WMT Trainee Train Driver Course

[Rhymnosauras]

Hi all,

I start my Trainee Train Driver Course in August at WMT. I was hoping anyone on the course already might be able to give me some info.

How long before you start the course were you given joining instructions?

What are the timings like? I'm hoping to be able to take or pick up my kids from school/family.

How is it? Is it as intense as you thought it would be?

I know you may not be able to disclose info about the course online, if this is the case I'll just have to shut up and wait patiently!

Thanks

 

[Hampton6]

Hi all,

I start my Trainee Train Driver Course in August at WMT. I was hoping anyone on the course already might be able to give me some info.

How long before you start the course were you given joining instructions?

What are the timings like? I'm hoping to be able to take or pick up my kids from school/family.

How is it? Is it as intense as you thought it would be?

I know you may not be able to disclose info about the course online, if this is the case I'll just have to shut up and wait patiently!

Thanks

Was wondering the same, I’ve read on other threads that the academy times were around 8:30 - 15:30 if I remember correctly, not a clue on the depot specifics/front end turns/etc, was also wondering what the deal is with uniforms, do we order them prior to starting or is that something that is done in the induction week?
Look forward to seeing you on the 9th!

 

[Rhymnosauras]

Was wondering the same, I’ve read on other threads that the academy times were around 8:30 - 15:30 if I remember correctly, not a clue on the depot specifics/front end turns/etc, was also wondering what the deal is with uniforms, do we order them prior to starting or is that something that is done in the induction week?
Look forward to seeing you on the 9th!

Thanks for the reply. I guess we will have our questions answered in the next few weeks. 0830-1530 is decent if that is the same for us

Look forward to seeing you in 4 weeks!

 

[trundlewagon]

I think the joining instructions came through about 3 weeks before the course started and we had a uniform ordering form sent through so everything was there for us (except all the stuff that wasn't in stock) on the first day. First 3 days of induction were done on Teams and then in person from then on.

We did 0830-1500ish for part of the classroom course and 0900-1530ish for some of it but the instructors try and get finished slightly early where possible, especially if people have to get a certain train.

Front end turns you'll be working whatever hours your instructor is down for, although again there was a bit of flexibility if it was more convenient for you to join part way through the shift or finish a bit early if it makes sense. The traction course hours depend on your depot, for Snow Hill ours was 1500-2300ish but was speaking to some New Street drivers and theirs was 2000-0400 but it'll almost certainly be during the evening/night, I'd imagine.

The training is quite intense in parts and there is a lot to learn, especially if you are new to the railway - I think everyone on my course went home with our heads spinning after the first day of covering signalling - but I feel the content was delivered really well and you'll be amazed how quickly you pick things up in such a short amount of time.

 

[Rhymnosauras]

I think the joining instructions came through about 3 weeks before the course started and we had a uniform ordering form sent through so everything was there for us (except all the stuff that wasn't in stock) on the first day. First 3 days of induction were done on Teams and then in person from then on.

We did 0830-1500ish for part of the classroom course and 0900-1530ish for some of it but the instructors try and get finished slightly early where possible, especially if people have to get a certain train.

Front end turns you'll be working whatever hours your instructor is down for, although again there was a bit of flexibility if it was more convenient for you to join part way through the shift or finish a bit early if it makes sense. The traction course hours depend on your depot, for Snow Hill ours was 1500-2300ish but was speaking to some New Street drivers and theirs was 2000-0400 but it'll almost certainly be during the evening/night, I'd imagine.

The training is quite intense in parts and there is a lot to learn, especially if you are new to the railway - I think everyone on my course went home with our heads spinning after the first day of covering signalling - but I feel the content was delivered really well and you'll be amazed how quickly you pick things up in such a short amount of time.

Thank you for the reply. I'm ready to start now, it feels like I've been waiting forever. Hopefully I get my joining instructions this week then.