qualifications

[anglia.rail]

I am 15 (year 10) and wandering what qualifications are needed to become either a train driver or train manager/ guard.
I am taking btec business at school which has a whole unit on customer relations, I have handed in a few assignments so far and am currently working at distinction level.
I am currently getting C grades on English, and science, olusn taking other exams soon.
I have a very big passion for rail and this is my dream job. I currently know not too much but understand signals, and basics. I have watched many network rail documentaries on YouTube and understand a bit more now. One of my main hobbies is transport (mainly train and bus spotting) as well currently building my own model railway.
I would like peoples advice on college courses I could take, and what qualications I need.
Any advice would help tremendously, and will be very much appreciated. Thanks.

 

[156441]

I've only got basic GCSE's but worked in customer services and then healthcare/emergency services for 15 years prior to joining the railway.
A understanding of physics and basic mechanical comprehension will get you through the drivers test whilst basic maths would be needed for guard.

Working towards your Business BTEC certainly seems a good idea as it will incorporate many different elements which will be helpful.

The main thing once you get the qualifications you desire would be to get some work experience with customers particularly in a problem solving type of role.

 

[anglia.rail]

I've only got basic GCSE's but worked in customer services and then healthcare/emergency services for 15 years prior to joining the railway.
A understanding of physics and basic mechanical comprehension will get you through the drivers test whilst basic maths would be needed for guard.

Working towards your Business BTEC certainly seems a good idea as it will incorporate many different elements which will be helpful.

The main thing once you get the qualifications you desire would be to get some work experience with customers particularly in a problem solving type of role.

Thanks for your advice, very much appreciated
I'm actually doing my work experience at a local bus company which kind of relates to the rail sector.
I have a grade C on my physics, chemistry and biology science at school so i think train driver would suit me more as I'm not too good at maths.

 

[156441]

It's a good grounding especially if you can see customers at all levels from happy you've helped to angry and needing help.
If you can deal with all types of situation and remain calm under pressure you'll be perfect on the railway.

To do this it helps to know your subject and be confident with people. I was always told to be honest with people. If you don't know the answer know how to find the answer and do everything you possibly can to make the customer walk away thinking that you've done your best for them.
Always tell the truth to customers and don't be embarrassed not to know the answer because you'll find out and know for next time! That's precisely why I trawl these boards as there is a wealth of knowledge on here!

This last bit may sound silly and random but a old hand once told me this and it stuck with me ever since. Don't ever be afraid to ask someone to spell something for you. Getting small things like spelling a name right (especially if its a unusual one) can really make people think you've gone the extra mile for very little effort and stops you looking silly also!

 

[142094]

First thing to work on is the basics - spelling and grammar. Potential employers will be looking at application forms and spelling and grammar are two things that they will be picking up on.

 

[anglia.rail]

First thing to work on is the basics - spelling and grammar. Potential employers will be looking at application forms and spelling and grammar are two things that they will be picking up on.

Do you have to have a grade C or above in English?

 

[daddy_badger]

It is a vicious world out there. Life can be hard and jobs are either scarce or low paid. As you are young you have a fair few years yet. What exactly are your plans for when you have sat your GCSE's? The best way to get a job these days is through an apprenticeship, although low paid you will reap the benefits. TOC's run these every so often and is a very good way of obtaining a successful career in the railway industry.

 

[142094]

Do you have to have a grade C or above in English?

Depends on the company TBH. However, even if you don't, that shouldn't excuse using a spell-checker when sending off application forms.

 

[anglia.rail]

It is a vicious world out there. Life can be hard and jobs are either scarce or low paid. As you are young you have a fair few years yet. What exactly are your plans for when you have sat your GCSE's? The best way to get a job these days is through an apprenticeship, although low paid you will reap the benefits. TOC's run these every so often and is a very good way of obtaining a successful career in the railway industry.

I would prefer to get a apprenticeship as I feel I would learn more, I don't really mind about the low pay because. I can't really imagine going college as there are not many courses I think would be suitable.
Do you know of any apprenticeship schemes?

 

[Cab2Cab]

I would prefer to get a apprenticeship as I feel I would learn more, I don't really mind about the low pay because. I can't really imagine going college as there are not many courses I think would be suitable.
Do you know of any apprenticeship schemes?

Hi,

Apprenticeship at Norwich for Greater Anglia, closes 19th April. (Engineering)

Cheers

 

[anglia.rail]

Hi,

Apprenticeship at Norwich for Greater Anglia, closes 19th April. (Engineering)

Cheers

I'm only 15, so can I apply for an apprenticeship which I will take it 2014 (which is a long time from now).
Also I don't have any experience in engineering apart from helping out at my school with restoration clubs. Thanks for the help anyway

 

[E&W Lucas]

I would prefer to get a apprenticeship as I feel I would learn more, I don't really mind about the low pay because. I can't really imagine going college as there are not many courses I think would be suitable.
Do you know of any apprenticeship schemes?

With the ever rising cost of higher education, plenty of other people have started going for these schemes.

For the well known depots, think in terms of strong A level grades, or relevant Btec, etc. Definitely not a soft option.

More generally, I used to interview a lot of young people/ students, in my pre - railway career. The ones who got taken on, were those who had done that little bit extra, away from school, etc. Sports (seriously), youth activities (D of E, Scouts, Cadets, etc), Business activities, whatever. Something that showed some drive, and a desire to prepare themselves for the future. If you are (only) 15, you have time to get stuck into something. Achieve, and your confidence will go up, and I'll wager that your school work will improve too.

As others have said above, make sure that you have essential numeracy and literacy. In real life, you haven't always got a spell checker or calculator to fall back on either.

 

[anglia.rail]

With the ever rising cost of higher education, plenty of other people have started going for these schemes.

For the well known depots, think in terms of strong A level grades, or relevant Btec, etc. Definitely not a soft option.

More generally, I used to interview a lot of young people/ students, in my pre - railway career. The ones who got taken on, were those who had done that little bit extra, away from school, etc. Sports (seriously), youth activities (D of E, Scouts, Cadets, etc), Business activities, whatever. Something that showed some drive, and a desire to prepare themselves for the future. If you are (only) 15, you have time to get stuck into something. Achieve, and your confidence will go up, and I'll wager that your school work will improve too.

As others have said above, make sure that you have essential numeracy and literacy. In real life, you haven't always got a spell checker or calculator to fall back on either.

Thanks for advice, . Very much appreciated