Trainee train drivers wanted...

[Chicken Chaser]

Still waiting for that trainee position to come up in the North East. Northern had a position available at Workington a week ago. Just a shame I didn't live in Cumbria

[itcaptainslow]

Stedman said:

Well done mate. If you're in Bedfordshire, I assume you out of Bedford? Our paths may cross south of the river...

Try to avoid incidents, but you can only do your best. Be honest and willing to learn

Exactly how I'm trying to be. Just take things steady, keep it simple and think before doing. More than happy to listen to the old hands too.

I'm smack in the middle of the TL and GN routes, I applied for Bedford but ended up at Kings Cross on the GN. I love the route and so far had a great mix of work, love the fast stuff. Guessing you're on the Southern or Southeastern?

[itcaptainslow]

RemyMartin said:

Final day of passout tomorrow...

Good luck, which TOC are you with?

[itcaptainslow]

Sounds like you could be getting our 365's in a few years. Had an instructor who used to be a minder on the FGW route, said it's quite a nice one

[TommoAE86]

P5Nij said:

Rick101 said:

66's. I should be so lucky.

British Rail Research division. Fairly important work. What do we have, 31's and 37's!

I'll be learning 70s soon, a mate at Lawley Street who's on them says they're even worse! I think his 'complete abject failure / fire bell going off' rate is something like one in three so far. Can't wait.

31s, 37s, 40s, 47s, 50s etc, lovely old things if they're looked after - the 50s we had at Old Oak used to fly ;O)

Apologies if this has been covered but having grown up with these engines around the network I have a major soft spot for them. I'd love to know more on what they are like to drive, stories around wagons/carriages they've hauled?

[Stedman]

RemyMartin said:

Nailed it. First solo trip done.

Boom! Weird feeling isn't it, not having anyone to chat to?

[itcaptainslow]

It certainly is, although quite nice being on your own and calling the shots yourself. I'm also not a fan of the gossipy nature of messrooms, so being on my own is fine by me.

[RB5Bird]

Do you find you talk to yourself? Or is it just me?

[itcaptainslow]

RB5Bird said:

Do you find you talk to yourself? Or is it just me?

In what way? I find RTC (Risk Triggered Commentary) really helpful, but I don't generally engage in conversation with me.

RemyMartin said:

I enjoy being on my own. I pretty much hate the mess room, always have done. 80% of drivers are cliquey s.

It's the only thing that spoils the job for me. I try not to let it get to me and not to take it personally-just bored people I guess!

Edited by itcaptainslow on Sunday 13th September 21:53

[valiant]

RB5Bird said:

Do you find you talk to yourself? Or is it just me?

It's when you start arguing with yourself in the cab that can be a bit worrying.

Best not mention that to your manager.


P.s. Commentary driving can be very helpful and helps keep you aware of what's around you especially when you start to flag. I bet you didn't think pulling and pushing a few levers could be so knackering! You'll get used to it.....eventually!

[Stedman]

RB5Bird said:

Do you find you talk to yourself? Or is it just me?

I *think* to myself, sometimes chat (mostly calling the signaller a )


Messrooms can be cliquey, I will (and do) say hello to anyone and happy to have a conversation with anyone that isn't a complete knob.

I'm looking forward to (hopefully) becoming a DI and/or traction inspector/CDM.

[itcaptainslow]

Most of the signallers we've got are pretty decent, especially the guys at Cambridge box-superbly helpful. The yard there is pretty complex and if you're ever unsure they're great at explaining a move to you. I try and be pretty respectful on the phone to them-addressing them as Sir/Madam and following the correct comms protocols seems to have served me well so far, especially when asking a favour!

[wazzow]

Is there anyone who has been through the process recently with ScotRail? There is finally opportunities near me and I am hoping for some advice on the application process.

I have been waiting for this for years so hope it is finally my time!

Thanks

[hidetheelephants]

wazzow said:

Is there anyone who has been through the process recently with ScotRail? There is finally opportunities near me and I am hoping for some advice on the application process.

I have been waiting for this for years so hope it is finally my time!

Thanks

My local rag has an article about this; 10 trainee positions. Given the chaos crew shortages plus work to rule created they need them and more.

[valiant]

http://www.railforums.co.uk/forumdisplay.php?f=122

Have a read of the above, there's a thread on Scotrail. In fact, if you haven't been in that site before spend a while going through the careers bit as there is a wealth of information on what to expect on all aspects of the application process.

Be warned, hundreds can apply and it's quite common to close a recruitment campaign early once enough applications are received so don't hang about!

[BMR]

That's my Scotrail application in. Applied before when First had the franchise, but the Abellio application seems far more user friendly.

I had worried about applications being closed early, I am also worried about level of competition, may be 100 posts but this made the national news!

[wazzow]

BMR said:

That's my Scotrail application in. Applied before when First had the franchise, but the Abellio application seems far more user friendly.

I had worried about applications being closed early, I am also worried about level of competition, may be 100 posts but this made the national news!

Exactly how I feel having completed my application last night too. I don't expect many of those 100 to be in my local depot either (Inverness) but can only wait and hope now!

[BMR]

There's been 8000 applications for the 100 jobs. Seems a lot when you say 80 applications for every post but I have heard of a higher application to post ratio before.

Source dailyrecord.co.uk

[Ghost91]

Just thought I'd drop in on this thread.

Weeks ago I applied to London midland for a trainee job, and to my surprise I had an email today saying I've got an interview.

I've heard how hard the interview process is for these jobs... I'm very keen on this as a career change - I've booked my HGV license as I didn't even think I'd be considered for the trainee train drivers job given my background is in Motorsport engineering, but I'm very pleased to have an interview nonetheless and can't wait to see how far i can get.

I'm going to be preparing as much as possible for the interview so any helpful links or info would be greatly appreciated if anyone has been through this process.

Cheers

[43034]

railforums.co.uk

Under Jobs and Careers there is a large wealth of knowledge and any question you have will have been asked already.

Good luck.