All experience is good, don't get me wrong there. But don't forget when you come to apply for jobs on the railways you'll be up against a number people from all sorts of backgrounds. The latest intake of drivers our place has taken on have have included two lads who served in the Armed Forces, including tours of Afghanistan and Iraq.
I've not spoke to them about their time in the armed forces, but I should imagine their CV's looked very attractive with what they may have experienced out there, and probably had very good examples of times when they had to deal with emergency situations, problem solved, worked as part of a team and had to communicate safety critical messages.
Now, I'm not saying you have to join the forces to be in with a chance with a job on the railways (I was never in the forces), just trying to set an example of when you do apply for roles on the railways (and jobs in general), what competition you'll be up against, and what experience other people will have.
When I was unemployed I spent three months volunteering at a charity helping renovate the building they had. It kept me active and motivated, but what I feel was more important was that when it came to explaining the six month gap on my CV, I had evidence that I had not been sat around being lazy, but I spent time learning new skills and contributing to the community. It all gives a positive image of the person the company are looking t employ (think I'm going off on a rant and missing the point now!)
