Child Access TPE?

I currently looking at applying for trainee train driver positions, one that would suit me is Transpennine Express. Now, I've asked first this question but got nowhere, so, does anybody know if they have a policy regarding child access? I currently have my son every other weekend/Wednesday's, as per a court order (the ex wife will only deal with it at court), and I can't afford another court case so need to clarify if TPE have a policy in such cases ie, working shifts around such matters? First bus do, as do most companies, but not all. My access is coming up for review, so if someone could clarify any such policy I would be extremely grateful.
TIA.

You’ll probably find they generally do, however, you’ll likely (Almost definitely I’d say) find that on applying you’d have to a) commit your Monday-Friday for the duration of the classroom training and b) have to agree to work the shifts required when you’re out driving properly. Most companies will have family friendly working etc but I very much doubt if you made that known on applying you’d get very far, especially since this is such a sought after job.

As Stigy as said, most employers these days will accommodate you - not just in the railways, but in a lot of other industries.

The only obstacle you have is the training period which is something you have to contend with in any job.

I know female colleagues from my police service days who joined up with child care commitments and were granted flexibility with their shifts once they went operational - however this was after months of full on training which is generally Monday - Friday.

C J Snarzell said:

As Stigy as said, most employers these days will accommodate you - not just in the railways, but in a lot of other industries.

The only obstacle you have is the training period which is something you have to contend with in any job.

I know female colleagues from my police service days who joined up with child care commitments and were granted flexibility with their shifts once they went operational - however this was after months of full on training which is generally Monday - Friday.

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Don’t get me wrong, the railways are as accommodating as any other industry. However when applying for roles which require a lot of training and shift work, one usually has to agree to these terms. It’s not feasible to be a trainee train driver and not be able to work a Wednesday or a Saturday on a rotating basis.

Once you’re qualified and in a link, there’s often swaps available so you can do permanent earlies/lates as there’s usually people who would rather work those shifts. Likewise there’s also usually policy in place to take circumstances in to account.

Thanks for the replies. I understand the training bit, I would have to forfeit my Wednesday access short term, which I appreciate has to be done as it's the job I want, but I'm trying to get something more concrete on the shifts after training. If I try to start altering access she will have it back in court, which costs me solicitor fees, which I can't afford. As I said, TPE don't seem very helpful so I was just wondering if anyone had details of such a policy? I don't want to apply for a position to find out I can't see my son 12 months down the line.

Training is usually a 9-3 mon-fri however when you do route learning then your following the instructors shifts and these can vary. But when you pass out there's always opportunity to swap shifts etc.

If daily timings are critical to you (e.g. collecting child from school), remember that shifts will often end later than planned if there is disruption.

Also something to remember is that when you take the job you are in effect agreeing to work the hours required, which essentially is any time over a 24hr period 6days a week. TOCs do offer accommodation but it never looks good when you say "yes I can do all of these varying hours and shifts" to get the job and then immediately turn around and request accommodated turns and links. And all those shifts you don't want to work are ones that the rest of your depot have to pick up more frequently.

I appreciate the difficulty in having child access specified by court but you find me a driver who wouldn't want every other Saturday off to see their kids more often.

Swaps are possible but you're not going to be able to swap out of every other Saturday, you have to be realistic.