Nuclear Transport Solutions.

[Seejwalker]

Currently employed as a signaller, but have a job interview for a trainee driver role with Nuclear Transport Solutions. (Willesden Junction)

Anyone have any experience with this company able to give me as much information as possible about them and the day to day life, it would be much appreciated.

Please don’t spam the thread with questions about why I’m looking at a switch, or what dates I’ve been given etc….. I want to keep it clean to refer back too.

I’m just looking for information from those who have experience or have knowledge.

All the best,

 

[NorthernTech]

Is this not more commonly known as Direct Rail Services (DRS)? Just for reference. lots of nuclear flask work, mainly class 68’s. Looks pretty good to be fair. Can’t tell you much else.

 

[TheEdge]

Is this not more commonly known as Direct Rail Services (DRS)? Just for reference. lots of nuclear flask work, mainly class 68’s. Looks pretty good to be fair. Can’t tell you much else.

Looks like its one step above DRS in the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority hierarchy, their website also has them as being the people in charge of Pacific Nuclear Transport Limited as well. But yes, its DRS.

 

[Seejwalker]

Both are correct yes, I should of been more specific. Appreciate the comments.
It’s proving difficult to find anyone with any real-time knowledge.
There must be someone on here as there’s a wealth of knowledge.

 

[HeritageSussex]

You may already know it, but wider context to why they might need specifically trained drivers for NTS:
Significant amounts of nuclear material needs transported this decade. Hunterston B and Hinkley Point B nuclear power stations both ceased operation this year and Dungeness B in 2021.
Plus there are material movements associated with operational nuclear power stations as well.
Another four nuclear power stations are expected to close before the end of this decade, unless they are given life extensions.
Hinkley Point C will also be commissioned towards 2027.

 

[Seejwalker]

Thanks for that @HeritageSussex

 

[NorthernTech]

I think they move nuclear material brought from abroad for reprocessing at Sellafield.

 

[CDB1991]

I worked as a shunter (train person) for DRS for a short while a few years ago so sat the interview so hopefully I'll be able to help..

The interview is broadly the same as others, general questions about yourself, interests etc.. but the main question I was asked about was my understanding of 'security'. As a bit of a guide, this doesnt just mean locking access gates, ensuring locomotives arent left unlocked etc, its also down to the office, ensuring sensitive documents arent left on show, you don't give access to sites without ID etc, and using your mobile phone & tablet appropriately.. Bear in mind you'll sign some form of the secrecy act as part of the role (and sworn to this even after leaving) and will require high level security clearance, you'll be dealing with potentially sensitive information, so give a big push about a positive attitude to safety, security and generally being responsible..

The training if you get started is again very similar to all other FOCs, however you'll have a bigger focus on the dangerous goods module of the RSSB handbook than some others may provide as this covers everything in terms of dealing with any dangerous goods, then a couple of DRS appendices that deal specifically with nuclear trains and the particular requirements of them, but nothing any more onerous than the standard FOC training.

Hope this helps

 

[Papa]

Could anyone say how this compares to driving for a TOC? What the shifts are like for this and mess room facility, pension, holidays ect?

 

[NorthernTech]

I believe they have a pretty decent pension, likely all hours of the day as per any FOC. No idea otherwise.

 

[Class2ldn]

Its not the normal railway pension and you won't get any travel facilities which is in line with most freight companies.

 

[Seejwalker]

Its not the normal railway pension and you won't get any travel facilities which is in line with most freight companies.

Can you elaborate please mate?

 

[Class2ldn]

So the railway pension is a scheme called the railway pension scheme (rps) most freight companies apart from freightliner dont have this pension which is deemed the best overall pension on the railway.
Also no freight company provides drivers with travel perks like you get at passenger companies, free travel on the company and 75% off leisure travel , you won't get that on the freight unfortunately.

 

[uww11x]

Currently employed as a signaller, but have a job interview for a trainee driver role with Nuclear Transport Solutions. (Willesden Junction)

Anyone have any experience with this company able to give me as much information as possible about them and the day to day life, it would be much appreciated.

Please don’t spam the thread with questions about why I’m looking at a switch, or what dates I’ve been given etc….. I want to keep it clean to refer back too.

I’m just looking for information from those who have experience or have knowledge.

All the best,

Hi,

Traction 66/68/88

The base work is Intermodal services to and from Tilbury. You will also do the cars from Dagenham. 24/7 depot

Tilbury-Daventry-Basford Hall is the core routes. (4M77/4M07/4S10/6X41/6X43 4L48/4L27/4L10/6L48/6L48

'Specialist' routes may be learned depending on the needs of the business

All DRS staff get the Nuclear Pension (Combined Nuclear Pension Plan)

Ok to work for, especially for drivers. Not many drivers ever leave

 

[Class2ldn]

Just out of interest how does the pension compare to the RPS?

 

[AndrewE]

Both are correct yes, I should of been more specific. Appreciate the comments.
It’s proving difficult to find anyone with any real-time knowledge.
There must be someone on here as there’s a wealth of knowledge.

When you think what their principal remit is it's not surprising that there isn't a lot of info volunteered!
However a neighbour of mine (formerly self-employed entrepreneur) got a job as a driver with DRS and said driving was the best-kept secret in the country!
Happy as a sand-boy now, night shifts and other variable hours don't bother him and absolutey loves the job.

 

[Seejwalker]

Thanks to all so far, thank you to the moderators for tidying up the thread which will help make it easy to refer back to for everyone..

 

[J320]

Is anyone still in this process?

 

[Seejwalker]

Is anyone still in this process?

You will find another thread on this mate for this question.

DRS - Trainee Train Driver - London (13/01/22)

I was asked - Why do you want to work for DRS Thanks for this anything they liked to hear?

www.railforums.co.uk

 

[J320]

Nice one, thanks