Promotions for toc employees

[GazUk]

Hello all

This might sound like a stupid question with a obvious answer to those who work for various toc's across the UK but I was wondering if I or anybody else applied for a job that was advertised for a station role or ticket/ train manager role what are the chances of gaining potential promotion for being a trainee train driver?

It's just that I have applied before (to london midland and a few foc's) and only got as far as the application stage and seen that sometimes people within a toc might have a better chance than to someone off the street, would I be right? :/

 

[387star]

The rail industry is a great way in however only if the roles are for you

It all depends on the experience you already have and how eloquently you communicate that experience

Some depots have plenty of strong internal candidates whilst DOO companies and may be more likely to recruit externally

 

[Polar]

At the end of the day you will still have to sit and pass all the same tests and interviews whether you are internal or not!

 

[HSTfan!!!]

I started on platforms for a TOC and after a few years working there weren't at all interested in me making the drivers grade. I then went on to apply for one of the biggest FOC's to be a driver who put me through my assessments, didn't make it at management interview stage. I then applied to be a shunter for another FOC and got promoted to the driving grade that way so for me I'd argue working for a TOC at a low grade didn't really work for me, however having said that I know many drivers for whom it did work, and having railway operational experience helped in getting me the shunters job in the first place. Theres no hard rule to follow.

 

[SPADTrap]

The railways have given me amazing opportunity! To say it is the land of opportunity for those who want it is an understatement, it is there for the taking!

I've managed to double my salary and get my dream job going from dispatch to driver, if I can..!

Best choice I ever made to get into the railways. During my dispatch time I had opportunity to work within service delivery and enjoyed a varied multi-skilled role on a day to day basis.

My first railway job was on a gateline, then dispatch and now I'm driving - It is exactly what I wanted but there's SO much out there and some other great roles too.

Good luck!