Qualified driver looking to change TOC

[Glover2013]

Looking for some advice on how a qualified driver transfers to another TOC.

I'm a qualified driver for Arriva Trains Wales with 2.5 years post-qualified driving experience. Im looking to relocate the family to East Sussex and therefore, apply for a qualified driver position with Southern.

As a qualified driver, should I speculatively send off a cv and cover letter to the Southern/GTR HR department or will they only accept job applications when they advertise for qualified drivers?

Any advice on how to transfer and the current employment status of the Brighton/Eastbourne/Three Bridges depots would be much appreciated!

 

[Aivilo]

It will have to be as and when vacancies arise unfortunately. However it may be worth contacting them as lots are unhappy.

Would Gatwick Express be any good. They generally take on qualified drivers more often

 

[OpsWeb]

I was in the same boat as you, as I wanted to move from ScotRail to Southern/Thameslink. I emailed my CV through to an HR contact at Southern (called Trudie-Ann) in Croydon HR.

Heard nothing for about 12 months despite phoning up every few months for an update, then one day I got a call offering me a Thameslink depot interview. Unfortunately it was a bit too late for me, as Id already been offered another job with a nearby TOC.

I personally wouldnt wait for a vacancy to advertise as GTR only ever advertise for Gatwick Express for qualified drivers - I'd go straight to HR. If you havent got any contact details - Google for a switchboard number for their Croydon offices and ask for Recruitment.

Hope this helps.

 

[Glover2013]

Thank you for your advice. I hadn't even thought of applying to Gatwick Express. Do their staff operate from depots other than Victoria?

I'll get my C.V., cover letter and personal statement ready and track down contacts for the Southern HR department!

 

[superhands]

You just missed out on the Gatwick Express vacainces this year, it look like they recruit every year. I think you can put in for a move to another southern depot after two years.