Calling all guards!

[MDCW]

I'm thinking of applying for a guard position, and i'd really like to hear the experience of those currently in the role. What do you like about the job? what do you dislike? and what are the challenges? Do you enjoy what you do? I'd love to get your thoughts. Thanks!

 

[SWR_DRIVER]

I'm thinking of applying for a guard position, and i'd really like to hear the experience of those currently in the role. What do you like about the job? what do you dislike? and what are the challenges? Do you enjoy what you do? I'd love to get your thoughts. Thanks!

Hi, I've been a guard for pretty much 2 years exactly!

• Shift work (doesn't suit everyone, I started at 04:20am this morning, but I was finished by 11:30, so have the rest of the day to myself! I don't enjoy late shifts quite so much, but that's because I'm a morning person.)
• Pay (much more than what I used to earn...)
  
• Public (some of the people you meet out and about are genuinely nice people and you can have some pretty interesting conversations. Vast majority are no bother, but bare in mind you will meet/ deal with idiots too, particularly on the late shifts on weekends...)
• Staff (everyone seems to be nice, made some good friends so far, though that's just my depot/ company so can't talk for others)
• Benefits (free travel, 75% off other TOCs, excellent pension, generous holiday, sick pay, occupational health department- think these are quite standard across the industry regardless of TOC)
• Progression (I have my driver manager interview next week with my current TOC, although I've passed and just waiting for a start date to go driving with GWR. Progression does take a long time though on the railway, but it's there if you want it).
• Future of the Guard Role (Touchy subject, but when/ how will DOO spread? Will we be forced out of the job eventually- I hope not!)
• Unions (excellent at work protection, negotiates pay rises etc, make sure you join if you do start working on the rails)

Although I'm almost at the stage where I'll be driving the things, I do and have enjoyed my short while as a train guard. I can't really imagine working outside the railway at this point.

I could ramble all day about it. But that's a very short snapshot of my thoughts.

Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.

 

[Westcoast-ting]

I’ve been a guard 6 years now and on my patch the job has changed loads.

Give it another few years and it probably will look completely different still.

That being said the best bits of the job are being able to work without supervision, you just work within the boundaries they set and as long as nothing happens you can go months without even seeing a manager.

I must say though the worst bits are being unable to help people, very occasionally your in the position where you wish you could do more but your unable to, sometimes it’s of your own making because your not experienced or to pig headed to see the bigger picture.

On my route we have a lot of ticket issues and this wears thin, it’s difficult to keep doing the same thing and expecting different results. That being said managers always listen and it’s not a problem with a easy soloution.

I’ll be lying if I said nobody does it for the money but its what keeps people from leaving

 

[MayMay]

How long is the training period for train guard? As the salary take a big jump afyer qualifying. Any info on that would be massively appreciated

 

[MDCW]

I’ve been a guard 6 years now and on my patch the job has changed loads.

Give it another few years and it probably will look completely different still.

That being said the best bits of the job are being able to work without supervision, you just work within the boundaries they set and as long as nothing happens you can go months without even seeing a manager.

I must say though the worst bits are being unable to help people, very occasionally your in the position where you wish you could do more but your unable to, sometimes it’s of your own making because your not experienced or to pig headed to see the bigger picture.

On my route we have a lot of ticket issues and this wears thin, it’s difficult to keep doing the same thing and expecting different results. That being said managers always listen and it’s not a problem with a easy soloution.

I’ll be lying if I said nobody does it for the money but its what keeps people from leaving

Thanks for your thoughts. Doesn't sound too bad, do you find time passes quickly? Do you encounter much agro from the passengers?

 

[train_lover]

How long is the training period for train guard? As the salary take a big jump afyer qualifying. Any info on that would be massively appreciated

My salary went up after 12 months. I believe most TOCs do the same.

Thanks for your thoughts. Doesn't sound too bad, do you find time passes quickly? Do you encounter much agro from the passengers?

I absolutely love my job. I find that time certainly does pass quickly. I could do a couple of trips on a unit and before I know it 5 hours has gone.

In terms of agro, in my view it's getting worse. I get more agro now than I ever have done but it all comes down to how you deal with it. That being said the positives far outweigh the negatives. I'm proud to wear my uniform and I'm proud to be a guard.

 

[MDCW]

My salary went up after 12 months. I believe most TOCs do the same.



I absolutely love my job. I find that time certainly does pass quickly. I could do a couple of trips on a unit and before I know it 5 hours has gone.

In terms of agro, in my view it's getting worse. I get more agro now than I ever have done but it all comes down to how you deal with it. That being said the positives far outweigh the negatives. I'm proud to wear my uniform and I'm proud to be a guard.

Good for you! encouraging to hear for those thinking of applying. I had a feeling you'd say agro is getting worse. Do you recieve training for dealing with abuse?

 

[Westcoast-ting]

Thanks for your thoughts. Doesn't sound too bad, do you find time passes quickly? Do you encounter much agro from the passengers?

It’s a great job as long as you go into it knowing you will see the best and worst of people.

Time both on shift and in the grade absolutely flies ! You will blink and you have done 6 months and blink again and it’s 2 years !

Agro tends to come in cycles, and depends on your approach and what outcome you expect, if you look for the middle ground you can generally get away with a fair amount.

Once every year or two you will meet a absolute muppet that no matter how reasonable you act will do their best to suprise you with there levels of behaviour