Changing TOC During Driver Training

[BigH]

Hello,

I am in the early stages of driver training and I have now been offered another trainee driver position with a different TOC, from another application that I've had in progress for some time.

I am happy with the company that I am with, they are a good employer with decent progression prospects etc, however, I think that in the long run I may be better off with the new TOC; the depot is closer and easier to get to and they are a highly regarded operator and I think the work may be more enjoyable too...

This is a bit of a delicate situation that I don't wish to discuss with anyone at work.

One of my issues is that I'll have wasted the time of my current employer as well as my own, and will be starting from scratch again if I were to jump ship after completing some of my training.

How is this likely to go down with my current TOC if I leave?

Do situations like this occur during driver training and how are they dealt with?

Does anyone have any experience of situations like this, from an employer (TOC) perspective or a trainee driver perspective?

I'm in a bit of a pickle here and any advice/opinion that you guys can give me, I'd be grateful for.

 

[choochoochoo]

Why does your current TOC need to know the reason you're leaving ?

One issue I can see is if you've done PTS then your card will end up at your current TOC, and not sure what will happen when your new TOC submit an application on your behalf.

Also depends what happens in the licence application process. Do trainees get some sort of provisional licence number / driver record on an RSSB database when they start their training, or is it something you fill in the forms for upon passing out.

If there is not central database of trainees from various TOCs I cannot see a problem. Resign for 'personal reasons' and then miraculously those personal reasons disappear just as you start with your new TOC. Nothing wrong with that. Plus you got a headstart on your colleagues as you already know some of the Rules.

Loyalty is overrated. Call me a cynic but all big companies see you as just an asset and nothing more.

 

[Bromley boy]

Hello,

I am in the early stages of driver training and I have now been offered another trainee driver position with a different TOC, from another application that I've had in progress for some time.

I am happy with the company that I am with, they are a good employer with decent progression prospects etc, however, I think that in the long run I may be better off with the new TOC; the depot is closer and easier to get to and they are a highly regarded operator and I think the work may be more enjoyable too...

This is a bit of a delicate situation that I don't wish to discuss with anyone at work.

One of my issues is that I'll have wasted the time of my current employer as well as my own, and will be starting from scratch again if I were to jump ship after completing some of my training.

How is this likely to go down with my current TOC if I leave?

Do situations like this occur during driver training and how are they dealt with?

Does anyone have any experience of situations like this, from an employer (TOC) perspective or a trainee driver perspective?

I'm in a bit of a pickle here and any advice/opinion that you guys can give me, I'd be grateful for.

Definitely quite an unusual situation.

I'd generally echo the poster saying put yourself first - there's no concept of loyalty to an employer these days as there's certainly none coming back the other way for employees.

However, if you do decide to leave, tread carefully. Before doing anything you should speak to the new TOC and be completely open with them, explain the situation, confirm if they would still be willing to take you on in full knowledge of your situation (citing the positive reasons you would wish to work for them as opposed to any negatives about the current TOC).

The thing you would need to guard against is any suggestion that you'd left your current TOC for nefarious reasons e.g. Failed a D&A, sacked for poor performance on the course etc. Keep in mind this would be quite unusual and may take a bit of explaining/cast doubt on your application for future qualified driver vacancies once you have your key.

Check your contract for clauses requiring repayment of training costs - although I doubt this would be an issue for someone leaving in the early stages of a training course (and there's a big question over the enforceability of these in any case).

In the end you need to weigh up whether the advantages of the new TOC outweigh the potential risk/stress of making an unorthodox move in a conservative industry!

Good luck with your decision!

 

[Sirgerbil]

How far through your current TOC's training are you? If you e already passed your rules I'd imagine you'd have to resit rules again with them and your PTS may have to be redone to cover AC or DC.

I can understand the long term benefits being closer to depot and home life etc. To me it would be 1 step forward 2 steps back.

Each to their own though, end of the day it's only a decision you can make mate.

 

[axlecounter]

Be sure to sign with the new one before resigning?!

 

[BigH]

Thanks for the replies chaps, some good advice and points to consider there, I really appreciate it.
"An unorthodox move in a conservative industry" I particularly like & seems to sum the situation up..

I can safely say I've never had to deal with such a dilemma before...and hope I never have to again.

 

[KT530]

Stay put, complete the training, if you still feel like moving after 3 years then look for qualified vacancies then.

 

[baz962]

Thanks for the replies chaps, some good advice and points to consider there, I really appreciate it.
"An unorthodox move in a conservative industry" I particularly like & seems to sum the situation up..

I can safely say I've never had to deal with such a dilemma before...and hope I never have to again.

Blimey I have passed everything and was unsuccessful at dmi, Wish I could get one chance let alone two lol

 

[Bert and Ernie]

Nice position to be in. Great opportunity to do the training course twice, which can be seen as a great thing improve your knowledge, and go into your new toc as the dogs bollocks, but not cocky.
I know what I would do say thankyou very much to your current toc and move to your preferred.

 

[Johncleesefan]

Do what your gut tells you. If the new toc is what you really wanted then it's a no brainier. Number 1 has to come first in this world and life's too short to think " well maybe il end up there" you have an opportunity now so crack on, good luck feeling no shame leaving your current tho. ☹️ It's a nasty situation to be in

 

[baz962]

Do what your gut tells you. If the new toc is what you really wanted then it's a no brainier. Number 1 has to come first in this world and life's too short to think " well maybe il end up there" you have an opportunity now so crack on, good luck feeling no shame leaving your current tho. ☹️ It's a nasty situation to be in

Nasty pfft I wish

 

[greatkingrat]

Nice position to be in. Great opportunity to do the training course twice, which can be seen as a great thing improve your knowledge, and go into your new toc as the dogs bollocks, but not cocky.
I know what I would do say thankyou very much to your current toc and move to your preferred.

That can be a bad thing, there will inevitably be differences in the way the two companies teach things which will cause confusion. Plus you will end up staying on trainee money for longer.

 

[Johncleesefan]

Nasty pfft I wish

I only mean nasty in the fact it's a big choice to make and how big loyalties take part in making the decision

 

[whhistle]

Trainee Train Driver money is still a lot more than what many are on...

You sound like you've already mostly made your mind up but wanted reassurance.

As others have said, the current TOC would be surprised you're leaving but you aren't leaving on bad terms and a reference is likely to be factual.
So long as you sign up with your new TOC before handing in a resignation. The current TOC may even let you go instantly as there'd be no point in paying you to attend training for no gain.

It's not a nasty situation to be in - it's a great one! And don't feel bad you're letting anyone down. The current TOC will always have people on file they can replace you with.

Just be sure it's the right move.
Make sure the new TOC really is "better" and has more possibilities in the future.

 

[BigH]

Thanks a lot fellas, plenty of sound advice there which is what I was after.

I suppose I should be doing what I think is best for myself, I just dislike letting people down or worse, messing them around.

I don't mind being on trainee money for longer if it means that I'm where I really want to be long term.

I know that a lot of people would like to be in my shoes here but it's a hard thing to have to make a decision on, lol..

Ultimately only I can decide...thanks again for the advice and opinions.

 

[whhistle]

Let us know what you decide and all the gory details later when it's all settled down though

 

[MichaelAMW]

Be sure to sign with the new one before resigning?!

This is basically the only thing that matters - with respect to other posters, all the stuff writen in this thread is of no consequence if you end up with neither job. You need an *absolute* guarantee that the new post is secured before leaving the one you are currently in and that might not be possible, for example if the new TOC doesn't take up references until after you join them.

 

[Ju135]

Just check your contract as most companies require you to pay back training loan but most probably will depend on how far you have got to I would think.

 

[BigH]

This is basically the only thing that matters - with respect to other posters, all the stuff writen in this thread is of no consequence if you end up with neither job. You need an *absolute* guarantee that the new post is secured before leaving the one you are currently in and that might not be possible, for example if the new TOC doesn't take up references until after you join them.

Probably the most important point. Imagine ending up with no job after all that, lol.

 

[BigH]

Just check your contract as most companies require you to pay back training loan but most probably will depend on how far you have got to I would think.

Will do, thanks.

 

[Val3ntine]

Out of curiosity what are the two TOC's? Im pretty sure there will be some very knowledgable people on here currently employed by either who could advise you for or against both TOC's, you might be suprised and change your mind totally into leaving. Only if you want to divulge that info anyway

 

[BigH]

Out of curiosity what are the two TOC's? Im pretty sure there will be some very knowledgable people on here currently employed by either who could advise you for or against both TOC's, you might be suprised and change your mind totally into leaving. Only if you want to divulge that info anyway

I'm afraid I don't wish to divulge that, it's a bit of a delicate situation..sorry!

You make a good point though, maybe the new TOC won't be as wonderful as I imagine, and if you're happy where you are...

 

[Bert and Ernie]

That can be a bad thing, there will inevitably be differences in the way the two companies teach things which will cause confusion. Plus you will end up staying on trainee money for longer.

How can learning it another way be a bad thing? Surly you would learn both ways then keep the way that's works for you. Plus training wages are not that bad. And if it is ultimately the toc you want with a closer depot better traction and routes then it's a no brainer.

 

[Gemz91]

If you hand your notice in with TOC A, would they be able to terminate your contract immediately? If your not going to complete your training with them, they more then likely won't want to pay you a wage to sit around doing nothing. I'd be weary that they may end your contract straight away, not sure if they have to give you notice during training or not.


If your training at TOC B doesn't start for a few weeks, it could mean you end up without a wage for a few weeks. OF course you might be happy to have a few weeks unpaid leave, or be able to temp work in a warehouse somewhere.

Sure someone be along soon to tell me I'm chatting rubbish though. Just something to consider though.

 

[EM2]

Could it be worth staying with the current TOC through training, then if the second TOC recruit later for experienced drivers, jump across to them then?

 

[Bromley boy]

Could it be worth staying with the current TOC through training, then if the second TOC recruit later for experienced drivers, jump across to them then?

Most TOCs lock you in for a three year period once you've got your key. This is backed up by a requirement to repay training fees (in practice this is probably difficult to enforce and I'm not sure it's ever used in practice).

Plus most TOCs will require 2/3 years' experience when recruiting qualified drivers.

For these reasons I reckon the OP's decision is either making a clean break to train with TOC B immediately or remain with TOC A in the knowledge he will probably be there for a few years post qualification.

 

[donpoku]

Guys forget it. I got a knack for reading people and I sense the op has a precarious soul(risk averse) and ain't got the balls to jump ships - the op would have concluded the risk far outweighs the benefit.

Sent from my LG-H850 using Tapatalk

 

[Tooktook]

Guys forget it. I got a knack for reading people and I sense the op has a precarious soul(risk averse) and ain't got the balls to jump ships - the op would have concluded the risk far outweighs the benefit.

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He's only posted six posts. It's a tough call surely. Wouldn't blame anyone for thinking twice.

 

[Tyrion]

Guys forget it. I got a knack for reading people and I sense the op has a precarious soul(risk averse) and ain't got the balls to jump ships - the op would have concluded the risk far outweighs the benefit.

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You got Tuesday's lottery numbers??

 

[BigH]

Lol!!