Southern training?

[roscolabri]

Hello all,

Can anyone here give me a bit of information about the training stage of the Trainee Train Driver specifically for Southern?

Just wondering how much time is spent at the Training School and where it's located. Also how many hours do you train for each day (ie is it the basic 9 to 5) and for how many days a week?

Thanks in advance.

 

[pendolino]

Something along these lines:

Induction/PTS/'Brand values' etc. ~2 weeks
Cab experience ~2 weeks
Rules ~20 days
Traction ~30 days (377/455/456, unless you're at a depot that only signs 377s e.g. Brighton, Barnham etc.)
Out of course situations/protection/route learning principles ~5 days

3 rules/traction assessments during the above - computer based, multiple choice, plus some time spent on simulators.

Then back to depots for practical handling with a DI (~65 days/225 hrs minimum) and route learning; 5 day final assessment once driving hours & route learning are complete.

Expect to take about a year to pass out.

Training runs mostly at Selhurst Training School (next to the depot, opposite Selhurst station) and in the depot itself for Traction, but may also be held at Knollys House (5 mins from east Croydon) and Worthing (on the platform at Worthing Station).

5 day week while at the Training School (strictly speaking 9-5, but expect early finishes depending on how things progress).
4 day week when with a DI, following his/her shift pattern & hours, but no Sundays worked while a trainee.

Hope that helps.