EMT driver recruitment process

[londonwall]

Hi guys, first post here so go easy on me lol.

I've recently become very interested in becoming a train driver (after years of not knowing what job to do)...and with living in Derby the obvious TOC to apply to would be EMT...does anyone know if they only recruit internally or whether external trainee driver position could become available.

Also, can anyone comment on my qualification and experience and say whether I have a good chance of getting a trainee driver job, I have;

-Am 25.
-Degree in Physics.
-A levels in Physics, Maths and Computing.
-Worked for 3yrs in an old persons home.
-Am a keen rock climber (kind of a safety critical hobby lol).

I'm actually getting quite excited about the idea of being a train driver after years of not knowing what to do

 

[reapz]

Hi guys, first post here so go easy on me lol.

I've recently become very interested in becoming a train driver (after years of not knowing what job to do)...and with living in Derby the obvious TOC to apply to would be EMT...does anyone know if they only recruit internally or whether external trainee driver position could become available.

Also, can anyone comment on my qualification and experience and say whether I have a good chance of getting a trainee driver job, I have;

-Am 25.
-Degree in Physics.
n -A levels in Physics, Maths and Computing.
-Worked for 3yrs in an old persons home.
-Am a keen rock climber (kind of a safety critical hobby lol).

I'm actually getting quite excited about the idea of being a train driver after years of not knowing what to do

Maybe use your Degree in Physics??? .Uk so ****ed up so many people went to uni that should not of done! :-P

Rant over, They will recruit internally and externally as I have said before on this forum if you are in the company as another grade you have more chance to become a driver as most tocs tend to advertise internally more than external.

So my advice to anyone trying to get a driving job is to get a foot in the door, Also email Emt and ask about driver jobs etc

 

[Class2ldn]

Well to be honest the academic achievement s are irrelevant. It all depends how well you perform on the different parts of the application process. Having prior experience of working alone, dealing with emergencies and doing training courses will probably go further then your degree to be honest.

 

[E&W Lucas]

Rant over, They will recruit internally and externally as I have said before on this forum if you are in the company as another grade you have more chance to become a driver as most tocs tend to advertise internally more than external.

I'll disagree with that.

You're in the wrong part of the country for a start. EMT are not a big recruiter of trainee drivers (none of the inter city outfits are, they poach). If you want to become a driver, the trainee jobs are mostly on the London commuter services, and a very high proportion of those jobs go to external applicants.

Ignore the anti graduate prejudice. I'm a graduate, albeit a few years older than you. The degree shows you will stick at a training process, but you might be lacking in real world work experience, based on what you've posted above. Depends how you present it, but think in terms of needing to have worked unsupervised, followed procedures and essentially "been the person responsible".

There's plenty of info posted on this site already about the recruitment process, and skills required. I suggest concentrating on posts by those of us who are drivers, rather than those who want to be, or those who have a "chip" because they can't.

 

[reapz]

I'll disagree with that.

You're in the wrong part of the country for a start. EMT are not a big recruiter of trainee drivers (none of the inter city outfits are, they poach). If you want to become a driver, the trainee jobs are mostly on the London commuter services, and a very high proportion of those jobs go to external applicants.

Ignore the anti graduate prejudice. I'm a graduate, albeit a few years older than you. The degree shows you will stick at a training process, but you might be lacking in real world work experience, based on what you've posted above. Depends how you present it, but think in terms of needing to have worked unsupervised, followed procedures and essentially "been the person responsible".

There's plenty of info posted on this site already about the recruitment process, and skills required. I suggest concentrating on posts by those of us who are drivers, rather than those who want to be, or those who have a "chip" because they can't.

I know 3 people that got trainee drivers jobs with Emt from the Tm grade these jobs were never advertised outside.

Long story short you can get a drivers job easier if you move to the capital but there is a higher chance of getting a regional driving job if you are already in the company, Db are taking on 61 new drivers , maybe there is a depot near you that you could try and get into anyway good luck.


EAST MIDLANDS
Covering but not necessarily limited to Leicester & Petebrorough.
4 Drivers
WEST MIDLANDS
Covering but not necessarily limited to Bescot & Saltley.
10 Drivers

 

[TDK]

Hi guys, first post here so go easy on me lol.

I've recently become very interested in becoming a train driver (after years of not knowing what job to do)...and with living in Derby the obvious TOC to apply to would be EMT...does anyone know if they only recruit internally or whether external trainee driver position could become available.

Also, can anyone comment on my qualification and experience and say whether I have a good chance of getting a trainee driver job, I have;

-Am 25.
-Degree in Physics.
-A levels in Physics, Maths and Computing.
-Worked for 3yrs in an old persons home.
-Am a keen rock climber (kind of a safety critical hobby lol).

I'm actually getting quite excited about the idea of being a train driver after years of not knowing what to do

None of the above will give you an advantage on anyone else applying except Physics and this will not give you such an advantage on someone who has worked as a mechanic. If you can concentrate for lengthy peiods, have a reasonably easy going attitude, willing to learn, can be on your own for a long time, have good natural communication skills, have a good memory and have lightning reactions you stand a good chance, if you do not possess all of these your chances will be slim.

 

[E&W Lucas]

I know 3 people that got trainee drivers jobs with Emt from the Tm grade these jobs were never advertised outside.

I know plenty of EMT drivers, and for the most part, they have been recruited as already qualified from other TOCs. The occasional intake of training posts, doesn't make it a particularly attractive option for a wannabe, especially if young and commitment free.

Plenty of external jobs "in the regions" as well, with TPE, FGW, Northern, etc. recruiting. Again, with the London jobs, you don't need to be in the capital, just near one of the depots that serves it. The Bedfords of this world.

In the case of the OP, he does seem to lack work experience. One of the lower level jobs may be more realistic, and possibly a better bet than a care home. Upwards of 20k plus membership of the railway pension scheme, for standing on a platform, might be worth considering?

In terms of advice, it is inevitable that those of us who have this career, with promote that which worked for us, and which we have seen work for pleny of others.

 

[londonwall]

Thanks for the replies, I know my degree won't get me a job I just hope that the fact that I have it shows I have some of the qualities they want...hopefully it might help me stand out a bit.

I agree I lack work experience...Worked for 3 yrs in a care home when I was at college but not worked when I was at uni (well, I have worked but its been self employed). Hope the care home job can show I can deal with responsibility and emergencies.

It does seem the London area is the place to be...how I'd move with no job I'm not sure but suppose that's just another little detail to think about.

On the topic of "starting at the bottom"; does anyone have experience of this? What jobs did you do within the TOC and how long did it take you to become a driver (if you are)?

Thanks again.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
On another point...how does it work with "being close to depots"?

For trainee driver positions do you have to be close to any one of the depots run by the company or close to the training centre?

Thanks.

 

[reapz]

Thanks for the replies, I know my degree won't get me a job I just hope that the fact that I have it shows I have some of the qualities they want...hopefully it might help me stand out a bit.

I agree I lack work experience...Worked for 3 yrs in a care home when I was at college but not worked when I was at uni (well, I have worked but its been self employed). Hope the care home job can show I can deal with responsibility and emergencies.

It does seem the London area is the place to be...how I'd move with no job I'm not sure but suppose that's just another little detail to think about.

On the topic of "starting at the bottom"; does anyone have experience of this? What jobs did you do within the TOC and how long did it take you to become a driver (if you are)?

Thanks again.

Took me over 10 years to get my driving job because I didn't want to move away from my depot which is very remote.

Imo it should go Platform > Guard > Driver (me saying this will annoy a lot of people who jump right to the top as a driver) In saying that people that go through the ranks don't become better drivers than others but it helps in getting the job in the first place.

Depots are like small communities and if you are on the platform or a guard and a hard worker/ good at your job, no **** ups etc this will be known by Driver managers.This worth more than any piece of paper that tells a interview panel that you can study(google) towards a degree or qualification,If you are a guard you pretty much tick every box when the applications are being sorted as the roles are similar(I have a feeling Tdk (Dm) stated this)

Starting "at the bottom" is not that bad what so ever 20k+ for a 35 hour week, I know people that work a lot harder for a lot less. If I were you I would pretty much apply for every single rail job in my area and see what happens you may get lucky and go straight in as a driver.

Good luck

edit (1 hour from chosen depot seems to be the norm )

 

[W230]

I've recently become very interested in becoming a train driver (after years of not knowing what job to do)...and with living in Derby the obvious TOC to apply to would be EMT...does anyone know if they only recruit internally or whether external trainee driver position could become available.

Afternoon! I'd pretty much second what E&W Lucas says. There is nothing stopping entry directly into the driving grade as long as you have the attributes/experience that the TOC's are looking for. Although many applicants provide evidence of these required skills from a work background, you can also use evidence from your own experiences away from work.

Some people on here get annoyed at the more academically qualified people applying for driving jobs, stating that they can't do the job because they have no inside knowedge of the railway etc etc. This always sounds like sour grapes to me. The truth of the matter, is that there are some very good external people and some very poor ones. Not suprisingly it's exactly the same with internal staff!

I have never seen EMT advertise for trainee drivers (i'm not saying they don't - just that they obviosuly can't do very often!) If it was me and I was desperate to do the job then I would look at suburban TOCs (as already suggested), with the greatest number of opportunities coming up, not surprisingly, with those based in and around London. This does not mean you would have to live in London, just that you would work routes through/into London. FCC/SWT/FGW all seem to be regularly taking on trainees from outside the industry. If you don't want to relocate from where you currently live, FCC's Bedford depot would seem the most obvious choice, though London Midland would be another contender in and around the West Midlands.

What I would say though, is that good A-levels and a physics degree will not guarantee you a place on the course (I should know - though my degrees not in Physics!!) The TOC will want to see evidence of the skills required to do the job. There will be plenty of other external applicants who would show these skills through jobs such as heavy plant/crane operations, heavy goods driving, ex-military types, emergency services and the like. These are some of the backgrounds of external recruits that the TOCs seem to be keen on. This doesn't make it impossible for you in any sense - think about what skills you have and what areas you are likely to fall short in and try and go from there. Remember that you might be the most academic person in the room at the assessments but if you can't give examples of working alone then it won't be enough to get your foot in the door...

Finally, if you're sure that it's what you want to do then don't give up! Good luck and if you have any questions don't be afraid to ask!

 

[bunnahabhain]

I'll disagree with that.

You're in the wrong part of the country for a start. EMT are not a big recruiter of trainee drivers (none of the inter city outfits are, they poach). If you want to become a driver, the trainee jobs are mostly on the London commuter services, and a very high proportion of those jobs go to external applicants.

You are wrong. There are about eight drivers in the classroom training at the moment. EMT advertise for drivers mostly internally, so your best bet is to apply for another job, EMT are currently advertising a CSO job at Derby which is a platform dispatcher. If you want to be a driver you're almost always going to have to go in through the ranks first with most TOCs, experience counts on the railways, and in some cases can count for far more than any qualification you will ever hold.

 

[E&W Lucas]

You are wrong. There are about eight drivers in the classroom training at the moment. EMT advertise for drivers mostly internally, so your best bet is to apply for another job, EMT are currently advertising a CSO job at Derby which is a platform dispatcher. If you want to be a driver you're almost always going to have to go in through the ranks first with most TOCs, experience counts on the railways, and in some cases can count for far more than any qualification you will ever hold.

Are you actually a driver?

Most of the EMT guys that I know were recruited as qualified applicants; on the Midland side certainly. Bedford is the kindergarten for St Px.

Eight is hardly a major recruitment drive. Compare that to the likes of FCC, where they have several times that number in the system at any one time. As others will confirm for you, they are mostly external.

"Experience" of the sort that you describe counts for a lot less than you think. "There's drivers, and there's everyone else", as you will hear some of the old sweats say....

 

[reapz]

Are you actually a driver?

Most of the EMT guys that I know were recruited as qualified applicants; on the Midland side certainly. Bedford is the kindergarten for St Px.

Eight is hardly a major recruitment drive. Compare that to the likes of FCC, where they have several times that number in the system at any one time. As others will confirm for you, they are mostly external.

"Experience" of the sort that you describe counts for a lot less than you think. "There's drivers, and there's everyone else", as you will hear some of the old sweats say....

It seems E&W lucas has some negativity about anyone that hasn't gone straight into driving from "The street", Must of had a hard time from others as I know some depots are full of people that do not like fellows from "the street" My self I don't really care if there from the moon.

Anyway like the majority of people say on here if you want a driving job with Emt in your area start in another grade and work your way up or wait around for externals to be advertised which may never happen .

 

[E&W Lucas]

It seems E&W lucas has some negativity about anyone that hasn't gone straight into driving from "The street", Must of had a hard time from others as I know some depots are full of people that do not like fellows from "the street" My self I don't really care if there from the moon.

Not really, I took exception to the comments above about "experience". Perhaps a little sour grapes being displayed to those who have come in directly, from someone who perhaps is finding the job difficult to get?

Everyone starts the driver training process with a clean slate; it is the same training whatever you have done before. Nothing annoys a trainer more than someone internal, who thinks they know what they are doing already. The footplate is a different world.

I think giving "off the street" trainees a hard time, is a thing of the past. I came in at the start of it, and there was a bit of mouth from a small minority. I think most of us had enough about us, to take it with a pinch of salt. Especially as virtually all the other trainees were new to the industry. It's just "the way things are done" now. No one thinks anything of it. A trainee driver is a trainee driver, regardless of where they have come from.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Anyway like the majority of people say on here if you want a driving job with Emt in your area start in another grade and work your way up or wait around for externals to be advertised which may never happen .

Or the more proactive way, apply for a trainee driver job directly, in another area. Complete your training and probabation, and then get your CV in as a qualified applicant. Go straight for the job you want, and don't mess about.

Plenty take that route too. If you're young, bright and have no ties, I'd suggest that is an equally valid strategy, and I know plenty that have adopted it.

 

[reapz]

Not really, I took exception to the comments above about "experience". Perhaps a little sour grapes being displayed to those who have come in directly, from someone who perhaps is finding the job difficult to get?

Everyone starts the driver training process with a clean slate; it is the same training whatever you have done before. Nothing annoys a trainer more than someone internal, who thinks they know what they are doing already. The footplate is a different world.

I think giving "off the street" trainees a hard time, is a thing of the past. I came in at the start of it, and there was a bit of mouth from a small minority. I think most of us had enough about us, to take it with a pinch of salt. Especially as virtually all the other trainees were new to the industry. It's just "the way things are done" now. No one thinks anything of it. A trainee driver is a trainee driver, regardless of where they have come from.

Yea has gone off topic a bit tbh this should be about weather its is easier to get a driving job as a internal or external with emt

 

[bunnahabhain]

Are you actually a driver?

Most of the EMT guys that I know were recruited as qualified applicants; on the Midland side certainly. Bedford is the kindergarten for St Px.

Eight is hardly a major recruitment drive. Compare that to the likes of FCC, where they have several times that number in the system at any one time. As others will confirm for you, they are mostly external.

"Experience" of the sort that you describe counts for a lot less than you think. "There's drivers, and there's everyone else", as you will hear some of the old sweats say....

No, I'm not a driver. Are you?

 

[W230]

Or the more proactive way, apply for a trainee driver job directly, in another area. Complete your training and probabation, and then get your CV in as a qualified applicant. Go straight for the job you want, and don't mess about.

Plenty take that route too. If you're young, bright and have no ties, I'd suggest that is an equally valid strategy, and I know plenty that have adopted it.

Yep. That's the way i'm doing it (minus the bright bit).

Yea has gone off topic a bit tbh this should be about weather its is easier to get a driving job as a internal or external with emt

Possibly if you were as specific as to want a driving job with EMT in Derby and not go somewhere else in the meantime. But I would expect the chances of that are fairly slim.

IMO, the easiest route to "driving trains for EMT in Derby" would be to qualify elsewhere with a suburban commuter TOC and go to EMT from there. I would fully expect that they would look for qualified external drivers over internal platform staff (for example) when looking for drivers.

No, I'm not a driver. Are you?

I believe he is.

 

[E&W Lucas]

No, I'm not a driver. Are you?

Yep! And it's pay day too!

 

[W230]

Yep! And it's pay day too!

Sure is. Training salary for me though. Ah well...

 

[Beveridges]

On the topic of "starting at the bottom"; does anyone have experience of this? What jobs did you do within the TOC and how long did it take you to become a driver (if you are)?

Yes

Platform Despatch Staff > Depot Driver


From starting platforms to being fully passed out as a Driver Operator took between 2 & 3 years


Worth it in the end, would never consider doing anything else now


Edit: I'm from northern not EMT. Internal route obviously works with some TOC's but may not with all! If the trainee vacancies are never there then the internal route is a waste of time other than applying to other TOC's as an external with railway experience.