Or realistically the large number of drivers already in various stages of training from the previous 12 months of mass-recruitment (including some who were days from passing out) who have been on a training hiatus for the last five months and appear on appearance sheets and links as ‘vacancy’.
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Trainee train driver - Liverpool and Sheffield
- Thread starter Nevergiveup
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RailUK Forums
That 6 month thing from the first online test you mention is just a first group thing. It certainly doesn't exclude you from applying for a job with Transport for Wales or other non first group TOCs. Go for it and good luck.
Evolution
Member
TPE don't struggle to recruit qualifieds, there's a steady flow from Northern and other TOCs/FOC's. TPE actually have better T&C's than XC/LNER/Avanti for most part, drivers have been known to move over from the aforementioned TOC's.
Liverpool to York is just one route, no depot just signs that route. The route cards are actually quite big.
There's no shortage of drivers, just a need to fill positions with retirements coming up in the next few years, no different to most TOC's. There's a requirement by the franchise to recruit and train up so many trainees, hence the positions coming up. However, I know it's disappointing for those who applied, but you have to remember we are in a global pandemic still hence them pulling the plug on these positions.
There's plenty of trainees still in the system and with the reduced services, there's no need to recruit more trainees as things stand.
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Killingworth
Established Member
I'm afraid there's a very great shortage of passengers on the South TransPennine routes at present. 25% of normal may be a very good load.
It would be unwise to make big changes before longer term projections can be made with more certainty. Any decisions that can be deferred for at least 6-12 months should be. By then we'll have a better idea of exactly how dire things are likely to get. I don't see the need for more services or capacity for some time tocome.
It would be unwise to make big changes before longer term projections can be made with more certainty. Any decisions that can be deferred for at least 6-12 months should be. By then we'll have a better idea of exactly how dire things are likely to get. I don't see the need for more services or capacity for some time tocome.
It is very sad news that these jobs have been pulled but in these times it is no suprise. However the posts on here about TPE being short of drivers but unwilling to recruit are not true, there is not the work anymore to justify more drivers currently, there is approximately a 40% daily availability of spare drivers for work, there are qualified and trainee drivers at home waiting to return. As a driver myself its a rough time with much uncertainty and there is not enough work to go around the current driver roster let alone bringing new drivers in. It is widely rumoured that a voluntary redundancy scheme will be offered shortly. I feel truly sorry for all that have been affected by this but TPE are being guided by the DFT now and sadly the jobs that were there 6 months ago aren't there now. Good luck to all.
sharpy
New Member
Thanks Frankfurt
I am one of those trainees waiting to start and have been paid to stay at home. I have been told sometime ago that the job is safe but as each month goes on I receive a paycheck I worry. If they are going to offer qualified drivers redundancy then I am wondering what will happen to us lot.
Time will tell!
Time will tell!
The union guys at work have stated quite firmly that you will not lose your job, you are a TPE driver and you will be looked after the same as any other driver. With regards a voluntary redundancy scheme I think there would be plenty who take up the offer so I would think you will be filling the gap eventually. You are probably in for a long wait but you will get there. Cheers.
Thanks Marty. I have heard that the job is safe as well. Its just difficult not to worry after so many months and hearing how things are at the moment. Its been a fair few years for me to get to this point so I guess I am nervous about it all.
For some I would expect VR would be worth it, especially if they are close to retirement already.
The closer you are to retirement the less money you get with VR. For a lot its just not worth it.
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