Hello, apologies if this has been asked before. I'm nearing the end of an almost 2 year recruitment process and recently passed my medical to become a trainee conductor. I have a few questions; has anyone on here made the transition from retail? How did you find it? And what exactly can I expect from training and then afterwards? Thanks in advance.
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New trainee conductor
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craigybagel
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Hi there,
I didn't make the transition directly from retail - I did a few different jobs in-between including some on the railway - but since nobody has replied yet hopefully I can help.
First of all, congratulations! You've got hold of a fantastic job and hopefully you'll never look back.
How the training works varies from company to company but in general it works out to about 2 months mostly in a classroom learning how to do the job on paper, a few weeks out and about on trains with a minder fine tuning your skills, and a period of route learning where you travel over the routes you'll be working as a conductor.
Most important thing to say is: don't worry. The training can be challenging, especially for those new to the industry, but the trainer's are fantastic - and they'll help you all the way through.
Can I ask which company and depot you're heading to? People will be able to give you more exact detail with that information.
I didn't make the transition directly from retail - I did a few different jobs in-between including some on the railway - but since nobody has replied yet hopefully I can help.
First of all, congratulations! You've got hold of a fantastic job and hopefully you'll never look back.
How the training works varies from company to company but in general it works out to about 2 months mostly in a classroom learning how to do the job on paper, a few weeks out and about on trains with a minder fine tuning your skills, and a period of route learning where you travel over the routes you'll be working as a conductor.
Most important thing to say is: don't worry. The training can be challenging, especially for those new to the industry, but the trainer's are fantastic - and they'll help you all the way through.
Can I ask which company and depot you're heading to? People will be able to give you more exact detail with that information.
Thank you for your reply.
They mentioned the training would last from 1st July until the middle of August. I feel fortunate to get through at the first time of trying. I've been in the same budiness for 10 years so slightly apprehensive.
It's with Southeastern in Faversham.
They mentioned the training would last from 1st July until the middle of August. I feel fortunate to get through at the first time of trying. I've been in the same budiness for 10 years so slightly apprehensive.
It's with Southeastern in Faversham.
You won't look back. I moved from retail to railway in May 2018. I had waited near 18 months to start and haven't looked back since. Salary, perks and working relationships I have are all great.
You can make this job as easy or as hard as you like. If you have anymore questions don't hesitate to send me a PM.
You can make this job as easy or as hard as you like. If you have anymore questions don't hesitate to send me a PM.
You won't look back. I moved from retail to railway in May 2018. I had waited near 18 months to start and haven't looked back since. Salary, perks and working relationships I have are all great.
You can make this job as easy or as hard as you like. If you have anymore questions don't hesitate to send me a PM.
Well this is promising, thank you for your response. It's so daunting, having done the same thing for over 10 years, but I know I can't do retail for another 30+ years. I am looking forward to taking the leap though.
Thought I'd give you all an update... I've had a formal offer of employment with training scheduled to begin on 1st July. The last few days I've spent completing reference forms, disclosure checks, uniform requests and submitting pictures for ID. It's suddenly all seeming real now. Daunting but know that it's the right time to change.
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Congratulations on the offer of employment!
As you've probably read on this forum, you've done incredibly well to get where you are. The training staff know this and will do everything they can to train you to the required standard in rules, before you head out to your depot for the practical work.
When you're classroom based, the most important thing I'd say is, if you're not sure, ask questions. It may be that theres a different explanation that clicks better with you. Me, I'm a visual learner so you can tell me about it till the cows come home n I won't understand, I need to see it. Don't be afraid to stick post its in your rulebook, highlighting important bits or explaining things clearer for you.
The career change is daunting, though a retail background will give you the mental agility when dealing with grumpy customers to keep them onside.
Above all, enjoy the experience.
As you've probably read on this forum, you've done incredibly well to get where you are. The training staff know this and will do everything they can to train you to the required standard in rules, before you head out to your depot for the practical work.
When you're classroom based, the most important thing I'd say is, if you're not sure, ask questions. It may be that theres a different explanation that clicks better with you. Me, I'm a visual learner so you can tell me about it till the cows come home n I won't understand, I need to see it. Don't be afraid to stick post its in your rulebook, highlighting important bits or explaining things clearer for you.
The career change is daunting, though a retail background will give you the mental agility when dealing with grumpy customers to keep them onside.
Above all, enjoy the experience.
You won't look back. I moved from retail to railway in May 2018. I had waited near 18 months to start and haven't looked back since. Salary, perks and working relationships I have are all great.
You can make this job as easy or as hard as you like. If you have anymore questions don't hesitate to send me a PM.
Hi there! Sorry to jump on, but im really needing some guidance. Im going to apply for the GA trainee conductor roles. Ive not been getting past SJTs for trainee train driver roles since feb and im desperate to get into the industry. Im from a retail background and used to run my own Tyre shop.
Id be so grateful for any tips and guidance. Im prepared to take a lower salary to start if it means i can get into a career in rail! Ive been quite disheartened as despite lots of research I cant seem to get past the initial sift. I really need this...
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craigybagel
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Evening all,
Couple of questions. I see lots of conductors with rucksacks, can anyone recommend a good one?
Also in terms of footwear, is safety footwear expected? If so, shoes or boots and again any recommendations?
Thanks in advance.
The company will provide it all, don't worry.
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I would say make sure the shoes/boots fit well- Nothing worse that having sore or aching feet and being unable to sort it out.
A colleague recommended a pair of Scholl gel insoles too and they are fab. Last about three months and really make a difference- I walk to and from work in my boots, 4miles in total. My feet don't half hurt when they're starting to wear out.
A colleague recommended a pair of Scholl gel insoles too and they are fab. Last about three months and really make a difference- I walk to and from work in my boots, 4miles in total. My feet don't half hurt when they're starting to wear out.
Hi there! Sorry to jump on, but im really needing some guidance. Im going to apply for the GA trainee conductor roles. Ive not been getting past SJTs for trainee train driver roles since feb and im desperate to get into the industry. Im from a retail background and used to run my own Tyre shop.
Id be so grateful for any tips and guidance. Im prepared to take a lower salary to start if it means i can get into a career in rail! Ive been quite disheartened as despite lots of research I cant seem to get past the initial sift. I really need this...
Safety safety safety (working by yourself and being responsible) then customer service. Maybe try applying for gateline or platform vacancies and as you get more experience and more confident then apply for a trainee train driver or conductor role?
Thanks you! I think thats what I need to do from reading all these threads. I dont think I have much chance going straight in for these roles without any rail experience. Hopefully some platform/gateline vacancies will come up and I can try that way. Maybe then ill be able to work out why Im not getting past SJTs that seem quite straightforward! Ive been using the safety first approach, but lets see. Id love to become a conductor, it sounds like a really interesting and challenging role in a positive way. Thanks again.Safety safety safety (working by yourself and being responsible) then customer service. Maybe try applying for gateline or platform vacancies and as you get more experience and more confident then apply for a trainee train driver or conductor role?
Hi there! Sorry to jump on, but im really needing some guidance. Im going to apply for the GA trainee conductor roles. Ive not been getting past SJTs for trainee train driver roles since feb and im desperate to get into the industry. Im from a retail background and used to run my own Tyre shop.
Id be so grateful for any tips and guidance. Im prepared to take a lower salary to start if it means i can get into a career in rail! Ive been quite disheartened as despite lots of research I cant seem to get past the initial sift. I really need this...
Hi. I just spent time listening to what was being asked and then went into detail with answers. I got through at the first time of trying each stage so just persevere and I'm sure you'll get there. Practice the tests as much as possible too.
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