Applying for Trainee Driver posts at a distant TOC

[stretchdj74]

Like many others I am sure, I am applying for Trainee Train Driver posts in TOC's that are not local. Many state that 'Applicants need not apply if they live further than an hour from the depot'? Again, like many, I will happily relocate to gain a career as a Train Driver but quite often you do not get the option to explain this on the application form. On one TOC application if you tick the 'I do not live within minutes of depot' box it will not allow you to proceed.

What is the general consensus on answering these questions? If you say you do live within xxminutes when you actually don't then this is surly lying. But then if you are honest there is a chance you don not get the chance to progress?

Would greatly appreciate peoples thoughts on this, especially successful applicants who have relocated.

 

[Spankthemonkey]

If you lie and use a mates address or something, how are you going to explain your current employer, from whom a reference will be required, being based hundreds of miles away?

 

[stretchdj74]

If you lie and use a mates address or something, how are you going to explain your current employer, from whom a reference will be required, being based hundreds of miles away?

I totally agree with your point, and lying on a job application is never going to end well.

Then how do you apply for a post that is further then xx minutes from a depot? I am happy to relocate but often do not get the option to get that across on an application?

 

[bILLOO]

Some TOCs do not take relocation into consideration. One TOC advised me this was due to too many potentials making false promises and never actually relocating!

 

[causton]

Remember the TOC is looking for the best member of staff suitable for the role. They are not looking "What about the people who live far away?" when there are more than enough people who do meet their criteria and live within the XX minutes right now.

 

[stretchdj74]

Remember the TOC is looking for the best member of staff suitable for the role. They are not looking "What about the people who live far away?" when there are more than enough people who do meet their criteria and live within the XX minutes right now.

Yep, I can totally understand that approach and imagine that many have turned down an opportunity which is a waste of everyones time. But if that is the case that would mean that if you wanted to become a driver and did not live next to a depot, you would need to chose a depot, move close to it and hope that trainee drivers are needed at some point.

 

[iWanabee]

Couldn't you move to an area where you are within the commutable timescale that has a couple of TOC's operating from and then apply? Worst case scenario is you may have to move again in a few years if you're unsuccessful? Or maybe not if you have another suitable role in the time being.......

 

[Gemz91]

Yep, I can totally understand that approach and imagine that many have turned down an opportunity which is a waste of everyones time. But if that is the case that would mean that if you wanted to become a driver and did not live next to a depot, you would need to chose a depot, move close to it and hope that trainee drivers are needed at some point.

Exactly that. No one is owned a career as a train driver. Unfortunately it appears that you do not live close to a train depot, which will in turn will make it a lot more difficult for you to become a train driver then someone who lives near a depot.

From what I gather, the recent Virgin East Coast vacancies allowed relocation, so opportunities are out there.

Out of interest, where abouts do you live?