Career in late 30s

[yellowkitchenl]

Hi fellow rail members,
I've spent so much time on trains, it never hit me to take up a career in anything to do with trains.
I can do different areas in London or the outskirts of London, not specific to Greenwich.
I'm in my late 30s and grew up in a deprived area, not much career advice either. I don't have anything to back me really except that I've stuck at my current job for several years.
I'm not sure where to start looking. I've read many threads, some talk about health checks etc. Whilst I don't drink, smoke or do drugs, I've had some random health issues recently so not sure my body will pass any of those kinds of tests. I'm not sure what aspect of rail work I should go into/look for.
I appreciate any advice. I'm happy to take weekend work, holiday seasons, half term holidays etc and I also would like to work my way up.
If only we could turn back time and redo things but I'm only looking forward now.
Thank you for reading.

 

[AverageJoe]

I’d just apply to any you see come up, there is lots of options on the rail that come up often, cleaner, customer services, conductor sometimes even driver.

Tram driving seems like an easier way to get into a driving position that pays well enough.

Last year Id never worked in the rail industry at all, I then got a job as a tram driver from just seeing an ad and applying, now I’m waiting to start with a TOC next month after also applying to an ad last September.

So you can defo come from no rail experience.

I have no qualifications behind me and would also say I came from a poorer background and I’m in my late 30’s.

With the rail industry I think they care more about what you can offer than where you came from.

 

[irish_rail]

Late 30s isn't exactly old. Means you still have a 30 year career ahead of you.
Apply and see. Employers have to do their best to accommodate health conditions etc provided they will not be problematic to the role.

 

[ExRes]

I didn't join the railway until I was 37 after a career in an entirely different area of employment, it still gave me time to get a drivers role and put in 15 years in the cab which would have been more if not for medical reasons, plenty of time for you to make yourself a career

 

[Papa]

In my driver training cohort, there were 9 externals with no railway experience out of 12 and average age was probally mid-thirties, loads of new conductors at my depot over 40 too so age is definitly not a barrier. Medical issues is very vague and occupational health will decide if you are fit for the role so you lose nothing by applying.

 

[Red Devil]

Hi fellow rail members,
I've spent so much time on trains, it never hit me to take up a career in anything to do with trains.
I can do different areas in London or the outskirts of London, not specific to Greenwich.
I'm in my late 30s and grew up in a deprived area, not much career advice either. I don't have anything to back me really except that I've stuck at my current job for several years.
I'm not sure where to start looking. I've read many threads, some talk about health checks etc. Whilst I don't drink, smoke or do drugs, I've had some random health issues recently so not sure my body will pass any of those kinds of tests. I'm not sure what aspect of rail work I should go into/look for.
I appreciate any advice. I'm happy to take weekend work, holiday seasons, half term holidays etc and I also would like to work my way up.
If only we could turn back time and redo things but I'm only looking forward now.
Thank you for reading.

Get applying,how will you know until you do.
As for the medical, look they're looking for railway workers not members of a crack SAS team.
Take a look at the staff next time you're on the rails, all shapes and sizes, and they passed their medical. Don't hold back

 

[ninhog]

You mention Greenwich so Southeastern is definitely a good place to start. There’s been various roles at various locations on offer recently and my other half has recently started with them (she’s also in her late 30’s). I became a train driver in my late 30’s too, so I’d say it’s a prime age to join the railway!

EDIT: I just had a quick look at Southeastern vacancies. This one may be right up the OP’s street:

Part Time - Customer Service Advisor, Central London | 16 April, 2024 | Jobs and careers with Southeastern

Jobs and careers with Southeastern - We are seeking proactive people who express enthusiasm in improving our passengers’ experience. There is lots of opportunity at our Stations to serve our customers and our community and applying for this advert would give you the chance to be considered for...

jobs.southeasternrailway.co.uk