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West Midlands Trains vs East Midlands Trains

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Hello all.
I'm aware this may be a subjective question but wondered if anyone has any definite positives/negatives working as a trainee train driver for either of the mentioned tocs?

Distance wise is roughly equal for my travel time so I'm looking for other comparisons to inform my decision.

Any thoughts appreciated.
 
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387star

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AFAIK EMT don't take on trainee mainline only depot drivers... possibly internally they do
 
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Trainguy90

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As 387star said EMT take on their trainee’s into a depot driving role first then they can progress to mainline, WMT will go straight to mainline.
I think between the two companies it depends which depot you end up at as some depots will cover a lot of mainline work which means a lot more high speed driving, (but speaking to some drivers it can get a bit repetitive) and other depots will cover more local journeys which give a good variety but some jobs will mean more stops.

Personally if you’re between the two id just apply for whichever comes up first as both from what ive seen are good companies and depending on how much you want to get into the role you may as well double your chances.
I personally would pick EMT but that’s mainly because their my closest operator and also my first jo on the railway was with them
 
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Stevec101

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I'm leaving EMT to work for WMT/LNW. I'm leaving because WMT is much closer to home. But there are numerous things to consider from different points of view like. A location you're in and nearest depots. Which depot you'd be based etc. For example Derby used to be Midland mainline and the work was intercity. That's changed now they've got local work. Nobody knows what's going to happen with the new franchise.
Then you've got Sunday inclusive contracts and non Sunday inclusive contracts at EMT. WMT Sundays are outside the working week and paid overtime for significant enhancement. On top of that the salary isn't that far behind EMT. So if they did want Sundays in at WMT I'm certain they'd be on considerably more money.
 
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12guard4

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Stevec101 said:
I'm leaving EMT to work for WMT/LNW. I'm leaving because WMT is much closer to home. But there are numerous things to consider from different points of view like. A location you're in and nearest depots. Which depot you'd be based etc. For example Derby used to be Midland mainline and the work was intercity. That's changed now they've got local work. Nobody knows what's going to happen with the new franchise.
Then you've got Sunday inclusive contracts and non Sunday inclusive contracts at EMT. WMT Sundays are outside the working week and paid overtime for significant enhancement. On top of that the salary isn't that far behind EMT. So if they did want Sundays in at WMT I'm certain they'd be on considerably more money.
Click to expand...

Sundays will change soon
 
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12guard4

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Yes eventually it probably will be it's not far round the corner with WMT. Along with other changes to conditions
 
dilbertphil

dilbertphil

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Personally I think as a trainee you should be happy to have got a job and just crack on. Worry about the rest in a few years. :)
 
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Stevec101

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12guard4 said:
Yes eventually it probably will be it's not far round the corner with WMT. Along with other changes to conditions
Click to expand...

As they stand right now they seem fair enough. I'm personally in favour of better conditions for reduced salary. Happy medium territory etc. VTWC terms and conditions wouldn't suit me at all. I like the 4 day week too much
 
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Stevec101

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dilbertphil said:
The OP states about trainee jobs. Why did you think I was referring to you?
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Because the conversation has progressed and the way it's progressed is by qualified drivers giving their opinion on the differences between toc conditions etc.
You'll find many conversations in life progress onto different views and in different directions. Try to keep up
 
dilbertphil

dilbertphil

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Steve I was answering the original post. If you want to go off on a tangent start another thread that's how forums work. Try to keep up.
 
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I am incredibly happy and grateful for the position I'm in and I really do not want to convey a negative attitude. I think it's only natural to compare and contrast should anybody find themselves in that fortunate situation!
To those who have provided relevant information, thanks !
 
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12guard4

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Stevec101 said:
As they stand right now they seem fair enough. I'm personally in favour of better conditions for reduced salary. Happy medium territory etc. VTWC terms and conditions wouldn't suit me at all. I like the 4 day week too much
Click to expand...
I have a friend at WMT, nobody really knows what will happen but he expects sundays inside, 5 day week and DOO in the next few years. Food for thought before jumping into a move mate.
 
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Stevec101

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12guard4 said:
I have a friend at WMT, nobody really knows what will happen but he expects sundays inside, 5 day week and DOO in the next few years. Food for thought before jumping into a move mate.
Click to expand...
It's just happened at EMT so makes no odds. Whatever happens WMT is 20 mins from home I'll be saving 40 mins each way. So it's a no brainer. I'll enjoy it while I can but deal with any negative impact when it comes. I worked under the old restday pattern many moons ago and I've enjoyed the 4 day week much more. Any move to a 5 day week should be resisted. I'm not against Sunday working but it needs to be within the 4 days
 
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