My Train Driver Journey

I have always wanted to become a train driver, but when I saw the position I was only age 19, so at that time I was too young for that campaign's entry criteria. I applied for the role as Revenue Protection Assistant and knew career progression would be an opportunity at some point. I progressed to a conductor after 12 months in the revenue team and then after 3 years as a conductor I was lucky enough to get a position as train driver.

The recruitment was a long time ago now, but there are some similarities to the current process. Obviously Train Driver is a very sought-after position, so there were lots of applications. There were interviews with local managers and then, after whittling down the numbers, we were given a date for an assessment day. There were 8 of us on the day — 2 for Arriva Trains Northern and 6 for EWS — and we were using the EWS assessment centre. At the start of the day we had to write down a subject for a structured interview. If we were successful in the morning, then the afternoon would be the structured interview. We carried out 6 assessments to test various skills, such as the Group Bourdon dots test, mechanical comprehension test, and reaction tests where we had 5 coloured buttons, high and low tones in headphones, and left and right pedals. We had to react to visual and audible prompts. These were done twice — once at the programmed speed and a second time at your own speed. In the afternoon we sat with 2 interviewers who questioned me on the subject I had given in the morning. The interview was intense, a lot more so than with the local managers. Two people passed that day, both Arriva Trains candidates.

I was surprised at the number of various assessments we had to do, and how high the pass mark was. I was also unprepared for how in-depth the structured interview was. Luckily, I managed to get through it all and get the position.

Most people think driving a train is easy. The reality is how much it changes your lifestyle and how mentally challenging it can be.

You sacrifice things in your family life. You can miss birthdays, weddings, funerals, school assemblies, parties and many more things. Shift work can mean starting at any time of the day, whether it be 02:00 in the morning or 23:00 at night. It really is a 24/7 job. However, I feel it is the best job in the world. The views out of the window can be stunning — sunrises, sunsets and differing weather patterns. Every day is different. A Train Driver also undergoes regular assessments, simulator assessments and rules assessments. We need to pass all these to carry on in the role of a train driver.

A shift at work starts with preparation up to 48 hours in advance. You are subject to strict drugs and alcohol policies, so you have to ensure you are clean from everything ready for the working day. That means no having a pint or two watching football, especially if you are on an early shift. It can mean going to bed before the kids to ensure you have enough rest, which is especially important on the very early morning starts.

It can be mentally challenging and it changes your lifestyle, but it is also an excellent career. The views, the responsibility and the variety make it a job like no other. For the right person, it really can be the best job in the world.