PTS and other quals

[gedj2]

Hello All,

I'm looking for some help if possible, I'm looking to try and a get a job in the rail industry, I'm currently stuck in a call centre for one of the big 6 energy suppliers and want out, I want to try and get a PTS and some other quals so I can try to send my CV to some companies, anybody any suggestions as to how I can get some sort of quals/training?

Kind regards,

Ged

 

[francisoldfield]

what sort of job are you after? if you want one with one of the TOC's as train crew or station staff etc you will be trained by the train company for PTS and it won't be needed before you start. I think Network Rail are the same to be honest.

 

[gedj2]

well, would be willing to start as station staff if need be but ideally want to do something out on the track, I currently volunteer on the preserved ELR in Signal Engineering so ideally something in that field or P/Way.

 

[Hydro]

You need to be sponsored by a company before you can obtain PTS, so basically you need a job with someone willing to put you through the training.

 

[ainsworth74]

Well if you want to work on track or signals then you're going to have to look at Network Rail as they are owners of signalling and track. You might also look at some of the contractors that NR use like Balfour Beatty. Working as station staff or some other role within a TOC probably won't be a good way to get to where you want to go as TOCs and NR are separate entities.

The only way to get qualifications like PTS (as far as I'm aware) is through companies that work on the track and it will be included in your training for the role within the company.

 

[gedj2]

thanks everybody for your helpful advice, at least it gives me an idea which way to go to pursue my dream of call centre escape !!!

Ged

 

[Waiting]

I did 25 years in call centre environment with BT and recently passed interview to be a Metro Driver,so i can understand the reasons for wanting to get out, but also look at what skills you have that are transferable.

You are currently working to deadlines and targets, it is important that you adhere to start and finish times, you have customer service skills. You are responsible for your own health and safety, i sort out roles within the call centre that would be of use to me later.

I'll not go on, but i would look at what i was doing now, think about what your new employer may be looking for and record evidence. It could help you get out of the call centre into the job you want.

 

[Smoggy]

I worked in a call centre for BT for 3years and managed to get a job with one of the big contractors, mostly down to my volunteer experience at heritage railways. Unfortunately the likes of Balfours are going through mass redundancy procedures at the moment and employing more agency staff from likes of McGingleys, Coyles, VGC etc

 

[NorthernLad]

As a random reply to the above posts, I used to work for BT for 3 years in Newcastle. Seems to be a bit of a trend, people wanting to leave BT to go work for the rail industry lol

anyway it made me Chuckle