A career as a train driver

[skyhigh]

There isn't another route? ie I can become a Qualified Train Driver (I presume an apprenticeship or night school or something) myself then apply for jobs?

No, that's not an option.

Taking the lower wage for a year is obviously a huge risk

As a warning, it's not necessarily a year and the time taken will depend on the train operator. Northern, for example, takes 3 years to get onto the final rate.

 

[Neatro]

I don't think you're at much of a disadvantage as it's already really competitive so I can't see how it could get more competitive.

Obviously being in an area with more companies is beneficial to where there's not really any at all as it gives you more options and less waiting time during applications.

 

[Sly Sloth]

If you currently live in Manchester as your profile suggests you’ll have a decent choice of tocs with depots close by. Don’t move to London on the off chance of trying to get a job! It’s not worth it!

The competitiveness won’t change much from as it is now unless there’s another recession! But we can’t predict that! What will help is A-C GCSE grades in Maths, English and IT which is needed for the new apprenticeship you’ll now be put on. If a toc has to pay to get you these qualifications you’ll be a less attractive proposition to someone who has these already

 

[Unobrow]

If you currently live in Manchester as your profile suggests you’ll have a decent choice of tocs with depots close by. Don’t move to London on the off chance of trying to get a job! It’s not worth it!

The competitiveness won’t change much from as it is now unless there’s another recession! But we can’t predict that! What will help is A-C GCSE grades in Maths, English and IT which is needed for the new apprenticeship you’ll now be put on. If a toc has to pay to get you these qualifications you’ll be a less attractive proposition to someone who has these already

I’d suggest any company will be more concerned about your suitability to do the job rather than your qualifications. At the moment the government pays for the apprenticeships, although that could obviously change anytime.

 

[Rohmeric]

Is anyone else waiting for the second test from chiltern for the trainee train driver role at Marylebone?completed VSE Testing and haven’t heard from them.

 

[RandomUsername]

Why is it that in order to apply to be a trainee/apprentice train driver, it is necessary to live in an area near the station before making an application? This obviously limits the number of applications that can be made, and with most other jobs a person could get that job and then move to within commutable distance. There are very few jobs, from what I can tell, that have this policy.

 

[Owen2323]

Why is it that in order to apply to be a trainee/apprentice train driver, it is necessary to live in an area near the station before making an application? This obviously limits the number of applications that can be made, and with most other jobs a person could get that job and then move to within commutable distance. There are very few jobs, from what I can tell, that have this policy.

Probably because they get that many applications it's a good way of sifting people out at the earliest stage.
They can afford to be choosy as they are inundated - it's a highly sought after job. They don't let people apply from beyond the 45/60min commute who say they'll move if they are successful because they can afford to (plus what if they then refuse? It's just not worth their while - they have so many other applicants to pick from)

 

[43066]

Why is it that in order to apply to be a trainee/apprentice train driver, it is necessary to live in an area near the station before making an application?

It’s a depot rather than a station you need to be close to.

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This obviously limits the number of applications that can be made, and with most other jobs a person could get that job and then move to within commutable distance. There are very few jobs, from what I can tell, that have this policy.

You can do that as a qualified, because qualified drivers with good records are a much scarcer commodity, but generally not as a trainee because they’re inundated with applicants.

 

[skyhigh]

Why is it that in order to apply to be a trainee/apprentice train driver, it is necessary to live in an area near the station before making an application? This obviously limits the number of applications that can be made, and with most other jobs a person could get that job and then move to within commutable distance. There are very few jobs, from what I can tell, that have this policy.

Distance from depot is included in fatigue calculations. There are hundreds of applicants for each job, so they don't need to relax the rules as they can easily fill vacancies.

One TOC I worked at used to allow relocation. Unfortunately, people took advantage of that and agreed to relocate but then said they couldn't because of various reasons - and once someone is employed and trained, it's very difficult to get rid of them and expensive to train a replacement. So because a minority abused the rules, they pulled relocation.

 

[Sly Sloth]

I’d suggest any company will be more concerned about your suitability to do the job rather than your qualifications. At the moment the government pays for the apprenticeships, although that could obviously change anytime.

The tocs get money back for each trainee from a levy that they pay into! The toc themselves have to pay external staff to train employees that need the qualifications. Avanti stated in their latest advert for trainees that grade A-C was required in Maths, English and IT for any application to be considered! Given how any apply for each job tocs can now pick and choose more than ever!

 

[zonefrost998]

If you currently live in Manchester as your profile suggests you’ll have a decent choice of tocs with depots close by. Don’t move to London on the off chance of trying to get a job! It’s not worth it!

The competitiveness won’t change much from as it is now unless there’s another recession! But we can’t predict that! What will help is A-C GCSE grades in Maths, English and IT which is needed for the new apprenticeship you’ll now be put on. If a toc has to pay to get you these qualifications you’ll be a less attractive proposition to someone who has these already

Oh ok thank you very much, qualifications aren't a problem at all tbh this is a career im looking to do in the future as I'm too young now , in terms of TOCs then only ones who recruit at Manchester are Nothern and TPE , moreover this is just out curiosity but how come there is such a massive salary difference between companies like Arriva London and Northern?

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Probably because they get that many applications it's a good way of sifting people out at the earliest stage.
They can afford to be choosy as they are inundated - it's a highly sought after job. They don't let people apply from beyond the 45/60min commute who say they'll move if they are successful because they can afford to (plus what if they then refuse? It's just not worth their while - they have so many other applicants to pick from)

Oh that is understandable tbh , dam so if you live In the middle of nowhere you're basically in trouble then

 

[Owen2323]

Oh ok thank you very much, qualifications aren't a problem at all tbh this is a career im looking to do in the future as I'm too young now , in terms of TOCs then only ones who recruit at Manchester are Nothern and TPE , moreover this is just out curiosity but how come there is such a massive salary difference between companies like Arriva London and Northern?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 8 Jan 2025 ==


Oh that is understandable tbh , dam so if you live In the middle of nowhere you're basically in trouble then

The significant difference in pay is generally down to the varying differences in terms and conditions between TOC's. The better the pay the less favourable the t&c's are (ie generally having to be a lot more flexible with shift changes, driving for longer periods and having shorter breaks to name but a few....)

And yes you are a bit snookered if you live more than the maximum commute time from the depot. Train driving is a safety critical role so not being fatigued before you've even started your working day is understandably necessary.......

 

[nolypops83]

Oh ok thank you very much, qualifications aren't a problem at all tbh this is a career im looking to do in the future as I'm too young now , in terms of TOCs then only ones who recruit at Manchester are Nothern and TPE , moreover this is just out curiosity but how come there is such a massive salary difference between companies like Arriva London and Northern?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 8 Jan 2025 ==


Oh that is understandable tbh , dam so if you live In the middle of nowhere you're basically in trouble then

Avanti West Coast and Cross Country recruit for Manchester. Liverpool and Crewe are nearby, and depending on which side of Manchester you live on, you could be commutable. I've been looking at jobs for two years now, and Northern are by far the most regular recruiters in Manchester, but don't rule out the others.

 

[Lee_3440]

Good afternoon,

I’ve been lucky enough to get an interview to become a train driver.

I wondered if anyone had any help/advice/websites to use to prepare for the interview.

Thank you in advance

 

[nolypops83]

Good afternoon,

I’ve been lucky enough to get an interview to become a train driver.

I wondered if anyone had any help/advice/websites to use to prepare for the interview.

Thank you in advance

There's absolutely loads of stuff on here. Who is the interview with?

 

[D3WY]

Why is it that in order to apply to be a trainee/apprentice train driver, it is necessary to live in an area near the station before making an application? This obviously limits the number of applications that can be made, and with most other jobs a person could get that job and then move to within commutable distance. There are very few jobs, from what I can tell, that have this policy.

Because when you get the job you need to be within 60min of the depot you are based from anyway this is because they dont want you travelling 2 hours, driving a train for 8 hours than driving another 2 hours home. It will fatigue you and make it unsafe. so when you apply they take where you live and once there's a depot having a intake within your radius they will process the application. That's why some people apply and wait a fair while before anything happens.

It's a safety critical job, everything they do is to make things as safe as possible.

 

[PaulRay]

Good afternoon,

I’ve been lucky enough to get an interview to become a train driver.

I wondered if anyone had any help/advice/websites to use to prepare for the interview.

Thank you in advance

Hey Lee,
Well done on getting an interview, which TOC is it with and when is it?

 

[Spider1806]

Any tips or advice of DMI questions?

 

[LaWak]

I have my assessment tomorrow. Should I dress smart in case (fingers & everything crossed) I get through to my MMI or would jeans be ok?

 

[nolypops83]

I have my assessment tomorrow. Should I dress smart in case (fingers & everything crossed) I get through to my MMI or would jeans be ok?

Dress smart, definitely no jeans.

 

[LaWak]

Thank you

 

[LooperTrack21]

Hello all. I passed my pen and paper assessments about a month and a half ago and am waiting for a date for my computer tests. with SWR. does anybody know how long the wait can be? i know its the old how long is a piece of string, but I don't have the motivation to practice without knowing a date! many thanks

 

[Twotwo]

Hello all. I passed my pen and paper assessments about a month and a half ago and am waiting for a date for my computer tests. with SWR. does anybody know how long the wait can be? i know its the old how long is a piece of string, but I don't have the motivation to practice without knowing a date! many thanks

Maybe the fact this job can change your life should motivate you. Tbf you can't really practice the computer tests - you can either do it or not.

 

[LooperTrack21]

I get that but its frustrating. I had my initial tests late 2024 and someone I know had theirs early 2025. they have been offered a computer assessment day and I havent heard anything.

 

[PG1996]

Would anyone have an example of the roster for Southern drivers based out of Brighton once you first pass out? Just awaiting a start date for my course and only got shown an example of London bridge in my DMI. Thanks in advance.

 

[D3WY]

I get that but its frustrating. I had my initial tests late 2024 and someone I know had theirs early 2025. they have been offered a computer assessment day and I havent heard anything.

There are so many factors when it comes to that, where you live where they need drivers to name just a few.

I waited 4 years from my 2nd application to getting invited to the online test, but from the initial invite, I got it all done and the job offered in 3 months. So it's just a waiting game.

 

[ItsFurbs]

I am in the very fortunate position of having two trainee job offers, one from GTR (Thameslink) and one from Southeastern. Beyond salary, pension and routes, does anyone have any knowledge of what the companies are like to work for? I have done my research on the companies but it would be good to have some experienced opinions from those within. Many thanks all

 

[Class2ldn]

Take gtr all day long, I'm not sure where you're located but sundays outside, more pay at gtr ( i think) Overall a better company.
Only reason generally people choose southeastern is location, other then that theres not 1 thing I can think of that favours southeastern tbh
Ive worked for both .

 

[ItsFurbs]

Take gtr all day long, I'm not sure where you're located but sundays outside, more pay at gtr ( i think) Overall a better company.
Only reason generally people choose southeastern is location, other then that theres not 1 thing I can think of that favours southeastern tbh
Ive worked for both .

Yeah I was leaning GTR, partly due to salary. I'm based pretty much half way between the two depots I have been offered, so location isn't too much of a factor. Thanks for the advice, I appreciate it!

 

[43066]

Take gtr all day long, I'm not sure where you're located but sundays outside, more pay at gtr ( i think) Overall a better company.
Only reason generally people choose southeastern is location, other then that theres not 1 thing I can think of that favours southeastern tbh
Ive worked for both .

Totally agree. Taking GTR is a no brainer in this situation.