Heathrow Express Advice Please

[taplowbee]

Hi, I have recently passed through HEx Trainee Train Driver assesment process (awaiting medical) and have some questions if anyone can advise me?

Where is the training located? Is it Mon-Fri 9-5 or shift pattern?

I understand the work report locations are Heathrow and Paddington, I live near Maidenhead, would I be driving my car or taking the train to Paddington usually?

Is there car parking at Heathrow and Paddington and if so where abouts?

Any current or former employees who have any positive or negative views of HEx as a company/employer?

I am new to train driving (ex airline ticket agent) any advice regards to training and the job in general etc?

Thanks in advance for any help.

TB

 

[E&W Lucas]

From what I understand, the role at Heathrow Express, does not make you a fully qualified Train Driver.

 

[anonymous0101]

From what I understand, the role at Heathrow Express, does not make you a fully qualified Train Driver.

Really? But they drive on network rail lines and so surely would need to be a qualified driver?

 

[paulravuslante]

Hi, I have recently passed through HEx Trainee Train Driver assesment process (awaiting medical) and have some questions if anyone can advise me?

Where is the training located?

I understand the work report locations are Heathrow and Paddington, I live near Maidenhead, would I be driving my car or taking the train to Paddington usually?

Is there car parking at Heathrow and Paddington and if so where abouts?

Any current or former employees who have any positive or negative views of HEx as a company/employer?

I am new to train driving (ex airline ticket agent) any advice regards to training and the job in general etc?

Thanks in advance for any help.

TB

Firstly, I am not a Heathrow Express driver (yet), but I do work for them so hopefully I can answer some of your questions.

Training is undertaken initially at the training facility in Heathrow Central. Of course it will gradually shift to starts at Old Oak Common (OOC) or Paddington for when you start to get in the cab.

When you qualify, you will be required to start at Heathrow, Paddington or OOC. I believe the depot has limited parking so you may have a taxi for certain shifts starting / ending there. Heathrow and Paddington do have staff car parks, but you require a permit to access these and it can take a short while for these to be issued. You may need to pay for parking / use public transport for the first few weeks of training until you get the passes. NB you will get a staff travel pass fairly quickly and you can use this to travel on HEx / Connect and First Great Western turbos (local services between Reading and London). If you do need to park at the airport each day when you start, I would suggest using the pay and display at Hatton Cross tube station (was about £4 a day when I started) and get the free local buses to Heathrow Central.

As an employee, I would say it's a reasonable job and any shortcomings with the company are usually outweighed by your colleagues who are a fantastic bunch of people! There are quite a few people who have been with the company since day 1 for this reason. I would say that the driver role could have the potential to become monotonous for some people after a while as we only have the one route (but this is just my opinion). The varying start locations and shifts might be variety enough for other people (especially if you're used to working 9 to 5 normally).

From what I understand, the role at Heathrow Express, does not make you a fully qualified Train Driver.

As far as I know, HEx don't require you to take the Mechanical Reasoning Test that other TOCs require. I assume it's just a case of passing that test if you do want to move onto another train company. What I do know is that several of my former driver colleagues from HEx now work at First Capital Connect and London Overground.

I'm not sure whether any of my current driver colleagues will come out of the woodwork to add to this discussion....

All the best anyway!

 

[E&W Lucas]

As far as I know, HEx don't require you to take the Mechanical Reasoning Test that other TOCs require. I assume it's just a case of passing that test if you do want to move onto another train company. What I do know is that several of my former driver colleagues from HEx now work at First Capital Connect and London Overground.

I'm not sure whether any of my current driver colleagues will come out of the woodwork to add to this discussion....

All the best anyway!

I am also aware of ex - HE drivers that have gone elsewhere, but they have required considerably more conversion training than other ex - toc drivers. I believe that this is to do with the fact that they have only driven on an ATP protected route.

 

[paulravuslante]

From what I understand, the role at Heathrow Express, does not make you a fully qualified Train Driver.

I am also aware of ex - HE drivers that have gone elsewhere, but they have required considerably more conversion training than other ex - toc drivers. I believe that this is to do with the fact that they have only driven on an ATP protected route.

Wouldn't that be the case for any driver transferring between TOCs / job roles? Couldn't the same be said if a driver moved from a TOC that operated EMUs to one that used DMUs? What if you were a depot shunter who applied to become a train driver? It all depends on your previous experience.

The main reason I highlighted former colleagues passing to other TOCs from HEx was that your original comment made it sound as if you joined HEx then you wouldn't be a fully qualified driver and you'd struggle to progress to another company if you so chose. That is evidently not the case.

 

[anonymous0101]

I am also aware of ex - HE drivers that have gone elsewhere, but they have required considerably more conversion training than other ex - toc drivers. I believe that this is to do with the fact that they have only driven on an ATP protected route.

First Great Western and Chiltern trains use ATP. Are they 'lesser' drivers as well?

 

[taplowbee]

I'm not sure whether any of my current driver colleagues will come out of the woodwork to add to this discussion....

All the best anyway!

Thanks Paul, a very helpful reply. Hopefully (as you mention) some of your colleagues will also be willing to offer their opinions!

The manager who interviewed me said the workforce was full of great people so that was obviously good to hear.

Best wishes and thanks again

TB

 

[E&W Lucas]

First Great Western and Chiltern trains use ATP. Are they 'lesser' drivers as well?

I suspect that you aren't a driver yourself?

Heathrow Express work exclusively over ATP fitted routes - the other companies you mention do not.

My comments above are based on fact, and real world experience, but there is obviously a limit to what I can post on an internet forum.

 

[francisoldfield]

i think there has been a little misinterpretation here...

maybe it was just meant that HeX drivers as above only drive over ATP lines meaning if you transferred you may not have much experience of other safety systems.

The way I look at it, if you are at the front of train in charge of controlling its speed and movement then you are a train driver. lets not allow this to turn into an arguement!

 

[E&W Lucas]

The way I look at it, if you are at the front of train in charge of controlling its speed and movement then you are a train driver. lets not allow this to turn into an arguement!

There's a heck of a lot more to being a driver than just controlling speed & movement.

The HE drivers are perfectly well trained to perform a limited driving task.

From what I have been told, their people rotate roles, so as to maintain interest. One day driving, the next customer facing, etc. It may be that such a role would appeal to some, far more than a conventional driving job.

On transfer, the likely training need would virtually amount to a full driving course, as they would have no experience of driving without the added protection of ATP.

 

[anonymous0101]

There's a heck of a lot more to being a driver than just controlling speed & movement.

The HE drivers are perfectly well trained to perform a limited driving task.

From what I have been told, their people rotate roles, so as to maintain interest. One day driving, the next customer facing, etc. It may be that such a role would appeal to some, far more than a conventional driving job.

On transfer, the likely training need would virtually amount to a full driving course, as they would have no experience of driving without the added protection of ATP.

I've read its rare for Hex drivers to do other roles unless short staffed. Some tocs also train drivers in guard duties which they are required to perform when necessary.

However i also read that Hex drivers only need 125 hours before being able to pass out.

I'm not a train driver, neither is Francisoldfield, but do you consider drivers of inner suburban trains the same as hex drivers?

 

[eddie62]

We have ex-HEX drivers on First Great Western. They are fully qualified drivers and as with any other driver moving between TOCs just require traction training and any applicable route learning.

 

[paulravuslante]

There's a heck of a lot more to being a driver than just controlling speed & movement.

The HE drivers are perfectly well trained to perform a limited driving task.

From what I have been told, their people rotate roles, so as to maintain interest. One day driving, the next customer facing, etc. It may be that such a role would appeal to some, far more than a conventional driving job.

On transfer, the likely training need would virtually amount to a full driving course, as they would have no experience of driving without the added protection of ATP.

To correct you there, HEx drivers now only perform driving roles.

I still don't understand why you refer to HEx drivers as performing a limited task though. In terms of route knowledge, yes I would agree, but you are still in charge of the safe transportation of hundreds of passengers along that section of route as per any other driver over any section of route in the UK. Agreed that ATP provides an additional safety net, but you still need to remain vigilant as per any other driver for track defects, infrastructure defects, trespassers, operating the doors etc.

As I said previously, the amount of training required for drivers who transfer between companies must be based on past experience. There are surely many more instances when drivers transfer companies (e.g. those used to ATP on Chiltern who move on elsewhere) to find that they need a lot of additional training. I don't see why you seem to be singling out HEx drivers as being under-qualified.

 

[O L Leigh]

Recruitment and training all has to be done to Railway Group standards, which is what allows drivers to transfer between companies. All qualified drivers are trained and assessed to the same standards. This means that once you pass out as a qualified driver you are qualified to drive any train with any company (subject to route and traction knowledge) and are FULLY conversant with the requirements of the Rule Book.

ATP is just one of those differences like DOO or RETB that you will experience only if you work certain services with certain TOC's. You may need a little training on precisely how it works if you transfer to a company that uses these systems or methods of working, but that will form part of your traction and route knowledge.

As regards the specific discussion about ATP, HEx drivers should not be driving to the parameters set by the ATP. Quite honestly, if the ATP has to intervene it is a sign that the driver is not in full control of the train. Like TPWS, it is a safety system that is intended to protect the train and it's occupants in the event that the driver makes a mistake. In every real respect, HEx drivers drive their trains in exactly the same way as the drivers on other companies with ATP being there just in case.

O L Leigh

 

[anonymous0101]

Recruitment and training all has to be done to Railway Group standards, which is what allows drivers to transfer between companies. All qualified drivers are trained and assessed to the same standards. This means that once you pass out as a qualified driver you are qualified to drive any train with any company (subject to route and traction knowledge) and are FULLY conversant with the requirements of the Rule Book.

ATP is just one of those differences like DOO or RETB that you will experience only if you work certain services with certain TOC's. You may need a little training on precisely how it works if you transfer to a company that uses these systems or methods of working, but that will form part of your traction and route knowledge.

As regards the specific discussion about ATP, HEx drivers should not be driving to the parameters set by the ATP. Quite honestly, if the ATP has to intervene it is a sign that the driver is not in full control of the train. Like TPWS, it is a safety system that is intended to protect the train and it's occupants in the event that the driver makes a mistake. In every real respect, HEx drivers drive their trains in exactly the same way as the drivers on other companies with ATP being there just in case.

O L Leigh

Thank you O L Leigh, that was an excellent post. I couldn't have said it better myself.

Would I also be right in saying that with the ATP systems in operation on the Great Western and Chiltern lines, the driver still drives compared with coded manual on the central line or ATP on the DLR, where it seems to be designed for ATO primarily.

 

[E&W Lucas]

We have ex-HEX drivers on First Great Western. They are fully qualified drivers and as with any other driver moving between TOCs just require traction training and any applicable route learning.

It's interesting how people's experiences of the same situation can vary.

What I've posted above, is based on conversations with people who have been directly involved with ex Heathrow drivers.

The consensus was that they required considerably more training, than drivers from other sources. I can't be more specific, as there would be a danger of identifying individuals.

Let's leave it at that.

 

[O L Leigh]

It's interesting you saying that.

Unless there were specific issues with individual drivers I can't imagine what additional support they might have required. The only area that I can see causing difficulties is going from an all-electric TOC to an all-diesel one. That and the differences in braking and train handling techniques between MU's and HST's would require some additional support at the traction training stage compared to someone coming from, say, a freight operator.

O L Leigh

 

[kestrel]

It's interesting how people's experiences of the same situation can vary.

What I've posted above, is based on conversations with people who have been directly involved with ex Heathrow drivers.

The consensus was that they required considerably more training, than drivers from other sources. I can't be more specific, as there would be a danger of identifying individuals.

Let's leave it at that.

I've been reading your comments ref: HEx drivers only driving to ATP, i've never heard such complete and utter rubbish!

HEx drivers are trained to the same standard as any other TOC, there are a couple of items we're not trained on ie: level crossings, semaphore signalling as we don't have any on our line of route apart from that the same.

ATP : lets get a few facts here, we DON'T drive to ATP. it sits in the background in a similar way to TPWS (which we have aswell), and has been mentioned FGW and Chiltern drive over ATP fitted routes, so are they not fully qualified drivers???

We have 3 ex HEx drivers at FGW driving HSTs they only needed additional route learning and traction conversion.
Another 3 are driving Turbo's only.
we have one at East coast driving 91's/HSTs KX to Newcastle, so she must be a lesser qualified driver!!???

aswell as about 15 other drivers driving for other TOCs apart from one NONE needed more than the usual route/traction training.

E&W Lucas i find your comments quite offensive its as if you have something against HEx? did you fail the criteria to get into HEx or are you just an old fossil who hasn't moved with the times???

 

[marvelle]

hi, just saw your thread, congrats on getting the job with heathrow express.

From my knowledge they do a telephone interview 1st, what kind of questions do they ask?

Also what kind of questions do they ask during the interview stage?

Im just trying to get an idea of the kind of things they ask.

Thanks in advance for our help.

 

[paulravuslante]

hi, just saw your thread, congrats on getting the job with heathrow express.

From my knowledge they do a telephone interview 1st, what kind of questions do they ask?

Also what kind of questions do they ask during the interview stage?

Im just trying to get an idea of the kind of things they ask.

Thanks in advance for our help.

Are you asking about the questions just for the driving role or for any customer facing vacancy with HEx?

I don't know what the process is for when they recruit drivers from outside the company. Not sure if or when any more drivers are likely to be sought from outside of the company. Once those in training currently pass out, then all vacancies will have been filled. Also there is a large number of current staff waiting to go to for a second attempt at passing the driver's assessment, so it'll be a while for vacancies to appear.

As for any other customer facing roles, this too is a mystery, as to when vacancies will be sought. Recently, agency staff (working on Connect and LU side at T5) where bought into direct employment by HEx. The company may look at this pool of staff next for recruiting Customer Service Representatives, before seeking external candidates. Not to mention any new Mobile Sales staff who may want to transfer to the CSR role.

Whenever and whatever vacancies may arise for external candidates, you can be sure that you will need to provide many, many examples of when you demonstrated excellent customer service. You'll need to outline in detail the situation and why what you did benefited the customer. That is the main thrust of both the telephone and face-to-face interview (I used some examples in both interviews and this was fine). It is likely you will have to do a role play with an irate / awkward customer at some point. Lastly don't forget the psych tests (SCAAT, trainability for rules/ procedures, writing / reading / listening).

I hope I haven't put you off applying, but I prefer to be honest. It may be a while before you see vacancies, but I hope to list any I become aware of in the relevant section on this forum.

Best wishes.

 

[paulravuslante]

Hi,

Heathrow Express are looking for Full and Part time customer service representatives if you're interested.

Click the link below for more details:

http://gs6.globalsuccessor.com/fe/tpl_baahex.asp?newms=jj&id=60887