shunter driver

[Informe]

Well if Bev wont do the honors I will .

Where I work as a depot driver it's a pretty good gig. Only real draw back is 80% night shifts but loads of upsides. We are willing to work through our breaks (although still get time to eat and have tea at varying times) this means we have our break at the end of shift and often leave upto an hour early.

Work varies but is limited to train movements and preps. Shed moves, coupling/uncoupling, trains to and from the station and fault finding etc. I like the work.

I do want to go mainline at some point but once you're there, you're there. We have good banter in the cabin, kebab night, darts etc. Mainline is a lonely place as our drivers who have progressed will tell you.

We have a recruitment drive from depot to mainline atm but only 75% of those eligible (and almost guarenteed the job) have applied. They will go eventually but no real rush as we know what we'll miss out on. Mainline money is better of course but if it wasn't I doubt many would apply.

I hope I've made Bev proud

Take the job, great opportunity.

 

[red2005]

if it gets you there eventually I'd say snap their hands off! it is arguably the best grade to be in to get to mainline driving in terms of the relevant experience you'll gain from doing the job.

it is definitely a good way in!

 

[Dave1987]

Well if Bev wont do the honors I will .

Where I work as a depot driver it's a pretty good gig. Only real draw back is 80% night shifts but loads of upsides. We are willing to work through our breaks (although still get time to eat and have tea at varying times) this means we have our break at the end of shift and often leave upto an hour early.

Work varies but is limited to train movements and preps. Shed moves, coupling/uncoupling, trains to and from the station and fault finding etc. I like the work.

I do want to go mainline at some point but once you're there, you're there. We have good banter in the cabin, kebab night, darts etc. Mainline is a lonely place as our drivers who have progressed will tell you.

We have a recruitment drive from depot to mainline atm but only 75% of those eligible (and almost guarenteed the job) have applied. They will go eventually but no real rush as we know what we'll miss out on. Mainline money is better of course but if it wasn't I doubt many would apply.

I hope I've made Bev proud

Take the job, great opportunity.

Saying a depot driver job is good and saying that it is a good way to get mainline is definitely swimming against the tide on this forum I'm afraid. Like I said before some people on here make out like it's the worst job known to man and it's better to be a guard than a DD to get mainline. The advice being given on here is frankly ridiculous at times.

 

[455driver]

It can all depend on which TOC and which depot it is, some depots are nice clean and easy to work, others you have to work your socks off and get filthy, plus anything in between.

 

[TDK]

Well if Bev wont do the honors I will .

Where I work as a depot driver it's a pretty good gig. Only real draw back is 80% night shifts but loads of upsides. We are willing to work through our breaks (although still get time to eat and have tea at varying times) this means we have our break at the end of shift and often leave upto an hour early.
Work varies but is limited to train movements and preps. Shed moves, coupling/uncoupling, trains to and from the station and fault finding etc. I like the work.

I do want to go mainline at some point but once you're there, you're there. We have good banter in the cabin, kebab night, darts etc. Mainline is a lonely place as our drivers who have progressed will tell you.

We have a recruitment drive from depot to mainline atm but only 75% of those eligible (and almost guarenteed the job) have applied. They will go eventually but no real rush as we know what we'll miss out on. Mainline money is better of course but if it wasn't I doubt many would apply.

I hope I've made Bev proud

Take the job, great opportunity.

This is a very dangerous scenario to admit on an open forum because if there is an accident/incident and you have not had your allocated break you will be liable and could even end up in prison - extremely poor practice that should never be permitted within any safety critical grade.

 

[darren111]

TDK, I am 100 per cent behind you on health and safety.

 

[Informe]

This is a very dangerous scenario to admit on an open forum because if there is an accident/incident and you have not had your allocated break you will be liable and could even end up in prison - extremely poor practice that should never be permitted within any safety critical grade.

With respect you are quite wrong about this. We are well within Aslefs best practice guidelines regarding breaks as long as they are taken within certain parameters quite alot of flexiblity is allowed for within the rules.