Trainee driver relocation timescale

[MidlandsChap]

Hi

Is there a general timescale TOC would want a trainee driver to relocate by? I am thinking way down the line as I am at the early stages of recruitment. I passed the first stage but a letter tells me offers of employment may be subject to relocation if living 20miles+ away from the depot. For the record I live 30 miles from the depot I applied for. Problem is it would be difficult for me a buy a reasonable property on a trainee salary.

Thanks

 

[Static65]

I was told by GWR last week that they require either a mortgage statement or rental agreement as proof of relocation within 6 months of start date.

Edit to add, 30 miles doesn't sound that far away, is it a long commute time?

Ultimately, the only people that can tell you if your current location is an issue is the TOC themselves.

 

[MidlandsChap]

It would be about 45-60 minutes. If successful I would want to move and cut that in half, but it would be a lot easier (financially) when qualified.

At the first point of application it only stated the requirement to live within a short distance of 3 stations the company serve (which I do) rather than the actual depot.

 

[ComUtoR]

The problems is that the offer is conditional. Which may mean you will not even get past recruitment, let alone qualified.

Have you agreed to relocate ? Are they aware of your location and have they made specific reference to it ? What stage are you at exactly ? Sift, Assessments, MMI, DMI, Medical ?

It may just be a generic offer letter. You really should contact HR, just in case.

 

[MidlandsChap]

Yes very happy to relocate indeed I agree its not really suitable living 45-60 mins from the depot, just trying to get an idea when it would be expected.

All in theory of course as I have only completed part 1 assessments, just nice to plan ahead for the best case scenario.

 

[train_lover]

I'd find it very hard to believe that any company would get rid of a trainee after 6 months if you didn't relocate in time.

 

[Highlandspring]

I'd find it very hard to believe that any company would get rid of a trainee after 6 months if you didn't relocate in time.

I don't.

 

[sw1ller]

I don't.

Me neither.

That being said, I’ve spoken to a driver recently that’s based in Birmingham, works passenger trains into London and lives in Chester. That’s a fair old commute. Couldn’t see that being satisfactory for a new trainee though.

 

[train_lover]

Me neither.

That being said, I’ve spoken to a driver recently that’s based in Birmingham, works passenger trains into London and lives in Chester. That’s a fair old commute. Couldn’t see that being satisfactory for a new trainee though.

My TOC has a strict policy on living within 1 hour of your depot. I never known them to enforce it. Neither did the TOC I previously worked for. Worth remembering that they'd of invested a sizeable amount of money in you after 6 months. Furthermore Aslef would probably have something to say if you were dismissed.