French language training is approx. 6 months in the classroom followed by a TCF exam, its not an easy course, several have chucked it in before the finish.
The proposed plan is that recruits would do traction and UK rules / routes spring 2018, followed by depot / ferry turns during the summer, then language Autumn / Winter, followed by ET & SNCF rules, more depot / ferry turns summer 2019, validation Autumn 2019.
Rostered average 35 hour / 4 day week, 'off' days grouped together in the week, so 3 or 4 'off' days, earliest start 05:01, latest finish 23:29 and nights. Longest shift 11hrs, but only 10 per week over 10hrs. Currently working 50% weekends. 8hrs movement from spare on the weekly sheet, 2hrs on the daily sheet. Overtime is paid at the end of the contract year, and only for hours over the contract.
International turns are out & back, (occasional pass one way), occasional ECS on the beginning or end or turn. ECS are DOO.
Only safeguarded staff get residential travel, others get approx. £1500 (max)assistance to work - pro-rated to actual fare paid - no priv seasons. No international coupons unless safeguarded. 3 free trips on E*.
Early starts before 06:30 (M-S), 08:00 (Su) a hotel is available, taxi contribution up to £39.