Applied for a trainee train driver

[chrisdoh1983]

Hello there,

I heard an advert on the radio that scotrail are looking for new trainee train drivers, on a whim I applied for one of the jobs. There are around 100 jobs going and over 8000 people have applied so far, closing date is today so I doubt I'll even hear anything back. I work at the moment as a vehicle damage assessor and no experience of trains apart from getting on and off them. I am 32 so I don't know if that's too old to get a job as a trainee but the money even for the 1st years training is better than my current salary.

I was just wondering how difficult it is to become a qualified driver, all the tests and such like, also the medical required. I am diabetic , type 2, although this may change to type 1 in the coming years.

Any advice would be great.

 

[Markos72]

Have a look in this thread-
http://www.railforums.co.uk/showthread.php?t=95717
I'm 43 working for Network Rail,and I've applied,you're never too old

 

[chrisdoh1983]

Have a look in this thread-http://www.railforums.co.uk/showthread.php?t=95717
I'm 43 working for Network Rail,and I've applied,you're never too old

Cheers! Just looking to get as much information as I can in case I get called for an interview.

 

[gazza8]

Cheers! Just looking to get as much information as I can in case I get called for an interview.

type 1 diabetics cant become train drivers...im unsure about type 2

 

[Joof]

Your certainly not too old. I'm same age as you and am nearly passed out and qualified. If all goes to plan!! I'm not sure about the diabetes, you'd have to find out the particular TOC's policy. As for how hard is it, all I can tell you is that it hasn't been an easy ride to get where I am now. It's not been un pleasant either, far from it. I've loved every minute of it. The effort has to be put in from day one though. If u sit on your laurels n think it'll all be ok eventually your setting yourself up for a fall. I've seen it happen. Some have to put more work in than others as well. I put quite a lot of time in at home but not everybody does or feels the need to. That was just me. If u try hard and keep your head down you'll do fine. You don't have to be an intellectual wizard either. I am proof of that haha. You do however have to have a good memory and room for lots n lots of information, not complicated but you need to understand it all and remember it. Hope this helps and best of luck. Never give up. It'll be the best career move you'll ever make

 

[red2005]

a guy celebrated his 50th on our intake

 

[chrisdoh1983]

Thanks very much for the info, hopefully I'll hear something and if I do then i'll give it my all.

 

[oxoneil]

As far as the tests go it's all down to what you are like as a person really, almost like how your brain works, are you quite technical and logical etc, personally, and this isn't meant to be boastful, I really enjoyed them and found them really easy but others may not, that's the whole point of the tests I suppose. I'll be 50 next July and I've passed everything so far, just a medical to go, you're far from being too old.

 

[K8tie]

Good luck! I have applied & I'm the opposite, I think I will be too young as I am 22...

 

[red2005]

Good luck! I have applied & I'm the opposite, I think I will be too young as I am 22...

if you are deemed good enough you are certainly old enough at 22!