how to become a trainee train driver?

[Marsilius]

I'm New to forums , just trying to find out how to become a trainee train driver. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

 

[W230]

Have a look at the top of the sticky at the top of the Railway Jobs & Careers page

 

[OneTrackMind]

In a world of balanced arguements you may also enjoy the following thread - Is being a train driver all it's cracked up to be?

 

[Marsilius]

Thank you mate

 

[Driver31069]

My advice, would be to firstly, make sure you know what the role involves and seriously consider if you can commit to shift work, and lots of hard intensive work too.

If you decide to apply, take your time to read the application form, and draft responses for all of the questions, making sure your responses follow the theme of what they are looking for in a driver. Also include a CV and cover letter to send with the application. If you make it to interview, you will be asked questions on your cv/application form.

Study hard for the assessments if you get through the application sift.
If you get through the assessments, you need to study every thing you can about the company. I got to the point where I wrote every piece of company information down, and re-wrote it down over an over till I could do it all from memory. And I still missed a few bits out in my interview. I passed my second interview and start training in march next year.... can't wait!

It's a long processs sometimes, and staying in touch with the recruitment team, asking them questions like when am I going to be interviewed, will show them you are dedicated. If you fail an interview, as I did, ask for feedback. They will give you constructive feedback for your next interview.

Good luck if you go for it.

 

[Gekko5154]

You training with Southeastern @Driver31069?

 

[Driver31069]

@Gekko5154..... yes. I start in march at orpington pending a medical, which shouldn't be a problem.

How about you?

 

[Gekko5154]

Yes, I also start in March for Southeastern! March 13th to be exact for the Victoria depot.

 

[Driver31069]

Hi there Gekko5154. Hope you all had a nice xmas an new year. I also start on the 13th march, so assume we will be doing the Induction and module 1+2 together at Orpington? Module 3 we go to our own stations to learn to drive. Is there a way to private message on here? I've got my medical Thursday, wont be a problem, I'm currently a bus driver, and had a medical recently for that. Have they said where you will be doing the module 1 training? I'm definitely at Orpington for that, but then I'm going to be driving from there too.

 

[ComUtoR]

Induction and module 1+2 together at Orpington? Module 3 we go to our own stations to learn to drive.

What are Modules 1/2/3 ? I've never heard them referred to as modules before. (Rules, Traction, Practical Handling ?) Thanks in advance.

Is there a way to private message on here?

Click the posters name and you should get a list of options. I think you need 5 posts before you can PM

 

[Driver31069]

Module 1 is driver rules and regulations, in the class room for 6 weeks, then module 2 is traction training for 17 days. this takes place at orpington, for me anyway. Then module 3 is where you go to your station you've been recruited for, in my case Orpington. You are assigned an instructor and have to drive about a minimum of 225 hours and 40 hours in dark hours.
When they feel you are ready, you have a 5 day assessment with your manager on board to ensure you can drive on your own. Once this is passed, your all done, just need to do 12 months incident free driving before moving upto full driver pay grade.

 

[ComUtoR]

Cheers for the reply. Sounds about right. Rules, Traction, Practical Handling.