dealing with shift work, use of phonetic alphabet - all exactly what they're looking for.

DM if you want and good luck.

not forgetting arguably the 2 most important things that you left out.......communication and safety.
 

russmcp

Member
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22 May 2011
Messages
58
How long did it take to get in from application?
Ages fella. Initial application 2011. However could never get dates off for assessments. 2013 applied, early 2014 assessments, interview July 2014. Started Nov 2014.

You need the patience of a saint!
 

LowLevel

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26 Oct 2013
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7,543
I have numerous ex coppers chauffeur me about (I'm a guard) and I reckon they're about the best 'off the street' drivers we have - level headed, good on the rules and a pleasure to work with. It does seem to be a great foundation for building on to make a good driver. I'm not particularly quick to praise people who've gone straight into the driving grade as I find quite a few seem to lack confidence and general background knowledge of the environment they find themselves in but I've few complaints about our ex Bobbys.
 

Garyjames1701

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24 Apr 2015
Messages
113
I'm an ex Police Officer, 8 weeks into training. Best decision leaving the Police, much happier now. I served for 7 years in Northants.
 

Junk_girl

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Joined
10 Nov 2015
Messages
54
Hi

I am a serving police officer with 5 years service, i recently applied for the trainee train driver role with scotrail but haven't heard a peep back yet :( looking at what u guys are saying, do you think there is still hope? I don't mind waiting if I need to, would just love the opportunity to become a train driver.
 

El-Alamein

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2 Aug 2015
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89
Location
Leighton Buzzard
Hi

I am a serving police officer with 5 years service, i recently applied for the trainee train driver role with scotrail but haven't heard a peep back yet :( looking at what u guys are saying, do you think there is still hope? I don't mind waiting if I need to, would just love the opportunity to become a train driver.

Junk_girl

There is always hope and sometimes no news is good news as i applied in Nov 2014 and im currently waiting in the Talent pool for GTR. I served in Bedfordshire for 6 years and finally had enough and like most ex officers it was the best decision of my life. From speaking to lots of current trainee drivers (most of whom are from a public service background) nearly all TOCs are seeking candidates with the above experience.

Good luck and keep an eye on the below link....has updates and useful info
http://www.traindriver.org/trainee-drivers-blog.html/
 

Junk_girl

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10 Nov 2015
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54
El-Alamein,

Thank you so much for your reply. I appreciate you taking the time. That has given me some hope :) so I will keep my fingers crossed!
 

Stumac

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Joined
28 Sep 2015
Messages
28
Pretty much snap, hit 40 last week 12 years in the job and have applied for scotrail. Notice a duplication of prin in one of my applications so not overly hopefull as they can be as ruthless as they like but defo looking to make the change either this time or in the future. From what I've read and heard the services and forces do make good candidate's for the role as they will have dealt with difficult and pressure situations so id say crack on mate.
 

Romneym335

Member
Joined
7 Dec 2015
Messages
28
Pretty much snap, hit 40 last week 12 years in the job and have applied for scotrail. Notice a duplication of prin in one of my applications so not overly hopefull as they can be as ruthless as they like but defo looking to make the change either this time or in the future. From what I've read and heard the services and forces do make good candidate's for the role as they will have dealt with difficult and pressure situations so id say crack on mate.

Yeah, I've had enough of the job now and all the crap that goes with it. Just waiting on local TOC's to put out now. Good luck with your application!
 

Stumac

Member
Joined
28 Sep 2015
Messages
28
Cheers mate and yourself. We havent had it as tight as you guys down south but the pension and other working practice changes have made me rethink my life plans and im doing it now so i still have 20 plus working years in a new career.
 

Rugd1022

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Joined
19 Feb 2010
Messages
565
Location
Rugby
We have an ex- copper on our complement and another colleague at a different depot is also ex- Police, a former detective who got his driving job at the grand old age of 54, so keep plugging away folks and don't give up ;)
 

BTU

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13 Jan 2016
Messages
246
Totally doable we have a number of ex police at my depot the railway love them and they seem to make good drivers and good colleagues although if job progression is something you want then driving is somewhat limited unless you aspire to be a Di or CDM in years to come then you will always be a driver which is no bad thing as management rolls seem to attract slightly hit and miss drivers that said there are some good managers around I don't wish to emply they are all bad they are not just driving gives you more freedom you don't take your work home with you . Key off close door and plan your what you are going to do in your spare time.
 
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