Rail industry at 18?

[150222]

Hello,
I am 15 and when I leave school at 18 I may want a career in the rail industry, Although as of yet I am still unsure. Basically I am intrested in being a London Underground driver or a conductor (Northern?). I know that officially people can do both these jobs at age 18 but I'm wondering whether in practise anyone actually gets the job at that age. If people do does anyone know what sort of experiance you would need? (E.g cash handling) Although I may change my mind at a later date I'm going to keep an open mind.

Any answers appreciated,
150222

 

[GadgetMan]

For a guards job, customer service experience is usually an advantage.

I got a guards job at 19 with Central Trains, but can't speak for Northern. Might also be a good idea to try and get a driving licence when you turn 17, as being able to demonstrate you can travel to and from your depot during unsocial hours helps.

 

[Clip]

I see no reason for you to not get a job when your that age - though its a bit random of your choice of location London or the north.

what I will say is that tube drivers jobs are scarce and IIRC you have to generally work your way trhough the grades before you get a pop at the big one,so to speak.

Though the benefits you get with working for TFL are great when you think about it.

And as gadget man has said CS experience is a must for most roles - can you see about getting a job in a shop or something when your 16? anything front of house will get you that CS experience you need and would look great to an employer.

Thinking back now Im sure I even employed a 20 year old as a ticket clerk some years ago, so being young isnt a problem its the experience that is going to look good.

And good luck with it.

 

[LCC106]

Yep - relevant experience and a mature approach are what's needed. My mate passed his driving test years ago, way back when he was too young to then be allowed out on his own (for a few weeks at least!) He's still on the railway now, at 41. Best of luck!

 

[ChrisTheRef]

I just turned 20 and I've been employed by a TOC since I was 18.

My experience was customer facing retail jobs within a train station (coffee shops, boots etc) which gives you cash handling, customer facing experience and now and again helping with travel advice.

As mentioned above, a full CLEAN UK driving licence will also help.

 

[First class]

Take your time kiddo. Apply for a carriage cleaner or similar. Once you're in the door, keep your nose clean and internal vacancies will appear. The hardest problem you will face is persuading a panel of cynical middle aged managers that a teenager can be trusted in these positions.

Think about doing something that you could mention at an interview which would show how responsible and mature you are, (volunteering etc).

I wouldn't worry too much about a driving license, as long as you don't live too far away from wherever it is you apply for. Say no more than 45 minutes away by public transport.

Just be realistic. Life experience is FAR MORE important than work experience.

 

[ChiefPlanner]

Have a look at District Daves London Underground website which has a plethora of information on recruitment for LUL. (best route there is by starting as a CSA on stations - "Customer Service Assistant") - a good number of people have made it to the driving cab in time , or to station / control office jobs. Good luck.

 

[RJ]

Take your time kiddo. Apply for a carriage cleaner or similar. Once you're in the door, keep your nose clean and internal vacancies will appear. The hardest problem you will face is persuading a panel of cynical middle aged managers that a teenager can be trusted in these positions.

I don't know about that. I got a job in a ticket office when I was 19, didn't have any customer service or railway experience. Just because someone is a teenager it doesn't mean they should limit themselves to being a cleaner when starting out. I'm inclined to say that these days, young people have just as much a chance as their older competitors. Especially now that an increasing amount of positions on the railway require a series of ability based assessments to be completed.

 

[Terrafire]

Take your time kiddo. Apply for a carriage cleaner or similar. Once you're in the door, keep your nose clean and internal vacancies will appear. The hardest problem you will face is persuading a panel of cynical middle aged managers that a teenager can be trusted in these positions.

Note though that many cleaning/catering positions these days are subcontracted, giving at best reduced opportunities for internal career progression.

 

[First class]

Note though that many cleaning/catering positions these days are subcontracted, giving at best reduced opportunities for internal career progression.

The likes of Arriva allow contractors to apply for internal vacancies and effectively treat them no differently

 

[Terrafire]

The likes of Arriva allow contractors to apply for internal vacancies and effectively treat them no differently

That is good; doing such jobs without clear career progression opportunities is a recipe for low staff morale and high turnover. Whereas, personally at least, I'm prepared to put up with most things if I'm working towards a reasonably achievable goal or ambition.