Trainee Train Manager Jobs - XC Trains

[ToothbrushMan]

Seen an advert recently for Cross Country trains for trainee train managers based in Birmingham with 10 weeks of training in Derby starting in November. starting salary is better than I expected at just over £27k during training rising to 32k. not superb but far beyond NMW and higher than the national average salary of today.

Couple of things I was interested in finding out. Does anybody here have experience of this role or what the training may typically involve.
Derby is not too far from home an hour I guess each way but do you think they would provide digs for the week?

I am thinking of applying but worried slightly that i would need to learn the rules and regulations off by heart in 10 weeks. whats the score? also ticketing and all the different types.

I am aware that a full medical is required and wondering if being slightly overweight will lose me some points on health grounds?

As we no longer live with a 24hr railway it seems the earliest start times on a shift are likely to be around 4 or 5am rather than literally any time of day or night under old BR days so thats a bonus..

Closing date is soon so would appreciate any speedy replies....

Edited by ToothbrushMan on Thursday 13th September 11:01

[StuTheGrouch]

I've just found the role you're referring to. It states that "Train Manager positions are safety critical and the successful applicants will require a safety critical medical".

I don't read that as being an issue if you're slightly overweight. More can you cope mentally in an emergency situation.

Speculating a lot here, but I'd expect the training to involve customer service, handling complaints, the regulations etc. It wouldn't surprise me if emergency situations, evacuations, communication with transport police and being vigilant against terrorism were not part of the training.

[Podie]

Get yourself to the gym 3 times a week, and you'll easily lose a few pounds in 10 weeks.

As for the role... you're a braver man than me. Can't think of much worse than dealing with the public... on trains (and I commute 3 hours a day on trains)

[StuTheGrouch]

I feel the same about dealing with the public.

Whilst looking for the listing I was quite surprised to see the salaries for train drivers. I'd rather do that job.

[ToothbrushMan]

yeah there is a thread about drivers the salaries would make BR drivers' eyes water by comparison. very attractive.

i am indifferent about the public because no matter what work you do short of manning a lighthouse they are part and parcel of most working days just face to face rather than down the end of a phone or computer cable.

[W124Bob]

I wouldn't worry to much about the medical side unless your averse to drugs and alcohol testing. You've got to be prepared for shift work, if the jobs are New st based then you'll be on a good variety of routes on both class 170 units, HST's and Voyagers ( if you don't know what they are do a bit of research). However don't expect to go everywhere all at once, the work will be spread across several links. They'll be a stiff selection process involving formal interview, apptitude testing and possible some form of written testing. Rules will play apart but a large amount of time will be ticket, revenue and customer focussed. The money is good with plenty of restday working if you need want it. It's also worth remembering that London Midland are happy to recruit ex Train Managers into the driver grade whether from within or ex other TOC's. However the most important bit of knowledge is to keep the driver supplied with tea! One final point is the XC franchise is up for bidding soon as Arriva have held it for over a decade, this maybe why there is a recruitment drive going on. Goodluck from an ex XC driver.