Delaying a trainee driver start date?

[SVDW995]

By some miracle, I’ve been offered a start date. For various reasons, I could really do with starting on a course later in the year (and I know this TOC is planning on a few more this year, it was mentioned at interview).

Is it silly to even ask or will I just get thrown in the bin?

Has anyone successfully asked to delay starting?

I’ve tried calling but no answer, so I’m just panicking on the internet.

 

[Yfg132]

I can't see it being an issue if there's multiple courses, you can always ask and see what they come back with? You do always run the risk of these other courses not going ahead though and wishing you'd of taken the chance when you had it! What company and what's the reason for you wanting to delay if you don't mind me asking?

 

[westcoaster]

I'd say delaying it is hap hazard. Yes delaying the course may seem ok if multiple courses are running, but these courses are planned with exact numbers and on a time line.
How would you feel if a later course is cancelled or numbers altered.

 

[Shunted]

By some miracle, I’ve been offered a start date. For various reasons, I could really do with starting on a course later in the year (and I know this TOC is planning on a few more this year, it was mentioned at interview).

Is it silly to even ask or will I just get thrown in the bin?

Has anyone successfully asked to delay starting?

I’ve tried calling but no answer, so I’m just panicking on the internet.

Lots of people are stuck in limbo while awaiting news on courses, interviews etc. At what point do you stop putting your life on hold just in case?

 

[Horizon22]

As you say "some miracle" (by which I mean you are lucky and congratulations of being one of a select few!). Therefore I'd take this opportunity with both hands if you can. I don't know whether asking is worth it or not as it may put you in a more precarious position as the answer might be no and potentially they see your reluctance as an issue and you're at the back of the queue and with railway recruitment for crew, goalposts can easily shift so no guarantees on what happens next even if it was previously discussed.

Have you already verbally accepted?

 

[skyhigh]

I can't see it being an issue if there's multiple courses

There will be a certain number of spaces on each course. Trainees on each course will be carefully planned based on factors such as availability of DIs and minders at home depots, required pass out dates etc. They will also consider notice periods - say someone is planned for a course 2 months later, but has to give a longer notice in their current role. You couldn't just be swapped around.

You might find that a certain course is all drivers for your depot with a conversion course planned in for a unit type that only that depot sign. The following courses might all be drivers for different depots who don't sign that traction so won't have the course- then they'd have to either run the course for 1 driver, or delay you until the next course (which pushes back the date you're productive).

You may find that they can accommodate you on a later course, but it's in no way guaranteed. From what I've seen, the normal answer is "we'll just put you back in the talent pool, but we can't guarantee you'll get another offer before your application expires". You've done incredibly we ll to get to where you are, don't miss out if you can avoid it. Personally I would make the date you've been given work if at all possible.

 

[GG96LFC]

As others have said, asking to be put on a later course is always risky as there is usually only a set number of trainees on each course which is carefully planned, also taking into consideration specific depots, routes and traction training etc.
Whilst I might not know your individual circumstances, if you’re worried that you have a lot on your plate right now in your personal life and you’re worried that you might struggle to juggle the course on top of that too, I am aware of multiple TOC’s (including my own) who are having to send trainees home for approximately 6-12 months after the classroom training before practical training due to shortage of trainers and backlog of practical training caused by the pandemic.
Whilst this may not be the case for all TOC’s, and whilst this may not actually help your individual situation, if you were thinking of delaying your course, another potential solution may be to work extremely hard and get the classroom training done, then use the potential time at home before practical training starts to sort out any issues you are facing.
If you are able to contact someone at your TOC’s training academy, hopefully they can tell you how long the gap is between classroom and practical training.
Feel free to send me a direct message if you like

 

[43066]

By some miracle, I’ve been offered a start date. For various reasons, I could really do with starting on a course later in the year (and I know this TOC is planning on a few more this year, it was mentioned at interview).

Is it silly to even ask or will I just get thrown in the bin?

Has anyone successfully asked to delay starting?

I’ve tried calling but no answer, so I’m just panicking on the internet.

I’d certainly move heaven and earth to take the date you’ve been offered. There have been quite a few tales of woe posted on here where people have delayed only to not be offered another course.

One that sticks in my mind was where someone hadn’t wanted to leave their current employer in the lurch and therefore missed out on the opportunity which, frankly, smacks of poor judgment. If you’re in that situation I’d urge you to put yourself first!

 

[seagull]

With the current GBR things going on, I'd be very wary of delaying as there's always that possibility that there are no future courses due to budgetary changes or reductions in service, etc. Unlikely I suspect given current traincrew shortages across many TOCs, but nevertheless, wouldn't suggest looking that gift horse in the mouth for very long in case it bites you and runs away...

 

[SVDW995]

Thank you all for the advice. I got a very nice reply explaining the position and I hope I came across as nothing but thrilled about the offer but wanted to ask the question.

Like you all say, there’s no perfect time. It’s a golden opportunity, and I have gladly accepted.

 

[43066]

Thank you all for the advice. I got a very nice reply explaining the position and I hope I came across as nothing but thrilled about the offer but wanted to ask the question.

Like you all say, there’s no perfect time. It’s a golden opportunity, and I have gladly accepted.

Sounds like an excellent decision. Congrats and enjoy the course!

 

[wobman]

I've known people having to wait 2 years to get on another course after refusing the first dare given, I would always go for the 1st date given if you can.

 

[Mattydo]

There will be a certain number of spaces on each course. Trainees on each course will be carefully planned based on factors such as availability of DIs and minders at home depots, required pass out dates etc. They will also consider notice periods - say someone is planned for a course 2 months later, but has to give a longer notice in their current role. You couldn't just be swapped around.

You might find that a certain course is all drivers for your depot with a conversion course planned in for a unit type that only that depot sign. The following courses might all be drivers for different depots who don't sign that traction so won't have the course- then they'd have to either run the course for 1 driver, or delay you until the next course (which pushes back the date you're productive).

You may find that they can accommodate you on a later course, but it's in no way guaranteed. From what I've seen, the normal answer is "we'll just put you back in the talent pool, but we can't guarantee you'll get another offer before your application expires". You've done incredibly we ll to get to where you are, don't miss out if you can avoid it. Personally I would make the date you've been given work if at all possible.

Training carefully planned and worked out? Which TOC are you at and can we get some of that ?

Jokes aside in fairness many of the woes are due to serious backlogs caused by CoV. Which leaves me with the same sentiment for the OP.

There exist some huge backlogs in training which have led to capacity issues within the training programmes of various TOC’s. Whilst other courses are no doubt planned I can’t imagine that they’ll all run to schedule or at all eventually. Talent pools can and do get disbanded as new applicants arrive in the system. It’s very much a game of being in the right place at the right time as well as doing well in tests and interviews. Aligning all of those things once is hard enough. Don’t bet on doing so twice.

Congrats and enjoy.

 

[ParZival]

I realised after I commented, that the position is with northern, not freightliner so not a valid comment.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 23 Mar 2022 ==

Congratulations svdw995, I would agree with previous comments to do everything you can to make it work.

 

[dk1]

I have known people who’ve declined simply because of a planned family holiday & the opportunity hasn’t arisen again. Depends how important your career is over your personal life.

 

[ComUtoR]

Something really s**t just happened at my TOC. I really really wouldn't advise delaying; especially in the current climate.

 

[SVDW995]

Update: they’ve offered to delay and guaranteed me a place on the next course. I can’t tell you how shocked and pleased I am. It gives me enough time to sort my life out (all personal reasons, nothing to do with another employer), and I cannot wait to start. Very grateful for the opportunity and their willingness to be so helpful.

Thank you all again for taking the time to comment and advise. I would have happily started on the first date but I’m sky high with my new date.

 

[NorthernTech]

Something really s**t just happened at my TOC. I really really wouldn't advise delaying; especially in the current climate.

Are you able to elaborate?

 

[ComUtoR]

Are you able to elaborate?

Sadly, not publicly. Suffice to say I'd echo others in that your position as a Trainee is only guaranteed right up until you walk through that door on day 1. Everything else is just chancing it and in the lap of the Gods. Not sure I'd take that risk.

 

[Luckyflames]

This sounds worrying. Which Toc are you with please ?

 

[ComUtoR]

This sounds worrying. Which Toc are you with please ?

It doesn't matter. Each TOC will have their own procedures for dealing with new starters. It's great that @SVDW995 has had a good outcome and it follows all previous advice given, in that any issues you really should call your recruitment team or HR department.

My TOC tends to sort out courses on an annual basis, they work out the number of courses required and then fill each space with delegates. I'm not sure when they get sent their joining instructions but the number of delegates is pretty fixed per year. Chuck in the current climate of uncertainty and you are risking your place if you wanted to defer.

I know people who have deferred and then never got a place. Yet, others have been bumped to the next course of a later one. With everything being so random; would you take that risk ?

Calling and discussing your options is the best option. That way you may be told directly that there is a new space available or if you would be put back in the pool.

 

[387star]

Sadly, not publicly. Suffice to say I'd echo others in that your position as a Trainee is only guaranteed right up until you walk through that door on day 1. Everything else is just chancing it and in the lap of the Gods. Not sure I'd take that risk.

A course being pulled is hardly uncommon
At my depot I'm pretty sure we now have no vacancies (huge intake of new drivers relative to the depot size pre covid) and we are losing work yet some seem to think several trainee jobs were imminent. Surprise surprise they are now on hold and needing fewer. Decisions are probably all over the place given how suddenly certain services are being pulled.

 

[NorthernTech]

Update: they’ve offered to delay and guaranteed me a place on the next course. I can’t tell you how shocked and pleased I am. It gives me enough time to sort my life out (all personal reasons, nothing to do with another employer), and I cannot wait to start. Very grateful for the opportunity and their willingness to be so helpful.

Thank you all again for taking the time to comment and advise. I would have happily started on the first date but I’m sky high with my new date.

Congratulations again, great result

 

[richfoz84]

I was offered a date a few years back, from the talent pool. In the interim I’d booked a family holiday. Northern willingly offered me a date later in the year. She said I was “pencilled in” and it was unlikely to change. I’d sit in the pool until they sent my offer of employment 6 weeks before my start date. This was pre Covid. Not sure I’d take that chance now though! Thankfully all was ok and im close to passing out now!