You have a colossal chip on your shoulder. If it is coming across on here, I am sure it does in your work. That will have been noticed.
Although I wouldn't use the word "colossal", if you have read what I posted above, you will see that I agree that I have some resentment. As I've said, this was a big chance for me, and for whatever reason (which I will find out from manager feedback), I failed. It's a natural reaction, but I'm moving on.
you think that it is enormously offensive to accuse successful driver candidates of "brown nosing" or "passing by fluke"?
It would be offensive if I was talking about someone specific, or generalising, but I'm talking about a select few people I used to work with. You have not seen these people and have no right to comment on whether it's offensive or not.
Did they not just have displayed greater maturity and judgment than yourself?
Yes, they probably did, hence why they were considered before me. And although it is of no concern to you, I'm pleased to say this is one of the areas I've worked on (one reason I believe I was considered for the role by FGW this year, after numerous tries with various TOCs).
Despite the "experience" that you place such value on, you have clearly failed to recognise the key qualities required of a driver. The job is an exercise in decision making, You have no experience of that, therefore you are not equipped to do the job. Aptitude tests are just that. You could pass them at 16 or 70. To actually get the job, you need a few personal qualities as well.
You seem to determine this by a reading a couple of posts over a rail forum. You don't know who I am, what experiences I've had and what I am like as a person. How you get that from what I've said is beyond me!? :?
I look around my messroom, I do not see people off the platform. There may be a couple who were once, but they worked their way into other, more responsible roles.
Do you believe I am suggesting that all train driver's should start out on the platforms, because I'm not?! I like working in the railway industry, and even though there are many other moves I could make, they're not for me. So my experience comes from what I know best (as will everyone else's). We all have to start somewhere, and due to being strung along at my last TOC, I never got to take the opportunities to move into the "more responsible roles".
Take the hint. Train driving jobs are not a lottery win; they go to those adjudged to have the best chance of performing.
Again, I agree. But as with everything, a few slip through the net every now & then. Some people are very good at sitting in interviews keeping calm & telling the interviewers what they want to hear. And although they may look good on paper, when it comes to the hard work, their true colours are shown!
Now go and read some of the posts by myself, and other experienced drivers, that describe the job, and the skills and experience required. Then devote some thought to how you go about obtaining them.
As you have read, I have spent a good 4 years doing just that, although I was lucky enough to be able to speak to them in person, watching & understanding how they work, and learning plenty about the role. I even had a good relationship with some driver manager's and director's in my last TOC, as well has hands on work. And while this is a lot, it doesn't mean I can't learn more (everyone can learn something new), and I appreciate the knowledge and feedback this forum & it's member base hold.
Finally, while I appreciate you taking time to respond, I'd like you to show a slightly more courteous manner. I am taking my time to reply in exactly this way, while being mindful and appreciative of your comments, but I seem to be getting a response aimed at a child. I can manage to ignore these menial comments every now & then, but for the purpose of constructive conversation, could you please refrain from doing this? Thanks.