ScotRail Drivers

[warriorofrovac]

Just a heads up that Scotrail are wanting Qualified and Trainee drivers based in Edinburgh and Glasgow!

 

[scotsman]

Pretty sure it's for Airdrie to Bathgate, some poor sods are losing all their routes other than A2B!

 

[reapz]

thats very strange they are listed on the external but not the internal

 

[CarterUSM]

There has been a recent spate of driving jobs advertised internally. Nearly all the central belt depots were on the board.

 

[Hoyerman]

Nothing for A-B I'm afraid...

Glasgow job is Queen St - so nothing to do with A-B. Edinburgh job is at Waverley, so Link 4 (starting link) from memory does Edinburgh - Glasgow, Dunblane & Fife Circles. There was some talk of them learning Dundee & Glasgow Central via Shotts due to other work coming in to the depot (Newcastles etc), to take some pressure off other links, but not sure where this is at the moment.

Cheers
H

 

[O L Leigh]

And what is the likely work from Queen Street?

O L Leigh

 

[CarterUSM]

And what is the likely work from Queen Street?

O L Leigh

Routes to Edinburgh, Cumbernauld, Falkirk Grahamston, Anniesland, Edinburgh via Shotts, Perth, Aberdeen, Oban, Rannoch, Dunblane, Alloa(?) Work spread throughout 3 links, not sure what is link specific though.

 

[O L Leigh]

Thanks. I suspect there are links involved here, so probably just the local stuff to start.

Is there a seperate depot at Central that covers all the work out of that station (e.g. all the electric suburban services and diesel suburbans from Central)?

O L Leigh

 

[CarterUSM]

Thanks. I suspect there are links involved here, so probably just the local stuff to start.

Is there a seperate depot at Central that covers all the work out of that station (e.g. all the electric suburban services and diesel suburbans from Central)?

O L Leigh

Central has 2 links, but many depots work out of there. Link one(starting link) is electric only, all inner/outer suburban stuff, Newton, Neilston, Cathcart circle, Ayr, Ardrossan, Largs, Gourock, and Wemyss Bay. Link 2, which confusingly is seen as the senior link is mainly diesel stuff such as East Kilbride, Whifflet, Paisley canal, Killie, Barrhead, Edinburgh via Shotts and some electric work to Ayr, Largs and Ardrossan. Corkerhill Depot work out of Central also, diesel work only as above excepting the Edinburghs. Shields depot also work out of Central, very limited electric work of Neilston, Newton, Circles, Gourock, and Wemyss Bay. Ayr drivers took over the Carlisles from Central drivers last year, doesn't look like they'll come back either. Ayr also work the Ardrossan, Ayr, Largs, Girvan and Stranraer services.

 

[Hoyerman]

As far as I know (but please forgive any mistakes as I'm not based there...) at Queen St, Link 3 gets Anniesland, Cumbernauld, Edinburgh via Falkirk, Alloa & Dunblane, Link 1 gets the same plus Perth & Aberdeen and anything else on top.

What may be the most sought after, Link 2 (confusingly the only non-promotional link) gets Link 3 work plus all of the West Highland work to Oban & Rannoch (and is also the only Glasgow link still to be locomotive trained - as they drive the class 67s on the sleeper...)

There is also a loooooong waiting list for internal transfers to Queen st...

Hope this helps?

Cheers
H

 

[CarterUSM]

As far as I know (but please forgive any mistakes as I'm not based there...) at Queen St, Link 3 gets Anniesland, Cumbernauld, Edinburgh via Falkirk, Alloa & Dunblane, Link 1 gets the same plus Perth & Aberdeen and anything else on top.

What may be the most sought after, Link 2 (confusingly the only non-promotional link) gets Link 3 work plus all of the West Highland work to Oban & Rannoch (and is also the only Glasgow link still to be locomotive trained - as they drive the class 67s on the sleeper...)

There is also a loooooong waiting list for internal transfers to Queen st...

Hope this helps?

Cheers
H

You are more or less spot on Hoyerman, i was checking that out earlier! Link 2 sounds rather good to me!

 

[scotsman]

You are more or less spot on Hoyerman, i was checking that out earlier! Link 2 sounds rather good to me!

Someone told me Link 2 had Stranraer as well?

 

[CarterUSM]

Someone told me Link 2 had Stranraer as well?

Yes, but they only take it from Ayr to Central via Kilwinning. They don't sign the Barassie branch anymore either. Nor do I as it happens, or the Ayr road.
EDIT. I was referring to Queen St's link 2 in my previous post, info above is Central link twa.

 

[O L Leigh]

There is also a loooooong waiting list for internal transfers to Queen st.

Interesting. I guess they must have got to the end of that list if they're advertising for applicants, though.

O L Leigh

 

[Neewbie]

Hi folks, 1st post on this forum.

Saw the adverts for trainee drivers with scotrail and was wondering if anyone can answer the following :-
If lucky enough to get to training stage, is it a straight forward fail and your out the door. Surely everyone isn't expected to pass everything first time. How long is the classroom based training and then on the job, so to speak?

In a secure job at present and obviously given current economic climate not sure about trying elsewhere(not getting ahead of myself, just trying to guage things before applying), how secure are drivers jobs at present?

Thanks in advance

 

[CarterUSM]

Hi folks, 1st post on this forum.

Saw the adverts for trainee drivers with scotrail and was wondering if anyone can answer the following :-
If lucky enough to get to training stage, is it a straight forward fail and your out the door. Surely everyone isn't expected to pass everything first time. How long is the classroom based training and then on the job, so to speak?

In a secure job at present and obviously given current economic climate not sure about trying elsewhere(not getting ahead of myself, just trying to guage things before applying), how secure are drivers jobs at present?

Thanks in advance

No, you won't be thrown out if you fail, you will be given every chance to achieve 'competence'. In the unlikely event you really weren't going to pass whatsoever it is possible, if not likely you will be found another position within the company. Training all in is about a year, i think classroom stuff is around 3-4 months, though perhaps Hoyerman could confirm that for you. Training salary isn't great, but not too bad. Drivers jobs are very secure as long as you do the job correctly, but if you mean is there danger of lay offs, then put your mind at ease! Hoyerman is doing his training just now, i'm sure he could advise you further. I'd say go for it though, you've really nothing to lose!

 

[O L Leigh]

Er, almost but not quite.

You get two bites at the cherry with each of the assessments, and that includes the various assessments of competence you will be subjected to as part of the training process. Chances are given, but you won't be given "every chance" to prove your competence.

The other thing to bear in mind is that the TOC is not under any obligation to guarantee you employment if you fail to pass out for driving. There may be some opportunities available that they might offer you, but you shouldn't rely on it. Even with existing employees, such as drivers who no longer meet the required medical standards, there is the chance that no suitable vacancies exist elsewhere within the organisation and they might find themselves out of a job as a consequence.

The best advice I can give is to apply for the job if it interests you sufficiently and then see how things go. The first hurdle is getting yourself accepted as a trainee, and that's quite a difficult one to clear. If you are accepted and find yourself on a course, work hard and dilligently and don't be afraid to ask lots of questions if you don't completely understand something. If you have trouble learning, retaining and recalling information work on some techniques to help you, because you will be expected to learn loads of things, some of which you must know even though you may never use that knowledge as well as the information you will apply every day.

Then, once passed out for driving, keep your concentration up and don't be lulled into making mistakes. You might think now that any driver who misses a station must be a loony, but believe me it's not a hard thing to do. It only takes a moment's distraction at the wrong time and you're past your braking point.

Any question, just holler.

O L Leigh

 

[Hoyerman]

I would agree with O L Leigh - the very first thing to do is decide if the job is for you and then if so, put in an application. Then expect a very long and drawn out selection process. Bluntly - don't expect to get through it without a lot of thought and effort plus a chunk of luck!

When I applied from outwith the railway, and got figures for the number of applications at the same time as mine, the chances of success in the end worked out to be less than 0.3% - but you just have to stick with it at each stage and give it your best! You have to make sure that they know you are the type of person they want. Do your research, ask lots of questions and practice the tests would be my advice.

Make sure that you (and your family if applicable) can live on the training salary. Assume that the training will last a lot longer than 12 months. It's OK saying in advance that you can afford it - but it's not easy telling the wife & kids that they won't get a nice summer holiday for the second time!

If you are eventually selected and offerred a position, expect to spend about 10 weeks in the classroom in Glasgow (interspersed with around 3 weeks of Cab Turns where you will observe and complete some workbooks). During you rules, expect formal written assessments up to 4 times per week - you must pass each one!! This will be followed by anything between 2 and 4 weeks of basic traction, dependant on location and requirements, then you will spend at least 6 months with a DI - probably much more. After all that will come your final rules & assessments and then if you get through all that you will be a driver... hopefully!

There's lots of help and support available from the training staff, DTM's DI's and even many other drivers there to get you through the whole course. It's in their interest that you pass after all. Be aware though, that if you fail to achieve above a minimum standard at any point they will begin to ask some very searching questions about your future and whether or not it belongs in the railway, but the selection process should have ensured that you are capable of much better than this... We had a couple of people who went through Rules without dropping a single mark (not me!). You still have to work bloody hard at it though!

I would say that drivers jobs are as secure as any others in the world right now... The main thing to remember is that you are very much in control of your own destiny. It is one of those jobs where you can quite literally mess up a glittering 25 year fault free career in one second... and potentially find yourself either out of a job, or working elsewhere (at a much reduced salary). You are only ever as good as your last trip...

Saying all that - I think it's a great job and haven't regretted my decision other than at 2:30AM when the alarm goes off!

Best of luck - and give me a shout if you have any questions!

Cheers
H

 

[barko26]

Hey guys! New to this, so please don’t bite.

26 year old guy here, worked on the buses now for just over 3 and a half years. I saw this post come up (trainee train driver) and thought I'd apply. It’s something I’m very keen on getting in to. I originally applied almost 4 years ago but didn’t even get through the first stage, so I'm hoping now with some experience in public transport I may now be considered for the testing process.

Just wondering if any of u folks may have any advice or helpful tips on the testing/interview process? Should I be luckily enough to reach that stage. I've read a few posts on this forum and realise my chances of actually becoming a trainee train driver at the end of it are very slim with the amount of applicants they generally receive, so trying not to get my hopes up. If anyone could give me a few pointers then I'd be greatly appreciate it!

Thanks for your time.

 

[strange6]

Er, almost but not quite.

You get two bites at the cherry with each of the assessments, and that includes the various assessments of competence you will be subjected to as part of the training process. Chances are given, but you won't be given "every chance" to prove your competence.

The other thing to bear in mind is that the TOC is not under any obligation to guarantee you employment if you fail to pass out for driving. There may be some opportunities available that they might offer you, but you shouldn't rely on it. Even with existing employees, such as drivers who no longer meet the required medical standards, there is the chance that no suitable vacancies exist elsewhere within the organisation and they might find themselves out of a job as a consequence.

The best advice I can give is to apply for the job if it interests you sufficiently and then see how things go. The first hurdle is getting yourself accepted as a trainee, and that's quite a difficult one to clear. If you are accepted and find yourself on a course, work hard and dilligently and don't be afraid to ask lots of questions if you don't completely understand something. If you have trouble learning, retaining and recalling information work on some techniques to help you, because you will be expected to learn loads of things, some of which you must know even though you may never use that knowledge as well as the information you will apply every day.

Then, once passed out for driving, keep your concentration up and don't be lulled into making mistakes. You might think now that any driver who misses a station must be a loony, but believe me it's not a hard thing to do. It only takes a moment's distraction at the wrong time and you're past your braking point.

Any question, just holler.

O L Leigh

I'll second that. Braking a very heavy piece of machinery from high speed is not very easy at all and I bet it's well easy to misjudge stations stops, signals, SR's etc. This is probably one of the main reasons for all the testing and asessments that are carried out

 

[notadriver]

Hey guys! New to this, so please don’t bite.

26 year old guy here, worked on the buses now for just over 3 and a half years. I saw this post come up (trainee train driver) and thought I'd apply. It’s something I’m very keen on getting in to. I originally applied almost 4 years ago but didn’t even get through the first stage, so I'm hoping now with some experience in public transport I may now be considered for the testing process.

Just wondering if any of u folks may have any advice or helpful tips on the testing/interview process? Should I be luckily enough to reach that stage. I've read a few posts on this forum and realise my chances of actually becoming a trainee train driver at the end of it are very slim with the amount of applicants they generally receive, so trying not to get my hopes up. If anyone could give me a few pointers then I'd be greatly appreciate it!

Thanks for your time.

Hi there. I'm a PSV driver too. Just keep trying, don't give up and be patient. There aren't many driving vacancies out there at the moment and competition is fierce. Maybe consider applying for a conductor/guard job in the meantime?