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Applying for Train Driver roles overseas

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abc0805

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Hello. I am an American, and absolutely love London and the UK. I've visited London a few times, and can see myself living there. I've also been considering moving and living abroad for a while. I have about 5 years of experience operating passenger commuter trains in the US, as well as some experience as a freight Conductor. I've been thinking about applying to a Train Driver or Guard role in the UK. I don't think a TOC would sponsor someone for that job though, as there is no shortage of Train Drivers. I also don't have any family ties to the UK or the EU to get a family visa :\ Maybe I'll just put in an application and see what happens. My dream job would be to operate the Eurostar :D
 
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Salesy

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Yeah, I can’t see a TOC sponsoring you unfortunately, but it’s worth a phone call or an email I suppose.

If you were an EU citizen it wouldn’t be an issue due to the freedom of movement within the EU. Maybe Donald and our future PM will negotiate something similar once the Brexit mess is finally sorted.
 
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UPS1550

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abc0805 said:
Hello. I am an American, and absolutely love London and the UK. I've visited London a few times, and can see myself living there. I've also been considering moving and living abroad for a while. I have about 5 years of experience operating passenger commuter trains in the US, as well as some experience as a freight Conductor. I've been thinking about applying to a Train Driver or Guard role in the UK. I don't think a TOC would sponsor someone for that job though, as there is no shortage of Train Drivers. I also don't have any family ties to the UK or the EU to get a family visa :\ Maybe I'll just put in an application and see what happens. My dream job would be to operate the Eurostar :D
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I worked for a customer who came from Vermont few years ago, worked for 1 of the energy companies something to do with wind turbines, she took UK / dual citizenship, said it was very quick & easy process.

Shame I'd love to work for CSX or UP, length of your trains is unbelievable and all the local freight deliveries, just don't get that here!
 
tiptoptaff

tiptoptaff

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Unfortunately, the UK to US or US to UK is pretty difficult. Overcoming the citizenship requirements first of all, then getting employed.
The biggest barrier is of course getting here and getting the residence and right to work. Beyond that, it's just getting a job. It's very popular. No doubt your experience will help, but you'll be starting as a trainee
 
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UPS1550

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I wonder if any companies would consider setting up an exchange program for qualified drivers? Could be good for both sides to learn new ways of doing things maybe?
 
tiptoptaff

tiptoptaff

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tom foote said:
I wonder if any companies would consider setting up an exchange program for qualified drivers? Could be good for both sides to learn new ways of doing things maybe?
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The US attitude to HandS is not something we need creeping back in to UK rail practice.
 
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abc0805

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tiptoptaff said:
Unfortunately, the UK to US or US to UK is pretty difficult. Overcoming the citizenship requirements first of all, then getting employed.
The biggest barrier is of course getting here and getting the residence and right to work. Beyond that, it's just getting a job. It's very popular. No doubt your experience will help, but you'll be starting as a trainee
Click to expand...

It's hard for Americans to move abroad unfortunately, since we don't really have any immigration partnerships with any other nations. You have to have highly in demand and specialized skills.
 
RBSN

RBSN

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You would first need to move to the UK and gain citizenship here and be settled.

Then you would be able to apply for a trainee drivers role with a ToC or FoC. These are both highly sought after jobs in the UK so you can imagine the chance of landing one is slim in comparison to job availability.
 
dilbertphil

dilbertphil

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On most applications there is a question which says something like: Are you eligible to work in the UK? As soon as you answer no to that your application is effectively over.

Sorry you would need to gain some sort of residency and right to work here before you could apply for any job.
 
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abc0805

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Salesy said:
Yeah, I can’t see a TOC sponsoring you unfortunately, but it’s worth a phone call or an email I suppose.

If you were an EU citizen it wouldn’t be an issue due to the freedom of movement within the EU. Maybe Donald and our future PM will negotiate something similar once the Brexit mess is finally sorted.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I emailed a few companies. All of them require an unlimited right to work in the UK and don't offer sponsorship for Train Driver jobs. Some offer Tier 2 sponsorship, but the job has to be a graduate level position. It's kind of frustrating lol.
 
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