Shunter - GBRF

[Trains101]

Hi all

Just wanted to ask a few questions here in regard to shunters. I’ve always wanted to be a driver but unfortunately no luck yet. A shunter position is available in my area but not sure whether to go for it or not. If possible please can you guys give me some pros and cons about this career as I am very 50/50 many thanks.

 

[piers1234]

Hi all

Just wanted to ask a few questions here in regard to shunters. I’ve always wanted to be a driver but unfortunately no luck yet. A shunter position is available in my area but not sure whether to go for it or not. If possible please can you guys give me some pros and cons about this career as I am very 50/50 many thanks.

Part of your PPE is a body worn camera. You are required to film most things you do.

Other than that I don't know anything else about the company.

 

[axl88]

It depends how serious you are about joining the railway. Shunting is a good way to get in and gain some knowledge and experience.


If its mobile based, be prepared to be driving a van between jobs. The hours can be unsociable, for example you could be booking on a 2AM. You will be out in all weathers. The shifts can be long.

It's a great job, it just depends if you're happy with the above. It's not for everyone.

 

[BigPondFish]

I did two years as a Depot Driver at Ilford for Greater Anglia before moving on to a freight driver role with a different company. For me I used it as a way into the railway environment and it did give me the required experience to move onto the driver role. I also had the chance to speak to other GA mainline drivers and from doing this I decided that passenger trains were not the way forward for me. I would rather the not so great shifts and slightly less salary for not having to deal with the general public, but thats just me.

 

[ironHHR]

Hi all

Just wanted to ask a few questions here in regard to shunters. I’ve always wanted to be a driver but unfortunately no luck yet. A shunter position is available in my area but not sure whether to go for it or not. If possible please can you guys give me some pros and cons about this career as I am very 50/50 many thanks.

Depends what depot mate,

London, Cardiff, Liverpool etc.
Can be extremely busy 12 hour shifts 5 days a week, some other depots not so bad, 2 days off a week, lots of nights, most companies wont give you driver jobs straight off the bat.

Pros:
Good money
Good experience
Next step usually driver
Van and fuel card
Good perks

Cons:
Long hours
Not much social life
Nights
Out in all weather

Any questions message me

 

[rail graft]

hi im eager to get into rail specifically train driving, ive applied mainline and passed national standard however failed an enhanced with a Avanti, a shunter role has come up can anyone give me an insight into what shunter roles entails ie. salaries overtime pay hours and generally what the job entails any insight is helpful thanks in advance

 

[B Train]

If its at London Gateway, don't do it. Other depots I probably would have stayed

 

[tiptoptaff]

hi im eager to get into rail specifically train driving, ive applied mainline and passed national standard however failed an enhanced with a Avanti, a shunter role has come up can anyone give me an insight into what shunter roles entails ie. salaries overtime pay hours and generally what the job entails any insight is helpful thanks in advance

What company?
Currently no RO/Shunter jobs on GBRf's website

 

[rail graft]

What company?
Currently no RO/Shunter jobs on GBRf's website

Sorry I should've made it clear, the application was with southern (GTR), but this was the only shunter thread I could find

 

[ThePeakNed]

For those reading this thread thinking shunter means driving, not necessarily.

A lot of companies use the word shunter to describe “ground staff” responsible for coupling duties and movements, as opposed to shunting in the form of driving. Unless driver is specifically in the job title, don’t just assume you’ll be moving stuff yourself.

Just be careful.

I know it sounds like I’m teaching people to suck eggs, but I know people that have fallen into this trap.

 

[rail graft]

For those reading this thread thinking shunter means driving, not necessarily.

A lot of companies use the word shunter to describe “ground staff” responsible for coupling duties and movements, as opposed to shunting in the form of driving. Unless driver is specifically in the job title, don’t just assume you’ll be moving stuff yourself.

Just be careful.

I know it sounds like I’m teaching people to suck eggs, but I know people that have fallen into this trap.

interesting thank you for that because the last thing I would want is for this role not to involve driving, so Ill beware of this

 

[j37401]

If its at London Gateway, don't do it. Other depots I probably would have stayed

What is bad about LG? just curious..

 

[B Train]

What is bad about LG? just curious..

12hr shifts, understaffed, poor management and it's not a drivers depot, so no chance of progression. Plus the shunters don't drive the locos.

 

[j37401]

12hr shifts, understaffed, poor management and it's not a drivers depot, so no chance of progression. Plus the shunters don't drive the locos.

Ok cheers. I know some other locations that are like that..

 

[GB]

12hr shifts, understaffed, poor management and it's not a drivers depot, so no chance of progression. Plus the shunters don't drive the locos.

LGW has been a driver’s depot for a little while now. There are also plans to get shunters loco driving like other depots but not sure how far the process has got.