Trainee Train Driver advice please.

[ComUtoR]

for instance there was an occasion when we were held at a red protecting a diverging junction. When the light changed to a single yellow I instinctively went "ah right and was about to move, then I noticed that the feathers were wrong so I wasn't going to proceed. Before I had the chance to say anything he was right on my back saying that I was bout to take the train down the wrong route. I told him quite truthfully that I wasn't. And I was just about to say that. But he point blank refused to believe me and put it in the log.

Just to address this point. From what you said you were about to move. The DI appears to be right in his assertion that you were about to take the train down a wrong route. 'truthfully' you were about to move, by your own admission.

That aside. The relationship between DI and Trainee is critical. When you have trust then such an incident becomes more honest and there is a discussion about intent and action. That relationship goes both ways. The DI needs to see that their Trainee is being 100% honest. Remember, they have experience and see things that a Trainee isn't aware of.

I understand that the TOC now has changed things so that a Trainee does 120 hours with one DI then 120 with another to sop this sort of thing happening.

We are in a very reactive industry and learning from past mistakes is what pushes it forwards. Sadly the industry is not proactive to prevent such incidents taking place in the first instance.

I still absolutely 100% believe that if I had a different DI, then I would be driving trains now.

I was on the fence about the whole switching of instructors but now I see it as a benefit.

I can at least draw consolation that my lovely daughter wouldn't have been born now if things had gone differently, as she is so bubbly and lovely and of course if things had gone differently she wouldn't exist.

Amazing isn't it. I generally don't have any regrets in life and believe that everything has led me to where I am today. Not everything in my life has gone smoothly and I consider myself very lucky at the moment. I quit my previous job to become a Train Driver. Without that sudden decision to quit, I wouldn't be a Train Driver. My Son was born and that is part of the reason why I pushed my change to a new job so much.

I find myself a little humbled by your post. Kudos for the incredibly positive attitude to an unfortunate event.

 

[Ojwhite]

Hi, I passed all the exams and interview for a trainee driver role operating out of Ashford at the end of last year, but I've been waiting for a medical and course start date ever since. I just wondered if anyone could shed any light on what the hold up is? Thanks in advance.

 

[Atishyou]

Hi, I passed all the exams and interview for a trainee driver role operating out of Ashford at the end of last year, but I've been waiting for a medical and course start date ever since. I just wondered if anyone could shed any light on what the hold up is? Thanks in advance.

Sorry, but what does this have to do with the original post?

 

[Cyclist]

Hi, I passed all the exams and interview for a trainee driver role operating out of Ashford at the end of last year, but I've been waiting for a medical and course start date ever since. I just wondered if anyone could shed any light on what the hold up is? Thanks in advance.

Contact the recruitment department and ask

 

[Atishyou]

for instance there was an occasion when we were held at a red protecting a diverging junction. When the light changed to a single yellow I instinctively went "ah right and was about to move, then I noticed that the feathers were wrong so I wasn't going to proceed. Before I had the chance to say anything he was right on my back saying that I was bout to take the train down the wrong route. I told him quite truthfully that I wasn't.

Were you actually route learning, or train handling? I'd actually say, that in this instance, it's his fault.

Personally, I'd say if you were train handling, although you're picking things up, he should have been telling you the indications and which you need. If you were route learning, he should be conducting you on the route.

If you're in the distance of DB's Junior Driver job, is that an option?

 

[Cambus731]

it was during the 225 hours 'minder driving' I absolutely was NOT going to proceed but he refused to believe me.