Any former firefighters here?

Chaz15 · 28 Jun 2018

I've used the search function but not found much.

Wondering if there are any Firefighters here who made the switch to driving and if so, any regrets?

I'm considering it, still love Firefighting but, although money isn't everything, the prospects of any decent raise seem far of and our wage is falling far behind that of how it used to compare.

Any experiences shared would be great.

RailUK Forums

N!ck · 28 Jun 2018

I'm a firefighter pal, what brigade are you at? I'm just waiting for a start date with Northern. I know a guy from my station who left 18 months ago to drive trains, he's never looked back. I know of 3 other firefighters who who are at the same stage as me.

loco-84 · 28 Jun 2018

Serving firefighter got an interview next week

Chaz15 · 28 Jun 2018

I'm in the Scottish Fire Service. I'm only at the application stage so may not ever have to make the decision. And if that's the case I'm fine with it, just wondering if anyone's left and wishes they never.

Still love the job and take pride in saying it's what i do, it's hard not to have your head turned by a drivers salary though.

scotraildriver · 29 Jun 2018

There are loads of ex firemen at Scotrail. I've not heard any regrets. The biggest problem you will have getting a job is your firefighter colleagues. There are so many applications from the fire service, and the vast majority are good applications as you have many of the skills required, and most firefighters are good at the psychometric too. You really need to have a stand out application. (From you current colleagues). Tricky.

Cyclist · 29 Jun 2018

I've seen a load of fire fighters and people from all the other emergency services using these forums and discussing their job prospects. Seems like a very popular thing to switch to.

Eddie9372 · 29 Jun 2018

I know a few ff's who have got in to the trains, and to be fair never looked back. I waiting on my application to be accepted or not .....

Chaz15 · 29 Jun 2018

I've gone for Perth, but that was before Glasgow and Bathgate came up so would prefer them. The Perth application I spelt Action - Acton so I expect that won't get through, missed on the proof read, busy dealing with crazy toddler, my own fault, should have checked after bedtime, sorted it for the ones I'm able to do without relocation though so fingers crossed.

WrongRoad · 29 Jun 2018

Don’t let your decision to become a driver be based on salary alone. There’s a lot to learn, many exams and many hours with a driver instructor to get through before you can even think of the wages. If there’s no real interest in doing the job I would suggest you don’t apply.

tiptoptaff · 29 Jun 2018

WrongRoad said:
Don’t let your decision to become a driver be based on salary alone. There’s a lot to learn, many exams and many hours with a driver instructor to get through before you can even think of the wages. If there’s no real interest in doing the job I would suggest you don’t apply.

This. once you're in and qualified, if you hate it, you'll struggle to find a job to match the wages

Wst71Pa2 · 30 Jun 2018

I've definitely made the right move. Only 4 hot wears and about 10 RTC out of the last 150 turnouts! Yes I miss the job but the variety I get on units and routes and that's before the chaos of autumn and winter

Your skills attitude and perception will be well used

Cyclist · 1 Jul 2018

Wst71Pa2 said:
Only 4 hot wears and about 10 RTC out of the last 150 turnouts!

what does this mean?

Wst71Pa2 · 1 Jul 2018

Sorry, Jargon!

Out of 150 call outs, 4 fires required use of breathing apparatus and 10 road traffic collision where casualty required extraction. The rest false alarms either malicious, good intentions or alarm faults.

red2005 · 1 Jul 2018

WrongRoad said:
Don’t let your decision to become a driver be based on salary alone. There’s a lot to learn, many exams and many hours with a driver instructor to get through before you can even think of the wages. If there’s no real interest in doing the job I would suggest you don’t apply.

Absolutely spot on. This job isn’t for everyone for many different reasons. The novelty of a decent salary is something that can ware off very quickly if you find it’s not for you.

I know when this job throws it’s worst at me, the last thing that enters my mind is the salary.

Any former firefighters here?

Chaz15

Member

RailUK Forums

N!ck

Member

loco-84

Member

Chaz15

Member

scotraildriver

Established Member

Cyclist

Member

Eddie9372

Member

Chaz15

Member

WrongRoad

Member

tiptoptaff

Established Member

Wst71Pa2

Member

Cyclist

Member

Wst71Pa2

Member

red2005

Member