XC train manager shifts?

[Simon.s21]

Hi all,
I have an interview for a xc train manager.

Just wondered if anyone new the typical shift pattern and how far in advance you know what you will be working. Thanks

 

[455driver]

As has been written one hundred times on here, it will depend on which depot and link you are in.

 

[Simon.s21]

It will be new street that's as much as I know at this stage? Thanks

 

[455driver]

So bottom link which I believe (not 100% certain) is class 170 only on Cardiff to Stansted Airport.

 

[headshot119]

So bottom link which I believe (not 100% certain) is class 170 only on Cardiff to Stansted Airport.

Thought it was only Senior Conductors as opposed to Train Managers that did 170s at XC or is that only at Bristol?

 

[455driver]

Thought it was only Senior Conductors as opposed to Train Managers that did 170s at XC or is that only at Bristol?

After writing that post I had a nagging feeling it was Senior Conductors rather than TM's, I didn't realise that XC recruited externally for TM's at Birmingham.

 

[Minilad]

Senior Conductors work 170s
Train Managers work Voyagers and HSTs
Neither can work the other
XC do do external recruiting for TMs and SCs as there is no movement between the two.
Where you go and what shifts are like will be entirely dependent on what link you are in

 

[Simon.s21]

Thanks for all your help. It is for a TM role. Are the shifts likely to be set then, so u could predict what I am doing in 6 weeks time say. Thanks

 

[craigybagel]

Once you're in a link, you can theoretically work out what you're working years in advance, since when you reach the bottom line, you bounce right back to the top.

Last I heard it was two links for TMs at New Street, 1 for Manchester and 1 for Newcastle, with both links going to Plymouth (and I think Paignton too) and Bournemouth.

 

[455driver]

Thanks for all your help. It is for a TM role. Are the shifts likely to be set then, so u could predict what I am doing in 6 weeks time say. Thanks

Yes, the rosters are fixed and normally change in May and December, there can be some Summer only duties valid over the school Summer holidays as well, we have just had our roster change and I know what I am working up to the beginning if December.

Note that at roster change time your rest days and shifts (earlier/middles/lates) normally stay the same it's just the actual shift you will be working which gets changed.

 

[Minilad]

Once you're in a link, you can theoretically work out what you're working years in advance, since when you reach the bottom line, you bounce right back to the top.

Last I heard it was two links for TMs at New Street, 1 for Manchester and 1 for Newcastle, with both links going to Plymouth (and I think Paignton too) and Bournemouth.

Thats the current situation at New St yes.
Apart from the odd weekend when engineering works mean amended diagrams you can, in theory, know what you are doing up until the next timetable change. The only shifts you won't know with any certainty are spare shifts

 

[craigybagel]

Do XC TMs follow the 4 day week, 5 day weekend every 3 weeks pattern? If you're on that pattern working out your days off is even easier. I'm getting married next June and I already know it's the Friday of my 5 day weekend The links may change several times between now and then, but unless something drastic happens, your rest day pattern won't.

 

[Minilad]

They do. One thing that won't change in a link is your rest day pattern. Unless you do a mutual swap. Rest day patterns are set in stone

 

[Darren1980]

Hi all,
I have an interview for a xc train manager.

Just wondered if anyone new the typical shift pattern and how far in advance you know what you will be working. Thanks

Is it an interview or assessment centre u have been invited to?

 

[Simon.s21]

Thanks for all your help!
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Is it an interview or assessment centre u have been invited to?

It's an assessment this week, so fingers crossed!