Hello folks
I am a 32 year old Police Officer who is seriously considering a change in career! I have been in the Police service for 12 years of a 30 year contract. For the last 8 years I have been on Armed Response and Roads Policing. However, as I'm sure some of you have read in the newspapers, our pensions are under Government review. At present I'm due to retire in 2028, I will be 48 years old but if the Home Secretary gets her way I will be 60 years old (a 12 yr extention on my contract) outside nightclubs and pubs fighting with drunks and chasing criminals on foot that are 40 years younger than me. I have met a degree of danger in by 12years, been injured on three occasions and spend a good degree of my off duty time on call. It's a way of life not just a 'job' and it's not necessarily what I want to do until I'm in my 60s.
I have decided that if that review becomes a reality (Not confirmed yet) I will try and leave the service that I once loved to work for. The path I want to follow is into the world of train driving. I am absolutely and completely fully aware that this is a difficult and popular industry to get into but should the situation with the Police pensions become a reality I want to give it my best shot!
I have done my homework, both online and by contacting TOCs directly. There are a few questions I would love to put out there though, especially to the experienced train drivers on this forum.
1. Any golden tips?? Be honest with me!
2. What is the general salary when fully qualified? I have found figures that are pretty much all over the shop!
3. Where can I find up to date vacancies the second they are advertised?
4. Is it still possible to come from outside a TOC and be employed straight as a trainee driver?
Look forward to the responses