From the absolute start

[Angus24]

hi people,

im very new to this forum thing so bare with me! :P

as you have all probably heard thousands upon thousands of times im looking into a career as a train driver. my only problem is that i haven't got the foggiest of where to even begin to apply, how to apply and if there is any tests or qualifications id need to even be able to apply. ive read many times that hundreds of people go for these roles so it is almost impossible to get an interview, is this true?

also the fact that i do not have very good qualifications (GCSE's) and have never worked in the rail industry before is naturally worrying. is it even worth applying for or will they just laugh at my application?

i have SOOO many questions and hope to hear from some of you soon

 

[GrimsbyPacer]

I would apply at the train operating company's website for driver training. If this is not the best way to start I would also like to know how to get the job from scatch.

 

[455driver]

One of the questions asked on the application forms asks for examples of when you have worked on your own initiative!
Quite relevant really in this case.

 

[driver9000]

Did you see the thread at the top of this section titled "Becoming a train driver"?


(I didn't have very good GCSEs either and it didn't stop me).

 

[Angus24]

Did you see the thread at the top of this section titled "Becoming a train driver"?


(I didn't have very good GCSEs either and it didn't stop me).

i did indeed see that thread but i thought id ask again as it might of been slightly out of date and the processes may of changed. im glad to hear that not having formal qualifications isnt a big issue! i take it that your a driver for a TOC now? was it recent that you passed your training? as this may now be an issue.

 

[Gazbangor]

I have a PhD in Astrophysics and failed to get through an interview So I wouldn't worry about qualifications, it's more about your attitude, your ability to perform the job, being able to concentrate for long periods of time,good eyesight and hearing and such.

 

[Angus24]

oh wow! fingers are tightly crossed then! lol do you mind me asking which TOC it was that you applied for and how long did it take them to give you a response?

 

[Gazbangor]

Who me?

I initially applied to Frieghtliner when they advertised for trainees. Passed all the assessments and multi module interview, but didn't get past the driver manager interview.

But because I have now sat and passed all the tests I simply went on an email harassment campaign ala Andy Dufrain in the Shawshank Redemption. And emailed every company under the sun and kept emailing till I got a response. And think I have managed to snag another interview in the next few weeks.

If you've not done the assessments yet then you will just have to wait till a TOC advertises for trainees and apply.

 

[Angus24]

haha brilliant thanks, i'll look forward to reading it

 

[TheVicLine]

I think that the only GCSE requirements were any pass in Maths and English, although not 100% with this one. That was in 2012 so I guess it would still be pretty much the same.

Look at which TOC's operate in the area that you will be based in and look up their web sites. They will all have a careers page and you will be able to sign up to receive email alerts for when they post new positions. Keep checking on here as well, someone will usually post details of any jobs that have arisen.

It is not necessary to have a railway background when applying but remember 1000's (no exaggeration) will apply for any trainee drivers jobs that come up so it is vital that you are knowledgeable about the job you are applying for and understand the rail industry.

Good luck.

 

[Clip]

I have a PhD in Astrophysics and failed to get through an interview So I wouldn't worry about qualifications, it's more about your attitude, your ability to perform the job, being able to concentrate for long periods of time,good eyesight and hearing and such.

Well we would prefer it if you didnt try and get enough speed up by York on the Highland Cheiftan to take the passengers to the moon.....


But good luck with yoru endeavours.

In this day and age it is not going to be easy - just look at the threads where people have applied for countless jobs but sitll havent got their job.

 

[driver9000]

i did indeed see that thread but i thought id ask again as it might of been slightly out of date and the processes may of changed. im glad to hear that not having formal qualifications isnt a big issue! i take it that your a driver for a TOC now? was it recent that you passed your training? as this may now be an issue.

I've been qualified for nearly 10 years.

You'll need patience and lots of it, Trainee Driver vacancies attract hundreds and hundreds of applicants more so than when I was applying from the street (and it was hundreds then too).

 

[red2005]

I am in my training at the moment......but I came from a conductor background which helped massively!

lets just say I am no Stephen Hawking in terms of brain power and classroom qualifications!......the beauty of this role is that in terms of qualifications is that you don't need GCSE'S/ A levels coming out of your ears to get there, after all what good are qualifications if you don't have the personal qualities such as common sense required to do the job!?

what I found from over 10 years of applying for the job is that you need to give yourself every possible edge throughout the recruitment stage.....(it's a competition remember) whether this being having worked in some other safety critical environment already (even voluntarily such as heritage railways) or just having done ridiculous amounts of research on the company you've applied to or the role in general.

my advice to you is do not expect to get the position first time around (very few do) just be pleasantly surprised if you do also be prepared for a bit of a wait as it's a lengthy process. Also be as flexible as possible!....if you are wanting the job that badly and are willing to do anything to get it.....be prepared to relocate!........apply to the areas you think may have less applicants than other's (which is still tricky) I applied for vacancies in Wick, Edinburgh, Glasgow, London, Cambridge, Birmingham and Manchester......all of which I would have had to relocate for but I eventually fell lucky and landed a job on my doorstep.

but I would say flexibility is the main thing here!.....if need be just get yourself on the railway first!.....train despatch or conductor may not be your first choice or your preferred route in but there is a lot to be said for getting in the industry in some other capacity and getting yourself a good name and reputation from within.......that can only be advantageous over someone 'off the street' who the managers do not know.

all the best in your application mate

Red

 

[Greaseball3220]

http://www.traindriver.org/train-operating-companies-jobs-pages--depots.html

Bookmark this webpage OP, gives all the Train Operating Companies websites and links to their career pages.

Trainee Driver opportunities are like London Buses, none for ages then 2-3 pop up at once, you only get two chances to pass the assessments, ( One of my lives are gone, but have passed Stage 1 so still hanging in there, thank God ).

Other things to consider are the huge number of applicants for these roles so you're doing well to get shortlisted these days, you may be just be as well to try to get a job in the industry like Platform Assistant to get your foot in the door and take it from there, best of luck.

 

[387star]

If your female you might just have an advantage these days just my opinion

Look at companies websites they often show females driving and actively recruit females with more female managers as well


Just a thought

 

[driver9000]

Trainee Driver opportunities are like London Buses, none for ages then 2-3 pop up at once, you only get two chances to pass the assessments, ( One of my lives are gone, but have passed Stage 1 so still hanging in there, thank God ).

Not quite. You get two FAILS at the test you can sit and pass it as much as you like.

 

[Angus24]

also guys, ive seen quite a few "qualified" train driver positions advertised online (obviously im not even going to bother applying for them) and they stated that you must hold Full UK driving license? would an automatic license suffice or are they just implying that you will need to drive sometimes to get to your depot?

 

[TDK]

haha brilliant thanks, i'll look forward to reading it

The best and only option really is to check out the TOC's who have a depot within 1 hour of your location and then go onto their site and register for email alerts for job vacancies. Once the vacancy comes up then apply.

As 455driver quaintly put and this is not a dig but using your own initiative is a huge part of the train driver role and if you cannot do this you will struggle with any application.
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also guys, ive seen quite a few "qualified" train driver positions advertised online (obviously im not even going to bother applying for them) and they stated that you must hold Full UK driving license? would an automatic license suffice or are they just implying that you will need to drive sometimes to get to your depot?

This is normally for freight where they have to use a company vehicle, you do not need a full UK driving licence to become a train driver but will need you own means to get to place of work either by foot, bicycle, motor bike or car depending on how far from your chosen depot you live. So therefore if you need your own transport and live too far from a depot as to travel by cycle or walk then, yes, it is advisable that you have a UK driving licence