Depot Drivers - A good entry job?

[Bluebri]

Hi Guys

I have been unsuccessful for two attempts at Trainee Driver and it has been said to me, in a round-a-bout way, that although I have the skills in my 'locker' from previous employment, my current employment of 7 years is not demonstrating them. It has confused me a little as I got an assessment with FGW in one attempt, although couldn't attend due to illness. BUt I shall not give up

Apart from seriously regretting my career choices to date and a serious brain wracking of how I can demonstrate the required skills more recently, I am curious to know whether I may have a better chance at Depot Driver. I have looked around for a decent job description, but information is limited. I have just applied to Northern for the Allerton Depot, but have had to make a best judgement about what they may be looking for from the job advert alone.

It is my intention to do some serious digging around for more info about the role, but am wondering if any of you kind people could point me in the right direction. Even better I would love to hear from someone who is doing the role about what it is like and what it entails in more detail (than the job advert of course). Ultimately, I am wondering if this is a good role to start with with a view to becoming a Driver, or whether a Conductor role would be better, as I have been told my skills currently match the Conductor role well. Thanks in advance guys, and good luck to all those who have been successful recently for Northern.

 

[156441]

I'm sure our resident Newton Heath MDD will be along shortly to tell you the ins and outs of depot driving, but I just wanted to share a couple of things I think will be helpful to you.

The recruitment process used by Northern for depot driver is IDENTICAL to that of mainline driver. So if you've fallen down on that phase before you may well stumble at application again.

Also there is progression from MDD to mainline driver but it's almost frowned upon because it takes a lot of time and effort to get you qualified as an MDD to then have to retrain you from day 1 as a mainline driver. So you may find it quite hard to get off the shed onto the mainline. (There are at least 3 lads at Allerton waiting to get off.)

I came conductor to driver with a similar story to yourself. 3 rejected applications for driver. My first application for conductor saw me fly through the process. (For Northern and TPE)

There is a lot of internal competition for drivers jobs but it only took me 18 months to get from Conductor to driver. (And the internal application is one side of A4)!!

 

[Beveridges]

You've got more chance of getting a mainline job than an MDD, the recruitment process is identical but there are much fewer MDD vacancies than mainline.

As said by 156441 the depot would frown on you for going mainline as they have spent considerable amount of time and money training you (often 7-8 months worth of one on one training) only to throw it all away. They can't stop you however. You have to start the course again from the beginning as mainline with Northern. Trainee wages also do not appeal to MDDs.

 

[Emilymay86]

You've got more chance of getting a mainline job than an MDD, the recruitment process is identical but there are much fewer MDD vacancies than mainline.

As said by 156441 the depot would frown on you for going mainline as they have spent considerable amount of time and money training you (often 7-8 months worth of one on one training) only to throw it all away. They can't stop you however. You have to start the course again from the beginning as mainline with Northern. Trainee wages also do not appeal to MDDs.

what is MDD?

 

[t o m]

what is MDD?

Maintenance Depot Driver

 

[Bluebri]

Thanks guys for the very honest and informative replies.

I have drastically altered my application anyhow, so if I am selected for interview at least, I will know I have a better chance at any further Trainee Driver vacancies that arise.

It is particularly interesting to note the progression from MDD to Mainline is frowned upon. It certainly makes for a different long term approach. It would mean a substantial drop in wages too for possibly a year or so. So that definitely needs to be factored in.

From what you guys have said and what I have been told by other sources re: my experience, I am hopeful that I will be more successful in getting a Conductor Job. It is a role I would enjoy to be honest, but I will always have one eye on progressing to Driver. That said, I definitely think that will be my journey.

It all very much backs up what I have been told from a friend who is a Driver with Merseyrail. He has suggested it is probably easier in the long term to progress from Driver from within, due to the internal opportunities that arise and he suggested the Conductor role as a good role to start too. I guess the slim chance to go straight in as a Driver appeals to all, but I am patient and am happy to play the long game as it were.

I will keep knocking on the door though, something good will come my way eventually, I am sure of it.

And thanks again.

 

[LowLevel]

Much does depend on the company though - for example EMT definitely prefer taking mainline drivers out of depot driving and the job vacancies are worded as such, presenting the job as a foot in the door to mainline driving.

 

[156441]

Keep trying mate and chase your dream. I have and I've not regretted it yet. (Nearly 3 years on).

As a side note you don't take a drop in pay if progressing internally as it's seen as a promotion. Therefor I'm currently a trainee driver on full conductor money (less my enhancements obviously.)

MDD's would remain on their full money while training for the mainline. Hence why it's so frowned upon.

 

[Beveridges]

Northern west ex MDDs lose their salary while training hence it does not appeal to MDD's, northern east keep existing salary while training

 

[Silv1983]

I'm sure our resident Newton Heath MDD will be along shortly to tell you the ins and outs of depot driving,

You know better than that - there are only ins

 

[Louby]

Thanks guys for the very honest and informative replies.

I have drastically altered my application anyhow, so if I am selected for interview at least, I will know I have a better chance at any further Trainee Driver vacancies that arise.

It is particularly interesting to note the progression from MDD to Mainline is frowned upon. It certainly makes for a different long term approach. It would mean a substantial drop in wages too for possibly a year or so. So that definitely needs to be factored in.

From what you guys have said and what I have been told by other sources re: my experience, I am hopeful that I will be more successful in getting a Conductor Job. It is a role I would enjoy to be honest, but I will always have one eye on progressing to Driver. That said, I definitely think that will be my journey.

It all very much backs up what I have been told from a friend who is a Driver with Merseyrail. He has suggested it is probably easier in the long term to progress from Driver from within, due to the internal opportunities that arise and he suggested the Conductor role as a good role to start too. I guess the slim chance to go straight in as a Driver appeals to all, but I am patient and am happy to play the long game as it were.

I will keep knocking on the door though, something good will come my way eventually, I am sure of it.

And thanks again.

Keep at it!!! Re word your app a thousand times if needed

 

[Beveridges]

There is nothing wrong with a Depot Drivers position it is only unsuitable as an entry job because its so hard to get - It's hardly one for beginners to the industry! I got in internally after working on the platforms in Despatch.

 

[Bluebri]

Thanks again guys, for all the support and advice, Just goes to show how powerful these forums are and what a valuable tool they are.

Hopefully, my unflinching determination will uncover where I am going wrong and I know I will eventually get a decent vacancy. I just need to get that application form sorted lol.

 

[jimmy key]

Bluebri. If being a mdd is what you want to do mate go for it. The job itself isnt to difficult the training would require you to deal with unit preparation, dealing with faults and failures, refuelling, cet duties ground shunting, and moving haulers and swingers. Allerton itself is a big depot though at the moment im sure they only deal with around 6 class 156's a night with 3 mdd's on duty. The main difficulty being permanent nights. Quite a few of the Allerton mdd's have successfully moved on to the mainline.
All the lads currently there are a fantastic bunch of lads who would be more than willing to help any new starters out. I know this as im the depot instructor at newton heath, a role i have been doing for the past 9 years. training up all the new guys for my depot along with blackpool and allerton. If you would like any more information please don't hesitate to get in touch. Good luck in what ever role you choose to go for.

 

[shedman]

When I worked for Northern as an MDD at Neville Hill they were happy for you to apply mainline after 2 years. It was a job I did for EMT and Northern and thoroughly enjoyed it. I applied for DBS early this year and can honestly say I've never looked back

 

[Beveridges]

It is possible for MDD to go Mainline in less than 1 year over here, in fact, even after a few months. It is frowned upon understandably due to training costs, but there is nothing stopping anyone if they can pass the Interview.

 

[jimmy key]

We currently have a driver at our location who started with us about 12 months ago, he's just passed his interview for the mainline and just waiting for his course start date.

 

[Bluebri]

Woooohoo! Got an email inviting me to an interview for the depot driver. Pleased as punch as the tinkering with my application must have helped. Fingers crossed that this is my first positive step closer to that new career.

Thanks for all your help guys.

 

[Bluebri]

Interview yesterday and went well, I think. I have said thanks in another thread related to this, but thought I would post again in here. I really can't thank everyone here enough, as without your help and advice, being prepared for the interview would have been very difficult.

 

[Louby]

Interview yesterday and went well, I think. I have said thanks in another thread related to this, but thought I would post again in here. I really can't thank everyone here enough, as without your help and advice, being prepared for the interview would have been very difficult.

Woooo!!!! See patience does pay off