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We're looking to build the industry's biggest collection of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ). Questions asked will always be answered here. It's usually fair to say that if you have a question to ask then others will want to know the answer too. Help us make this a great resource for those looking for a role as a Train Driver.

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FAQ's

Do you hire Train Drivers?

No. We aim to assist those looking for a career as a train driver by supporting all aspects from initial research through to application and job offer. We also offer recruitment support to Train Operators.

How can you help me become a Trainee or Apprentice Train Driver?

We offer a comprehensive range of services that can support and guide you from job research, initial application, CV and covering letters, interview guidance and innovative eLearning. All are designed to give you the best chance of success and the competitive edge over the thousands of other applicants for very limited roles.

What are your aims?

Train Driver Foundation aims to be the main provider of Train Driver Pre Employment Training (PET) for the Rail Industry. We're already the first! By delivering innovative eLearning courses we believe that we can increase safety standards and also represent a cost saving for Train Operators. By offering Pre Employment Training we open up another route into the role. This aids recruitment, and forms a talent pool of candidates for the Industry to draw on that have already demonstrated the aptitude for successfully completing the demands of initial training. 

Our eLearning is designed to be indicative of the initial training offered by Train Operators and is aligned with schedules 3, 4, 5 and 7 of TDLCR. In addition the PET meets Online Testing (OT) requirements of Knowledge and Skill attributes for the Train Driver Apprenticeship Standard.

There are no positions available, what should I do?

Find out which Train Operators have depots near you. Ideally you should live, or be prepared to move to, within 45 minutes to 1 hour of one of these depots. Register for email job alerts for trainee and apprentice driver roles. This is the fastest and most reliable way to get notified of new positions. When a new position becomes available APPLY WITHOUT DELAY. Job postings are often taken down early when there are sufficient numbers of applicants.

Let us proof read your CV and Covering letter before you submit it. This will ensure you have the best chance of making it through the initial sift.

Download our interview guide to prepare for the interview.

Take an eLearning course to help you really stand out from the crowd and show your determination and motivation. Successful completion also shows you have the right aptitude for demanding initial training.

Is there funding available for the courses?

There may be funding available from your current employer. For example, the Armed Forces offer those in the resettlement phase of their careers 80% of a course fee up to £175. Service Leavers can access this through Standard Learning Credits anytime in their last 2 years of Service. Check with your employer to see if they have similar schemes.

Are the courses you offer officially recognised?

We've created the courses to align with the training requirements of both the TDLCR and the Train Driver Apprenticeship Standard. We hope to get our courses externally regulated by OFQUAL and other professional bodies such as the ORR and RSSB. Anyone who takes the courses will receive a TDF Certificate which will outline all the elements you have completed and how they align with TDLCR and the Apprenticeship Standard.

It is also our hope that Train Operators will begin to recognise the value of our courses. We know that our courses can stand up scrutiny and would welcome Train Operators getting in touch to see how the course is aligned to current TDLCR Schedules 3, 4, 5 and 7 as well as the Train Driver Apprenticeship Standard of Online Testing (OT) in knowledge and skill requirements.

If the courses aren't officially recognised, why should I take one?

Although not yet officially recognised under regulatory bodies such as OFQUAL, our courses are great for a number of reasons. They fall in line with QCF framework (link HERE) at either Level 2 (Introduction to Train Driving and Introduction to Train Systems) and Level 3 (Train Driver Pre Employment Training (PET) Course.

Completing the courses will de risk those looking for a career as a Train Driver by showing you are motivated to seek out knowledge of the role, and crucially able to complete it. Our courses aren't designed to be easy. They are designed to be representative of the initial driver training courses offered by Train Operators. It is because of this that you will be able to demonstrate the likelihood  of completing an initial training course. Key scoring elements for the interview process are questions such as - what do you know about the role? and, How are you motivated? You will also be asked how well you learn, and retain, new information. Successful course completion will give you relevant, current experiences to take these questions confidently. This could be especially useful for those leaving fulltime education (perhaps with limited occupational experience) or those who are embarking on a second career, who may not have been in the competitive job market for some time.

To help de risk the course for those thinking of taking it, we are offering an introductory price for the flagship Pre Employment Training (PET) Course.

Our introductory courses are also perfect for those wanting to get a "behind the scenes" look at train driving or train systems. Even the introductory courses offer the same innovative 360° interactive, immersive technology and deliver an enjoyable and engaging experience.

Are there set start dates for the courses?

No, courses are undertaken at a time that suits the learners. Once you have registered for a course, you will have the ability to "drop in and drop out" of the course whenever suits you.

Is there access to a trainer?

Yes. Courses will receive input from trainers where requested. i.e If a learner has difficulty with a particular topic they can contact the training team for support.

Do I need any specialist equipment to take a course?

No. All you need is access to either a PC, laptop or tablet with internet access.

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