Becoming a Train Driver?

[WilkoT]

Hi,

I know this is a well-asked question, and Ive had a search for similar threads, but none quite match my circumstances.

Well, Im in my final year at university, and Im studying to be a teacher. However, I dont like it, is not for me. So, Ive been searching for alternative careers, and becoming a train driver really appeals to me. Ive always liked the idea of becoming a train driver, but never seriously looked into it until now.

So, are there any jobs in this industry? And out of interest, whats the money like? Whats the job like... Is it enjoyable? Ive read that while being a train driver you obviously have to lodge in different places for a night or two, who pays for that, you or the company?

Also, are there any prospects? I mean, Im young, so want to be able to enhance my career as I get older. So, you start as a trainee, how many years are you a trainee for? Then, when are you classed as fully competent? And after years to come, are there oppurtunities to do international train driving, with express trains for example?

Sorry for the million and one questions, but if you don't ask, you don't find out

Wilko

 

[driver9000]

There is a ton of information on this forum including 2 stickied threads at the top of the careers section. Also look at this site: www.traindriver.org

 

[Legzr1]

So, are there any jobs in this industry?

Trainee opportunities appear regularly but there seems to be fierce competition for the vacancies.

It was never like this when the pay was £12K/p.a.

And out of interest, whats the money like? Whats the job like... Is it enjoyable? Ive read that while being a train driver you obviously have to lodge in different places for a night or two, who pays for that, you or the company?

Aha!

Money starts at around £20K whilst training moving onto about £35K after training.
It can them move onto £40K+ after probationary period/signing of all routes and traction.

Remeber there are lots of dfferent TOC and FOC and all have different T&C's and rates of pay.

East Coast/X-Country top £50K basic but include lots of weekends and bank holidays.

Freightliner I/M are ( currently) over £10K short of that but maintain excellent terms and conditions.

The rest of the companies are between the two.

Note:These figures are rough estimates and are probably on the low side - it's been a while since I took much notice.


Enjoyable?

That depends entirely on where you work,who you work for,your outlook on life,etc etc.

Like most jobs (I expect!) there are times when I think "I can't believe i'm being paid for this!".
Two weeks later,4th 11:30hr shift in a row,it's 0300 and you've got another 10 hours ahead of you......things take on a different slant

Lodging isn't quite as common as you seem to think.

As far as I know there are no FOC's that regularly require lodging (some DRS depots aside).
As for TOC's,none at TPE,Northern,X-Country etc etc.

Grand Central do one week in five (at KX).

Lodging is at the employers expense (and attracts a small extra payment with some companies).

East Coast i've lost track of - used to lodge at Aberdeen and KX n certain links.

Also, are there any prospects? I mean, Im young, so want to be able to enhance my career as I get older. So, you start as a trainee, how many years are you a trainee for? Then, when are you classed as fully competent? And after years to come, are there oppurtunities to do international train driving, with express trains for example?

Most of the PM's,Inspectors,Area managers,examiners etc etc I know of are ex-drivers.

I don't believe there is a direct line of promotion per se but,once you're a qualified driver,what's to stop you applying for any role (management included)?

Training varies with company.

Basically,you're looking at 9-12 months from scratch to 'passing out' - you receive training money.
Dependant on company,route and traction training can take anything from 1-12 months - this is where you'd be paid the extra rate.

For 24 months (from the time you 'pass out') you receive extra assessments (PQA's) for obvious reasons.
Once this is completed you will receive full wages.

Again,this is variable dependant on company policies.

You want to drive 'express and international trains'?

Simplest route is to get into a TOC in the first place,qualify,do your time then search for vacancies with TOC's that interest you - that's what the vast majority of drivers have done since privatisation.

Companies like East Coast and X-Country rarely (if ever!) advertise 'trainee' vacancies - they're always looking for qualified staff.

Same goes for Eurostar.
(Their recent recruitment drive insisted on qualified drivers with 2 years experience on high speed trains - that was before any interview or online sift!).

Sorry for the million and one questions, but if you don't ask, you don't find out

Wilko

True.

Good luck with it.

 

[WilkoT]

Wow thankyou for the very informative reply.

So, is there much chance of getting a trainee train driver position? Do they appear often? I just hope it isn't like the aviation world at the moment - there are no jobs in that industry!

Any further comments are very welcome, they're a very interesting read!

Wilko

 

[Rjhsteel]

It takes time.
I applied for a trainee driver position in July last year, only just had medical today.

 

[WilkoT]

It takes time.
I applied for a trainee driver position in July last year, only just had medical today.

So, with perseverance, there are jobs out there?

Best of luck by the way!

 

[Rjhsteel]

From what I've seen, each TOC has a recruitment drive 1-2 times a year.

 

[Legzr1]

So, is there much chance of getting a trainee train driver position? Do they appear often? I just hope it isn't like the aviation world at the moment - there are no jobs in that industry!

As said,most advertise at least once a year (natural 'wasteage').

Check out SW Trains - word on the grapevine is they're after 100+ trainees!


I know very little of the aviation world but it seems the growth of budget airlines has capped the wages of frontline staff somewhat.

 

[LCC106]

For me, initial application to start date was 4 months. As said previously there is fierce competition so I recommend when you do apply you're fully prepared for any interviews / tests etc.

 

[WilkoT]

Thanks once again for the replies.

Ohh its a shame about the SW Trainees, I would have jumped at the chance of applying if it was a bit more local.

So, there are jobs around then? I will keep a lookout.

The only thing that bothers me is that I have A Levels, and a degree, but I don't have anything rail-related. Is there any qualification I need, or should have?

Wilko

 

[driver9000]

The only thing that bothers me is that I have A Levels, and a degree, but I don't have anything rail-related. Is there any qualification I need, or should have?

I have neither and I drive. I didn't join the footplate from another rail post, my previous incarnation was as a bus/coach driver. There are no formal qualifications needed to become a train driver.

The best place to find the vacancies advertised is by checking the websites of your local TOCs.

 

[LCC106]

Yes, check regularly and apply quickly - vacancies can be withdrawn before the deadline due to large volumes of applicants. There tend to be several hundred per role!