This is a blog written by a new recruit to 'One' railways in West Anglia (now National Express East Anglia) who joined the railway in March 2005 after several years in other jobs. The experiences are typical of what can be expected at a passenger TOC and cover his experiences from interview to passing out nearly a year later, then his first few months as a qualified driver. It was written both to illustrate the training process and to provide information and encouragement to other trainees and people considering train driving as a career.
Many thanks to the author for allowing me to display this blog
Train Driving is an extremely difficult job, a fact which is often lost on the general public. Train Drivers hold huge amounts of daily responsibility, and undergo huge amounts of mental and physical strain in order to do their job effectively. What this means is that in order to become a Train Driver, you will need to meet a range of train driver requirements. In this blog, we’ll examine the Train Driver requirements/eligibility criteria, and give you some tips on how you can make sure that you meet them.
Before we begin, it’s important to note the following: the eligibility criteria will generally depend on the TOC that you are applying for. This means that some TOCs will have differing requirements for their candidates than others. The list we have provided you with is based on general expectation, and not that of any 1 particular TOC. You should check your train driver requirements with the TOC that you are applying to before completing any application forms.
The majority of employers will now look for their train drivers to demonstrate that they have achieved C+ grades in GCSE Maths and GCSE English. Mechanical or electrical knowledge will also prove to be extremely useful. While these educational requirements are not set in stone, remember that you will be competing against a huge number of people for this role, and therefore it stands to reason that many of them will have grades and achievements that gain them extra points. For this reason, along with the assessment centre tests, it is extremely useful to have high grades.
Generally, the minimum age requirement for train drivers is that they are 18 or over. There are some TOCs who require their drivers to be 21+.
Medical requirements are extremely important to TOCs, for health and safety reasons. In order to become a train driver, you’ll have to pass a range of medical and fitness checks, including eye tests, hearing, drug and alcohol screening. The requirements are generally as follows:
You must be between 5 foot 4 and 6 foot 4.
You must have normal hearing, with no more than 30 decibels hearing loss in either ear. This needs to be met without a hearing aid. Candidates who use a hearing aid will not be disqualified, but will need to show that they can meet these standards without the hearing aid in.
You must not have a history of any of the following: co-ordination problems, mobility issues, epilepsy, blacks or loss of balance. You will also have diabetes and blood pressure tests in order to ensure that you have no underlying medical conditions.
You must have distance vision of at least 6/9 or 6/12, in your weakest eye. Certain TOCs will not allow contact lenses, but others will. Colour blindness will also hinder your chances of success.
All TOCs will screen their drivers for illegal drug use and the presence of alcohol. Train Drivers must not be under the influence of substances, such as alcohol, whilst working.
To learn about the TfL train driver requirements, visit their official website!
Train Drivers are a very elite and selective group of people, and the process of joining this group is extremely difficult to achieve. Due to the nature and responsibility of the role, you must be able to exhibit a number of essential core qualities throughout the selection process, in order to be successful. In total, there are 3 central commandments/core qualities that you must follow. In this blog, we’ll show you what these train driver careers commandments are, and give you some top tips on how you can demonstrate them to the assessors!
In simple terms, the core qualities refer to the fundamental behavioural aspects that train drivers will need in order to a) gain a position as a train driver b) be successful in the role. These qualities are particularly important when it comes to train driving, as health and safety is such a huge factor. The TOC that you are applying for needs to be certain that you right person for the role.
So, what are the 3 commandments of good train driving? Let’s take a closer look.
Attention to detail is extremely important for train drivers, particularly in regards to health and safety. Train drivers need to be aware of hazards on the track, and must be capable of noticing small and important details. Furthermore, you need to have an extensive knowledge of your route, in order to deliver passengers to their destination. The selection process will test you on your ability to spot key information, in a short space of time. You’ll also be expected to recall times when you have used your attention to detail during the application form questions, and during the interview.
The next quality is customer service. It goes without saying that this is essential, as TOCs could not survive without the customers that they serve. As a train driver, you need to keep customer service and health and safety in mind at all times when driving trains. This extends to behaviour such as making important announcements, opening and closing the doors, and updating/apologising to customers for delays. In order to successfully become a train driver, it is not enough to simply know what good customer service is. You have to demonstrate that you really care about the customers and providing them with the best value for money. You have to demonstrate that you know everything about the role to the best of your ability, and have gone the extra mile to do so. Customer service extends to your ability to do your job to a fantastic standard.
Along with attention to detail, concentration is one of the key mental aspects that all train drivers need to have. One of the hardest things about the role is the fact that you will be expected to concentrate for such lengthy periods of time. Concentrating as a train driver is not the same as any other job either. It means really concentrating, being completely focused on the track/signals/the cabin to make sure that things are running smoothly. The lives of your passengers could depend on this, so it’s imperative that you are someone who can concentrate fully on the task at hand.
A recent story to hit the headlines came from Swindon, and Great Western Railway. There has been some controversy over new plans from Great Western to put drivers in charge of operating train doors. Largely opposed by Unions, the debate over the plans rolls on. We decided to investigate and explore the ramifications of such a move.
The proposals laid out by Great Western are to remove the safety trained guard on board high speed trains from Swindon, giving the train driver control of opening and closing the doors. This has been enforced not only to save money in the long term, as it is felt that train guards are an unnecessary expenditure, but also to give the driver more control of what is going on his/her vehicle.
So, what are the positives of this move? Contrary to Union belief, there are large numbers of people in favour of the move. Firstly, it is a great cost-cutting tool. While the opening and closing of doors is extremely important for the efficient running of trains, it is not that difficult a job. It is just as simple for a driver, who has already stopped the train by this point, to stick his head out of the window and look down the row of carriages; to see when it’s appropriate to open or close the doors. With a rise in fare dodgers, train companies need to make smart business decisions in order to stay afloat. Cutting unnecessary costs will go a long way to doing this.
Secondly, it is argued that these proposals give the driver more control of his/her vehicle. While many Unions have argued against this, there are a good number of drivers who are happy with these changes. Drivers welcome the chance to take on new challenges and responsibilities, and many seem very pleased to have the extra task of looking after their customers. Customer service is integral to train drivers, and this is one task that will allow drivers to get more involved in this.
As mentioned, there has been staunch opposition to the plans, in particular from Unions. The first argument that Union leaders have made is that the proposed changes could lead to serious safety issues. Their argument is that Train Drivers need to pay 100% of their attention on driving the train. By giving them the added responsibility of monitoring the doors, you are risking the safety of passengers. The reason the guards are so effective is because they are specifically trained in this area, and the costs that will be offset by cutting their responsibilities, will only be added again by training drivers.
The second argument against the proposals is again to do with safety. On top of the extra responsibilities, unions have warned that it is fundamental for both the drivers and passengers that there is a guard or conductor on board trains, to assist in the event of emergency. This is particularly important in the event that a driver is rendered incapable or incapacitated. With more and more passengers using the railway system, the need for staff is more important than ever. Instead, Great Western are cutting them. This will ultimately damage customer service, lead to a loss in profits and damage the reputation of Great Western.
Last month, TfL (Transport for London) made the game changing announcement that all South London rail services will be brought under their control. In this blog, we’ll investigate the pros and cons of this move, and what it means for South London based rail travellers.
The plans mean that TfL will take control of all South London based trains that run underground, and also those that run over ground. This will take places in various stages, as currently running contracts with private train operators expire. The ultimate plan is for TfL to take control of all Greater and South London Trains, followed by SouthEastern in 2018 and then Southern and Great Northern in 2021.
In essence, TfL are seeking to renationalise the railways. In our eyes, this can only be a good thing for passengers. There are a number of reasons for this:
Firstly, there is the question of fares. While customers cannot expect to see too much of a dip in prices, part of the problem with British rail travel is that so many of the major train operating companies are owned by private entities; who can simply charge as much for their services as they like. Constant rail fare increases, coupled with an increasingly unreliable service, have led to a growing anger from passengers over the years. TfL is aiming to change this.
Secondly, there are the journeys themselves. TfL have promised a shake up and improvement to passenger journeys, and expect to increase the rate of London stations receiving trains by over 67%. This will include services from the likes of Waterloo, Moorgate and Victoria.
TfL have a history of making improvements to services such as this. In 2007, they took over the London Overground service from Watford to Croydon, resulting in a rise of passenger numbers of over 80%.
The decisions have been largely welcomed by the majority of people. Mayor Boris Johnson, who has been campaigning for TfL to take control of other rail companies for the past two years, has labelled the move ‘a massive breakthrough’. However, Boris has also urged caution, and not to expect ‘immediate changes’ to a hugely flawed rail system. Likewise, other consumer based groups have welcomed the move, claiming that they are ‘looking forward to receiving the same service that London Overground customers receive’.
If you want to work for TfL then you’re in luck! We’ve got the ULTIMATE resource for anyone looking to join London’s premier transport organisation. Make sure you check out our online TfL recruitment guide!
Recent figures collected by a railway gender diversity survey, have drawn up some alarming results. The results show that less than 2 in every 10 railway employees are female. ‘Women In Rail’ conducted the survey. Women In Rail are a pro female train drivers support group,. They say the results are indicative of the fact that railway standards need to change. We decided to do some investigating…
Along with the statistic that less than 2 in every 10 railway employees are female, the results show a breakdown of individual roles within the rail industry. They show that overall, male employees dominate certain sectors, in particular engineering, manufacturing and driving roles. Britain has the lowest number of female engineers in all of Europe, with just 6% in general, and only 4% of these working in the rail industry. This statistic also extends to drivers, where just 4% of drivers are female, and only 1.5% of freight drivers in the UK are female.
For the most part, women in the rail industry are employed within customer service roles, such as working as conductors/guards, customer service and catering/retail. Respondents to the survey have argued that this is stereotypical and sexist. While women are stereotypically seen as more caring or welcoming than men, this doesn’t mean that they are incapable of performing other roles just as effectively. Similarly, men are equally capable of performing in the same roles as women.
There are a number of answers to this question. Firstly, it would be unfair to label the rail industry outwardly sexist. The reason is partly down to the fact that there just aren’t many women applying for the roles. The government are working on a more active strategy for attracting women to the roles. Results also show that only 10% of female rail employees have risen to middle management roles. A staggering 0.6% have reached director level or higher. This seemingly indicates that there is an issue with male domination in the rail industry, and this is something the rail industry will need to work on if they wish to progress, and enhance their reputation.
One of the most important areas when applying to become a train driver, is the application form. An application form is a way for Train Operating Companies (TOCs) to filter out unsuitable candidates from their selection process. The application form is a huge hurdle for candidates to overcome, and you would be surprised by the sheer number that are rejected at this stage of the process. In this blog, we’ll provide you with a thorough overview of the train driver application form, and give you some top tips on how to pass.
The train driver application form is a way for TOCs to narrow down the competition for their role. The purpose of the form is to determine whether you meet a) the eligibility criteria and b) the TOC values and expectations. Thus, you must be familiar with both of these aspects before applying. If you cannot demonstrate the key criteria for the role, then you will be rejected. For a detailed overview of these requirements, check out our blog on the Train Driver Eligibility Criteria.
Before we look into the questions that the form will ask, there are some key things you need to remember before filling in the form. These are as follows:
On your application form, you will need to complete a series of questions that are based around your knowledge and expertise. These questions are integral to your success, and are generally the most important part of the application form. Regardless of whether you have met the eligibility criteria, filled the form in correctly and read it over carefully, you will not progress to the next stage if you fail to answer these questions correctly. They will make or break your application, so you need to get them right!
When applying for any job, you will need to meet two different categories in order to be successful. These are the essential criteria, and desirable criteria. You will generally find these criteria listed in the job description of the role that you are applying for. So make sure you read the personal profile carefully. Below we have briefly laid out what both of these mean:
Essential criteria refers to the core qualities that you will need in order to qualify for the role. Essential criteria are non-negotiable – if you cannot demonstrate them then you will fail.
Desirable criteria refers to the qualities that, while not-essential, will add weight to your application. These criteria will gain you extra marks!
So, how can you incorporate these criteria into your response? Take a look at our sample question, and then compare your response with our sample answer below:
Q. “Please tell us why you’re applying for this position, and what knowledge, experience or skills you have that might be relevant”.
Sample Response:
“I am applying for the position of trainee train driver, because I believe that I am the ideal candidate for the role. I am someone who absolutely loves working in customer-focused roles. As such, I believe that I would make an excellent train driver. I am more than happy to relocate within 30 minutes of the depot if the need should require. My research has shown me that your company is constantly improving, and growing at a phenomenal rate. This is extremely exciting, and I would love the chance to come aboard. I really believe that the enthusiasm, motivation and commitment I could bring to your team, would be extremely beneficial.
In terms of experience, I have worked in a customer service based position for several years now. This has taught me a range of useful things, but none more so than communication and safety skills. Along with working as an established member of a customer services team, I also spent a significant period of time working in the RAF. I worked in the service for 5 years, whereby I learned the value of discipline, timekeeping and working as a team member.
As you will see from my application, I have high level qualifications in English, Maths and Physics. I’ve also gained 2 separate Health and Safety qualifications, whilst working in a customer service position and in the RAF.
I’m someone who tries to keep himself in shape at all times. I make sure I visit the gym at least three times a week, as well as playing football every Sunday for my local team.
To add to these strengths, I have a wealth of experience of working long hours, and am extremely flexible. Whenever you need me to work, I’m ready and available.
Overall, I would say that I am a highly professional, trustworthy, reliable and hardworking individual, with fantastic attention to detail. I believe I would make an excellent addition to your team, and I hope that you’ll consider my application.”
A new survey conducted by the Rail Delivery Group, has uncovered some startling new statistics about rail travel in Britain.
Primarily, the survey shows that rail passengers in the UK made just over 1.7 billion train journeys during the past year. The South-East alone, and London, accounted for 1.2 billion of this. As a result of this, passenger generated revenue in the UK grew to a staggering level of £9.3 billion from 2015-16.
Surprisingly, Union leaders have been extremely critical in the wake of the Rail delivery group survey. It is time for the train companies to give revenue back. Many Union leaders feel that train companies are taking all of the credit when things go right, but hanging their employees out to dry when it goes wrong; when the reality is that it’s the other way round.
All in all, however, the general consensus has been that it’s essential for train companies to invest the passenger revenue coming in; and make long term plans to cope with such enormous demand. It’s clear that train travel is becoming more and more popular for British citizens. The Rail Delivery Group survey has shown that long distance routes in particular are shown to be progressing at a rapid pace, with an increase of 3.3% in long distance routes taken by passengers this year. The problem with this is that it all comes at a hair-raising price. Overcrowding forces many passengers to stand, because trains are unreliable. Meanwhile, the rail bosses who rake in the income from the passengers themselves, are simply lining their pockets. They aren’t putting the money back into a faltering service, and this is unacceptable.
The second 24-hour strike by Southern rail conductors is now in session. Trains have been cancelled, causing widespread disruption on one of the UK’s busiest routes.
As we mentioned in a blog a few months ago, Govia (who own Southern Rail) are currently in the process of replacing train guards with on-board supervisors. That is to say, drivers will now operate the doors on trains. These plans have gone down extremely badly with Unions, who claim that removing the guards will result in reduced safety for passengers, and lead to significant job losses.
The general secretary of the Union has claimed that they simply have no choice but to fight the measures directly. Protests have been held outside the Department for Transport Rail Industry conference in London. The Unions feel that this is part of a wider problem in the industry, of TOCs putting profit before safety.
Govia have heavily criticised the strikes, claiming that they are totally unnecessary. They have stated that there will be absolutely no job losses, or pay cuts. They claim that the proposals will go ahead regardless of the strikers. In defending the proposals, (stating that they are simply trying to evolve the role of conductors), they blamed unions for leading hard-workers astray. Govia claimed that Unions are disrupting the working day of over 300,000 people that use the service. Govia have labelled the Southern Rail Strikes selfish and narrow minded, and claim that Unions are consequently ignoring the interests of commuters and railway workers alike.
With Southern Rail dead-set on implementing their proposals, and the Unions firmly against it, it seems like there is no resolution to the Southern Rail Strikes in sight. There are also fears that the strikes could extend over to ticket offices, where there are also plans for closure in the next few months. Consequently, Govia have claimed that the strikes would result in long waits to board trains, and that they now cannot guarantee to get passengers to their destinations on time. In a statement, they urged the Unions to reconsider.
If you are looking for more information, make sure you check out Southern’s live running page. This provides customers with critical information and updated times.
If you’ve been following our blog, and train news in the UK, you’ll know that train guards around the United Kingdom are in open revolt against new plans to incorporate driver-only trains. Well, now ScotRail guards have joined in too. In this blog, we’ll explore the reasons for this, and when it will happen.
The strikes will take place on 6 occasions, for 24 hours each. The strikes are scheduled for 21st, the 23rd and the 25th June, and the 3rd, the 10th and 17th July. The union members will refuse to work overtime on unscheduled days between the 22nd June and the end of July.
The Union have made it clear that the reason they are striking is because they want guards to be in full control of trains’ doors. They have strongly criticised Abellio, who control ScotRail, for pushing ahead with these plans.
In a statement, the secretary of the Union claimed that the approach from Abellio is disgraceful, and represents a ‘cavalier’ approach to safety on Scottish railways. The company is undermining the responsibility of its staff members, and taking huge gambles with basic rail safety. The secretary closed his statement by promising that the union would continue to take a stand against the plans.
Today the members of the RMT union enter their 2nd day of strike action. This will result in widespread disruption for commuters. As a result of the strikes, many ScotRail services have been cancelled and replaced by buses. Other services will also be running far less frequently.
As we explained in an earlier edition of our blog, the strikes are taking place due to a breakdown in talks with train bosses, over the plans to implement guardless trains. The first strike took place on Sunday, making this the second such incident this week.
To recap, the RMT union are taking action, because train bosses want to implement a system where drivers close the doors at stations; instead of onboard conductors. Despite assurances from ScotRail that there will always be a second member of staff on board, to assist with emergencies, the union feel that this is highly unsafe. They believe it damages the company’s integrity when it comes to customer service, and claim that they have a union agreement to say that trains cannot run with only a driver on board.
ScotRail have already introduced this system to their suburban railway lines, but the union are putting up a fierce fight against anything further. 20 services are currently listed as cancelled, with several others running less frequently. There doesn’t seem to be an end in sight either. Talks have been scheduled, to clear up the mess as quickly as possible. However, ScotRail and the Union are refusing to give way. This means that rail services are locked in a standstill, and it is passengers who will suffer as a result.
For more information on the strikes, including up-to-date timetables, check out the ScotRail strike page.
[other days in blog in the same style as above]
