Changing TOC’s

[Dano28]

Hi all!

Currently a qualified driver and looking to relocate up north once things settle down a bit (Covid etc) and a vacancy comes up.
Has anyone else made such a move and how did they go about it?
We could relocate first, to satisfy the 1hr from depot and then come back to stay with family during the working “week”, this should keep my current TOC happy but that could turn into how long is a piece of string scenario. As there’s no guarantee that they’d recruit anytime soon.

Thanks

 

[ChrisTheRef]

Potentially move to a long distance operator, then transfer internally (hard to advise without knowing the locations in question)

Or target one of the 'starter' operators wherever it is you want to live, where they may be more flexible about relocation.

 

[Dano28]

Potentially move to a long distance operator, then transfer internally (hard to advise without knowing the locations in question)

Or target one of the 'starter' operators wherever it is you want to live, where they may be more flexible about relocation.

Thanks.

Had thought about that option.

Relocation would be Northumberland so was thinking Newcastle Depot with LNER.

 

[Jericho]

Best advice is to set up vacancy alerts on the LNER website. They have very recently (perhaps still are) advertising for apprentice drivers at Newcastle so probably won't be recruiting for qualifieds for the foreseeable future. Other option would be East Coast Trains (the new OA operator). They might consider a speculative application. Just bear in mind that going to an OA operator is not without risk and they're not in the RPS.

 

[LCC106]

As a qualified driver I would recommend you contact companies proactively from a speculative viewpoint. It can’t hurt and you never know when they might kiss a qualified driver unexpectedly and need another productive driver ASAP.

 

[Aivilo]

Echo LCC106. Drop the relevant HR an email expressing your interests

 

[Yfg132]

Lner would be difficult I'd imagine with the recent influx of trainees, first east coast are currently advertising for Drivers and instructor drivers.

 

[LokiB]

Best advice is to set up vacancy alerts on the LNER website. They have very recently (perhaps still are) advertising for apprentice drivers at Newcastle so probably won't be recruiting for qualifieds for the foreseeable future. Other option would be East Coast Trains (the new OA operator). They might consider a speculative application. Just bear in mind that going to an OA operator is not without risk and they're not in the RPS.

East Coast trains currently have an advert out for qualified drivers to be based at Newcastle.

 

[8J]

It is possible to move across the country as a qualified driver. Northern and TPE are pretty good at accommodating this, so are the freight companies.

Policies vary from TOC to TOC on relocation. The recent advertisement for EMR at their new Liverpool depot states that all qualified applicants "should live" within 60 minutes of the depot.

Whereas there's plenty of TPE driver's who've relocated from the south of England.

 

[387star]

I knew a Driver who planned on moving from Thameslink (suburban intensive DOO) to EMT however they derailed a train within weeks of pass out which shattered that dream. I do wonder how many Drivers end up stuck where they don't want to be longing to work closer to home. Fills you with jealousy at the Drivers based near where you live! If course as a newbie you have to suck it up a little as often the Depot where you will want to be is Dead Mans Shoes.

Nearly happened to me. I even risked buying a house one hour from the depot but quickly changed to a much closer depot with better work. Honestly it scares me to think I could have been stuck with that commute. At first you think this job is amazing so who cares... however sooner or later it grinds you down to the extent where I now loathe driving my car. Even if you commute by train you feel obliged to assist so you can't switch off and must give up a wear if required .

 

[mrredrunner100]

Nearly happened to me. I even risked buying a house one hour from the depot but quickly changed to a much closer depot with better work. Honestly it scares me to think I could have been stuck with that commute. At first you think this job is amazing so who cares... however sooner or later it grinds you down to the extent where I now loathe driving my car. Even if you commute by train you feel obliged to assist so you can't switch off and must give up a wear if required .

I have a 2 hour commute so know exactly what you mean. I'm station staff but getting fed up with my commute now, though I don't tend to travel in uniform so can avoid assisting people and all that