NewDriver2017
Member
Hello All,
I thought it would be beneficial to guys on here that are in holding in the talent pool and are waiting to begin their training at the Hornsey Depot School. I'll update weekly in blog style but this first bit will cover the first 5 weeks. 1 bit of advice, get into the mindframe of school learning, sat in a classroom and being talked at, this will be your life for the nect 5 weeks minimum.
Week 1 - Was sent to Kentish Town for two days, major boring ****, but pay attention to the brief introduction to the pension scheme and BRASS, this will be your retirement fund and your lump sum when you decide to pack in working.
Last day of the week, headed to the training school and meet your instructors, if you've got Mark count yourself lucky, if he doesn't know it then its not worth knowing. Issued uniforms (it wont fit you so only open one of each item and then arrange to exchange it). Issued with various bits of literature like Sectional Appendix, Rule Book etc. End of week one.
Week 2 - PTS or Personal Track Safety. Safety rules and regs to keep you safe trackside and deal with emergencies in service. Classroom Monday - Thursday. Written and practical assessment Friday (this is a safety critical test, you only get 2 attempts at it. Fail twice and your gone). Its 90% common sense, 10% railway knowledge.
Week 3 - Mix of railway infrastructure, use of the sectional appendix, and an introduction to traction. Written assessment on Friday. We also got out for a front end drive on the Wednesday and did a simulator run on the Monday.
Week 4 - Shunting, Signalling, AWS and TPWS. Most important knowledge base for a driver. Methods of signalling and types of signal. Shunting moves and handsignals. AWS and TPWS safety systems. Friday written assessment.
That's where Im at, heading into Hornsey to do my week 4 assessment, so wish me luck. Week 5 is rules for a few days and then the first big assessment paper on everything covered so far. This is a safety critical exam too, so only two attempts.
I'll keep updating this thread as I progress.....hopefully.
I thought it would be beneficial to guys on here that are in holding in the talent pool and are waiting to begin their training at the Hornsey Depot School. I'll update weekly in blog style but this first bit will cover the first 5 weeks. 1 bit of advice, get into the mindframe of school learning, sat in a classroom and being talked at, this will be your life for the nect 5 weeks minimum.
Week 1 - Was sent to Kentish Town for two days, major boring ****, but pay attention to the brief introduction to the pension scheme and BRASS, this will be your retirement fund and your lump sum when you decide to pack in working.
Last day of the week, headed to the training school and meet your instructors, if you've got Mark count yourself lucky, if he doesn't know it then its not worth knowing. Issued uniforms (it wont fit you so only open one of each item and then arrange to exchange it). Issued with various bits of literature like Sectional Appendix, Rule Book etc. End of week one.
Week 2 - PTS or Personal Track Safety. Safety rules and regs to keep you safe trackside and deal with emergencies in service. Classroom Monday - Thursday. Written and practical assessment Friday (this is a safety critical test, you only get 2 attempts at it. Fail twice and your gone). Its 90% common sense, 10% railway knowledge.
Week 3 - Mix of railway infrastructure, use of the sectional appendix, and an introduction to traction. Written assessment on Friday. We also got out for a front end drive on the Wednesday and did a simulator run on the Monday.
Week 4 - Shunting, Signalling, AWS and TPWS. Most important knowledge base for a driver. Methods of signalling and types of signal. Shunting moves and handsignals. AWS and TPWS safety systems. Friday written assessment.
That's where Im at, heading into Hornsey to do my week 4 assessment, so wish me luck. Week 5 is rules for a few days and then the first big assessment paper on everything covered so far. This is a safety critical exam too, so only two attempts.
I'll keep updating this thread as I progress.....hopefully.
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