Recent content by VWCampervanman

This is a fairly long Tunnel at 1mile, From what I read there was issues with the ventilation fans not working properly . Im assuming that the air quality is monitored whilst engineering workers are inside the tunnel for extended periods.

Totally agree, its not like most other jobs, a momentary lapse of concentration ( wrong side door release for example ) and people can die, its that simple and that quick . As a driver ( currently in training )I am in total control and have the lives of many hundreds of people under my care...

Why is this such a surprise? The cab environment is obviously a very safety critical place, before anyone is even allowed in the cab they have to have certain training, cab etiquette is very strict, the driver has total authority who he or she lets in whilst they are responsible for that...

This is very interesting , I hadnt realised that GTR had any training at Ashford yet .

You are allowed to swap your Sundays that are scheduled if you really dont want to work them , but the onus is on you to find someone to work them. If you do work them though, you will be paid £69k PA so basically £500 per Sunday worked.

Exactly , they take it very seriously. Its all to do with fatigue, lots of rules about how long you can work for . So having a very long commute before you even start work is a big no no, They do check and they will dismiss anyone that they find had lied.

We where still being taught this a few months ago at the school. I agree though it is confusing . I was also agree that learn what you are taught as you are taught it, people have come unstuck by sourcing information from other sources that are not correct for your particular TOC. Trust...

My DI has me point to the signal with my left hand and call out the aspect , before I take power . This forces my brain to process the action , whilst physically preventing me from taking power . Seems a great idea to me . I also repeat out loud what my train formation is as I approach a...

I really cant see this to be an issue, 1 Sunday a Month for new starters ( 12 a year and 8 for existing Drivers ) Thats still only one Sunday a month, you still only have to do 35 hours a week, and still only a 4 day week, If you really dont want to work a Sunday then you can swap with anyone...

Whether or not to join a union is a very personal choice, for me it was the easiest decision I have made in years ! The union is the reason why the salary package is so good, the working hours so reasonable , Im just about to start my Driver training, so put my application in 2 weeks ago. If...

Very good advice, I was the only candidate to ask for clarification on every test that I was not totally sure what was required, I am 3 months into my training and I can assure you that the Railway love clarification ( the expression is , to come to a clear and concise understanding as to what...

one thing that I will add , is to allow plenty of time to get to the assessment centre. Make sure that you know exactly where it is, where you are going to park ( if driving ) and to arrive relaxed and ready to give it your best shot. I was amazed when I did my assessment day, that a few people...

Totally correct ( as usual ) This is my understanding, but happy to be corrected . Southeastern is around £24500 I believe , rising as soon as you are passed in Rules , to around £28000, then again when you are fully qualified to low £ 30's but will not reach full driver grade salary...

I'm not going to say which TOC, but it is one of the ones that required an advanced score in the assessment stage of the recruitment process. from what I've heard it's not unusual practice.

We had someone in our group fail at PTS And he was sent home, At the time I thought it was harsh, but knowing know what was to come, I can see that it was the right decision. There was no way that he would have been able to cope with the rules course . I personally find it challenging, I...