Applying when in the military

[Chez2194]

Hello,

I’m currently serving in the military and I am thinking about a career change. I’ve looked into the application process but I’m unsure if I can do start this while still serving. Would there be any issues if I was to start an application? I would be applying to become a train driver

Chez

 

[Lincdsg]

I don't see that applying would be a problem, from my experience they will ask you what notice period you have to give your current employer. If you are in a talent pool waiting for a start date, they can contact you at any point and offer you a start date with not a huge amount of notice, so that could cause you problems depending on how long it takes you to get out

 

[Chez2194]

I don't see that applying would be a problem, from my experience they will ask you what notice period you have to give your current employer. If you are in a talent pool waiting for a start date, they can contact you at any point and offer you a start date with not a huge amount of notice, so that could cause you problems depending on how long it takes you to get out

I would leave a year after the day I put my notice in. There have been cases that if you get offered a job they can release you early. I was thinking more along the lines of applying and see how I got on in the application process before handing my notice in.

 

[Lincdsg]

I definitely agree, unfortunately from my experience, even if you pass everything there is still no guarantee you'll get a job, you could sit in a talent pool for a long time and it all amount to nothing. I don't see that applying is a problem at all though, they are likely to like people that have military experience. Good luck

 

[Chez2194]

I definitely agree, unfortunately from my experience, even if you pass everything there is still no guarantee you'll get a job, you could sit in a talent pool for a long time and it all amount to nothing. I don't see that applying is a problem at all though, they are likely to like people that have military experience. Good luck

Ok, yes that makes sense. Is there any sort of helpline or anything like that where I could speak to one of the members within the application team? Or the deperamtent they come under. Just so I can get a few answers over the phone?

 

[Lincdsg]

I guess it depends what toc you are applying for but I have found they are usually very difficult to contact on the phone or to get them to respond to emails

 

[greatkingrat]

The other problem will be the assessment dates. If you are successful you will have to attend at least three assessments, which may be at fairly short notice.

 

[Chez2194]

I assume they will be at your local station as well?

 

[baz962]

I assume they will be at your local station as well?

Nope , usually at their head office or a hotel , and second phase usually at opc (the outside company that do the tests). Office in watford

 

[MostlyHarmless]

I see no harm in starting the process now because it can take a long time. All the TOC's have recruitment areas on their websites, many of which allow you to to sign up for email alerts when a suitable vacancy becomes available - and of course this forum is very useful too.

Do you get any terminal/resettlement leave which might shorten the years notice?

 

[Chez2194]

I see no harm in starting the process now because it can take a long time. All the TOC's have recruitment areas on their websites, many of which allow you to to sign up for email alerts when a suitable vacancy becomes available - and of course this forum is very useful too.

Do you get any terminal/resettlement leave which might shorten the years notice?

Yes I will be getting roughly 6 months of resettlement

 

[MostlyHarmless]

Then I'd start looking now and apply for any you find

 

[ExMover]

Having done exactly what you’re planning to do 2 years ago, all I can say is ‘go for it’. The disciplined military culture that you have probably become completely used to is highly valued on the railway to the point where some TOCs and FOCs have even specifically targeted us. Of course there is an element of risk which I have to admit made me hesitate to begin with but, in the end, I’d actually secured a job and started my training 4 months before the end of my terminal leave! I also had to withdraw from 4 other recruitment processes where I had been invited to interview. You will succeed!

 

[Chez2194]

Having done exactly what you’re planning to do 2 years ago, all I can say is ‘go for it’. The disciplined military culture that you have probably become completely used to is highly valued on the railway to the point where some TOCs and FOCs have even specifically targeted us. Of course there is an element of risk which I have to admit made me hesitate to begin with but, in the end, I’d actually secured a job and started my training 4 months before the end of my terminal leave! I also had to withdraw from 4 other recruitment processes where I had been invited to interview. You will succeed!

That’s reassuring to here! Thanks

 

[LRV3004]

Nope , usually at their head office or a hotel , and second phase usually at opc (the outside company that do the tests). Office in watford

OPC also have a test centre in Doncaster as well as Watford. Chez2194, good luck with any applications you make; train operators do tend to favour people with military experience as it shows discipline and rigorous sticking to rules and regulations.