Career as a TM/Guard (Avanti vs. TPE)

[lrbvoyager]

Hi there, I would like to be train manager in the future. Where I live sees services from TPExpress and Avanti WC. Which is the better employer and which should I look out for? Being based at Preston I’m not sure what trains you would get trained to operate on either Avanti or TPE. Thanks!

 

[voyagerdude220]

I suspect you'd have more chance getting a Conductor role externally with TPE compared with the chances of getting a Train Manager role externally with Avanti. (I can't remember the last time Avanti advertised for Trainee Train Managers at Preston, but TPE do quite often look for Trainee Conductors)

Avanti- would be 99% working on 390s/possibly the new Hitachi fleet.

TPE- Mostly 397s with the odd 802.

In terms of employer- personally I'd get my foot in the door- i.e. take whichever job offer came first and take it from there.

 

[lrbvoyager]

I suspect you'd have more chance getting a Conductor role externally with TPE compared with the chances of getting a Train Manager role externally with Avanti. (I can't remember the last time Avanti advertised for Trainee Train Managers at Preston, but TPE do quite often look for Trainee Conductors)

Avanti- would be 99% working on 390s/possibly the new Hitachi fleet.

TPE- Mostly 397s with the odd 802.

In terms of employer- personally I'd get my foot in the door- i.e. take whichever job offer came first and take it from there.

I have abit of history with avanti, do you think that will up my chances?

 

[voyagerdude220]

I have abit of history with avanti, do you think that will up my chances?

I assume you mean you used to work for them? Of course although I suppose they may potentially also get qualified Train Guards from other TOCs (including TPE!) applying to work for them.

 

[lrbvoyager]

I assume you mean you used to work for them? Of course although I suppose they may potentially also get qualified Train Guards from other TOCs (including TPE!) applying to work for them.

Are 397s and 802s nicer to work than 390s and 805/7s?

 

[voyagerdude220]

Are 397s and 802s nicer to work than 390s and 805/7s?

I've no idea I'm afraid. I don't work onboard trains. As a passenger I seem to remember preferring being on a 397 to a 390- but the ride quality on the 397 wasn't great.