CHRISTINA
Driver
It’s a dream job for many people. However, the reality is that responsibilities don’t come much bigger than those of a train driver. That’s why we take the greatest care in selecting, training, supporting and developing ours. Here at First Great Western, we recruit qualified and trainee drivers for High Speed Trains (HSS) and for Turbo/Sprinter trains. Every driver we employ must be over 21, go through an intensive selection and training programme, undergo fitness tests and be screened for drugs and alcohol.
Profile
Christina says... I started working for First Great Western 13 years ago. I started off as a part time ticket examiner. I then progressed onto a full time ticket examiner’s job then when I felt more confident with dealing with people’s queries and enquiries I progressed onto train manager then. I was a train manager for four years and the company were starting to re-advertise for train drivers, I applied and was offered the position as a trainee driver and that was six years ago.
The training was initially a lot of classroom work in the beginning because you need to know the rules and safety regulations that apply, that you apply to your driving day and then you, once you’ve gone through the rules procedure they teach you the traction, the engine, how the engine works, the fuel system, the cooling system, you have to learn all of this and then you go out with a mentor, a minder, and they teach you to drive.
There’s no feeling in the world like it. You’re excited because this is your first time, but your stomach is in knots, you’re nervous and you’re trying to stay calm. The sweat runs down the back of your neck. The first right of way indication from the guard and you take power and the engines go behind you and it is the most fantastic feeling.
Every day’s a challenge because you just do not know what can happen. You’ve got to have confidence in the people that you work with. It’s a good working environment and is supportive.
The type of person that would make a good train driver is somebody that’s very conscientious and takes a pride in their work and also that have good concentration skills, that’s vitally important.