Train Driver 1 Day Insider Recruitment Course

[jaylad247]

Hi everyone

I'm new to this forum and looking to become a trainee train driver. I've seen a course which is around £80 + VAT which is in Kent. Has anybody done this course and is it any good? I'm a 27 year old fully qualified electrician and want a total career change and this is something I've always wanted to do. Any hints or tips would be great because to be honest I haven't got a clue where to start? I'm in the midlands and have had a look at london midlands careers and there's nothing at the moment is there any other companies who look for trainees in the birminham area?

http://www.how2become.com/train-driver-course/

Cheers
Jamie

 

[gazcat]

Hi Jamie, welcome to the forum.
There is absolutely loads of information within this forum about trainee train driver.
Use the search facility and read most forum threads (even if they are not directly relevant) and you'll soon pick up lots of info. No need to comment / reply unless you want to.
As regards the course, it is a good introduction if you are are completely new to the process - as I was myself only a couple of months ago.
It won't give you any short cuts, just a helpful idea of what is involved.
Also not sure how well they have incorporated the new tests - which again through a search, you will find lots of info on.
Good luck!
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
PS, forgot to say, start with the 'sticky' at the top about becoming a train driver!
It will take you a while to read from start to finish but that combined with other threads will give you a good basis of whats involved.

 

[Red18]

I would say don't waste your time and money on a course.
There are many people on here who have been through the whole process, start to finish, getting all the required information and support from these forums.
If you have a browse you'll find most of what you need to know here somewhere including a lot of information about the new style assessments you will need to pass.
You'll also find most of the people here are friendly and only too willing to offer help and advice.
Good luck.

 

[Geera]

hi does anyone have any information as to where I can find some good practice material for trp II dials test please.any links or download info greatly appreciated thanks

 

[Red18]

hi does anyone have any information as to where I can find some good practice material for trp II dials test please.any links or download info greatly appreciated thanks

Did you get the test material? That should have examples.

 

[dapc]

As above and just buy "how to become a train driver" book. I never got the one with the disc but found the book more than useful. Good luck with your journey to being a train driver. Relevant experience on the railway will give you great stead. If your serious at going for a career change then look for despatcher/gateline/guard jobs. Despatch and guard will give you rules learning and safety critical. I gave up a 4 year btp police role to become a driver and currently a dispatcher. Hopefully I will get to where I want to be soon. Awaiting the results of my DM interview at the moment. Well worth a search on here. Iv been doing so for the past 2 years and only recently joined.

 

[Cherry_Picker]

London Midland will probably be recruiting for Birmingham again soon. I believe they need to take drivers on every year for the next two or three years but they can't take them all on in one go for the simple reason that the training school only has a certain capacity. Keep your eyes peeled.

 

[Bluebri]

Hi everyone

I'm new to this forum and looking to become a trainee train driver. I've seen a course which is around £80 + VAT which is in Kent. Has anybody done this course and is it any good? I'm a 27 year old fully qualified electrician and want a total career change and this is something I've always wanted to do. Any hints or tips would be great because to be honest I haven't got a clue where to start? I'm in the midlands and have had a look at london midlands careers and there's nothing at the moment is there any other companies who look for trainees in the birminham area?

http://www.how2become.com/train-driver-course/

Cheers
Jamie

At the end of the day, you should prepare the way you feel comfortable doing it. You wouldn't want to look back and think 'if only I had done this or that'.

However, I recently took an assessment with Northern and passed. I prepared by gathering all the information here and listening to others advice and experiences. The biggest thing is the Bourdon for the assessments, everything else it is just a matter of getting the jist. Practise using the paper, so print the sheets from the tool you can download here for free. Another fella on my assessment bought the book etc., didn't attend a 1 day course as such, but the point was that he failed. He didn't get to the 2nd stage of the assessment. I cannot see how a 1 day course could help with passing either stage 1 or 2 to be honest, as the only thing you can really practise is the Bourdon.

With regard to the interview, should you get through, that may be a different story, as I do believe being prepared for this is extremely important. But unless a 1 day course focused on the 'buzz' words or major points the TOC's want, it isn't going to be any more help than you doing your own research. I think that your personality and preparation can shine through in the DM Interview and they know what they are looking for.

It is your choice at the end of the day, but whether you do this course or not, there is no shortcuts with this and no substitute for your own hard work in getting through the rigorous selection process. Either way, good luck.

 

[falcon]

It's just something that has been set up to make money out of peoples desperation to become a train driver in the knowledge that train drivers earn so much money.

Where is the course for station cleaners.