Trainee Train Driver - Virgin Trains East Coast

[Class2ldn]

How do the Thameslink drivers get to work and do they get free parking? Ha!

It's important for people to be able to get to work safely and on time. I don't want to be the trainee driver in the news who got stabbed to death in some backstreet at 3am whist walking to work because his employer didn't provide him parking. I don't think people should be expected to get a taxi either. I guess when you're in the full whack top driver salary then £15 a day parking at the station isn't a big deal. Trainee salary on the other hand...

I've always been a cheapo though and it seems wasteful to spend that much. I generally don't go anywhere if I have to pay for parking unless it's absolutely necesssary and the preferred evil over being squashed on a packed train/bus.

Fair enough that VTEC aren't too concerned with answering these questions at the minute but I don't see anything wrong with asking them on here.

Are you serious?
Are you going to refuse to go down on the platform because theres some drunks hanging around???
It's part of shift work. They are under no obligation to provide you parking.
If you don't want to travel get a job closer or find a way around it.
Thameslink trains are 24 hours every hour from Bedford

 

[Sirgerbil]

Are you serious?
Are you going to refuse to go down on the platform because theres some drunks hanging around???
It's part of shift work. They are under no obligation to provide you parking.
If you don't want to travel get a job closer or find a way around it.
Thameslink trains are 24 hours every hour from Bedford

I kind of have to echo this....You knew what you were signing up for and the least of VTEC's worries is if you can get there on time, because there's going to be loads others that can and will.

 

[Andy-mc]

When I was training I was lucky enough to be put up in a hotel for the classroom, but when I was moved onto my handling I was based at my home depot so basically started how I would if fully qualified.
I know what your saying, but knowing how you would get to work both during training and when fully qualified would have been a condition of your employment.
If you haven't already had one, it would be a great question to ask in an interview as they could provide an answer and save any future problems when it comes to your starting day.

 

[Andy-mc]

double post

 

[Tom9748]

.....

 

[ManOnATrain]

I don't expect any employer to provide parking and of course they are under no obligation to do so.

But there are staff car parks at railway stations, are there not? Why wouldn't drivers (or trainees) be able to park in them when starting their shift? Who is currently parking in them?!

 

[Peppajug78]

Please correct me if I am wrong but your shift doesn't necessarily start at the station. Aren't some trains kept in sidings away from the station?

 

[ManOnATrain]

Training course starts 13th March (qualed).

How long did it take to get the formal offer and contract after confirming the course start date?

 

[ManOnATrain]

Please correct me if I am wrong but your shift doesn't necessarily start at the station. Aren't some trains kept in sidings away from the station?

Yes. I'm asking if we can park anywhere where we might start our shift, station or not. Currently we've got:

* KX - no chance
* Edin - drivers get a pass
* Leeds - unknown
* Doncaster - unknown

 

[Tom9748]

How long did it take to get the formal offer and contract after confirming the course start date?

.....

 

[ManOnATrain]

Job offer,contract etc arrived three days ago.

Job offer/contract 2 weeks before start date? Not sure how that kind of timescale works with people who have to resign and give notice.

 

[Tom9748]

.....

 

[dugster70]

Yes. I'm asking if we can park anywhere where we might start our shift, station or not. Currently we've got:

* KX - no chance
* Edin - drivers get a pass
* Leeds - unknown
* Doncaster - unknown

At Leeds some drivers have car passes for the Riverside. However anyone who has recently joined or will be joining are not entitled to them. VTEC have pulled the plug and if you want to park at the station then you are charged full whack which is non refundable. This will get worse for everybody when the new platform 0 is built which will reduce the size of the car park. Also if you don't have a pass then the barriers are not forced to let you in, another risk you would be taking.

 

[Lincdsg]

With a bit of juggling around and begging my manager at the TOC I work for I've managed to be allowed to leave and start on the given date. Since starting on the railways fourteen years ago I've always wanted to work for Virgin,wild horse's wouldn't stop me from turning up for day one of training!!

What is it about virgin that you are so keen to work for them rather than your current TOC?

 

[Tom9748]

.....

 

[E&W Lucas]

Brilliant thank you, that's a massive help, I was concerned that it would stop me getting the job if I pass the medical

No problem. You'll also need to factor in the cost of a Priv Rate Season Ticket (c£1500 from those parts), if you wish to use EMT to get to work under normal circumstances. Speak to your recruitment contacts, as there may be a payroll deduction scheme available. Also allow for the cost of some driving to and parking at Bedford, depending on what shifts you get.

 

[E&W Lucas]

How do the Thameslink drivers get to work and do they get free parking? Ha!

It's important for people to be able to get to work safely and on time. I don't want to be the trainee driver in the news who got stabbed to death in some backstreet at 3am whist walking to work because his employer didn't provide him parking. I don't think people should be expected to get a taxi either. I guess when you're in the full whack top driver salary then £15 a day parking at the station isn't a big deal. Trainee salary on the other hand...

I've always been a cheapo though and it seems wasteful to spend that much. I generally don't go anywhere if I have to pay for parking unless it's absolutely necesssary and the preferred evil over being squashed on a packed train/bus.

Fair enough that VTEC aren't too concerned with answering these questions at the minute but I don't see anything wrong with asking them on here.

The only people that can answer your question with authority are your prospective employers. That's because entitlements can change over time, and what existing staff get, may not be the same as what you will be entitled to.
As an amused bystander, I'm wondering why no one seems to have asked about getting to and home from work in the interviews?
It's a massive part of being a London based driver, whatever operator you work for.
With driver's hours, you will inevitably be travelling on trains frequented by drunks, etc. It's unavoidable when your shift finishes at 2359 on a Friday night!
Even better, you will be in their company on a circa 0400 service to work of a Saturday morning. Enjoy!

 

[Ffcsteve14]

The only people that can answer your question with authority are your prospective employers. That's because entitlements can change over time, and what existing staff get, may not be the same as what you will be entitled to.
As an amused bystander, I'm wondering why no one seems to have asked about getting to and home from work in the interviews?
It's a massive part of being a London based driver, whatever operator you work for.
With driver's hours, you will inevitably be travelling on trains frequented by drunks, etc. It's unavoidable when your shift finishes at 2359 on a Friday night!
Even better, you will be in their company on a circa 0400 service to work of a Saturday morning. Enjoy!

As a bystander you wouldn't know that there was no interviews with anybody from Virgin and only an external company on set competencies.

I agree people need to have researched routes as I have done but I also agree that it surprising there is more stuff in place for the anti-social hours!

 

[ManOnATrain]

I have to admit that I assumed I'd be able to drive and park to get to work so it didn't occur to me to ask the question about car parking at the assessments. I assumed that as it would be anti social hours it would be easier to get to, and to park in, the car parks. Wrongly assumed, it seems.

I'm currently get stuck in rush hour traffic and struggle to get a space at my employers car park (which I pay for) for 9am. If I arrive at 8am it's easy to get a space but there's still the traffic to contend with to and from work.

I was quite looking forward to driving to and from work with no traffic during the anti social hours! I wasn't expecting to have to be a passenger on a train at all.

 

[ManOnATrain]

Duplicate post

 

[E&W Lucas]

I have to admit that I assumed I'd be able to drive and park to get to work so it didn't occur to me to ask the question about car parking at the assessments. I assumed that as it would be anti social hours it would be easier to get to, and to park in, the car parks. Wrongly assumed, it seems.

Certainly not saying you won't be able to get a parking permit, or have use of one when you require it. More advising you to check, not assume. A phrase you will hear many times during your training.

 

[Chuggington21]

Certainly not saying you won't be able to get a parking permit, or have use of one when you require it. More advising you to check, not assume. A phrase you will hear many times during your training.

Hahahahaha made me chuckle. They will hear it loads along with "there are no stupid questions" "if in doubt always ask"

 

[NROP]

Hahahahaha made me chuckle. They will hear it loads along with "there are no stupid questions" "if in doubt always ask"

Had any updates yet Chuggington?

 

[dugster70]

Had any updates yet Chuggington?

I probably think that chuggington hasn't heard anything. The reason I say this is because last week I pulled into Knaresboro station and there were a group of people in Virgin uniform on the platform who were observing my shunt move over the viaduct. After speaking to them on the platform they told me they were on the azuma course. I offered my congratulations and got talking to one of the trainees. He told me he was the only one on the course who was off the street. The rest were Virgin internals ex guards etc so if you think you weren't up against it you do now

 

[Sirgerbil]

It's all gone quiet again for me too, was told had passed medical by doctor pending drugs screening (of which I know I'll pass) but Wednesday will make 2 weeks since medical.

I would imagine that all testing has been completed by now.

 

[dugster70]

It's all gone quiet again for me too, was told had passed medical by doctor pending drugs screening (of which I know I'll pass) but Wednesday will make 2 weeks since medical.

I would imagine that all testing has been completed by now.

If you've had the medical and passed you've got nothing to worry about I'm talking about people who've not heard anything

 

[dugster70]

Anyway let's face it Sir Richard Brandon would have to kiss my arse before I would even consider driving for Jungfrau (look it up Deutsch!)

 

[Ashxmufcx]

When i had my medical I managed to find out that the course at the moment is internals with the exception of the civi whi was able to fill a last minute slot to having passed his medical etc..I was told the first course for externall non industry is May 4th. That ties in with Dugster.

 

[xtradj]

Yes may 4th in for too however medical isn't for a couple of weeks yet

In fact ash I had my physcometrics a week before you yet you have already had your medical so not sure why I've been delayed so much

Anyone for the KX depot is your training in York?

 

[Ffcsteve14]

Yes may 4th in for too however medical isn't for a couple of weeks yet

In fact ash I had my physcometrics a week before you yet you have already had your medical so not sure why I've been delayed so much

Anyone for the KX depot is your training in York?

Yes training is in York. I am an 'off the street' as it hasn't been put. Offered start date of may but can't do it due to commitments. Next course is October so on that.

Have been told that we travel everyday to York, so make sure you have a good book! Lol.

Good luck to everybody still in process