Getting Into the Industry

[mon2008]

Hi

I’ve been recently looking at getting into the railway industry. I’m predominantly interested in becoming a (passenger oriented) train driver. I was interested to see if anyone on these forums was already a train driver? Therefore, hopefully gaining some inside knowledge!

I’m 22, so I’m thinking that I may be a little (10 years) too young to even be considered!? But I’m not sure! Also I’m interested in knowing how often trainee jobs become publically available? Is it something that happens every 2 months, 2 years, 10 years? I’ve got no idea; as I haven’t seen any advertised in the few months I’ve been looking! Or are trainee jobs only offered internally amongst companies?

Thanks for any info

Regards

[arabiandisco]

I failed the competance test at 21 (my boredom threshold is too low), so don't worry about being too young! It's not like it used to be, most of the others at the test I was at were bus drivers, not existing rail staff (the debate as to whether this is a good thing is one for elsewhere).

I replied to a published advert on the rail company in question's website, and at the time there were loads of companies hiring drivers.

It's no different to applying for any other job.

[eddief]

it seems rare for companies to advertise externally for trainee train drivers, they often want experienced. Freightliner run a graduate scheme every year taking on a set number of existing staff to become train drivers, maybe other companies do the same. My suggestion is to apply for a job with a TOC you would like to work with and see if they do the scheme once you get the job, make sure the job you apply for is one you like as you may be waiting a while to get to be a train drive - I've gone in for the Freightliner one this year but not sure if I will get anywhere as I have not heard back from my interview yet.

[danielw2599]

You have to remember that on the few occasions TOCs do advertise externaly for Trainee Drivers positions, they literally get thousands of applicants, making the competition very hard indeed. Allthough this is not a popular route for alot of people, your best bet is to get into the company at any grade (Platform Staff, Conductor etc) and work your way up. This will give you the added bonus of railway experience, your face being known and having a better chance when posts are advertised internaly.

You can get into the driving grade "off the street", and as such it as been done many times, but you have to be prepared for alot of waiting (could even be a couple of years) and disappointment.

Alternatively, you could try sitting the driving assessment yourself. However this will cost you £££ and there is still no guarantee TOCs will take you on.

[mon2008]

Ok thanks for the info.

So are there a lot of train drivers around then? I was thinking that the staff turnover might be quite high (like bus drivers) but I guess not? From what I’ve seen the wages look pretty good so I guess it must be quite a prestigious job to have!?

Unfortunately I cannot take a role lower down the ranks as I’m earning quite a lot in the career I’m doing at the moment so I’d be a fool to throw it all away on the off chance a vacancy gets posted internally.

I’ll just have to keep my fingers crossed and be prepared to play the waiting game!

Regards

[danielw2599]

Why not pop over to http://www.Railchat.co.uk

Its a very good forum where all ranks (Drivers, Signallers, Train Crew etc) discuss the various aspects of the industry. I believe there are a few members from here joined up also, me included.

It has a section for newbies and folk wanting to get into the industry.

[mon2008]

Fantastic, thanks danielw2599.

[ForburyLion]

First Great Western advertise every so often in the Reading Evening Post for trainee drivers based out of Reading depot.

If they are advertised outside of the industry they will probably be advertised locally, plus the corporate websites.

[ajax103]

Why not pop over to http://www.Railchat.co.uk

Its a very good forum where all ranks (Drivers, Signallers, Train Crew etc) discuss the various aspects of the industry. I believe there are a few members from here joined up also, me included.

It has a section for newbies and folk wanting to get into the industry.

Don't forget me as well, I'm usually around on that site as well,

[danielw2599]

Why not pop over to http://www.Railchat.co.uk

Its a very good forum where all ranks (Drivers, Signallers, Train Crew etc) discuss the various aspects of the industry. I believe there are a few members from here joined up also, me included.

It has a section for newbies and folk wanting to get into the industry.

Don't forget me as well, I'm usually around on that site as well,

Yes, I have noticed you lurking about over there, and the SimSig one too?

[ajax103]

Why not pop over to http://www.Railchat.co.uk

Its a very good forum where all ranks (Drivers, Signallers, Train Crew etc) discuss the various aspects of the industry. I believe there are a few members from here joined up also, me included.

It has a section for newbies and folk wanting to get into the industry.

Don't forget me as well, I'm usually around on that site as well,

Yes, I have noticed you lurking about over there, and the SimSig one too?

SWT Rail, BVE RailNetwork, UKTS, RailChat, Making Tracks and SimSig are all places where I "lurk"