Northern Driver Operator Adivce

[atw-1]

Hi All,

Just after some advice on the specifications and duties expected in this role,

Northern Driver Operator

To my understanding this is a depot driver's role so I was wondering if thats correct?!

Im hoping to get an interview and after reading the advice on the website I am looking for a detailed job description.... with no success so far!
If there are any current northern depot staff, drivers, fitters ect or anyone 'in the know' could you please advise?!

Also what sort of questions should I expect in the initial interview?:roll:

Thanks

 

[Sammy h]

Is this for the Blackpool role?

 

[185]

One Interview Questions they may ask:

Q. When you go out to a train on the depot, what will you be looking for and what will you do, before you move it.
A. As you approach train, be wary of other trains moving. Then look for people working underneath, check the depot notice cases, look for Not To Be Moved boards, pipes attached, other units (trains) attached. Observe depot speed limits, confer with person controlling depot / and or signaller if relevent. Check points are correctly set.

Most other stuff is straightforward questions, and your suitability to the hours & rota.

 

[strange6]

Except for entry on to the mainline, are the points in depots manually set or are they still under a signallers control?

 

[185]

Everything beyond the red dot at Ardwick TMD is done by the depot controller methinks.

There have been one or two whoopsies, I hear.

 

[driver9000]

Pointwork on depots are generally worked by hand except for those at the entrance/exit.

For the role of Driver Operator your duties will be driving trains within the confines of the depot, washing them, fuelling, marshalling, changing points as necessary, using CET equipment, preparation/disposal of trains. You will work to the instructions of the person in charge of the depots movements and you will most likely be in contact with this person by portable radio.

 

[142094]

Except for entry on to the mainline, are the points in depots manually set or are they still under a signallers control?

Depends what depot. At Gosforth (for the Metro), the depot is controlled seperately from South Gosforth Control, under the Fleet Duty Manager. There is one large panel in the Depot offices which controls the movements, signals and points. Only a few of the points are hand operated. There is also CCTV and 'Loudaphones' to keep track of shunting too.

 

[strange6]

Depends what depot. At Gosforth (for the Metro), the depot is controlled seperately from South Gosforth Control, under the Fleet Duty Manager. There is one large panel in the Depot offices which controls the movements, signals and points. Only a few of the points are hand operated. There is also CCTV and 'Loudaphones' to keep track of shunting too.

Bet there's plenty of potential for cock-ups in these environments

 

[driver9000]

Bet there's plenty of potential for cock-ups in these environments

That is why good communication skills are essential in such places for reducing the risk and potentials for egg on face situations.

 

[atw-1]

Thanks for the advice, just to further clarify.... as on 'off the street' person applying for a role like this what knowledge would be expected?

Also what length of time does the training usually take and is anyone aware of a training salary?!

Again thanks for the help, your information will be used to great effect hopefully!

 

[driver9000]

All salary information was posted with the vacancy.

Training takes around 3 months. As someone off the street you won't be expected to have in depth detailed knowledge of railway operations but you will be asked questions that will help show that you have the ability to display the skills required of the job and that you have researched the company background.

 

[142094]

Bet there's plenty of potential for cock-ups in these environments

Yes - there are a couple of risk assessments and working instructions that cover it, but it is treated as a SPaD if the driver goes past the Loudaphone.