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Awaiting start with TFL

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ruby

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4 Sep 2018
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63
Does anyone know how long before training starts they send the contract. I start in 5 weeks but no contract yet. Do i need to call them
 
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Mabs

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Joined
24 Apr 2018
Messages
395
Does anyone know how long before training starts they send the contract. I start in 5 weeks but no contract yet. Do i need to call them
Katie told me I will get my contract 4 weeks before i start when she rang me.

Do we get the staff oyester card just for ourselves or also for the named person?
 
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Rme6

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Joined
4 Jan 2020
Messages
82
Location
E6
My Contract was sent out around 4 weeks before start date. You get staff and nominee oyster, uniform and ipad on first day. Uniform is all over the place (size wise). Fire safety test on day 2. A lot to take on, but day 3 today was much better. Altogether 3 assessments to pass. Fire safety, one about ticket machine (on your ipad) and another one about tickets. Don't stress about the tests, the trainers explain everything in great details.

My Contract was sent out around 4 weeks before start date. You get staff and nominee oyster, uniform and ipad on first day. Uniform is all over the place (size wise). Fire safety test on day 2. A lot to take on, but day 3 today was much better. Altogether 3 assessments to pass. Fire safety, one about ticket machine (on your ipad) and another one about tickets. Don't stress about the tests, the trainers explain everything in great details.
You also find out what station you will be working on first day, you can swap if anyone is willing to swap with you. But as csa2 you will more likely to be moved around.
 

Mabs

Member
Joined
24 Apr 2018
Messages
395
My Contract was sent out around 4 weeks before start date. You get staff and nominee oyster, uniform and ipad on first day. Uniform is all over the place (size wise). Fire safety test on day 2. A lot to take on, but day 3 today was much better. Altogether 3 assessments to pass. Fire safety, one about ticket machine (on your ipad) and another one about tickets. Don't stress about the tests, the trainers explain everything in great details.


You also find out what station you will be working on first day, you can swap if anyone is willing to swap with you. But as csa2 you will more likely to be moved around.
What stations am I likely to get for the weekend night tube if I live near Heathrow and Piccadilly line? Are all the stations open at night on the line or are only the big stations open?
 

Londonkens

Member
Joined
10 Dec 2021
Messages
57
Location
london
My Contract was sent out around 4 weeks before start date. You get staff and nominee oyster, uniform and ipad on first day. Uniform is all over the place (size wise). Fire safety test on day 2. A lot to take on, but day 3 today was much better. Altogether 3 assessments to pass. Fire safety, one about ticket machine (on your ipad) and another one about tickets. Don't stress about the tests, the trainers explain everything in great details.


You also find out what station you will be working on first day, you can swap if anyone is willing to swap with you. But as csa2 you will more likely to be moved around.

That’s great to know, I’m gutted I had to move my start date. I was originally meant to be on the one with you I believe. But it’s good to have a heads up! And wow we get iPads too! Very snazzy
 

Rme6

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Joined
4 Jan 2020
Messages
82
Location
E6
That’s great to know, I’m gutted I had to move my start date. I was originally meant to be on the one with you I believe. But it’s good to have a heads up! And wow we get iPads too! Very snazzy
We are 9 in the group was told 10th person couldn't make it.. Now I know why. Yeah ipad is yours to keep for work but can be used for personal stuff too within reason.

What stations am I likely to get for the weekend night tube if I live near Heathrow and Piccadilly line? Are all the stations open at night on the line or are only the big stations open?
You are going to have to wait and see.
 

Mawkie

Member
Joined
17 Feb 2016
Messages
418
Are all the stations open at night on the line or are only the big stations open?
Every station remains open on NT, but remember the RMT are currently in dispute and have an active strike mandate in place, so RMT Train Ops are refusing to drive the night shift when the new Piccadilly timetable comes in on 17th July.
 

Kay_M

Member
Joined
18 Apr 2019
Messages
93
Folks I have a question. For those that made the transition from a TOC to TFL how was it like and do you regret the move? And also what role do you do (you don't have to answer this part if you feel uncomfortable to)
 

ruby

Member
Joined
4 Sep 2018
Messages
63
Folks I have a question. For those that made the transition from a TOC to TFL how was it like and do you regret the move? And also what role do you do (you don't have to answer this part if you feel uncomfortable to)
I think it depends on the role and what you make of it. Most TOCs have limited progression opportunities while TfL maybe able to offer more career growth if you have the right manager. Most people choose to stay on the frontline and in operational roles because it’s less responsibility, better pay negotiation and union security but if you want to branch out there is so much TfL can offer. Just my opinion

I think it depends on the role and what you make of it. Most TOCs have limited progression opportunities while TfL maybe able to offer more career growth if you have the right manager. Most people choose to stay on the frontline and in operational roles because it’s less responsibility, better pay negotiation and union security but if you want to branch out there is so much TfL can offer. Just my opinion
When I say operational roles I mean frontline roles. CSS and CSM as well as TSM and control are operational roles that pay very well if you can get them.
 

Kay_M

Member
Joined
18 Apr 2019
Messages
93
I think it depends on the role and what you make of it. Most TOCs have limited progression opportunities while TfL maybe able to offer more career growth if you have the right manager. Most people choose to stay on the frontline and in operational roles because it’s less responsibility, better pay negotiation and union security but if you want to branch out there is so much TfL can offer. Just my opinion


When I say operational roles I mean frontline roles. CSS and CSM as well as TSM and control are operational roles that pay very well if you can get them.
That is very handy to know and thank you for this.
 

Twotwo

Member
Joined
10 Aug 2018
Messages
586
Tocs have good progression. Many drivers and guards now were ex gateline and platform.

One thing I gotta say is that (from the outside) tfl do pay very well for csa roles and theres great perks in comparison to tocs. When I was gateline for a toc it was the starting entry job so was very low paid and not very well respected.
 

FinchN9

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Joined
22 Jan 2022
Messages
17
Location
London
So I got a call 2 days ago, someone had dropped out of the Aug 1st training so I’ve taken their place! Can’t believe it’s all happened so quickly, it’s only been 5 weeks since I got my conditional.

Excited but also nervous! Does anyone know if there is any revision to be down outside of work hours on the training weeks? Mainly for the tests. I have a couple of commitments they weeks as I wasn’t expecting to be starting then and I’m a little worried! Haha
 

Mawkie

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Joined
17 Feb 2016
Messages
418
So I got a call 2 days ago, someone had dropped out of the Aug 1st training so I’ve taken their place! Can’t believe it’s all happened so quickly, it’s only been 5 weeks since I got my conditional.

Excited but also nervous! Does anyone know if there is any revision to be down outside of work hours on the training weeks? Mainly for the tests. I have a couple of commitments they weeks as I wasn’t expecting to be starting then and I’m a little worried! Haha
Is it a CSA position? Certainly for me a small amount of revision was necessary to cement what I learnt that day - I used to just spend an hour each evening reading over the notes I'd taken that day (and making a note of any questions for the next day).

I'm sure others will have breezed through it without a second glance though.
 

mabob

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Joined
17 May 2021
Messages
7
Location
Highams Park
Got through all my references and Medical, for the night shift csa role. Number 32 on wait list, Katie has said they are booked training up to Oct and already told ne off for asking for updates. Anyone else got their no. on the wait list?
 

ruby

Member
Joined
4 Sep 2018
Messages
63
Got through all my references and Medical, for the night shift csa role. Number 32 on wait list, Katie has said they are booked training up to Oct and already told ne off for asking for updates. Anyone else got their no. on the wait list?
Night tube is generally a lot slower than day shifts training wise but you will get there. My start date was 5 months away from when I finished the entire process. In time you will get the call but its difficult to say when ..... business needs and all
 

Londonkens

Member
Joined
10 Dec 2021
Messages
57
Location
london
I think some of this info has already been mentioned but I’ll say it anyway.

Training is 5 days at Ashfield house - on the first day you will be given a brand new iPad with a case and protective cover as well as your staff oyster pass. You will also be given lots of workbooks to read through.

Make sure on day one when you get home you go through and focus on the fire book in absolute detail as the following day you will be tested on it with 25 questions, pass mark is 80% for all tests. The trainer is really good as on the day you will have a chance to ask lots more questions based on the test and a lot of the answers will be given throughout the day without even realising.

Questions are all multiple choice so read them carefully as some look like they are the right answer but actually they are throwing you off.

On the iPad you will also be required to complete a ticket machine test and another few modules on the E zone which is on the iPad, there are about 15 modules/courses to complete. Make sure you do them all before the end of the week in your own time. They are all very easy.

On the following Monday you’ll do a first aid course which again is tested with multiple choice questions, really straight forward and I’m sure you will all pass.

Most of the training days are not full days, you will start 9am and sometimes leave at 3pm or even earlier which is good as this gives you more time at home to learn the modules on the Ezone.

There will be a few sales people arriving while your doing training to persuade you to sign up to dental insurance companies and life insurance companies as well as the unions RMT and TSSA, (go with RMT) if you do choose a union but of course it’s up to you who you ultimately choose, I also signed up for the dental insurance and life insurance which all automatically come out of your pay, these are really amazing benefits so read the small print and decide accordingly what best suits you.

Most important one is joining the unions so make the right choice.

The Tuesday, the day after the first aid training you will be shadowing someone after you’ve done your familiarisation at your station. The area you will be given will likely be over established so you’ll won’t be in that particular area for your TFL CSA career.

Ask lots of questions when you shadow as depending on the location you’ll be given you’ll be working independently most of the time.

There will be lots of TFL jargon to get used to but I tend to make notes of all the abbreviations in my phone - a lot of the abbreviations are in the books they provide you with on day one. Try and memorise your employee number and various other passwords you need to set up on on day one.

Your iPad will be your 3rd arm so use that as much as you can if you get confused with customers.

You’ll be given a massive box and I mean massive to take home with you I believe on day one or two, that will be your uniform which most people had to swap out for different sizes with the lady in Angel who deals with uniform, so I’d advise if you are travelling far to get to Ashfield house to bring a small suitcase with you as the box is extremely heavy, this is something I wish someone warned me about so I’m warning you now LOL.


They will tell you this anyway but there are a lot of fare evaders, if people decide to barge through the gates (mainly the wag) let them do it. We aren’t paid to do the job of the revenue inspector team.

Wages will be paid every 4 weeks and it’s always on a Wednesday. CSA2’s starting salary is now £30,381 the first month will be slightly less as you are paid at an 80% rate due to the training but the following month you will get the full amount so don’t be disappointed when you see your very first pay.
I know that’s a lot of info but I hope it helps.

All the best to everyone for your TFL careers.
 
Last edited:

Mawkie

Member
Joined
17 Feb 2016
Messages
418
I think some of this info has already been mentioned but I’ll say it anyway.

Training is 5 days at Ashfield house - on the first day you will be given a brand new iPad with a case and protective cover as well as your staff oyster pass. You will also be given lots of workbooks to read through.

Make sure on day one when you get home you go through and focus on the fire book in absolute detail as the following day you will be tested on it with 25 questions, pass mark is 80% for all tests. The trainer is really good as on the day you will have a chance to ask lots more questions based on the test and a lot of the answers will be given throughout the day without even realising.

Questions are all multiple choice so read them carefully as some look like they are the right answer but actually they are throwing you off.

On the iPad you will also be required to complete a ticket machine test and another few modules on the E zone which is on the iPad, there are about 15 modules/courses to complete. Make sure you do them all before the end of the week in your own time. They are all very easy.

On the following Monday you’ll do a first aid course which again is tested with multiple choice questions, really straight forward and I’m sure you will all pass.

Most of the training days are not full days, you will start 9am and sometimes leave at 3pm or even earlier which is good as this gives you more time at home to learn the modules on the Ezone.

There will be a few sales people arriving while your doing training to persuade you to sign up to dental insurance companies and life insurance companies as well as the unions RMT and TSSA, (go with RMT) if you do choose a union but of course it’s up to you who you ultimately choose, I also signed up for the dental insurance and life insurance which all automatically come out of your pay, these are really amazing benefits so read the small print and decide accordingly what best suits you.

Most important one is joining the unions so make the right choice.

The Tuesday, the day after the first aid training you will be shadowing someone after you’ve done your familiarisation at your station. The area you will be given will likely be over established so you’ll won’t be in that particular area for your TFL CSA career.

Ask lots of questions when you shadow as depending on the location you’ll be given you’ll be working independently most of the time.

There will be lots of TFL jargon to get used to but I tend to make notes of all the abbreviations in my phone - a lot of the abbreviations are in the books they provide you with on day one. Try and memorise your employee number and various other passwords you need to set up on on day one.

Your iPad will be your 3rd arm so use that as much as you can if you get confused with customers.

You’ll be given a massive box and I mean massive to take home with you I believe on day one or two, that will be your uniform which most people had to swap out for different sizes with the lady in Angel who deals with uniform, so I’d advise if you are travelling far to get to Ashfield house to bring a small suitcase with you as the box is extremely heavy, this is something I wish someone warned me about so I’m warning you now LOL.


They will tell you this anyway but there are a lot of fare evaders, if people decide to barge through the gates (mainly the wag) let them do it. We aren’t paid to do the job of the revenue inspector team.

Wages will be paid every 4 weeks and it’s always on a Wednesday. CSA2’s starting salary is now £30,200 the first month will be slightly less as you are paid at an 80% rate due to the training but the following month you will get the full amount so don’t be disappointed when you see your very first pay.
I know that’s a lot of info but I hope it helps.

All the best to everyone for your TFL careers.
This is excellent advice. I'm sure a lot of people will find that helpful in calming their nerves.

For the avoidance of doubt, here is the current salary for CSA1/2s (and others) and training rates too.
 

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Mabs

Member
Joined
24 Apr 2018
Messages
395
I think some of this info has already been mentioned but I’ll say it anyway.

Training is 5 days at Ashfield house - on the first day you will be given a brand new iPad with a case and protective cover as well as your staff oyster pass. You will also be given lots of workbooks to read through.

Make sure on day one when you get home you go through and focus on the fire book in absolute detail as the following day you will be tested on it with 25 questions, pass mark is 80% for all tests. The trainer is really good as on the day you will have a chance to ask lots more questions based on the test and a lot of the answers will be given throughout the day without even realising.

Questions are all multiple choice so read them carefully as some look like they are the right answer but actually they are throwing you off.

On the iPad you will also be required to complete a ticket machine test and another few modules on the E zone which is on the iPad, there are about 15 modules/courses to complete. Make sure you do them all before the end of the week in your own time. They are all very easy.

On the following Monday you’ll do a first aid course which again is tested with multiple choice questions, really straight forward and I’m sure you will all pass.

Most of the training days are not full days, you will start 9am and sometimes leave at 3pm or even earlier which is good as this gives you more time at home to learn the modules on the Ezone.

There will be a few sales people arriving while your doing training to persuade you to sign up to dental insurance companies and life insurance companies as well as the unions RMT and TSSA, (go with RMT) if you do choose a union but of course it’s up to you who you ultimately choose, I also signed up for the dental insurance and life insurance which all automatically come out of your pay, these are really amazing benefits so read the small print and decide accordingly what best suits you.

Most important one is joining the unions so make the right choice.

The Tuesday, the day after the first aid training you will be shadowing someone after you’ve done your familiarisation at your station. The area you will be given will likely be over established so you’ll won’t be in that particular area for your TFL CSA career.

Ask lots of questions when you shadow as depending on the location you’ll be given you’ll be working independently most of the time.

There will be lots of TFL jargon to get used to but I tend to make notes of all the abbreviations in my phone - a lot of the abbreviations are in the books they provide you with on day one. Try and memorise your employee number and various other passwords you need to set up on on day one.

Your iPad will be your 3rd arm so use that as much as you can if you get confused with customers.

You’ll be given a massive box and I mean massive to take home with you I believe on day one or two, that will be your uniform which most people had to swap out for different sizes with the lady in Angel who deals with uniform, so I’d advise if you are travelling far to get to Ashfield house to bring a small suitcase with you as the box is extremely heavy, this is something I wish someone warned me about so I’m warning you now LOL.


They will tell you this anyway but there are a lot of fare evaders, if people decide to barge through the gates (mainly the wag) let them do it. We aren’t paid to do the job of the revenue inspector team.

Wages will be paid every 4 weeks and it’s always on a Wednesday. CSA2’s starting salary is now £30,381 the first month will be slightly less as you are paid at an 80% rate due to the training but the following month you will get the full amount so don’t be disappointed when you see your very first pay.
I know that’s a lot of info but I hope it helps.

All the best to everyone for your TFL careers.
Thank you very much for a very detailed reply.

It will help a lot of people.
 

Rme6

Member
Joined
4 Jan 2020
Messages
82
Location
E6
One point to add. They will give you dead early and dead late shifts too. Staff taxi available but its not door to door service. I have to catch a bus at 1 am to get to my taxi pick up point.

One point to add. They will give you dead early and dead late shifts too. Staff taxi available but its not door to door service. I have to catch a bus at 1 am to get to my taxi pick up point.
And security checks feels very confusing depending on the size of the station but don't be shy to make mistakes.
 

Londonkens

Member
Joined
10 Dec 2021
Messages
57
Location
london
One point to add. They will give you dead early and dead late shifts too. Staff taxi available but its not door to door service. I have to catch a bus at 1 am to get to my taxi pick up point.


And security checks feels very confusing depending on the size of the station but don't be shy to make mistakes.

Wow that’s crazy, the Area that I’ve been given has no starts earlier than 7am and no finishes later than 10pm so I think it all depends solely on that.

As for security checks in my area they are done by the CSS only not CSA1’s or CSA2’s
 

Mawkie

Member
Joined
17 Feb 2016
Messages
418
Wow that’s crazy, the Area that I’ve been given has no starts earlier than 7am and no finishes later than 10pm so I think it all depends solely on that.

As for security checks in my area they are done by the CSS only not CSA1’s or CSA2’s
Lol, you got lucky I think.

During the introduction of CSA2s, one of the benefits of the lower salary was no dead earlies or dead lates (and no escalator or lift work, no opening or closing a station, no SATS).

Of course this eventually changed on some areas according to 'business needs' and CSA2s liking the idea of a more interesting work life, or overtime.

So on some areas, CSA2s now do dead earlies and lates.

Security walks can be done by any grade. Surface stations tend to have the CSS do them once at the beginning of their shift. Sub surface stations have different requirements, but Kings Cross for example, has 2 separate security walks leaving in different directions every hour - CSAs do those walks.
 

BlackZeta

Member
Joined
7 Nov 2021
Messages
47
Location
London
I’m CSA2 and I’m doing dead early and lates as well. Depends of the station. And security check as well can be done by any grade but this I like actually, especially 5 o’clock in the morning :smile:
 

mabob

Member
Joined
17 May 2021
Messages
7
Location
Highams Park
Anyone doing part time CSA? I think there are part time 20 hour CSA shifts but does anyone know how hard they are to get? I think you would have to complete your probation before you could transfer to these but I am interested in other peoples experiences.
 

Londonkens

Member
Joined
10 Dec 2021
Messages
57
Location
london
Anyone doing part time CSA? I think there are part time 20 hour CSA shifts but does anyone know how hard they are to get? I think you would have to complete your probation before you could transfer to these but I am interested in other peoples experiences.
Yeah I think you would deffo need to go on some sort of waiting list or fill out a change of circumstances form after passing probation
 

Mabs

Member
Joined
24 Apr 2018
Messages
395
Anyone else started their course? How is it going ?

I booked 3 weeks off from work for my course and I've not even got my contract yet.
 

BlackZeta

Member
Joined
7 Nov 2021
Messages
47
Location
London
Anyone else started their course? How is it going ?

I booked 3 weeks off from work for my course and I've not even got my contract yet.
If you need a contract call Katie. I’ve called her that I have long notice and I have to give a resignation letter and the same day they’ve send it to me.
 

Mabs

Member
Joined
24 Apr 2018
Messages
395
If you need a contract call Katie. I’ve called her that I have long notice and I have to give a resignation letter and the same day they’ve send it to me.
I work part time for SWR so I won't be leaving. I will keep SWR and TFL roles.

I booked 3 weeks off unpaid so I need TFL to start on time.

I might give Katie a call next week.
 
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