OTM trainee driver - shifts? Lodging away?

[mikey612]

Hi. I applied for a job with COLAS with an OPC pass. I've just been told I've passed manager interview and they'll give me an offer once they check out my OPC pass.
I know when I applied months ago that rail maintenance is going to be where-ever maintenance is needed, ie not local but regional or national so be prepared to travel, lodge away.
Question is how much lodging away is normal in say a month? Lodging paid by COLAS?
Same with night shifts, mostly nights or a variation?
I'm a Police officer so no problem but just to get a fix on how family life affected please?
Will training be around 18 months on £30K before full pay? Thanks everyone!
Good company?

 

[Eebbs1912]

Depends on the otm colas grinders and milling machine go nationwide, the tampers are more regional I think. They might possibly be getting the stoneblower contact soon too which is regional too.
Grinders is 3 weeks away 1 week home rest. Don't know how the tampers are rostered but yes all accom is paid, b&b plus £45 per night for and drink we get on freight if staying away. Grinders get a cash allowance so they don't need to eat at the hotels etc, don't know about tampers.
Pay on freight was new trainee 24000, after rules etc 32700 and when passed out 61559. Not sure what the otm drivers get.

 

[mikey612]

Depends on the otm colas grinders and milling machine go nationwide, the tampers are more regional I think. They might possibly be getting the stoneblower contact soon too which is regional too.
Grinders is 3 weeks away 1 week home rest. Don't know how the tampers are rostered but yes all accom is paid, b&b plus £45 per night for and drink we get on freight if staying away. Grinders get a cash allowance so they don't need to eat at the hotels etc, don't know about tampers.
Pay on freight was new trainee 24000, after rules etc 32700 and when passed out 61559. Not sure what the otm drivers get.

Depends on the otm colas grinders and milling machine go nationwide, the tampers are more regional I think. They might possibly be getting the stoneblower contact soon too which is regional too.
Grinders is 3 weeks away 1 week home rest. Don't know how the tampers are rostered but yes all accom is paid, b&b plus £45 per night for and drink we get on freight if staying away. Grinders get a cash allowance so they don't need to eat at the hotels etc, don't know about tampers.
Pay on freight was new trainee 24000, after rules etc 32700 and when passed out 61559. Not sure what the otm drivers get.

Very useful, thanks

 

[Marx]

I’ve just joined COLAS on the Grinders.. Like you I was emergency services beforehand.. All I can say is I’m really enjoying it COLAS seem like a decent company so far .. lots of lodging away but I don’t mind it .. PM me if you want too know more

 

[Mds]

I’ve just joined COLAS on the Grinders.. Like you I was emergency services beforehand.. All I can say is I’m really enjoying it COLAS seem like a decent company so far .. lots of lodging away but I don’t mind it .. PM me if you want too know more

In regards to the lodging away, do you come back on your days off or are you away for 3 weeks straight etc? Thanks

 

[Marx]

In regards to the lodging away, do you come back on your days off or are you away for 3 weeks straight etc? Thanks

Normally you’ll be away for the three weeks but you get 2 extra rest days for every 4 days you’re away so you’ll be away for 3 weeks and have the 4th week off

 

[MotCO]

Can someone explain what an OTM is?

 

[66701GBRF]

On Track Machine. Stuff like tampers etc.

 

[MotCO]

On Track Machine. Stuff like tampers etc.

Thanks.

 

[mikey612]

I’ve just joined COLAS on the Grinders.. Like you I was emergency services beforehand.. All I can say is I’m really enjoying it COLAS seem like a decent company so far .. lots of lodging away but I don’t mind it .. PM me if you want too know more

Great, thanks for reply. I've asked admin to fix my account so I can DM you

 

[Mds]

Normally you’ll be away for the three weeks but you get 2 extra rest days for every 4 days you’re away so you’ll be away for 3 weeks and have the 4th week off

Thank you for the reply. I have had my interview and I am just waiting to hear back if I have passed or not

 

[Jelek]

Depends on the otm colas grinders and milling machine go nationwide, the tampers are more regional I think. They might possibly be getting the stoneblower contact soon too which is regional too.
Grinders is 3 weeks away 1 week home rest. Don't know how the tampers are rostered but yes all accom is paid, b&b plus £45 per night for and drink we get on freight if staying away. Grinders get a cash allowance so they don't need to eat at the hotels etc, don't know about tampers.
Pay on freight was new trainee 24000, after rules etc 32700 and when passed out 61559. Not sure what the otm drivers get.

Hi. I applied for the trainee OTM driver role with Colas and I’m interested in how long does it take to become fully qualified. Do you know how long does it take from trainee to become fully qualified?

 

[D5581]

Speaking from experience on Colas tampers. If you're training on the tampers, it took me about 14 months to pass my driving. Note, driving will just be an element of the job. Colas will get you passed out to tamp/ operate the machine first and then put you through a 6 week rules and regs course up at Crewe. Tampers are regional and depending on where you live will depend on how much lodging you need to do - if round the midlands, you'll lodge often down London way on the WCML and Chilterns in a fully paid for hotel. Final salary after passing your driving assessment and sigining your first route will bag you a £51k basic.

 

[Horizon22]

Great, thanks for reply. I've asked admin to fix my account so I can DM you

Once you get 5 posts you can direct message, so you should be fine now.

 

[Jelek]

Speaking from experience on Colas tampers. If you're training on the tampers, it took me about 14 months to pass my driving. Note, driving will just be an element of the job. Colas will get you passed out to tamp/ operate the machine first and then put you through a 6 week rules and regs course up at Crewe. Tampers are regional and depending on where you live will depend on how much lodging you need to do - if round the midlands, you'll lodge often down London way on the WCML and Chilterns in a fully paid for hotel. Final salary after passing your driving assessment and sigining your first route will bag you a £51k basic.

Thank you.

 

[Jelek]

I’ve just joined COLAS on the Grinders.. Like you I was emergency services beforehand.. All I can say is I’m really enjoying it COLAS seem like a decent company so far .. lots of lodging away but I don’t mind it .. PM me if you want too know more

Hi Marx, sorry but for some reason I can’t PM you. I have also applied for the trainee OTM driver with Colas and just passed my psychometric test. I was told on the interview that the role only involves driving and not operating. Do you know if this is the case? I don’t know if it’s for grinders or tampers etc.

 

[LCC106]

@Jelek I may be wrong but think you need to make 5 posts before being able to PM someone.

 

[Jelek]

@Jelek I may be wrong but think you need to make 5 posts before being able to PM someone.

Ok. Thank you.

 

[mikey612]

I must be in the same intake, passed my pychometrics last year with NTS and passed DMI in January. Just waiting medical and formal contract. Can't wait!