So i have posted a couple of times now with regards to qualified moves, so thought i would just post for anyone in a similar position.
I have been a qualified driver now for 'just'' under 12 months and have been thinking of move for a while now as i would really like to go back home or at least try to get as close to it as i can.
For anyone else where ever you maybe unfortunately this is not as easy as one would think, I have been in touch with all the TOCS who operate in the north and not one of them yet will entertain me until i have at least 2/3 years experience under my belt? I have a completely clean safety record and feel my experience as a metro driver has put me in good stead for any other toc who ( which is most of them in the north) have a far less strenuous stopping pattern nor cover as many different routes as i do being a first year driver.
Personally i dont understand why another year or so makes that much difference. My point is that anybody looking to get into the driving role by any means make sure you are fully aware and prepared to be away from wherever you are at the moment for a long time, You are not guaranteed to be qualified and then move back after just a couple of years unfortunately. I am probably looking at 4/5 years with my current toc before getting a move including training (12 months)
While i am grateful and very pleased to have become a driver and i also like a vast majority of the fellas at my depot, in hindsight i wish i had maybe held out for a TOC in the north rather than just being desperate to get into the job, Which i love by the way...... most of time!!!
I have been a qualified driver now for 'just'' under 12 months and have been thinking of move for a while now as i would really like to go back home or at least try to get as close to it as i can.
For anyone else where ever you maybe unfortunately this is not as easy as one would think, I have been in touch with all the TOCS who operate in the north and not one of them yet will entertain me until i have at least 2/3 years experience under my belt? I have a completely clean safety record and feel my experience as a metro driver has put me in good stead for any other toc who ( which is most of them in the north) have a far less strenuous stopping pattern nor cover as many different routes as i do being a first year driver.
Personally i dont understand why another year or so makes that much difference. My point is that anybody looking to get into the driving role by any means make sure you are fully aware and prepared to be away from wherever you are at the moment for a long time, You are not guaranteed to be qualified and then move back after just a couple of years unfortunately. I am probably looking at 4/5 years with my current toc before getting a move including training (12 months)
While i am grateful and very pleased to have become a driver and i also like a vast majority of the fellas at my depot, in hindsight i wish i had maybe held out for a TOC in the north rather than just being desperate to get into the job, Which i love by the way...... most of time!!!