Ready to leave my job and look for a trainee driver role

[Eduardo]

Hi folks,

Ok I'm brand new on this forum so forgive me if this kind of thing has been asked before.

Basically I'm ready for a complete career change.

I've always wanted a career in the rail industry, and in particular a driver. My interest in railways stems all the way back to when I was a child.

I'm now 36 years young and currently a serving Police Officer. Have been for the last 12 years. Jobs fine at the moment but currently under much scrutiny from the Government which in turn will mean a number of cutbacks and setbacks especially for thousands of officers who, like me, have many years still to serve. For me its now time to look at the bigger picture.

Decided after looking long and hard at my options for the future that I'm ready for a career change.

I want to make it clear that I'm not wanting to be a train driver for the wrong reasons. Quite the opposite really. I want to be a train driver because I want to do something completely different and this role has always appealed to me. I see it as a fresh and completely different challenge to my current job. Following my heart if you like.

So heres my query, having decided to look to a complete career change. I now have started browsing the web for opportunities within the rail network.

What I am keen to know are a few things or if someone could point me in the right direction then I'd be very grateful.

1. How often are Trainee Train driver positions likely to come up these days?
2. Any particular rail company to watch out for (In North West England)
3. I assume competition is fierce. Anything I can do get a heads up?
4. Is anyone currently training to be a driver? if so how is it going?
5. Any particular websites that would benefit someone wanting to learn the role?

Once again apologies if these issues have been addressed on previous threads but would appreciate some guidance on a career that really does appeal to me now more than ever.

Thanks for your time.

 

[driver9000]

Northern Rail are currently advertising for a Driver Operator (shunter) at their Blackpool North depot. It's not mainline but it is a driving job albeit at 5mph around the yard. Other duties include fuelling, preparing and marshalling trains. Check the website for further details and it closes 10 June.

 

[strange6]

This is an excellent site:

http://www.traindrivertrainee.com/

Good luck to you. I would love to try the job for a week or so but I certainly couldn't do it full time; I would get very bored of it I'm sure.

 

[142094]

One piece of advice I'd give is that I wouldn't leave your current job at the minute before you have lined something up (common sense really). In these times you might be waitiing a while for a vacancy to turn up, so be patient. You might have a better chance of getting a starting role with a company and working your way up to driver from there - but remember this will more than likely be a pay cut from what you are getting now.

 

[Eduardo]

Hi guys,

Thanks for the replies.

I have seen that shunter role at Blackpool advertised this week. Was'nt sure whether that was intended for a qualified driver or indeed a trainee. Certainly sounds like a route in to driving, but distance would be an issue for me there sadly.

As for leaving work, I would'nt even consider resigining until I had recieved a successful application. I've got dependants.

Thanks for the link, I will check that regularly for updates.

I was chatting to a guard the other day who said Northern rail had recently had a recruitment drive for six drivers. Thats news to me. Especially seeing as I'd subscribed for recruiment updates on their website. :?

 

[HST Power]

Hi Eduardo

Firstly, I strongly, strongly recommend you purchase 'How2Become A Train Driver' from Amazon. I've said the same to hundreds and hundreds of wannabe train drivers because believe me, it's an ideal purchase. You'll find help with the interviews, help with writing a good CV and above all, assistance in getting to grips with the practise material, such as the dials test and the dots test. You'll need to get in shape with them quickly and this book has plenty of pages on which you can make practise attempts.

A link for the book.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Become-Train-Driver-How2become/dp/1907558004

Secondly, you asked about competition. I can't sugar coat it, I've got to be honest. Competition is fierce. Very fierce, to a point where one vaccancy recieves hundreds and hundreds of applications. There are hordes of people who want to be drivers and nowhere near enough trains for them all. The TOC's are picky, and they chop up the applications like vegetables on a salad board, because that's the only way they'll sift through all the forms and call back the right people for testing.

How can you get a heads up? Well firstly, there's the matter of the CV and the application form/covering letter (I don't know what your supposed to call it nowadays). You should send a covering letter with your CV. This is basically a business like letter stating what job your applying for, why you want it, blah, blah, blah. You said you've been in jobs before so I presume you know about that sort of thing. As far as the CV goes, it has to be perfect. As I said, the rail departments will have well over 300 applications for that one job. Use the wrong colour, the form will be thrown out. Write in the wrong boxes or misspell, the form will be thrown out. I'm not exaggerating; I'm being truthful. The departments have to be picky because naturally, they can't call 300+ back for interviews. Only the best can make the cut. That's train driving.

I strongly, strongly recommend you purchase 'How 2 Become A Train Driver.' Everything you need will be there. CV Help, form help, test help, the works.

If you make the cut and make the tests, keep us posted. Feel free to PM me if you need any help. I'm not a driver, I work for the Conservatives, but I do know a great deal about the industry, the standards and the training process.

I wish you all the best for a future on the railway!

 

[Eduardo]

HST,

Thank you very much for a very comprehensive and informative response.

You have provided some excellent information there and I will almost certainly invest in a copy of that material.

I guess as with anything at the moment involving ideal jobs, its a waiting game, and ensuring the right things are done when the opportunites are there.

In the current climate a role such as this will attract hundreds of people. Quite understandable really. I have worked with people with a human resources background and they often said how astonished they would be at the quality of some of the application for jobs. A high number get filtered out at the paper sift just because they have'nt read the form properly.

The more that do that the better my chances I guess.

I think I'll have to sit tight and wait for the right time. Which may take a while. Oh well.

Once again thank you for taking the time to reply. Much appreciated.

 

[the sniper]

Just out of curiosity Eduardo, are you BTP or from a HO force?

 

[HST Power]

HST,

Thank you very much for a very comprehensive and informative response.

You have provided some excellent information there and I will almost certainly invest in a copy of that material..

No problemo! I'm glad I could help you.

I think I'll have to sit tight and wait for the right time. Which may take a while. Oh well.

Once again thank you for taking the time to reply. Much appreciated.

Go for the job whenever you think the time is right. Take a look around, have a think, see what TOC would be right for you. Being 36, you are old enough to drive on the mainline (most drivers have to start out on the Underground)
so it's really only a case of finding the company that suits you best.

What you could do is sign up on a website like Jobsite.com. If you fill in the forms and register, whenever a trainee train driver vaccancy comes up they'll send you an email alert. It pays to be ahead of the competition.

Good luck.

 

[westcoaster]

No problemo! I'm glad I could help you.



Go for the job whenever you think the time is right. Take a look around, have a think, see what TOC would be right for you. Being 36, you are old enough to drive on the mainline (most drivers have to start out on the Underground)
so it's really only a case of finding the company that suits you

not correct, the minimum age for driving on the mainline is 21, also I know off not one driver that started out on the underground, all have come from within the company, shunters, guards, train planeers, fitters, or off the street.

At my depot there are 3-4 ex prison officers and an ex met copper, for some reason people from these roles are liked, good luck and all the best.

 

[142094]

BTP/ Normal police have experience with dealing with tricky situations which is why they can be valuable as guards/drivers. However with the competition that is going on these days is is very hard to get an interview never mind an actual job

 

[strange6]

BTP/ Normal police have experience with dealing with tricky situations which is why they can be valuable as guards/drivers. However with the competition that is going on these days is is very hard to get an interview never mind an actual job

I'll tell you this much for nothing though; I can see the attraction of hiring ex-coppers and prison officers for train crew positions speaking from a passenger travelling late at night prespective. Good luck to him is what I say.

 

[142094]

I'll tell you this much for nothing though; I can see the attraction of hiring ex-coppers and prison officers for train crew positions speaking from a passenger travelling late at night prespective. Good luck to him is what I say.

I fully agree - guards and drivers can have a difficult job when it comes to working with the 'public'. Experience with situations that the Police face can only be a bonus when applying for a railway job.

 

[strange6]

I fully agree - guards and drivers can have a difficult job when it comes to working with the 'public'. Experience with situations that the Police face can only be a bonus when applying for a railway job.

and coppers have good PR experience too! If the OP takes his time filling in the application form then I reckon our friend has a good chance for interview or assessment

 

[387star]

Hi Eduardo

Firstly, I strongly, strongly recommend you purchase 'How2Become A Train Driver' from Amazon. I've said the same to hundreds and hundreds of wannabe train drivers because believe me, it's an ideal purchase. You'll find help with the interviews, help with writing a good CV and above all, assistance in getting to grips with the practise material, such as the dials test and the dots test. You'll need to get in shape with them quickly and this book has plenty of pages on which you can make practise attempts.

A link for the book.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Become-Train-Driver-How2become/dp/1907558004

Secondly, you asked about competition. I can't sugar coat it, I've got to be honest. Competition is fierce. Very fierce, to a point where one vaccancy recieves hundreds and hundreds of applications. There are hordes of people who want to be drivers and nowhere near enough trains for them all. The TOC's are picky, and they chop up the applications like vegetables on a salad board, because that's the only way they'll sift through all the forms and call back the right people for testing.

How can you get a heads up? Well firstly, there's the matter of the CV and the application form/covering letter (I don't know what your supposed to call it nowadays). You should send a covering letter with your CV. This is basically a business like letter stating what job your applying for, why you want it, blah, blah, blah. You said you've been in jobs before so I presume you know about that sort of thing. As far as the CV goes, it has to be perfect. As I said, the rail departments will have well over 300 applications for that one job. Use the wrong colour, the form will be thrown out. Write in the wrong boxes or misspell, the form will be thrown out. I'm not exaggerating; I'm being truthful. The departments have to be picky because naturally, they can't call 300+ back for interviews. Only the best can make the cut. That's train driving.

I strongly, strongly recommend you purchase 'How 2 Become A Train Driver.' Everything you need will be there. CV Help, form help, test help, the works.

If you make the cut and make the tests, keep us posted. Feel free to PM me if you need any help. I'm not a driver, I work for the Conservatives, but I do know a great deal about the industry, the standards and the training process.

I wish you all the best for a future on the railway!

Agree. Superb book at a very reasonable price. The Dials test must be as easy as it gets... I asked before about the dials test but this book puts it into context. Obviously be careful but this is at least one part you won't have to worry about!

 

[spacehopper]

Lot of ex coppers work as guards. Worked alongside ex red caps and even former royal protection officers.

 

[notadriver]

Eduardo would you be interested in applying for conductor positions? I think TOCs are getting very choosy - they want more women or people with railway experience. In fact one TOC I know prefers applicants with previous railway experience such as conductor/guards or tram or tube drivers for trainee driver positions due to high number of incidents by post qualified drivers who are 'off the street'.

 

[HST Power]

Agree. Superb book at a very reasonable price. The Dials test must be as easy as it gets... I asked before about the dials test but this book puts it into context. Obviously be careful but this is at least one part you won't have to worry about!

Agreed, the Dials test is dead easy. So long as you remember the 'priority for checking rule' you'll be in and out in minutes!

 

[E&W Lucas]

Firstly, I strongly, strongly recommend you purchase 'How2Become A Train Driver' from Amazon.

Are you on commission?

There is absolutely no need to buy this whatsoever! There's plenty of information available freely on the interent, and most railwaymen will be happy to help others get into the industry.

Eduardo - for pity's sake make sure that you take advice from those that are drivers, not the majority of those contributing above who are not.

There's no need to have been a guard, shunter or anything else in the industry first, and the comment above about incidents involving "off the street" drivers is potentially libelous, and factually inaccurate. Some non - drivers just don't seem to get that message though.

A career in the Police gives you an excellent skill set for operational railway roles. I have worked with several ex Police during my driving career.

You're basically limited to Northern and TPE in the North West. If you can relocate, esp to within commuting distance of London, the number of opportunities available to you will increase dramatically.

Don't sit about waiting for jobs to be advertised. get your CV in the post. Read this site too: http://www.traindriver.org/

Best of luck!

 

[Eduardo]

Hi gents,

Thanks for the responses. Some food for thought amongst that.

I was also intrigued by the comment regarding drivers who are recruited from non-rail backgrounds.

Agreed it could potentially be adventageous to have worked within the rail sector prior to any driver application, but I can't believe that it would be any more dangerous or risky to the industry if you are not familiar with the logistics of it.

After all, I would imagine the course would ensure the right people make the grade.

Its good to hear that there are a lot of ex-Police Officers working in the industry. I know thats mainly because of their resilience and people skills. As well as being no stranger to unsocial hours!

I'm not really in a postion to relocate at this moment in time and don't wish to work as a guard or other member of rail staff to find a route into driving. Instead, I'd prefer to bide my time and wait for the right opportunity.

I think as has been mentioned earlier. A good paper application is crucial to get to the interview phase.

 

[strange6]

Eduardo - for pity's sake make sure that you take advice from those that are drivers, not the majority of those contributing above who are not.

Although I can't disagree with this, it does come across a touch arrogant and rude. Careers advisors don't do many jobs but they still advise people what to do when applying for jobs. Working on the railways is no different to anything else.

 

[wessex]

I wouldnt waste money on anything, just use the sites on here.

I am an ex prison officer and it does help with dealing with difficult passengers but at the end of the day you are on your own without the backup of other staff so leave it to the btp/police

 

[notadriver]

Eduardo - for pity's sake make sure that you take advice from those that are drivers, not the majority of those contributing above who are not.

There's no need to have been a guard, shunter or anything else in the industry first, and the comment above about incidents involving "off the street" drivers is potentially libelous, and factually inaccurate. Some non - drivers just don't seem to get that message though.

Who are you talking about? How do you know which of the contributors are drivers and which aren't ?

 

[ainsworth74]

Who are you talking about?

Driver9000, westcoaster and I assume Wessex are all drivers. I know because of what they post on this site as well as the fact that they have in most cases admitted as much and after this length of time I think can all be trusted not to be lying.

 

[notadriver]

All I'm saying is there is no way to tell on here who's a driver and who isn't. For all you know I could be a driver!

 

[strange6]

You don't have to be a driver to give somebody railway career advice as Mr Lucas seems to suggest. Some people on these forums seem to think that you cannot comment on anything connected with the railway unless you're involved with it on a day-to-day basis; which, of course, is absolute utter rubbish. When I was at school, my careers advisor often give me good advice about studying for an engineering career - who to contact, where to study and how to go about it. Maybe I should have ignored all that advice simply because she wasn't an engineer and therefore didn't know what she was talking about.

 

[GB]

Eduardo - for pity's sake make sure that you take advice from those that are drivers, not the majority of those contributing above who are not.

This is a topic about recruitment into the grade, so why can't non drivers offer advice?

There's no need to have been a guard, shunter or anything else in the industry first

I don't think anyone has said you HAVE to have been any of those roles before applying for a drivers job but merely suggesting an alternative route given the nature of trainee driver vaccancies being highly sought after.

and the comment above about incidents involving "off the street" drivers is potentially libelous, and factually inaccurate. Some non - drivers just don't seem to get that message though.

Which comment is that?

 

[ainsworth74]

All I'm saying is there is no way to tell on here who's a driver and who isn't. For all you know I could be a driver!

I'll give you twenty quid if it transpires that driver9000 or westcoaster aren't drivers

Oh and for the record I'm not a driver or anything else on the railway

 

[strange6]

I'll give you twenty quid if it transpires that driver9000 or westcoaster aren't drivers

Oh and for the record I'm not a driver or anything else on the railway

Driver9000 is a Northern Driver and a bloody knowledgable one at that (as well as an all-round good egg for advice). And I'm 99 percent certain westcoaster is too

 

[Eduardo]

Well guys. Seems I've created a little debate amongst the ranks.

I not really concerned whether the replies are from drivers or not. Ideally I am aiming to hear from members that are armed with a little more knowledge about the industry then me.

Its not about a battle of wits or who can offer the best advice. To me all the advice offered is beneficial and will be put to good use.

Its just a shame that conflictions occur.

I guess thats forums for you! :roll:

Regardless of that, there are some very good points raised.

Once again thank you for your time.