A Woman working for Southern

[faithy]

Hi All,

Firstly, I wanted to say a big thank you to you all. Before applying for a role with Southern, I looked through this forum and all of your advice/help/tips came in really useful and I believe helped me get the role.

I have passed all the stages (except references which will be fine) and should hopefully be starting on 16th February as a Conductor at Brighton. When I went for the interview, I think I was the only female in the building!

Are they any other women working for Southern and if so, how do they find it? I'm use to working in a male-dominated environment, so that part doesn't bother me, just wondering how the dynamics work etc.

Oh and I know I should have asked HR about this, but when does Southern employees get paid?!

Thanks!

 

[tsr]

For info, although I am male... there are plenty of female conductors (and a decent number of conductor instructors/line managers etc. - I think this includes Brighton depot, too) working for Southern, and indeed in all the front-line grades. That said, it does still seem to me to be quite broadly male-dominated, which I'm sure most would agree with, probably nowadays mostly for historic reasons more than anything. In terms of dynamics - I should probably leave this for the ladies' points of view, but honestly, it's usually a pretty inclusive place, so as long as you do your job well, I'd hope you will get exactly the same out of it as anyone, whoever they are.

Pay is every 4 weeks, unless there's been some sneaky change or other on the South Coast.

Good luck!

 

[Clip]

Congratulations and welcome to the railway.

On the subject of women I do believe we do have a female conductor from Southern who posts on this very forum!! And I do believe that she is also based in Brighton so you're in good hands

 

[387star]

Well done however not sure why you stated your a woman

 

[sarahj]

And here I am.

Yes, it is male dominated job, but there are a few of us around at Brighton, about 8 off the top of my head. On my rules course, there were 3 females and 5 males. Sometimes the chat can get a bit close to the bone, but if it gets too much say so. Not everyone, male and female, like the banter of the mess room and sit in the quiet room. Out and about, you should be ok. You will be called a 'bitch' more than once, but thats either cause someone turns up at a station just as your leaving, or someone got on without ticket etc and wont pay.
But, as long as you can do your job, you will be fine.
And never worry about not seeing any others around. Due to shifts, you sometimes go weeks not seeing folks.

Anyway, welcome. You will will either hate it, or enjoy it. Sometimes it can be frustrating, but we all back each other up.

Final hint, for all:

Your mobile. While you will be given a company mobile, you might want to bring your own. Let everyone know that they must not phone you at work. You might not answer it when phoned. And only use it, look at it, when your not working a train.
Facebook updates are for the mess room.

 

[Latecomer]

Well done however not sure why you stated your a woman

Huh? Because if she wasn't the whole post would be fairly meaningless. It is about a woman asking a question about how the dynamics work at Southern working in still pretty male orientated industry. She made clear it's not the fact that she would be in the minority but is asking about how the dynamics work, presumably for a bit or reassurance?

 

[Pepperami]

Congratulations and welcome to the forums, and your new job

 

[LowLevel]

The balance is slowing altering in terms of male/female - at our place we have few female drivers - 2 out of over 100, one of whom retires imminently. However guards is a different story - there's between 10 and 20 out of 80 or 90 guards, and at other depots the balance is higher still.

 

[Greenback]

Congratulations on your new appointment faithy, I hope everything goes well for you.

 

[remmies]

Happy new Year to you Faithy and congratulations to you on your new job. I will be attending the interview for the same position and company soon. Could you please tell me what to expect and how to prepare please. Thanking you in anticipation

 

[ChiefPlanner]

Have Southern not got at least one Driver Manager (Standards) Manager at Eastbourne or Brighton ?

I do believe I know her from way back ...!

 

[plastictaffy]

Well done, faithy. It's a marvellous job, and I'm sure you'll enjoy it. Every chance I'll see you at MK if you guys from Brighton sign up this far!!

 

[remmies]

Hi everyone.
Any ideas on what to expect and how to prepare for the southern conductor interview please.
Any help highly appreciated.
Interview coming up soon
thanks

 

[sarahj]

Have Southern not got at least one Driver Manager (Standards) Manager at Eastbourne or Brighton ?

I do believe I know her from way back ...!

Yes, she has recently moved to Brighton.

And Mr Plastic Taffy. No, we only sign to Victoria and London Bridge.

I wonder how much uniform you will be allocated, since we are getting new uniform in April or so.

Its been 8 years since I did training, but it will go something like this: (or went)

First week: Welcome to Southern. Knolly's house. Basic company info, then some team building stuff. Dont forget your photo on day one for your staff pass. Friday you will be collecting uniform. We were told to bring a suitcase.
Week Two: PTS. Could be done anywhere. Streatham Hill, or Selhurst or, or.
Then onto rules and unit training. Highlights include jumping out a 377 and stepping over a conductor rail. Sadly, our trainer, was the best, but he has gone. Exam at the end.
Commercial: 1 week of learning the fares and advantix. enough for the basics, not enough for the real work, and RF fare advisers.

And then you will be allocated a CI (conductor Instructor) and out you go. Dont worry, they are a good bunch. You will also be doing route learning, and have to pass various routes along the way. In no order:
Brighton -Lewes- Seaford
Lewes - Eastbourne
Eastbourne - Hastings-Ore
Brighton - Haywards Heath
Haywards Heath to East Croydon, both Quarry and Redhill
EC to Victoria
EC to London Bridge
Brighton - West Worthing
West Worthing to Barnham
Branches to littlehampton and Bognor
Barnham to Pompy
Three Bridges to Horsham
Horsham to Arundel Junction.
lewes to Keymer junction.

In six months, you will be done. and then you will be sitting in the mess room, and then the PM will come in, and off you go. Prob your first alone one will be Brighton - Lewes or Seaford. After that.....only advice. Go easy on revenue at first, build it up as you get more confidence.

Oh and good luck. We will meet, I'm hard to miss.