hi advice for a trainee driver halfway through course

[rob12]

Thanks for your reply fellas

 

[Andy-mc]

Not sure on the first question but I guess you could still get hired as newly qualified (if you complete the training) but my guess is most TOCs would prefer experience
Second question as long as you work any notice period I would have thought this would be ok
And third question, only if you signed an agreement to pay the cost of training back

Best thing to do is speak with the HR and see if they can help
Depends what TOC your with as well

 

[bob hope]

No personal experience of this - but bearing in mind the financial investment your company have made I certainly wouldn't say a dicky bird to anyone - including HR - until you have passed out! Grin and bear it until then if I was in your shoes. You may still be within a probationary period in which case they could wave bye bye ffar easier.

It's not unheard of for TOC's to employ PQ drivers - just fairely rare from what I can gather. Guess it depends just how desperate they are for drivers. You'd be 12 months " more attractive" than a trainee , but possibly 10 years "less attractive" than a qualified.

 

[W230]

Anybody been through what I am asking?
I am currently a trainee driver and enjoying, however I relocated and am finding the move away from home not as easy as I thought it would be

What is the truth with regards to
A: applying and getting in with another toc as a newly qualified
B: your TOC letting you leave
C: and would you REALLY have to pay for your training

A: depends on how desperate that TOC are for numbers where you want to live. I imagine you would be far more likely to be successful if you were applying for a London commuter TOC than trying to go the other way (ie trying to get into a small depot in a local town for example or an "intercity" style TOC). Though i'm guessing that you probably have gone to the SE to train? Said you wouldn't mind relocating and now things ermmm...
B: if you want to leave then you leave. They can't stop you leaving.
C: unlikely. Very unlikely. In fact i'm just going to say no.

Lots of people say they will move for the train driving job. A lot of TOCs aren't interested in drivers relocating as they generally have enough good recruits on their doorstep so why train someone who may well be off again once they're out of PQA. I did relocate and have never looked back but I know it's easier for some than others. OOI are you struggling because you haven't met many people out side work where you're now living? If so then get out there and get involved in other stuff outside work! It'll definitely make it easier.

 

[TheVicLine]

Agree with previous posts here.

A - Very unlikely until you have passed your PQA period, so after a couple of years minimum.

B - How would they stop you, I have heard that even the six months notice period is being looked at as a bit iffy by ASLEF now.

C - I have never known anyone having to pay and also believe it would be difficult for the TOC to enforce. However if the answer to question 'A' is NO then question 'C' is irrelevant anyway.

Hope it all works out for you and let us know how you get on.

 

[TDK]

The best way to approach this is speak to your line manager regarding your dissatisfaction on relocating and see what they come up with, remember during the training it is intense with working usually Monday to Friday and can be mentally draining.

As for leaving I have heard of TOC's demanding pay back for training however if this is not visible on your contract then you are OK, if it is then you may be in trouble.

 

[SkinnyDave]

A guy that has came over to us has had to pay 8k back to his original TOC

It's in my contract in black and white, I spoke with manager about it and said it would be dependent on circumstances or if you moved to a TOC with same parent group eg Arriva, First, Govia they maybe more lenient

 

[TDK]

A guy that has came over to us has had to pay 8k back to his original TOC

It's in my contract in black and white, I spoke with manager about it and said it would be dependent on circumstances or if you moved to a TOC with same parent group eg Arriva, First, Govia they maybe more lenient

That is a good valid point however you certainly need to read your contact. If you want to transfer or apply to another TOC as a qualified driver you need to be fully qualified so you will at the least have to finish your training. These days qualified positions are over subscribed and TOC's will usually consider drivers with over 5 years and a completely clean record first. The clean record is by far the biggest factor, so logically if you have only done say 6 months in the seat on your own an interviewer will firstly want to know why you want to move TOC's and if the reason is weak you will not get the job anyway. One other thing is the TOC you are applying for will want a copy of your safety record from you old company.

 

[Dishwater]

I know what kind of situation your in because about a year and a half, two years ago I was in a similar postion. I moved to the SE for a trainee role and really struggled for pretty much the whole time I was down there, mostly because I was going home too much and not making a life for myself. My advice would be keep your head down and get through your training, do a year just to show you can hack it alone and you leave without burning bridges. Start applying for places back home around your year anniversary, even if it says a certain amount of time qualified just apply, it's good practice and you never know. As everyone says it all depends on what region your originally from and the demand for drivers in that area really but don't get disheartened if nothing happens for a while, you will get back. I only told close friends I was looking to move back as soon as possible, don't think management or HR knowing would be beneficial in anyway shape or form!

 

[TDK]

I know what kind of situation your in because about a year and a half, two years ago I was in a similar postion. I moved to the SE for a trainee role and really struggled for pretty much the whole time I was down there, mostly because I was going home too much and not making a life for myself. My advice would be keep your head down and get through your training, do a year just to show you can hack it alone and you leave without burning bridges. Start applying for places back home around your year anniversary, even if it says a certain amount of time qualified just apply, it's good practice and you never know. As everyone says it all depends on what region your originally from and the demand for drivers in that area really but don't get disheartened if nothing happens for a while, you will get back. I only told close friends I was looking to move back as soon as possible, don't think management or HR knowing would be beneficial in anyway shape or form!

The key point here is the demand for and amount of qualified drivers in a certain area, I have worked for a few different companies and the company I work for now there were 2 positions and 22 drivers applied, mainly from freight. A buddy and I got the jobs and after we found that it was mainly down to we both had clean records and 15 years experience each. If your company has a sister company near the location you want to return to it will be a lot easier to get a job with them than a different company TOC. In fact I feel that is possibly the only way you will be considered within the first 2 years of your career. Just remember, your current line manager will be asked off the record on how you perform etc.

 

[E&W Lucas]

Just remember, your current line manager will be asked off the record on how you perform etc.

Very true. The railway, especially the Driving grade, is a VERY small world. Do not burn bridges.

Agree with what is being said about the difficulty of moving within the PQ period. If you've got your sights set on the more "select" positions, competition is fierce, so focus on maintaining a clean record, and often a minimum of 5 years PQ is expected, even if not specifically advertised for.

Meanwhile, head down, focus. Beware of approaching your management.