Tram Drivers - Major Recruitment Drive

[WatcherZero]

Part of the wage difference comes from historical levels and unions, train drivers have historically been paid more and the levels are kept competitive while tram drivers as it was a new industry could be paid less as they were starting from scratch.

Same as for example Virgin paying most of its pilots 2/3rds what BA pays because they started fresh and didnt have to pay what BA had traditionally paid.
http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/transport/article6466748.ece

As to practical difference between the two jobs its not as much, tram drivers have to drive on road under the highway code same as other road users while on the reserved sections you have railway signs and signals alongside tram signals, they have a button to change traffic lights on roads while at complex rail junctions they have to ring control to request points be set and recieve permission to proceed while LOS signalled junctions they preselect the route on the computer and points are automatically set as they approach. Far less route knowledge of course but they still have to do the hours on the lines and vehicles to be qualified to drive without supervision just like the trams have to do 1000 hours without a breakdown to be commisioned same as trains.

 

[185]

24 Aug 2011: Need a few more

http://www.metrolink.co.uk/recruitment/Vacancy.aspx?JobVacancyID=3

Good luck to those applying.

Close date 30 Aug 11, Apply Online.

 

[Bubba]

Received a letter today inviting me to an assessment day on the 31st. A few concerns:

1) I want to be a train driver more rather than a tram driver. Is being a tram driver first a good route to take if I have ambitions to be a train driver? Dont get me wrong, I am serious in being a tram driver, but its not my main ambition.
2) I have applied for both Skipton and Manchester Northern Rail drivers jobs - although with no train industry experience dont expect to get far. I dont however want to waste Metrolink's time should I make progress in the process with NR.
3) I live almost the maximum limit from Manchester - just short of 60mins - which would mean a hefty weekly expense in commuting to the Metrolink depot.
4) The salary rises to £23k, is this after training or after so long training?

Any advice much appreciated.

 

[1018509]

I would think that the difference between tram and train drivers is that for a long time the railways have had a strong union so working conditions and wages are better. Look at the difference between a DLR operator (train captain) and a London Underground driver.

Long live the RMT and other rail unions I say.

 

[notadriver]

I would hold out for a position Train driving or a position in a TOC to be honest Bubba. Also a DLR operator or a Tram driver can be trained in around 3-4 months.

 

[kart]

Received a letter today inviting me to an assessment day on the 31st. A few concerns:

1) I want to be a train driver more rather than a tram driver. Is being a tram driver first a good route to take if I have ambitions to be a train driver? Dont get me wrong, I am serious in being a tram driver, but its not my main ambition.
2) I have applied for both Skipton and Manchester Northern Rail drivers jobs - although with no train industry experience dont expect to get far. I dont however want to waste Metrolink's time should I make progress in the process with NR.
3) I live almost the maximum limit from Manchester - just short of 60mins - which would mean a hefty weekly expense in commuting to the Metrolink depot.
4) The salary rises to £23k, is this after training or after so long training?

Any advice much appreciated.

I got the same letter today. Does anyone know what tests we will be sitting? Bubba, what time is on your letter?

 

[Bubba]

13.00, ending at 16.00.

It also mentions wearing appropriate clothing and sensible footwear for climbing in and out of a tram. Hmmmm, so what do I wear?

 

[Beveridges]

1) I want to be a train driver more rather than a tram driver. Is being a tram driver first a good route to take if I have ambitions to be a train driver? Dont get me wrong, I am serious in being a tram driver, but its not my main ambition.

2) I have applied for both Skipton and Manchester Northern Rail drivers jobs - although with no train industry experience dont expect to get far. I dont however want to waste Metrolink's time should I make progress in the process with NR.
3) I live almost the maximum limit from Manchester - just short of 60mins - which would mean a hefty weekly expense in commuting to the Metrolink depot.
4) The salary rises to £23k, is this after training or after so long training?

Any advice much appreciated.

1) Tram Driving would no doubt help as it is relevant experience (rail driving) but as always there is no route or natural progression to driving Trains.
2) Take the Metrolink job (if you get it and actually want to do it) then if Northern Rail offer you the Driving positions, just quit the trams. You should only think about yourself, not about wasting companies time.
3) Commuting that sort of distance also remember not only does it waste a lot of time it increases the chance of being late for work a lot due to the increased chances of getting delayed on the roads.

 

[kart]

Beveridges is right! I know a couple of Northern Rail drivers who moved from Metrolink to Northern Rail!

 

[Oddball]

Congrats guys! Can I ask you what working background did you come from? I'm still gutted I was rejected at first hurdle.:cry:

 

[Bubba]

I have a mixed one but quite focused on engineering. I assume that it is this which worked in my favour.

 

[kart]

I work as an electrician. Didn't think I would hear anything from Metrolink to tell you the truth.

Still trying to find out what is involved in the assessment.

 

[Bubba]

Dont have a clue either. Possibly the borden test, etc?