Study Material Trainee Train Driver

[newjobplease]

Afternoon all, I have recently been informed I am to start with a TOC commencing early November as a “Trainee Train Driver” is there any material or syllabus that TOC’s need to follow? It seems a long way from now to November to I was hoping to start with some extra reading.

Thanks in advance.

 

[455driver]

Do not do any reading, you will just get confused.

The training is set up to teach everyone everything they need to know in a sensible manner, a lot of things follow on from others and if you read the wrong bit first it wont make any sense.

 

[HSTfan!!!]

I echo the above comments, even having a working knowledge through already working on the railway made me struggle in parts of the course.

 

[tlionhart]

If you want to learn anything, make sure you know the phonetic alphabetic and get into the habit of using the phonetic alphabet when you spell something to someone and saying numbers individually. I.e. 240 is read 2-4-0.
Apart from that don't read anything now, you'll just get confused

 

[Johncleesefan]

Read a good novel and enjoy your time before the homework kicks in ??????

 

[MichaelAMW]

This isn't the first time this question has been asked and I am a bit mystified by some of the replies. I can completely appreciate that the advice not to bother to do anything in advance is sensible, in that the course will take trainees from square one and lead them where they need to go. However, why have people said that to start with some prior knowledge is likely to make the trainee "confused"? Surely, *as long as* you are open to what the course is telling you, i.e. you don't think you know it already, having a bit of existing knowledge can't do any damage? For a start, there are those who move to driving from other roles on the railway so they already know something and, I assume, this isn't a drawback.

 

[E&W Lucas]

This isn't the first time this question has been asked and I am a bit mystified by some of the replies. I can completely appreciate that the advice not to bother to do anything in advance is sensible, in that the course will take trainees from square one and lead them where they need to go. However, why have people said that to start with some prior knowledge is likely to make the trainee "confused"? Surely, *as long as* you are open to what the course is telling you, i.e. you don't think you know it already, having a bit of existing knowledge can't do any damage? For a start, there are those who move to driving from other roles on the railway so they already know something and, I assume, this isn't a drawback.

One of the biggest drawbacks with this site, is people who aren't drivers, trying to answer requests from those who wish to join our profession.

As another who has been through the process himself, and has been involved in helping others through it, I will echo the advice to relax, and wait for your training to start.

Do not start trying to read rule books or traction manuals, as they need to be explained to you in a practical context.

If you've no idea about railways, and how they work, perhaps read one of Red for Danger, by Tom Rolt, or Obstruction Danger (author I can't remember), which go a long way to explaining how our various rules and procedures have come about. They won't give you knowledge, but they will give you some context.

 

[MichaelAMW]

One of the biggest drawbacks with this site, is people who aren't drivers, trying to answer requests from those who wish to join our profession.

As another who has been through the process himself, and has been involved in helping others through it, I will echo the advice to relax, and wait for your training to start.

Do not start trying to read rule books or traction manuals, as they need to be explained to you in a practical context.

If you've no idea about railways, and how they work, perhaps read one of Red for Danger, by Tom Rolt, or Obstruction Danger (author I can't remember), which go a long way to explaining how our various rules and procedures have come about. They won't give you knowledge, but they will give you some context.

I don't have any problem with any of that - I said before that the advice to wait makes sense - but I don't think you've really answered my question. To put it another way, as long as you don't think your "outsider" knowledge means you know more than your trainer, how can it "confuse" you?

 

[SPADTrap]

I don't have any problem with any of that - I said before that the advice to wait makes sense - but I don't think you've really answered my question. To put it another way, as long as you don't think your "outsider" knowledge means you know more than your trainer, how can it "confuse" you?

Because it is all about context, why do you think trainers exist at all? If you're not reading to 'get ahead' then why would you bother reading ahead before your start date?

People moving from other grades are trained properly and not by reading their own books in their own time to 'get ahead' or whatever, I'm not sure you understand the training so can't see how its a problem.

 

[MichaelAMW]

Because it is all about context, why do you think trainers exist at all? If you're not reading to 'get ahead' then why would you bother reading ahead before your start date?

People moving from other grades are trained properly and not by reading their own books in their own time to 'get ahead' or whatever, I'm not sure you understand the training so can't see how its a problem.

No, I do follow you and I certainly appreciate that it's all about the context - that is the answer to your question as to why there are trainers at all. I guess that reading to get ahead, as you put it, sounds just like the issue that I mentioned, that of someone subsequently perhaps thinking they don't need their trainer. As to why you otherwise might read ahead, just interest and enthusiasm, I would imagine. As I said before, I am in no way trying to suggest that your (and others') advice to relax and wait is not the best advice.

 

[SPADTrap]

No, I do follow you and I certainly appreciate that it's all about the context - that is the answer to your question as to why there are trainers at all. I guess that reading to get ahead, as you put it, sounds just like the issue that I mentioned, that of someone subsequently perhaps thinking they don't need their trainer. As to why you otherwise might read ahead, just interest and enthusiasm, I would imagine. As I said before, I am in no way trying to suggest that your (and others') advice to relax and wait is not the best advice.

I was exactly the same when I started but soon realised it was counter intuitive, but I totally get the want to do it!

 

[MichaelAMW]

I was exactly the same when I started but soon realised it was counter intuitive, but I totally get the want to do it!

Interesting to hear you say that. I expect they were giving you enough work without you needing to invent your own?!

 

[SPADTrap]

Interesting to hear you say that. I expect they were giving you enough work without you needing to invent your own?!

They did when I started!

 

[HLE]

One of the biggest drawbacks with this site, is people who aren't drivers, trying to answer requests from those who wish to join our profession.

As another who has been through the process himself, and has been involved in helping others through it, I will echo the advice to relax, and wait for your training to start.

Do not start trying to read rule books or traction manuals, as they need to be explained to you in a practical context.

If you've no idea about railways, and how they work, perhaps read one of Red for Danger, by Tom Rolt, or Obstruction Danger (author I can't remember), which go a long way to explaining how our various rules and procedures have come about. They won't give you knowledge, but they will give you some context.

Well said

 

[tlionhart]

Forgot to mention, make the most of the free time you have. Get holidays in, get out more, just enjoy the free time. Once the course starts you get little time to yourself.
If you wanted to learn something, as I've said just learn the phonetic alphabet. Useful for everyday use and you can practise it when you make phone calls, etc. practising to say numbers individually. I always get the impression someone who tries to learn the rule book before the course is trying to get one 'up' on their class mates and look impressive. Just noticed this with other trainees...dunno why they do it, after all your all in the same position

 

[newjobplease]

Cheers for all the feedback, for clarification and only my personal opinion, I was not looking to "get one up" on any of my future colleagues but merely have a more transparent understanding of the career before me and the immediate works to be undertaken.

Moving on, it is my understanding that whilst in training this is generally 9-5 Monday to Friday for the duration is this correct?

However while attached to a Driver for approximately 250-300 hours I presume this would be the same Driver for the duration and I would be expected to work the same shifts has him/her until completion.?

lastly, what is the general shift patterns? again I am aware many of the TOC's follow a slightly different format I am just keen to hear various patterns in play currently.

Thanks for all the input it really does help...

 

[ComUtoR]

However, why have people said that to start with some prior knowledge is likely to make the trainee "confused"? Surely, *as long as* you are open to what the course is telling you, i.e. you don't think you know it already, having a bit of existing knowledge can't do any damage?

There is a difference between knowledge and understanding.

 

[MichaelAMW]

There is a difference between knowledge and understanding.

That is true, but what is your point?

 

[ComUtoR]

Because the "confusion" comes from the lack of understanding and as others have pointed out context is important.

I cannot deny that knowledge can help but I have seen pre existing knowledge become very detrimental and often from existing employees coming from a different grade. The rule book can be a minefield of if, and, or but and the infamous however. The knowledge you have must also be correct. I have seen on this forum some information presented incorrectly. The only knowledge you should keep as fact is what is presented on the course. Add in the point that some knowledge is out of date and the Rulebook is a living document that is regularly updated.

I would certainly say that the best advice is to go in carte blanche and with an open mind. Its tempting to seek out other methods of study and external sources but the understanding really does come from the trainers and the course as its presented. The other advice about reading ahead is just as important. The course is designed to build up the big picture. Having fragmented knowledge again can be more detrimental than helpful.

Also the difference between knowledge and understanding becomes more relevant when undergoing assessment. Being able to recall rules is one thing, being able to understand them is another.

Hope that helps.

 

[MichaelAMW]

Because the "confusion" comes from the lack of understanding and as others have pointed out context is important.

I cannot deny that knowledge can help but I have seen pre existing knowledge become very detrimental and often from existing employees coming from a different grade. The rule book can be a minefield of if, and, or but and the infamous however. The knowledge you have must also be correct. I have seen on this forum some information presented incorrectly. The only knowledge you should keep as fact is what is presented on the course. Add in the point that some knowledge is out of date and the Rulebook is a living document that is regularly updated.

I would certainly say that the best advice is to go in carte blanche and with an open mind. Its tempting to seek out other methods of study and external sources but the understanding really does come from the trainers and the course as its presented. The other advice about reading ahead is just as important. The course is designed to build up the big picture. Having fragmented knowledge again can be more detrimental than helpful.

Also the difference between knowledge and understanding becomes more relevant when undergoing assessment. Being able to recall rules is one thing, being able to understand them is another.

Hope that helps.

Ta for that!

 

[455driver]

Cheers for all the feedback, for clarification and only my personal opinion, I was not looking to "get one up" on any of my future colleagues but merely have a more transparent understanding of the career before me and the immediate works to be undertaken.

The career will own you, it will dictate when you can do just about anything, it will have serious repercussions on your 'social' life (when your friends are down the pub you will be in bed ready for your 04:00 start or at work on your 01:30 finish), we do get plenty of days off though (5 day weekends etc) so it is worth it.

Moving on, it is my understanding that whilst in training this is generally 9-5 Monday to Friday for the duration is this correct?

At the training centre it will be 09:00-17:00ish, when at the depot you will work whatever your driver instructor is working, warts and all!

However while attached to a Driver for approximately 250-300 hours I presume this would be the same Driver for the duration and I would be expected to work the same shifts has him/her until completion.?

It will normally be the same one but you will get whoever is available, trainees can be quite a way down the priority list.

lastly, what is the general shift patterns? again I am aware many of the TOC's follow a slightly different format I am just keen to hear various patterns in play currently.

It varies from depot to depot and link to link, worst case is 03:30 start or an 02:00 finish, night shifts as well, shift lengths can be from 6 hours to 10 hours.

Thanks for all the input it really does help...

Hope that 'helps'!

 

[navydavy1968]

If you're really bored one day you could take a trip up and down the route you will be driving on making a note of stations. You're going to have to learn those so doing them earlier than later won't be any harm.

I also agree with learning the phonetic alphabet. That's something you'll need to know prior to passing out, and you could get that out the way now before the real studying takes place.

Also learn where the coffee shops are at the various stations because you'll be using those when you have a minder driver lol!

 

[ConicalWheels]

Another Q about the job please?

I currently work shifts and prefer the lates. As there are plenty of people who like earlies, this is not a problem.

Is that possible as a train driver? I mean just to do lates?

tx

 

[455driver]

Another Q about the job please?

I currently work shifts and prefer the lates. As there are plenty of people who like earlies, this is not a problem.

Is that possible as a train driver? I mean just to do lates?

tx

Yes it is quite easy to sort out, if you can find somebody in the same link and on the same rest day pattern as you but on the opposite shift then you can both put in for a permanent swap and its job done.

 

[ConicalWheels]

Cheers 455 Driver That's good to hear.