trainee train driver positions?

[Brettwarren69]

Good evening, I have worked on a light rail system in the North West for around 6 years now, various roles, but I would now like to make the step up to heavy rail. I am willing to re locate to become a trainee train driver but I can never seem to find a position for this advertised when I look. Is anyone aware of any positions coming up in the near future? Appreciate any bits of advice, tips or help thrown my way. Thanks.

 

[beavercreek]

Hi Brett
Check the TOCs websites daily and if there are vacancies for trainee drivers then apply as soon as possible as they normally pull the vacancies very quickly.
I would suspect that due to franchise changes there will be a need for more trainees around April time.
I made the transfer from the Light Rail to Heavy rail just over Two years ago and i haven't looked back.
You will know who Iam ??????

 

[Brettwarren69]

Ooooh, interesting... Initials please? Clue! Every time I look for a trainee driver role they just are none existent! So annoying. I'd even go for a shunter position to get me in there. Thanks for the reply though. Il keep checking

 

[Economist]

Register on the TOCs websites so that you get vacancy alerts (if you can). A lot of the larger recruitment drives are posted on here, so keep a good eye out. Be prepared to relocate (though not all TOCs will allow you to do so).

 

[WCMLaddict]

Manchester Victoria, Piccadilly and Skipton vacancies are now advertised internally so expect them go external for a day or two in next week or two.
Training course is supposed to start in June.

 

[Brettwarren69]

Either of those would be ace! Especially Vic! Thanks very much for the heads up. Really appreciate the help guys.

 

[Nosillomr]

Would someone on here please tell me what TOC these vacancies (possible) would be with? I also thought if you didn't live within an hour of depot applying for you're automatically rejected? How do you get round this if you are willing to relocate? Thanks in advance (newbie).

 

[Joof]

Would someone on here please tell me what TOC these vacancies (possible) would be with? I also thought if you didn't live within an hour of depot applying for you're automatically rejected? How do you get round this if you are willing to relocate? Thanks in advance (newbie).

Northern rail mate. Their policy is still that you have to live within a 45 minute commute to the depot I think.

 

[455driver]

Would someone on here please tell me what TOC these vacancies (possible) would be with? I also thought if you didn't live within an hour of depot applying for you're automatically rejected? How do you get round this if you are willing to relocate? Thanks in advance (newbie).

Because evidence suggests that people dont relocate, they rent a room/flat until they can get a (qualified) drivers job near their original home meaning the TOC have effectively trained you up for another TOC.

 

[G136GREYHOUND]

Because evidence suggests that people dont relocate, they rent a room/flat until they can get a (qualified) drivers job near their original home meaning the TOC have effectively trained you up for another TOC.

Indeed, or as soon as their time is up, bung in a move to a far more popular depot near home within the same TOC.

Some depots are like revolving doors. If you don't live within the hour it will almost certainly go against your application

 

[Rooster]

Good evening, I have worked on a light rail system in the North West for around 6 years now, various roles, but I would now like to make the step up to heavy rail. I am willing to re locate to become a trainee train driver but I can never seem to find a position for this advertised when I look. Is anyone aware of any positions coming up in the near future? Appreciate any bits of advice, tips or help thrown my way. Thanks.

You work at metrolink

 

[kelv]

Would a driver from 'light rail' be at a distinct advantage to others ?

The OP is obviously seeing this as a career move he wants to make but I reckon a lot will be reading this thread thinking how they'd jump at a metrolink drivers job as well, if indeed that's what he does ?

Or is moving onto 'heavy' from 'light' a common occurrence and desire for tram drivers ?

 

[beavercreek]

Quite a few have made the jump over to the heavy rail including myself.
The main reason being the huge difference in pay and far superior conditions.
The only experience I brought across was an understand of TCB, working alone and dealing with emergencies.
Apart from that you start of like everyone else as a trainee.

 

[kelv]

Quite a few have made the jump over to the heavy rail including myself.
The main reason being the huge difference in pay and far superior conditions.
The only experience I brought across was an understand of TCB, working alone and dealing with emergencies.
Apart from that you start of like everyone else as a trainee.

I'm presuming that it was Metro Link ?

Is there a high amount of incidents when driving in the City Centre & Towns ? cos folk just wander in front of trams like they are made of soft foam and not going to damage them in any way, or are they fully cam'd up so as to quickly resolve who is to blame, be it pedestrian, cyclist, car, numpty ?

 

[kaine19]

They have cctv yeah. The amount of people I could of killed in the city centre is unreal. If it wernt for me warning them that am there or reading there body language they would be dead. No one looks not even just in the city centre. The amount of people who chance red lights also. I had a crash because a guy ran a red light. Crazy