Trainee Train Driver - Virgin Trains East Coast

[Sam Slade]

I took it to mean that the first 2 (or 3 if you don't live close enough) questions would be an introductory paragraph and 2 new paragraphs starting "I would like to work for Virgin Trains East Coast because.........." and "I would like to be a train driver because......" had a very strict word count.
As you also attached a CV that would be the opportunity to sell yourself on other matters.
I sincerely believe (and hope) that anyone who exceeds the word count is eliminated at the application stage, sorry if that sounds mean but it was a very basic instruction.

It also says " Questions to include in your cover letter: "

Typo? Another method of sifting out lots of applications which don't include the questions??

 

[ainsworth74]

It's potentially a big deal for people who have already prepared applications for York who live in, say, Thirsk. They would now be out of the 'catchment area'.

I'm within the hour for Leeds or Doncaster, but York would be more convenient.

Also don't assume the arrangements for stabling each night will be the same as they are now. With the IEP depot at Doncaster and different destinations being served, expect quite a lot of changes.

Thought they said they'd accept applications from those willing to move?

 

[E&W Lucas]

Hello quick question
I work at Edinburgh trams as a driver so I have some rail experience.

Do you?
You should be able to have a good shot at this, as you've demonstrated a number of competencies and skills that will equip you to undertake the training process (which is what TOCs look for).
Trams are a world away from driving on the mainline though, as are preserved railways, etc, etc.
Careful that you don't come across as thinking that you can already do the job. A sure fire way to end up in the reject pile. Remember, if they want "experienced" candidates, they'll be innundated with applications from qualified drivers anyway. They're looking for the proverbial blank canvass.

 

[BTU]

BTW for any qualified drivers who are interested in this they have confirmed they will consider applications from qualified drivers as well.

I sent them an email asking if qualified can apply, still waiting for a reply. How did you find out? If you don't mind me asking.

 

[Andy-mc]

I sent them an email asking if qualified can apply, still waiting for a reply. How did you find out? If you don't mind me asking.

I'm not sure if its always been there as I didn't see it the first time I looked, but it says it on the "who we are page"

 

[SkinnyDave]

I sent them an email asking if qualified can apply, still waiting for a reply. How did you find out? If you don't mind me asking.

It's now on their advert mate! It does state that they will consider Qualifieds

 

[ZackCulross]

Do you?
You should be able to have a good shot at this, as you've demonstrated a number of competencies and skills that will equip you to undertake the training process (which is what TOCs look for).
Trams are a world away from driving on the mainline though, as are preserved railways, etc, etc.
Careful that you don't come across as thinking that you can already do the job. A sure fire way to end up in the reject pile. Remember, if they want "experienced" candidates, they'll be innundated with applications from qualified drivers anyway. They're looking for the proverbial blank canvass.

No not at all you have me all wrong.
I know it's nothing compared to mainline, I never meant to come across as I knew everything, there's always learning involved, I got on to trams hoping it would see me through until an opportunity arised as i have always wanted to be a train driver.
Just age could be the issue atm.
Sorry

 

[theironroad]

No not at all you have me all wrong.
I know it's nothing compared to mainline, I never meant to come across as I knew everything, there's always learning involved, I got on to trams hoping it would see me through until an opportunity arised as i have always wanted to be a train driver.
Just age could be the issue atm.
Sorry

I'd apply mate and just answer in the question that you will be 21 on the date you said above (your 21st birthday).

The group standard rules only say that you cannot be passed out as a fully qualified driver until you are 21+, training can take place before 21. I've known at least one person who started training at 20 but didn't finish training until 21.

As most of the assessment dates listed in the advert are after your 21st, I'd definitely go for it but making clear in the cover letter about your birthday.
Good luck!

 

[EC123]

For VTEC, make sure you're selling yourself on those cover letters folks. They want to see peoples passion and drive for the job.

as far as I'm aware, they'll be accepting applications from qualifieds, the number of drivers needed over the next few years probably helped influence that decision.

For those asking about pay, the ASLEF company info page is showing the correct full salary as it is now.

For those asking about shifts; during training, you start on a MON-FRI basis for rules and traction etc (theory side of it lasts around 4/5 months). Once ready to start handling trains, you either follow your driver trainer in the roster, or get put into a 'training link'. Once qualified, into the link solo. Time off etc varies slightly by depot. But regular clumps
Of days off/long weekends, and a fairly generous leave entitlement are part of the package.

 

[Sirgerbil]

For VTEC, make sure you're selling yourself on those cover letters folks. They want to see peoples passion and drive for the job.

as far as I'm aware, they'll be accepting applications from qualifieds, the number of drivers needed over the next few years probably helped influence that decision.

For those asking about pay, the ASLEF company info page is showing the correct full salary as it is now.

For those asking about shifts; during training, you start on a MON-FRI basis for rules and traction etc (theory side of it lasts around 4/5 months). Once ready to start handling trains, you either follow your driver trainer in the roster, or get put into a 'training link'. Once qualified, into the link solo. Time off etc varies slightly by depot. But regular clumps
Of days off/long weekends, and a fairly generous leave entitlement are part of the package.

Thanks for the information so far, are their regional training centres or just the one? I'd be looking at KX personally and would assume they have one in London.

 

[EC123]

Thanks for the information so far, are their regional training centres or just the one? I'd be looking at KX personally and would assume they have one in London.

The theory training will be held at York. So commuting up and down for it. then Home Depot for the handling etc. not sure what the plans are for IEP, but for 91 Traction, we spent th 5 weeks lodging in London. Company make all the arrangements. We just have to make sure we go to where we need to.

 

[Class2ldn]

If they get enough qualified apply I doubt any trainees will get a look in

 

[Scuba2208]

I don't think there will be any shortage of applicants, both qualified and newbie off the street. I suspect, however, that given the press coverage, a decent percentage of successful applicants will be newbie as VTEC will want to show them off for PR purposes. Perhaps a 60 / 40 split in favour of qualified.

I liked the wording in the ad that said the talent team will contact all applicants by 10th November. Even a No response template is better than hearing nothing back at all..

 

[387star]

out of interest which depots sign the highland main line? (highland chieftan)

That route is incredible. I need to do it again.

Went to avimore in 2003 and holidayed in nethy bridge during that heatwave summer- to this day remember coming back out of kings cross and the heat hit me like an oven never known anything like it. We were diverted via hertford due to problems caused by the heat buckling rails I imagine

In 2008 I went to pitlochry and had a lovely holiday in aberfeldy

Anyway I digress. It is a lovely route though especially north of newcastle with the glimpses of the sea and the dramatic run into berwick

not to mention durham cathedral and the impressive run into newcastle!

 

[EC123]

out of interest which depots sign the highland main line? (highland chieftan)

That route is incredible. I need to do it again.

Went to avimore in 2003 and holidayed in nethy bridge during that heatwave summer- to this day remember coming back out of kings cross and the heat hit me like an oven never known anything like it. We were diverted via hertford due to problems caused by the heat buckling rails I imagine

In 2008 I went to pitlochry and had a lovely holiday in aberfeldy

Anyway I digress. It is a lovely route though especially north of newcastle with the glimpses of the sea and the dramatic run into berwick

not to mention durham cathedral and the impressive run into newcastle!

Inverness is operated by Newcastle lodge link drivers

 

[flappy8]

Inverness is operated by Newcastle lodge link drivers

Out of interest how far North do London drivers go?

 

[Suraggu]

It takes years to get into the Newcastle Lodge Link, current drivers are on a very long waiting list for that.
All newbies will no doubt be put in the south link so Newcastle -KGX whilst current drivers will be able to go into the North Link.

Plenty of top talent was turned down internally for the roles so they really after the cream of the crop so make sure those applications are fool proof.

 

[EC123]

Out of interest how far North do London drivers go?

Newcastle is as far as they go

 

[E&W Lucas]

If they get enough qualified apply I doubt any trainees will get a look in

They will be able to fill these jobs ten times over with qualified applicants; as others have suggested, there will have to be some training of new entrants. Practicality may be the deciding factor as to how many can be taken on?

 

[EC123]

They will be able to fill these jobs ten times over with qualified applicants; as others have suggested, there will have to be some training of new entrants. Practicality may be the deciding factor as to how many can be taken on?

Therell be a limit to how many Ex TOC drivers they can take from other companies. Ratio of Trainees will be higher. Don't be put off

 

[E&W Lucas]

Don't be put off

Seconded.
There only needs to be one vacancy for YOU to be the person that secures it.

 

[MichaelAMW]

Inverness is operated by Newcastle lodge link drivers

Does that mean they have some special arrangement regarding breaks, given there is less than 12 hours between the arrival of the train in the evening and the departure the following morning?

 

[EC123]

Does that mean they have some special arrangement regarding breaks, given there is less than 12 hours between the arrival of the train in the evening and the departure the following morning?

The driver who takes the Inverness up will lodge in INV, pass to aderdeen the next day, work ABD-EDB.

The morning inverness driver will have worked to Aberdeen the previous day, passed to INV after ditching his set, lodge overnight at INV, ready for the morning service

 

[geordie1973]

I was thinking of applying, have no experience at all . However I was wondering how long you are required to do at each level of training before you move to the next stage and finally up to full pay and qualification.

thanks in advance

 

[irish_rail]

Out of interest if NCL do the Inverness / Aberdeen route, what do Edinburgh drivers do? just Ebh- Ncl???

 

[EC123]

I was thinking of applying, have no experience at all . However I was wondering how long you are required to do at each level of training before you move to the next stage and finally up to full pay and qualification.

thanks in advance

Generally spend 5 months in the classroom working up the basic knowledge, with around a month spent in the 2nd man seat observing what you've learned. Rules course lasts around 6 weeks (towards the end of that five months), then 5 weeks traction training (could change with IEP) before going out handling

Regular end of week and end of module assessments to keep a track on progress etc

 

[theironroad]

Generally spend 5 months in the classroom working up the basic knowledge, with around a month spent in the 2nd man seat observing what you've learned. Rules course lasts around 6 weeks (towards the end of that five months), then 5 weeks traction training (could change with IEP) before going out handling

Regular end of week and end of module assessments to keep a track on progress etc

Hi EC123,

Are Sundays inside the 35hr week and is it still a 4.25 day week or is there a move to the 4 day week?

Any other info (spare movements etc) would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[EC123]

Hi EC123,

Are Sundays inside the 35hr week and is it still a 4.25 day week or is there a move to the 4 day week?

Any other info (spare movements etc) would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Hi mate.

Yeah Sundays inclusive. And 4.25 day week

Spare turns are allocated at each depot. Generally I think it's a few days allocated in certain lines on the link. So you'll go through a phase of having a few days spare, but generally, you could be informed in advance of being swapped into a job

 

[SkinnyDave]

Hi mate.

Yeah Sundays inclusive. And 4.25 day week

Spare turns are allocated at each depot. Generally I think it's a few days allocated in certain lines on the link. So you'll go through a phase of having a few days spare, but generally, you could be informed in advance of being swapped into a job

Just to add to Iron Road's ?
Do you forsee them going to the true 4 day week with 156 rest days instead of 4.25?

 

[Scuba2208]

Out of interest if NCL do the Inverness / Aberdeen route, what do Edinburgh drivers do? just Ebh- Ncl???

As far as I know, out of the 4 services operated out of Aberdeen, 2 are operated by Newcastle drivers and the other 2 by Edinburgh. The remaining services Edinburgh crews operate are to Newcastle only... Someone on the Newcastle link should be able to correct me if I'm wrong...