PQA Driver

[Itsjustajob]

Hi,

I'm a PQA driver. How long do I have to stay with my TOC before I can leave/apply for another TOC without incurring 'training fees'? Is it a specific time from Date of Entry or from point of becoming qualified?

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

 

[tlionhart]

You’ll need to check your contract.
Generally speaking it’s after you’ve qualified. (As they want to get the most out of their investment)
On the other hand, I’ve known some to qualify and leave a year later without facing a charge. Union reps can also shed some light on this for you. Most importantly, check your contract. I got 2 contracts. One as a trainee then an additional one when I qualified.

 

[lammergeier]

Who do you work for? Also worth baring in mind that some companies won't consider PQA drivers for qualified roles, and what constitutes PQA at your TOC may not necessarily constitute PQA elsewhere.

 

[Itsjustajob]

Work at Northern.
My starters contract has no mention of it but I specifically remember reading it somewhere. I seem to remember it mentioning threes years from a certain point.

 

[baz962]

Whats pqa stand for peeps.

 

[steviebuk]

Post Qu

Whats pqa stand for peeps.

Post Qualified Assessment

 

[steviebuk]

Hi,

I'm a PQA driver. How long do I have to stay with my TOC before I can leave/apply for another TOC without incurring 'training fees'? Is it a specific time from Date of Entry or from point of becoming qualified?

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/drivers-resigning-transferring.113287/page-2

might be of some value to you?!?!

 

[baz962]

private

 

[lammergeier]

Work at Northern.
My starters contract has no mention of it but I specifically remember reading it somewhere. I seem to remember it mentioning threes years from a certain point.

Northern certainly never used to have a clause in it about repaying training costs or working a return of service, so unless one has been added (check your contract or ask your LLC rep) you may well be in the clear.

There was talk about one being added as part of a productivity or pay deal but whether or not it happened I don't know.

 

[Itsjustajob]

Northern certainly never used to have a clause in it about repaying training costs or working a return of service, so unless one has been added (check your contract or ask your LLC rep) you may well be in the clear.

There was talk about one being added as part of a productivity or pay deal but whether or not it happened I don't know.

Many thanks

 

[driver9000]

A new Driver at Northern was PQA until their 2nd year rules so 2 years after passing out. I can't imagine this has changed recently.

 

[lammergeier]

No I don't think the PQA period has changed which is indeed two years, but I don't know whether any clause to repay training costs has been added as part of a productivity/pay deal. If not then Itsjustajob has nothing to worry about, apart from an awkward meeting with their DTM when they hand their notice in!

 

[brewmachine]

You'll have no problems mate, there's been a few who've left Northern to join other TOCs while PQA, or at least handed in their notice whilst PQA. The 6 mo. Notice period probably means by the time you've got enough experience to be attractive to another TOC, then you're out of your 2 year PQA phase anyway.

Don't be concerned either about speaking with your DTM, everyone I know who's resigned recently has had no issues as the DTMs seem to be very understanding as to why drivers may wish to move on to other TOCs that have better T&C, no DOO etc.

Good luck!

 

[Mainline88]

Does depend on your contract. I’m aware of a guard who became a driver and left right after passing out. His contact stipulated being employed for two years. Not just specific as a driver.

Definitely talk to your DTM or HR as mentioned by brewmachine.

 

[Shrimper]

Your DTM will have an idea before you even hand in your notice as they'll need to fill in the transfer of safety information form as part of the application process.

It's quite rare but people at my depot have moved whilst PQA, some doing the application before they've even completed 60 turns I believe!

 

[lammergeier]

Your DTM will have an idea before you even hand in your notice as they'll need to fill in the transfer of safety information form as part of the application process.

It's quite rare but people at my depot have moved whilst PQA, some doing the application before they've even completed 60 turns I believe!

That's not strictly true - The applicant usually fills in the ATOC form (Tx of safety information,) which then gets sent to the applicants manager for verification after or just before a conditional offer of employment is issued. So often the first management will know is when they are handed the drivers notice or when this form comes to them - if the application is unsuccessful then they never need to know it was made.

In case it wasn't clear, my comment earlier about the awkward meeting with the DTM was a little tongue in cheek, don't take it too seriously Itsjustajob.