Since I cannot update my original thread (Closed), and looking around, I can't find a moderator to reopen the thread, I thought I'll add to my story of recruitment, the original thread can be seen here:
http://www.railforums.co.uk/showthread.php?t=61349&page=4
And since I last updated that thread, a lot has changed and I've now got employment in the railway industry, FINALLY! But, its temporary employment, but its a good start.
In November 2012, as I last updated, I did start a work experience program for 4 weeks with Southern, that included such as vast array of duties, I often overstayed my 2 hour timeslot! (What? I enjoyed it that much!), this included dealing with the customer service environment (cleaning, helping customers, working with others, lone working, etc) and that was all organised as part of the National Autisitic Society, which was really really useful to me, I couldn't be more grateful to them. Sadly the program I am on is coming to an end, but it was great while it lasted.
Afterwards, I waited for a while (as I started a job with West Sussex County Council at the same time and more changes in my life), to see if anything interesting turned up. Something did, invited for an interview at Brighton depot (had done the assessment), thought I had it as I had questions I was not asked before (Salary questions, my first rota, notice period), but apparently failed it due to issues of support. The overall view is the depot was too chaotic, but there is a really ironic twist to this!
Next up, I was suggested to apply for a position in East Croydon, was the only external candidate that day (I really didn't think I was going to be offered an assessment), and failed the assessment by not a lot, this was for a short term planner and I knew I was going to fail the assessment. However, it wasn't because of what I thought, my mathermatics. It was my checking that I failed on.
Next day, I looked on the Job Centre Plus site, applied for a job in Haslemere which was part time and temporary.. oh and an agency, sent my CV off, thought nothing of it and the next day (after the bank holiday as it was the last May bank holiday), I had rather an enthusiastic call from the guy that ran the agency. So, 4 calls(!) later and my then girlfriend, now ex had to answer them as I was driving most of the time. That meant I had to find a layby as soon as I could. At 17:00 at the end of the day, I was asked to go to Guildford for training. I did, asked a few questions (worked on them? Yes. Ever been passed out? No. Never worked the gateline on my own but I've done it. Know the difference between off peak/peak/super off peak? Yes, I remember from Bognor!).
Did my Cubic training and passed the assessment, then I was plonked straight in Haslemere on my own! And its stayed like that as I write this now. In fact, I honestly didn't think I'll make it the first week, but week by week, my hours have increased gradually, much to my surprise. Now, if anyone has ever worked the gateline, you know how chaotic it can get. Now you see why working in a depot and being refused a position for support is a bit of an ironic twist?
The day I wrote this post, I also had the most interesting day on the gateline and my aim? Support the customer as much as possible, I also learnt a new skill while at it, but also was quite scared of the backlash. Obviously, I'm being deliberately sketchy of the details, because I want to keep the job and maximise my potential future. And so far, I've now got my foot in the door, where will I go next? It depends what happens.
So, after 3 1/2 years after I applied for my first job on the railways (and almost got there.) I finally started working for the railways! And I hope my story is an inspiration to someone.