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Aspiring Tube Driver- Need Guidance.
- Thread starter jj30523
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Applepie356
Member
I believe the only way is to join via Customer assistant for the underground then you apply for it internally.
Not sure if any job in TFL will allow you to apply for tube driver or if you need to specifically be a Customer Assistant to apply.
Not sure if any job in TFL will allow you to apply for tube driver or if you need to specifically be a Customer Assistant to apply.
Nym
Established Member
Technically any job, but you're better off working for LUL than TfL. The ops experience is looked upon favourably.
Bucephalus
Member
Railway123321
Member
Out of interest do you still do the psychometric tests as normal when applying internally? (guessing you do)
Rockhopper
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The last time they advertised externally i think it was just over 10,000 applications for one position!
Would this also apply if you wanted to be a Crossrail Driver?
Last time they advertised externally was for Night Tube and that was for a waiting list with a lot more than 1 getting the job.
The first wave of Night Tube jobs, they hired 280 people.
Mainline TOCs are the ones that often receive thousands of applications for a small number of vacancies.
I think you need to do a bit of research on the job tbh. Underground recruitment is different. For train operating companies such as tfl rail which run on network rail lines will need to pass a psychometrics test and you only have two lives. TFL LU have their own tests which I've heard you can sit unlimited times.
No, even LUL Train Operators would have to apply for a external Trainee Train Driver job
You do TfLs own version of them (easier) and don't have the 2 lives thing
Railway123321
Member
Thank you
Apprentice used to be post grad however they did start doing younger apprenticeships.
Tfls version of the psychometric tests was the same as mainline. I can't advise if they changed when national rail did.
If you want to be a train operator and choose to go to the mainline down the road you will have to start over as a trainee and go through everything
Tfls version of the psychometric tests was the same as mainline. I can't advise if they changed when national rail did.
If you want to be a train operator and choose to go to the mainline down the road you will have to start over as a trainee and go through everything
I agree with the comment above that the OP needs to do a little more research.
I would also advise that applying directly to a TOC for a trainee driver role might be a better bet than becoming a CSA with LU, with no guarantee of ever getting a train operator role. TOCs offer more money than LU, most have a four day week (and lots of overtime if you want it) whereas LU is a five day week with no overtime. LU is largely ATO these days (depending on line) with some incredibly intensive work. LU operators can also find themselves sitting in a “pool” link, which is effectively permanent spare, with no visibility over their work.
As stated above an LU operator joining the mainline would be starting from scratch as a trainee, and would also take a large pay cut to train.
It’s by no means unknown for LU train operators to join the mainline, but I’ve never heard of anyone going the other way.
I would also advise that applying directly to a TOC for a trainee driver role might be a better bet than becoming a CSA with LU, with no guarantee of ever getting a train operator role. TOCs offer more money than LU, most have a four day week (and lots of overtime if you want it) whereas LU is a five day week with no overtime. LU is largely ATO these days (depending on line) with some incredibly intensive work. LU operators can also find themselves sitting in a “pool” link, which is effectively permanent spare, with no visibility over their work.
As stated above an LU operator joining the mainline would be starting from scratch as a trainee, and would also take a large pay cut to train.
It’s by no means unknown for LU train operators to join the mainline, but I’ve never heard of anyone going the other way.
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