The 375 King
Member
- Joined
- 31 May 2012
- Messages
- 49
Hello to all, I am new to the forum. Could someone tell me how much work is involved to become a train driver as it is my son's dream to become one, thank you
You may find This sticky useful.
It might also help folks to give advice if you could confirm the approximate age group of your son.
I am a driver, so I will do my best to offer a few pointers.
Firstly, get him off that computer, and put the simulator game in the bin. It has nothing whatever to do with our job. He needs to be getting out in the real world, and engaging in activities that develop maturity, communication skills and develop a sense of responsibility. Worth finding out if he has any aptitude for machinery too.
There is no career path that leads school levers to driving. The minimum age for driving is 21, but that is theoretical only. Most are 30+. It is a second career for people who have already held a responsible job. Experience in other roles within the rail industry confers no advantage.
Be slightly wary of this site. A lot of the contributors are enthusiasts saying what they THINK is the case, rather than people who actually do the job.
Difficult to offer much more, without knowing more about your son. If I can assist further please get in touch
It is so hard to give a definitive answer to this. Two experienced drivers have just given you a totally different one!
I too work for one of the big inter - city outfits, and I would agree that you would have a better chance of getting a trainee vac with us as an internal candidate. HOWEVER, our typical number of trainees is in the low single figures a year. That absolutely does not represent your best chance of making it as a driver.
Take a look at this thread, which may help give an idea where some of us have come from previously. Please note that the method of recruiting drivers has changed over time. The "start at 16 and work up as a secondman" option no longer exists.
http://www.railforums.co.uk/showthread.php?t=53918
Ok then, if your son wants to be a passenger driver, I was told when I was at Cupar you have lots of training to do. First you go to the training centre, then start bulding up (guard, porter, then driver). So thats what i was told anyway Hope this helps
Regards
Ross
East Coast are advertising vaccancies for summer jobs at London King's Cross. You would work as a Platform Assistant helping passengers and train crew. Would 16 be old enough for this? (I know the OPs son is 16)
My limited knowledge of this side of the rail industry (operations as opposed to infrastructure) would suggest not. 18 is usually the benchmark throughout the industry, but I may be wrong? It depends what/who the placements are aimed at.
As has been said above, by myself and others, it would be enormously helpful if replies to questions such as this was confined to those with first hand knowledge.
Just because it is a job with a TOC, it does not make it a magical springboard to a driving career. Those are temp, short term posts; those employed will be on duties like putting luggage in DVT's or pouring cups of coffee. Please employ a bit of common sense, before you offer "advice" to others. These jobs are a half decent Uni vac job; nothing else.
As has been said above, by myself and others, it would be enormously helpful if replies to questions such as this was confined to those with first hand knowledge.
Just because it is a job with a TOC, it does not make it a magical springboard to a driving career. Those are temp, short term posts; those employed will be on duties like putting luggage in DVT's or pouring cups of coffee. Please employ a bit of common sense, before you offer "advice" to others. These jobs are a half decent Uni vac job; nothing else.
For goodness sake, come off your high horse, I was asking a question for my benefit, not giving advice. Did you see me say 'hey, go become a PA at East Coast and you're straight in with the driving crew?'
Did it cross your mind that I might be the one thinking of applying?
I thought that was a very rude post. Considering you are a driver it would be nice to see a little bit more courtesy and mannerism in your conduct. I sincerley hope that you do not drive the trains in my area if this is the way in which you respond to posts.
Dear me, if you are that sensitive, don't consider a career on the railway!
You would be entering a very plain speaking environment, and if you have any dealings with drivers, you will find that most of us don't suffer fools - probably because our job doesn't. If you think I'm sharp tongued, you should meet some of the older generation!
These jobs are a half decent Uni vac job; nothing else.
Dear me, if you are that sensitive, don't consider a career on the railway!
You would be entering a very plain speaking environment, and if you have any dealings with drivers, you will find that most of us don't suffer fools - probably because our job doesn't. If you think I'm sharp tongued, you should meet some of the older generation!
Just because it is a job with a TOC, it does not make it a magical springboard to a driving career.
Hello to all, I am new to the forum. Could someone tell me how much work is involved to become a train driver as it is my son's dream to become one, thank you
Hi, I joined the railway 4 years ago and have been driving for just over 3 years. My TOC has taken on quite a large number of new drivers in the last 6 years or so. One thing I can say is there are very few young train drivers. I can only think of one or two who work with me who are under 30. A large number of the new drivers taken on are ex-forces as they are proven to be hard working, reliable and most importantly calm under pressure. Around 2 or 3 in each driver course of 8 are ex guards. This is the way I would suggest your son tries to get into the railway. Start on the station barriers for example, and after he has proven himself mature and reliable he could apply for a guard post. He can then apply for a driver vacancy when one arises. I definately feel it is easier to get into a driving job if you already work on the railway. Any other questions feel free to ask.
Hi, I joined the railway 4 years ago and have been driving for just over 3 years. My TOC has taken on quite a large number of new drivers in the last 6 years or so. One thing I can say is there are very few young train drivers. I can only think of one or two who work with me who are under 30. A large number of the new drivers taken on are ex-forces as they are proven to be hard working, reliable and most importantly calm under pressure. Around 2 or 3 in each driver course of 8 are ex guards. This is the way I would suggest your son tries to get into the railway. Start on the station barriers for example, and after he has proven himself mature and reliable he could apply for a guard post. He can then apply for a driver vacancy when one arises. I definately feel it is easier to get into a driving job if you already work on the railway. Any other questions feel free to ask.
I definately feel it is easier to get into a driving job if you already work on the railway. Any other questions feel free to ask.