Company Induction (3 days)
Week 1:
You’ll begin with our ‘Company Induction’ which introduces you to our business, our vision and values - and outlines the basic safety and security knowledge that all staff must have. We’ll also ask you to fill in some forms for identification, travel, uniform and any safety equipment.
The Driver Training Programme (12 mths)
Week 2:
Module 1) Introduction to rules & Personal Track Safety (5 days)
During this week, you’ll get familiar with our company polices and procedures that cover personal conduct and lifestyle.
Week 3 – 5:
Module 1a) Introduction to operational rules (15 days)
During these three weeks, you’ll learn more about the drivers’ role and the basic requirements for booking on for duty and you’ll discover the relevant rules and regulations you need to follow.
Week 6 – 8:
Module 2) Workplace experience (15 days - riding in the cab)
This module puts you in the cab with an experienced driver or trainer, and you’ll have the chance to put your knowledge of the rules and procedures into practice. It’s also your first chance to experience some of the tough shift patterns that our drivers follow on a typical day.
Week 9 – 11
Module 3a) Drivers Rules part 1 (15 days)
Here, you’ll take a more detailed look at the topics and issues you’ve already covered to enhance your understanding and confidence.
Week 12
Module 3b) Workplace experience (5 days)
Week 12 gives you another valuable opportunity to experience the cab environment and to further build your knowledge of our drivers’ day to day duties.
Weeks 13 – 14
Module 3c) Drivers Rules part 2 (10 days)
These 2 weeks form the final training stage on rules and regulations, and introduces you to some of additional topics such as our driving policy and the risks with signals.
You’ll end week 14 with a final rules training assessment that covers all the topics so far. It measures your knowledge, understanding and confidence, and lets us know whether you’re ready to continue with the next stages of the training programme.
The next stages
Module 4a) Core Traction Training (20 days)
This part of your training covers the basic functions and operation of the traction (trains) you’ll eventually be driving.
Module 4b) Introduction to Train Handling (10 days)
Here, you’ll get to practice these skills in the real world, and you’ll work with an instructor or trainer to drive an empty train (with no passengers) at a range of speeds.
Modules 4c – 4d) Traction Conversions
Depending on the route you’ll be working on, you may need to know how to operate other types of traction (trains) - and this is when you’ll do it.
Module 5a) Principles of Route Learning (5 days)
This module will help you understand what you need to learn about your route, together with any risks.
Module 5b) Practical Train Handling / Route Work (Between 150 / 180 hours)
Next, we’ll assign you a driving instructor/trainer who’ll offer one to one coaching and practical driving experience, which will help you apply everything you’ve learned so far.
Module 5c) Operations Risk Awareness (5-6 days)
With experience of shift patterns, workloads and knowledge of your route, you’ll now return to the training academy to learn more about typical risks - and how to manage them.
Module 5d) Practical Train Handling / Route Work continued (to achieve a final 250hrs minimum of train handling)
In Module 5d, you’ll continue with your instructor/trainer to further build your confidence and competence as a driver on your route.
Final Driving Assessment
Your Final Assessment will cover every aspect of your training and is assessed by a Driver Team Manager over 5 – 8 days depending on the number of routes you are competent with.
Once you’ve passed your assessment, you’re ready to start your career as a Professional Driver working for First Capital Connect.
