In the past 2 weeks, more than 15,000 people applied for train driver jobs, in a recruitment drive launched by Virgin. This was the biggest Virgin Trains recruitment campaign on their East Coast route since the 1980s! The campaign was an enormous success, it showed conclusively that train driving jobs are now more popular than ever before.

In total, there were 78 train driving jobs advertised by Virgin. Virgin have revealed that they received a staggering 200 applications for every vacancy! In part, this was down to the salaries on offer; with qualified drivers being estimated to make up to £60,000. However, it’s also down to the fact that there remains a fascination amongst the working public with trains. Train operating companies frequently receive similar numbers of applications, even those smaller than Virgin. This means that recruitment drives are very short and far between. Often, companies will open their application process mid-week, and then close it before the weekend starts. This rules out all but the most dedicated of candidates. The sheer volume of applications means that if TOCs did keep job postings open at ‘peak times’, they would receive more applications than they could ever process. On this basis, the majority of train driver job openings are treated on a first-come first-serve basis. They’ll assess the quality of all their applications, but once the closing date has passed then that’s it.

In order to apply for a job, candidates had to meet certain Virgin Trains recruitment criteria. These included:

• Being over the age of 21
• Willing to relocate to within an hour from one of the depots.

New drivers for Virgin will work on brand new Azuma trains, which are set to be launched in 2018. Successful candidates will start their training programme in January, and work in depots across the country. However, it won’t be easy to get the job. Along with classroom based learning, assessment centres and exercises, drivers will need to prove themselves in critical areas such as track safety, operational risks and emergency scenarios. Along with all this, route learning is essential. The new Azuma trains will be the most advanced trains in the country, meaning that the new drivers have extra skills to learn.

As you might be aware, there has been conflict between Southern train drivers and Southern for quite some time now. The RMT Union is in disagreement with Southern over their plans to have drivers, rather than conductors, operating carriage doors at certain times. The RMT is determined to ensure that conductors are retained, and work in addition to drivers on trains.
Strikes took place throughout the summer, and have continued well into the autumn. Now, the RMT Union has announced that drivers are to be balloted on what actions to take.

Southern Train Drivers Balloting

The RMT have made a statement, declaring that its members will be asked to vote on striking, and other protesting action. This is a move that is also being taken by Aslef, the main drivers’ union. The joint decision raises the possibility of joint strikes in December; potentially causing even more chaos on British railways.
The ballot will open on the 4th November, and will close after a period of 2 weeks – finishing on the 18th November. Aslef will be conducting their own ballot at the same time. RMT have released a statement declaring that Southern are putting their drivers in a dangerous position by removing conductors; and that this will also seriously endanger passengers. They believe that the consequences could be horrendous.

Southern Trains Reaction

Southern believe wholeheartedly that the ballot move is ‘unnecessary’, and have refused to budge from their position. Passengers have already suffered through many months of delays/cancellations; and things certainly don’t look like they are set to improve. This is the first time that drivers have been put to a vote.

If you are a passenger on Southern trains, who has already been put through the ringer with strikes, you’ll be delighted to learn that there are 3 more strikes planned before Christmas. The dates of these are as follows:

• Friday 4th November, 00:01 till 23:59 Saturday 5th November
• Tuesday 22nd November, 00:01 till 23:59 Wednesday 23rd November
• Tuesday 6th December, 00:01 till Thursday 8th November

Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like the disputes are going to be resolved anytime soon. If you are a Southern rail passenger who has been impacted by the strikes, then rest assured we’ll keep you up to date with all the latest news.

Major developments have been made in the past 2 weeks, regarding the Scotrail strikes. Finally, after months of dispute; Scotrail seem to have reached an agreement with the RMT Union. In this blog, we’ll lay out the details of the Scotrail disruptions agreement

Scotrail Disruptions: What’s been agreed?

On this occasion, it appears that the Union has been successful. Scotrail have agreed to guarantee that conductors will be retained as second members of staff on board new trains, and are drawing up a proposal adhering to this; which will be presented by the Union to its members. They haven’t just reached an agreement with RMT, but with Aslef (the train driver’s union) too. The Scotrail disruptions have come to an end!

Both sides appears to have reached a compromise, with Scotrail and the Unions each benefitting from this. On Scotrail’s side, new trains will have driver’s opening the doors, whereas guards will have control over their closing.

On the Union’s side, this means that the current number of guards will be retained, the status of these professionals won’t be reduced and jobs won’t be lost. It’s win win.

Positive reaction

Both ScotRail and RMT have released statements, expressing their relief that such an exhausting process is finally over. The managing director of ScotRail stated this will ensure they can deliver the best possible service for Scotland, and that the proposals will make the service more efficient and effective. Along with all this, the long term aim is also to make the trains greener/more environmentally friendly.

The Union have been slightly more coy, claiming they will release a statement after the proposals have been made; but that they are satisfied and happy with the fact that the Scotrail disruptions appear to be coming to a close.

I recently read a report about how a spanish train driver decided to abandon his passengers, and jump ship the minute that his shift ended.

The incident in question occurred on Tuesday night, at 9:15pm. The train stopped outside Osorno, a small village; with the passengers initially being told that the train had stopped for technical reasons. 15 minutes later, they were informed that the train had stopped because the driver had ‘gone over his limit’ and got off. The majority of passengers were then forced to wait for 2 hours until a replacement bus service arrived to take them to Madrid.

The train company, Renfe, have opened an official investigation into the incident and have promised to reimburse all of the fares of the passengers who were involved.

So, why am I writing about this? Well, mostly it was just shocking to me that a driver could behave like this, and there’s something really important to be learned from this for all of us. As a driver, your passengers are your main priority. On this occasion, the driver behaved really badly. The rail union released a statement saying that the driver requested to be relieved; and that’s fair enough – nobody should have to work against their will, but when you enlist as a train driver you take an unspoken oath that the passengers come first. Unless there was a medical emergency, it seems to me that this driver gave up just a little too easily. Although we don’t have all of the details, Renfe might also be to blame. If the driver had finished his shift then they should have had a substitute lined up to replace him; which was clearly not the case.

Obviously this is all just speculation, but it seems like a spectacular failure on both the part of the driver, and the train company; with passengers suffering the consequences.

Once you’ve passed the theoretical element of your train driver assessment, you’ll move onto the practical side of the assessment. At this stage, you get to actually drive trains. For 6 months, you will be conducting intensive practice sessions in the carriage, behind the wheel; preparing for your future job as a train driver. In this blog, we’ll outline the process of train driver practical training, and what it involves!

Train Driver Assessment: Practical Training

On your first day as a practical trainee, you will be paired up with a qualified Driver Instructor. After being given a run through of his jobs for the day, you’ll go out on a real passenger train – in the driver’s cabin alongside the instructor – just as a real driver would.

For the next 6 months, this will be your life. You’ll need 250 hours driving experience, and 50 of these hours will need to be spent in darkness/tunnels. Your instructor will teach you fundamental skills, such as:

• How to drive a train.
• How to respond to signals, indicators and control issues.
• Braking points.
• Route learning.
• How to apply the theory you’ve learned.

Route Learning

Route learning is one of the most important qualities that a train driver can have. Naturally, route learning will come as you drive more and experience different routes; but you will be examined on this during your final exams. Essential information such as where signals are, the location of junctions, speed restrictions in specific zones all count towards ‘knowing’ your route. You’ll take detailed notes, draw maps and observe the instructor driving the route; to help with your final exam.

Final Exams

Once your 250 hours of training have ended, it’s time to move on to the final assessment. This is an incredibly in-depth process of testing; which will last for an entire day. You will answer questions on what you have learnt. You’ll identify and fix problems on the train; and you’ll be observed whilst driving the train. You will need to demonstrate extensive route knowledge – of all your routes – by answering questions based on these routes. This is known as signing off.

Once you’ve successfully signed off, you will move up to a full salary; and will be qualified as a Train Driver. Congratulations!

Recently, we’ve been getting a lot of requests from readers to make a quickfire guide on how to guarantee yourself a job as a train driver. So, to satisfy popular demand; here are our 4 top tips on how you can secure your dream job!

Step up your Train Driver Job Search

Have you started looking up trainee train driver jobs on the Internet? If not, it’s time to start. Many people wrongly assume that the only way to really get a train job is to either start from the bottom in the industry; or to know someone on the inside. That’s just not true! Almost every single TOC now advertises jobs directly on their own website; so keep browsing!

Psychometric Preparation

One huge mistake that many people make is that they don’t start preparing for the psychometric side of the assessment until it’s far too late. Don’t wait until you’ve had your application form accepted to start practicing; don’t even wait until you’ve filled it in! If you want to become a train driver then you need to start practicing for the psychometric tests IMMEDIATELY, to improve your train driver job search chances.

Get Interview Friendly

Just like any other company, you’ll need to ace the interview if you want to get the job. This doesn’t just mean being friendly, amicable and professional either. In order to work as a train driver, you’ll have to pass The Driver Manger Interview; where you’ll be tested directly on the job competencies and your past experience. With this in mind, it’s essential that you prepare yourself thoroughly BEFORE the interview. Practice answering competency based questions and delivering structured responses to interviewers. Your overall technique will be far better in the long run!

Move Fast!

If you want a train driver job, you’ll have to move fast. It’s well known that TOCs get enormous numbers of applicants, and therefore there are many TOCs who operate on a first come, first seen basis. That is to say, they’ll only look at the applications of the first 200 or so candidates, before cutting off the process and rejecting all other applications. With that being said, you need to be extremely quick in your train driver job search. Some TOCs deliberately only open job vacancies during the middle of the week, in the middle of the day. This means that only the most vigilant candidates will spot the vacancies; in contrast to opening a vacancy at the weekend where hundreds will apply. On our website, we offer job alerts; which will give you immediate access to these positions! Sign up and you’ll be given an alert whenever something opens up. Stay ahead of the competition, and secure your dream job TODAY.

In order to work as a train driver, it’s essential that you are able to concentrate for extensive periods of time. Driving trains is a dangerous job. You are responsible for the lives of your passengers, and this means that concentration is one of your top priorities. With this in mind, it’s no surprise that concentration is given enormous focus during the train driver selection tests. Whether you are taking the Group Bourdon test, or the WAFV vigilance examination; it’s essential that you can demonstrate your ability to concentrate.

So how can you improve your concentration, in time for the train driver selection tests? Read on, and find out!

Exercise

Exercise is possibly the number 1 tip on this list. It is a scientific fact that exercise makes you fit and healthy, which has huge benefits for your mental competency. Exercise helps you to focus your mind on a task, and builds physical and mental stamina. It’s a good way to focus on a specific target or goal; which is something you’ll be doing a lot as a train driver. Ensuring that your mind doesn’t wander or lose focus is imperative.

You Are What You Eat

It might sound cliché, but it really is true that you are what you eat. And if you eat badly, you’re going to perform badly! A balanced diet is essential, and that doesn’t just extend to food either. It’s crucial that you are drinking plenty of fluids. Dehydration has severe negative effects on your mental capacity, and can hinder qualities such as memory and concentration; as well as hurting your focus.

Cut Out the Distractions

These days, we live in a world where multi-tasking is accepted. The problem is, this isn’t positive multi-tasking. Every time you check your phone or start procrastinating from work on an external website; you are distracting yourself. It’s true that train drivers need to multi-task but they are required to multi-task without distraction. That is to say, every task that they perform is important. As humans, we have trained ourselves to accept that distractions are okay, when they aren’t! Train drivers need to concentrate 100%. The best way to prepare for the examination is to ensure that you are able to concentrate on all of the tasks at hand, to your maximum ability. Spend time perfecting your focus and working without idle distractions, such as your phone or the Internet. Your career hopes will be far better in the long run.

Try out How2Become’s Train Driver selection tests package

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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.

Why are the ScotRail strikes taking place?

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.

What’s next?

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.

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.

Details of the ScotRail Strikes

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.

What have the Union said about the ScotRail strikes?

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.

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.

Why are the Southern Rail Strikes happening?

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.

How have Govia responded to this?

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.

Stalemate?

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.

More Information

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.