Hi Everyone, I have been lurking here for a while now and asking a few questions etc. the basis of that is how much I dream of moving profession and becoming a train driver. It really is my dream job and something I have wanted to do for years. My backround is haulage and logistics, I have worked in it since I left school in 2000, I passed my transport manager CPC qualification at 17, passed my HGV test at 22 and have worked my way up to being the transport manager for the haulage company I work at now, and have been in the role for 2 and a half years, in charge of 55 trucks and 80 trailers at Felixstowe, Peterborough and Southampton. The question I have, is it really just a pipe dream? I have read how difficult it is to pass the interviews with the fierce competition, let alone actually pass all the psychometric tests etc so I have almost resigned myself to it never happening, not to mention only having Greater Anglia in my area unless I go onto freight.
Do you lovely peeps have any advice at all or should I really keep it as a pipe dream?
thanks, Aaron
My advice is to go for it!..... don't worry about others and the numbers involved just worry about yourself. You do what you have to do correctly within the process and the rest will take care of itself.
People will tell you how hard the tests are etc but what's hard for some is easy for others so how much is that really a factor really? You are in the right place here as lots of us have been through the process with us experiencing the happy and sad sides to it so there's plenty of advice available here for you.
Also you'll find that the applicant him or herself can be their own worst enemy within the process by putting so much pressure on themselves in what's already a competitive environment...... the last thing you need is to add to that by worrying etc. Just relax and go with the flow and you'll be fine.
In terms of Toc's in your area!...... as hard as it can be depending on your personal circumstances I'd say the ability to be flexible in relation to possible relocation could be a really good string to the bow.... this job certainly doesn't come to you. Also give yourself any other advantage that you can...... for example don't just restrict yourself to the drivers job if they're not being advertised at present...... get yourself into any a safety critical related railway role if you can..... a lot of people start as conductors or railway staff and it gives them a big advantage.
Don't get me wrong you'd still have to jump through the same hoops as anyone else when you apply from there but there's so many more things that you can throw at someone interviewing you..... things that someone off the street can't!...... remember small things can make big differences. Also working alongside drivers regularly you'd be able to see the job up close...... remember a lot if people have dream jobs but when they get there it's not quite what they expected...... at least that way you'd know for certain!...... remember as good as the job is it's still not a paradise and it has its downsides, there's a lot of sacrifices to be made to be able to do it successfully.
Do your research on the job and the companies that you're applying to! Never ever try and wing your way through the recruitment process..... the odds of stumbling your way to a position are as likely as Manchester Utd fans being good looking....... remote....... you have to be at your best at every stage and even then there needs to be a bit of luck along the way too!
Lastly I'd say FOLLOW YOUR DREAM!!...... if you want it bad enough do what it takes!..... remember it's your career and only you can get it. You will get knock backs like we all do/did but it's important you use those as a positive...... use any feedback you get should you have any unsuccessful applications and fix the fault (if there is one) far too many people don't take on board what they've been told in their feedback and just go back and fall short time and time again and then wonder why....... I mean if your car failed it's MOT would you take it back before fixing the fault?
What I will say is though I'll have to disagree with Commutor here..... if you can drive a car it certainly doesn't mean you could drive a train..... the levels of reactions.... concentration..... technical skills etc demanded are far higher for a train driver..... the key thing is though just because you COULD operate something it doesn't mean you SHOULD operate something..... I could probably fire a gun without much tuition but it doesn't make me a soldier.... 99.9% of what makes a candidate suitable for train driving is if they have the right personality for the job.
Lastly good luck mate! Go for it!
