Advice please - getting into the rail industry after redundancy

[richie26188]

I’ve just been made redundant in my current job and am looking for a career change. To be honest im quite glad it’s a timely kick up the backside.

I have always wanted to venture into rail and this now is the perfect opportunity. Im fully aware how difficult it is to become a train driver, so ive been looking at other jobs within the industry as a starting point. (Obviously if any driver jobs are advertised ill have a go because ive nothing to lose).

Can anyone point me in the direction of where to start. You all probably get this a lot from people showing a mild interest but im 100% committed. I have a degree and good A levels however none are related to this type of work (So im basically starting from scratch qualification wise). Any help would be greatly appreciated

 

[bigbad82]

I had an office job for 13 years and couldnt get into the rail sector in around 12 months of trying for everything from driver to conductor to customer service roles. Got a job as a bus driver and within 3 months i'm in with EC and just awaiting a start date. Best move i made loads of transferable skills etc which helped massively.

 

[RJ]

I’ve just been made redundant in my current job and am looking for a career change. To be honest im quite glad it’s a timely kick up the backside.

I have always wanted to venture into rail and this now is the perfect opportunity. Im fully aware how difficult it is to become a train driver, so ive been looking at other jobs within the industry as a starting point. (Obviously if any driver jobs are advertised ill have a go because ive nothing to lose).

Can anyone point me in the direction of where to start. You all probably get this a lot from people showing a mild interest but im 100% committed. I have a degree and good A levels however none are related to this type of work (So im basically starting from scratch qualification wise). Any help would be greatly appreciated

If you're in a hurry for work then don't stake your life on the railways - from experience it's often a number of months between applying and starting!

 

[daddy_badger]

I applied for a temporary role in a non rail industry as I had an application open with 2 tocs. only to be put on hold and to this day I'm on hold and the other I failed the manager interview, well I say that lightly as they lost the franchise. anyway its a tough cookie to crack 5 years I've been trying to get in the grade and I'm still not there, even with 2 passes at the assessment centre.

 

[E&W Lucas]

I’ve just been made redundant in my current job and am looking for a career change. To be honest im quite glad it’s a timely kick up the backside.

I have always wanted to venture into rail and this now is the perfect opportunity. Im fully aware how difficult it is to become a train driver, so ive been looking at other jobs within the industry as a starting point. (Obviously if any driver jobs are advertised ill have a go because ive nothing to lose).

Can anyone point me in the direction of where to start. You all probably get this a lot from people showing a mild interest but im 100% committed. I have a degree and good A levels however none are related to this type of work (So im basically starting from scratch qualification wise). Any help would be greatly appreciated

What's your work background, and where in the country are you please?

 

[WestRiding]

you sound like network rails dream come true, a degree and 'a' levels too!

 

[richie26188]

At the moment I work for a bank in Liverpool, i've worked for them now for 6 years in a few different departments. Started in home insurance sales, before moving to car insurance and then customer service. In daily contact with the general public so my people skills id like to think are excellent, however I understand this is probably my only transerable skill of any use

Luckily I can easily get office work on a temporary basis so it wouldnt be all or nothing when applying for jobs, im willing to be persistent. Ive just applied for a couple of Virgin CSA roles but so far thats it, any other advice would be great thanks

 

[TDK]

I’ve just been made redundant in my current job and am looking for a career change. To be honest im quite glad it’s a timely kick up the backside.

I have always wanted to venture into rail and this now is the perfect opportunity. Im fully aware how difficult it is to become a train driver, so ive been looking at other jobs within the industry as a starting point. (Obviously if any driver jobs are advertised ill have a go because ive nothing to lose).

Can anyone point me in the direction of where to start. You all probably get this a lot from people showing a mild interest but im 100% committed. I have a degree and good A levels however none are related to this type of work (So im basically starting from scratch qualification wise). Any help would be greatly appreciated

Register with all the companies within 1 hour of your home address and enable email alerts for recruitment - simple.

 

[Bodiddly]

As you've said Richie, you have nothing to lose. Go through all the railway company websites, register you details, and wait for some opportunities to come through.
All the best!

 

[GGR]

As others have said register your interest with all the TOC's in your area and keep an eye on their websites and on here.

My advise would also be to work your way through the grades rather than just aiming for conductor or driver, maybe look at stuff like gateline or security because once your foot is in the door you tend to hear about vacancies coming up internally and once your known around and about the depot I really do think that helps. I know its all interview scores etc etc but I still think if you've got a reputation amongst collegues as being reliable and hardworking it works in you're favour.

 

[E&W Lucas]

I’ve just been made redundant in my current job and am looking for a career change. To be honest im quite glad it’s a timely kick up the backside.

I have always wanted to venture into rail and this now is the perfect opportunity. Im fully aware how difficult it is to become a train driver, so ive been looking at other jobs within the industry as a starting point. (Obviously if any driver jobs are advertised ill have a go because ive nothing to lose).

Can anyone point me in the direction of where to start. You all probably get this a lot from people showing a mild interest but im 100% committed. I have a degree and good A levels however none are related to this type of work (So im basically starting from scratch qualification wise). Any help would be greatly appreciated

Don't worry about not having rail experience. That's a red herring. Read the info already posted on here by drivers, guards, etc, about the skills needed to get our jobs, think what you already have that will transfer (there will be plenty), and structure your application from there.

If railway service was required, then you wouldn't see so many adverts for direct entry as a driver, etc. Plenty of us have done it, so don't be put off by the "nay sayers"!

If you can relocate, getting in to the industry in London/ South East is easier.

 

[richie26188]

Thanks for the replies everyone

Im more than willing to start at the bottom and work my way up, I see this as a lifelong career so any route in will be welcomed with open arms. I’ve now registered with all my local TOC’s and applied for a few jobs. I’m aware it might be a hard slog to even get a foothold, but in the long run it is going to be worthwhile

 

[alex595]

I continuously applied for every job I saw. After trying continuously I got it. What I did different was talk about Health and Safety. Also some companies ask what strengths and development areas are, I related them to the job. So for example trainee train driver a development area would be mechanical and fault finding skills.

I hope you get something. Good Luck