Volunteering on the Railway

[AndrewPSSP]

I was wondering whether or not I could do some 'work' on the railways for the duration of the summer holidays, and who to ask.

 

[tiptoptaff]

I'd start by contacting your local TOCs, see what they offer

 

[AndrewPSSP]

Ok. Thanks. I'll do that .

 

[PudseyBearHST]

You could try a heritage railway. I'm guessing as you only want to work in the summer, you are a student of some sort and by volunteering at a heritage railway the hours are flexible.

 

[signallerscot]

I suggest if you want work over the summer then look for part time paid roles. Luckily the rail industry has not yet been drawn into the rather tawdry and immoral black hole of unpaid internships. By 'volunteering' you would be doing yourself or someone else out of paid employment. If there is a role that needs filled then the person who fills it should be paid fairly for the work they do. The unions, which are still very strong in the rail industry, would not stand for 'volunteers' doing their members out of jobs.

 

[Deltic Dan]

If your after working on the engineering maintenance side of the railway it's mainly night working and you need to be 18 plus for that and hold a valid PTS for permanent work

 

[12guard4]

Chances are slim to be honest with you for a sustained period of what is essentially work experiance. Heritage railways though would be far more open to the idea and they will have additional demand in the summer so probably would appreciate it more.

 

[pdeaves]

Probably a bit late to start looking for this year.

 

[theironroad]

I was wondering whether or not I could do some 'work' on the railways for the duration of the summer holidays, and who to ask.

While I'm not a great fan of agencies on the railways, it might be a quick route in for temporary work. I read a figure somewhere that the waterloo blockade in august is going to use 1000 temporary staff, though that will be spread over many stations and will be mainly crowd and queue control roles. Factor in work at London bridge and Charing X etc and you might be in with luck....