Leaving education and wanting to work on the railway

[1e10]

I am 17 and will be leaving sixth form next year. Currently I am studying A Level Business and BTEC Level 3 IT. At GCSE I achieved the following grades:

Maths - C
English Language - B
English Literature - C
Science - C
Additional Science - D
Religious Studies - C

I also achieved the following BTEC Level 2 qualifications before leaving school:

Performing Arts - Pass (Equiv. to 2x C at GCSE)
Business - Distinction (Equiv. to 2x A At GCSE)
ICT Practitioners - Disctinction* (Equiv. to 2x A* at GCSE)

Up until about 2 months ago I've always assumed that I would persue a career in IT when I leave education, it's my strongest quality. Something one of my teachers said has made me change my mind though. He told me about how he used to work for a bank on a much higher wage, working less hours in an IT orinetated job. He packed the job and took a career change as a teacher on about 20k a year less than his previous job and longer hours. His previous job wasn't enjoyable for him, he was stuck in an office where the main form of communication with others throughout the day would be email. I'm not

After thinking about it I don't want to work in IT. I don't want to be sat at a desk all day-long where the only interactive with other humans is in the form of email. That's why I am considering a career on the railway. I would love to go into the industry as a Train Manager. If I'm correct I believe this role involves ensuring the train is safe to depart stations, checking customer tickets and selling tickets to those without a valid ticket, assisting customers with any queries they may have whilst onboard a service, making annoucements on the train, occasionaly retailing refreshment services onboard such as snacks hot food/drink. I would love to do this as a job especially if I was able to work on CrossCountry routes. I want to do something like this as I would enjoy travelling the country on a daily basis whilst being able to interect with customers and assist them in anyway possible. It really would be a job for me where I'd enjoy waking up in the monring and going into work rather than going to work just for the pay like many others in other jobs do.

I've also given becoming a train driver a thought. I know I've said that I wouldn't want to be stuck in a job where I have no human interactive throughout a working day but I feel this would be different for me. Doing somthing such as driving a train would be rewarding and enjoyable enough to outweigh working alone. I know that this kind of job is very popular though and have read that there are hundreds of applications for every 1 post available or something similar. Seeing as it would be so difficult to become a ain driver because of the popularity of it and the requirements I am looking to become a Train Manager for now, driving is definitely something I'd be willing to give a bash in the future if the right oppurtunity became available.

I've also an interest in trains and the railway, I live next to a train line which is interesting and occasionaly travel by train. I'm not a spotter myself but am happy enough to watch videos and look at images on the internet from other spotters.

I've posted all of this here because I am hoping for some advice on how I could start to go about seeking such a career. Obviously no one will be able to give me a handbook on how to do it and much of the work involved in getting there will be down to me. I also have some questions which I am hoping some of you will be able to answer.

I'm much prefer a job where I work shifts and wouldn't mind early starts or late night shifts. I'd be willing to relocate to pretty much anywhere in the UK to get such a job.

Questions:

• Based on the GCSE, BTEC and A Level qualifications I have posted above, am I a capable candidate for a Train Manager position?
• Is within my remit to seek for a job on a CrossCountry service? (As I've said I would love to travel this route as a job.)
• What kind of salary can I expect as a Train Manager?
• What kind of perks are usually available in this job? (E.g. Holiday allowance, free/discounted train travel.)
• Is it a secure job? (What happens if you work for a particulary company who run a particular route and they lose their franchise for the route you work on?

I hope I have included enough information in my post for you guys to understand what I am hoping to do when I leave education. I live in Bristol if that helps. Anytime spent reading my post and replying is much appreciated!

 

[charlie873]

I don't think you need any qualifications at all to work on a XC service.

 

[yorkie]

At 17 you can only get a job in a non-safety critical role, so you couldn't be a Train Manager just yet.

(though one of our former moderators did start training at 17 and qualified to become a driver at 18 - for London Underground - but that's rare!)

I've also an interest in trains and the railway, I live next to a train line which is interesting and occasionaly travel by train. I'm not a spotter myself but am happy enough to watch videos and look at images on the internet from other spotters.

That's probably an advantage

 

[Alistair G.]

You would normally be expected to start lower down the "pecking order" before train manager. Station staff or cleaning crew is a good entry for a lot of people

 

[ralphchadkirk]

I'm much prefer a job where I work shifts and wouldn't mind early starts or late night shifts.

Easy to say until your alarm goes off at 4.30am and you have to drag yourself out of bed to deice the car!

 

[Tomnick]

0430? Sounds like a lie-in .

 

[1e10]

At 17 you can only get a job in a non-safety critical role, so you couldn't be a Train Manager just yet.

(though one of our former moderators did start training at 17 and qualified to become a driver at 18 - for London Underground - but that's rare!)

That's probably an advantage

Thank you for your reply. I know I can't do much until I'm 18 which is fine since I'll be 18 by the time I leave sixth form.

How come mention that as an advantage?

You would normally be expected to start lower down the "pecking order" before train manager. Station staff or cleaning crew is a good entry for a lot of people

That's fine, we all have to start somewhere

 

[anthony263]

Thank you for your reply. I know I can't do much until I'm 18 which is fine since I'll be 18 by the time I leave sixth form.

How come mention that as an advantage?



That's fine, we all have to start somewhere

I think some TOC's may be a bit reluctant at hiring staff who are railway enthusiast although being an enthusiast isnt necessary a bad thing.

I do personally think it is better to start at a lower grade and work your way up although if there is a vacancy available you can try and go for one of the top jobs i.e. train driver.

I am due to start working for First Cymru buses next monday and the management do know I am an enthusiast but as I stated at my interview being an enthusiast means I am more enthusiastic at doing my job.

 

[TOCDriver]

i would advise getting yourself the best possible education in the first instance. Railway jobs are very, very competitive so you need all the ammo you can muster. Also consider joining the special police force when you reach 18 - that would be a very strong weapon in your favour when reaching 21 and applying for a safety critical role on the railway

 

[Starmill]

I'm intrigued by your use of the word 'Train Manager' - am I right it has not yet been adopted by all TOCs? Would it be true to say that it is still easier to get a job as a plain old 'guard' or 'conductor' at Northern, for example, than it would to be one of Virgin's Train Managers, as it is often suggested is the case with other roles?

As an aside, if I ever do I apply for a Railway job, I personally will not be going anywhere near the word 'enthusiast' let alone 'spotter'.

 

[TOCDriver]

I'm intrigued by your use of the word 'Train Manager' - am I right it has not yet been adopted by all TOCs? Would it be true to say that it is still easier to get a job as a plain old 'guard' or 'conductor' at Northern, for example, than it would to be one of Virgin's Train Managers, as it is often suggested is the case with other roles?

As an aside, if I ever do I apply for a Railway job, I personally will not be going anywhere near the word 'enthusiast' let alone 'spotter'.

Wise decision regarding the spotter word. The position of a train manager / guard is entirely subjective in my opinion. There is a world of difference between being a guard on a 2 car 142 and being a 'guard' on an 11 car c390 pendolino complete with 10 times more passengers and more staff / facilities than a 142. I think the 'guard' on a 11 car 390 can be considered to be more of a train manager in my humble opinion

 

[reapz]

I'm intrigued by your use of the word 'Train Manager' - am I right it has not yet been adopted by all TOCs? Would it be true to say that it is still easier to get a job as a plain old 'guard' or 'conductor' at Northern, for example, than it would to be one of Virgin's Train Managers, as it is often suggested is the case with other roles?

As an aside, if I ever do I apply for a Railway job, I personally will not be going anywhere near the word 'enthusiast' let alone 'spotter'.

A guard/train manager/conductor all come under Passenger Guard rule book no5 in the eyes of the government.

However back in the day we had "senior conductors " which meant what is says these guys and girls had the intercity work when the railway got split up all the senior conductors were given a choice to go on the regional side south wales and west or stay on the intercity side (HST WORK).

A few years laters the senior conductors voted on a deal to become train managers the title is just that and there role did not change even though some people say the title comes from managing the buffet staff this is not true.

So at a western depot to remain unnamed we had train managers x senior conductors and conductors even though all are stil classed as guards in the governing bodies eyes.

The term train manager title was a bit of a ploy by the company to make hss intercity feel above other staff and it worked still to this day you have hss crews who feel they are better than west crews.

Now the western is back from being split up we still have train managers and conductors but train managers work all stock even 153's! which they hate lol

 

[TDK]

I am 17 and will be leaving sixth form next year. Currently I am studying A Level Business and BTEC Level 3 IT. At GCSE I achieved the following grades:

Maths - C
English Language - B
English Literature - C
Science - C
Additional Science - D
Religious Studies - C

I also achieved the following BTEC Level 2 qualifications before leaving school:

Performing Arts - Pass (Equiv. to 2x C at GCSE)
Business - Distinction (Equiv. to 2x A At GCSE)
ICT Practitioners - Disctinction* (Equiv. to 2x A* at GCSE)

Up until about 2 months ago I've always assumed that I would persue a career in IT when I leave education, it's my strongest quality. Something one of my teachers said has made me change my mind though. He told me about how he used to work for a bank on a much higher wage, working less hours in an IT orinetated job. He packed the job and took a career change as a teacher on about 20k a year less than his previous job and longer hours. His previous job wasn't enjoyable for him, he was stuck in an office where the main form of communication with others throughout the day would be email. I'm not

After thinking about it I don't want to work in IT. I don't want to be sat at a desk all day-long where the only interactive with other humans is in the form of email. That's why I am considering a career on the railway. I would love to go into the industry as a Train Manager. If I'm correct I believe this role involves ensuring the train is safe to depart stations, checking customer tickets and selling tickets to those without a valid ticket, assisting customers with any queries they may have whilst onboard a service, making annoucements on the train, occasionaly retailing refreshment services onboard such as snacks hot food/drink. I would love to do this as a job especially if I was able to work on CrossCountry routes. I want to do something like this as I would enjoy travelling the country on a daily basis whilst being able to interect with customers and assist them in anyway possible. It really would be a job for me where I'd enjoy waking up in the monring and going into work rather than going to work just for the pay like many others in other jobs do.

I've also given becoming a train driver a thought. I know I've said that I wouldn't want to be stuck in a job where I have no human interactive throughout a working day but I feel this would be different for me. Doing somthing such as driving a train would be rewarding and enjoyable enough to outweigh working alone. I know that this kind of job is very popular though and have read that there are hundreds of applications for every 1 post available or something similar. Seeing as it would be so difficult to become a ain driver because of the popularity of it and the requirements I am looking to become a Train Manager for now, driving is definitely something I'd be willing to give a bash in the future if the right oppurtunity became available.

I've also an interest in trains and the railway, I live next to a train line which is interesting and occasionaly travel by train. I'm not a spotter myself but am happy enough to watch videos and look at images on the internet from other spotters.

I've posted all of this here because I am hoping for some advice on how I could start to go about seeking such a career. Obviously no one will be able to give me a handbook on how to do it and much of the work involved in getting there will be down to me. I also have some questions which I am hoping some of you will be able to answer.

I'm much prefer a job where I work shifts and wouldn't mind early starts or late night shifts. I'd be willing to relocate to pretty much anywhere in the UK to get such a job.

Questions:

• Based on the GCSE, BTEC and A Level qualifications I have posted above, am I a capable candidate for a Train Manager position?
• Is within my remit to seek for a job on a CrossCountry service? (As I've said I would love to travel this route as a job.)
• What kind of salary can I expect as a Train Manager?
• What kind of perks are usually available in this job? (E.g. Holiday allowance, free/discounted train travel.)
• Is it a secure job? (What happens if you work for a particulary company who run a particular route and they lose their franchise for the route you work on?

I hope I have included enough information in my post for you guys to understand what I am hoping to do when I leave education. I live in Bristol if that helps. Anytime spent reading my post and replying is much appreciated!

School exam qualifications are not required to become a guard however it is good to have them. Experience in the attributes of guards role are a lot more important such as experience with customer service, handling money, shift work, working as a small team, having done previous courses that have lasted more than 2 weeks, good concentration levels and some form of work experience. By all means apply straight from your education however you will stand a much better chance gaining the position of a guard if you have previous experience on the above mentioned. If I was in your position I would apply for a wide spectrum of railway jobs and see how it goes.

 

[Flamingo]

FgW run a railway apprentice scheme, giving experience in a lot of customer facing roles, and a job at the end. If you are in the right part of the country, give our Customer Services or HR an e-mail about them. They are a good way to get a foot in the door

 

[steamybrian]

School exam qualifications are not required to become a guard however it is good to have them. Experience in the attributes of guards role are a lot more important such as experience with customer service, handling money, shift work, working as a small team, having done previous courses that have lasted more than 2 weeks, good concentration levels and some form of work experience. By all means apply straight from your education however you will stand a much better chance gaining the position of a guard if you have previous experience on the above mentioned. If I was in your position I would apply for a wide spectrum of railway jobs and see how it goes.

I agree with the above.

When I started with BR the entry for qualification for an office job was 5 GCE
O levels. Once I was established as permanent staff (6 months) I could almost apply for training to any job within the industry whether it be driver, guard, signalman, etc.
Being an enthusiast can go either way depending upon your supervisor. I worked under one boss who hated enthusiasts. Another boss I worked for came to us from the oil industry and did not have a clue about railways. Whilst other bosses I worked for were enthusiasts themselves and if you are enthusiast then you have an interest in your job. Later in life I was on a panel for interviewing staff for promotion and enthusiasts seem to shine as they had more railway knowledge.

 

[CC 72100]

FgW run a railway apprentice scheme, giving experience in a lot of customer facing roles, and a job at the end. If you are in the right part of the country, give our Customer Services or HR an e-mail about them. They are a good way to get a foot in the door

Is it in association with remit training by any chance? I've noticed that recently a few of the younger guys (2 I think) in the gateline at Exeter SD now have full FGW uniforms, whereas beforehand it said 'remit training' or something like that...

If they have gone through the apprenticeship and now got the jobs, good on them, they always seem to be very good with the customers

 

[221129]

Is it in association with remit training by any chance? I've noticed that recently a few of the younger guys (2 I think) in the gateline at Exeter SD now have full FGW uniforms, whereas beforehand it said 'remit training' or something like that...

If they have gone through the apprenticeship and now got the jobs, good on them, they always seem to be very good with the customers

It was with remit however only one person from 2011 got a job the others are on zero hours contracts. This years scheme has been recruited so no chance now until next year. Having said all that there was one ex apprentice who went in as a guard after and is now training to be a driver.

 

[1e10]

FgW run a railway apprentice scheme, giving experience in a lot of customer facing roles, and a job at the end. If you are in the right part of the country, give our Customer Services or HR an e-mail about them. They are a good way to get a foot in the door

Is there a website with any details available?

 

[221129]

Is there a website with any details available?

Not until next year for FGW.