Driving a train car for the underground transit system of Transport for London sounds like a dream job for many.If you were to become a train operator, you would get to take 43 days of vacation a year and have a shorter than average work week.Those who are interested should be prepared for an uphill battle.It's not easy to become a train operator.
Step 1: The forces are working against you.
The biggest obstacle in your path to becoming a train operator is a union agreement made in 2008.According to the agreement, the TfL is not allowed to advertise and only hires from within the organization.The Customer Service Assistant position is open to the general public.You should research your options on the TfL website if you want to apply for a position.The TfL may accept apprentices into training as train operators.There is more information in the "getting an apprenticeship" part of the article.
Step 2: You can find a job with the TfL.
This might require some research on your part, as not all jobs with the TfL may be suitable for you and your goals.You can apply to be a train operator once you have a job with the TfL.It is an effective strategy to first get a job with the TfL as a Customer Service Assistant and then apply for the train operator position when the position becomes available, according to some researchers.
Step 3: Don't give up on the job.
Due to the nature of the hiring process, you may have to wait some time before the TfL begins hiring for the position you want.Don't give up hope if you apply for a position but are not contacted to continue the hiring process.You should apply for the position that you want to work in.Take safety courses.If you want to show your competence, you should volunteer in positions similar to the one you are interested in.
Step 4: When the position becomes available, apply as a train operator.
There are about 150 new train operators a year.There will likely be a lot of competition for the position.You need to take the application process seriously if you want to stand a chance.
Step 5: Prepare your patience.
This trait is important when applying to be a train operator.Training to be a train operator can take up to six months before you are ready to do the job on your own.
Step 6: Work conditions should betemplated honestly.
It's easy to overlook the difficult points of this position because of the temptation of a great salary, higher than average vacation days, and shorter work week.You will need to be able to bear long stretches of time on your own.It was hot and cold.The spaces are small and dark.Repetitive, accuracy dependent work.
Step 7: Attach your application.
Ask your superior if you should fill out an application form for the underground train operator position.If your superior tells you to send it to the address listed on the form, you can do so.The initial application response can take quite a long time to process.
Step 8: Take online tests.
After your application has been processed, you should be able to take an online multiple choice test.The test is timed for 30 minutes and is intended to evaluate your ability as a train operator.You should look over the provided materials before the test.sample questions are given by the TfL to prepare for the test.There may be additional assessments required of you at the time of your test, as the TfL is constantly improving its training procedures.
Step 9: Receive more testing at an assessment centre.
If your multiple choice test and application are sufficient, you will be asked to attend an assessment center for more comprehensive testing.The test takes between three and four hours and is broken into several sections.Measures of psychological stability and personality evaluation can be found in these sections.
Step 10: You should tighten up your spelling.
The English portion of the assessment centre test is about how well you receive and express information in written word.Spelling, clarity, and accuracy should be a priority during this portion of the test.
Step 11: Have you practiced your enunciation?
The Public Address system on your train will allow you to communicate with your passengers.Clear speaking is important due to the fact that many PA systems are not adequate.If you receive practice information to relay to passengers, you will be tested on your PA skills.As you make your announcement, write it out.It should be recorded into an audio tape.
Step 12: Simple machines and mechanics will help you relearn.
The assessment centre test will evaluate your mechanical comprehension if you don't review levers, pulleys, and ramps.Predicting the result of the mechanism in question will involve you looking at mechanical diagrams.You have to evaluate systems that affect each other in the second part of the test.You have to find all the errors that could cause the system to breakdown.
Step 13: Pass all of the remaining assessments.
Two computer tests will be used to gauge your abilities of concentration and reflexes in the final leg of your assessment centre testing.The concentration activity involves picking out specified groupings of dots within a time limit, and the reflex test uses external prompts, like lights and sounds, which you will respond to with a special keyboard.Run through the woods and play reaction based video games.
Step 14: Beat the interviewer.
This is the last step in assessing your competence as a potential train operator.During the test, TfL staff will ask you questions about the job and you will be expected to answer the best of your ability.The questions may ask about why you want to be a train operator.How you would deal with that situation.The line and depot are suitable.
Step 15: You have to complete your training.
Depending on individual factors, the training process for becoming a train operator for the tube can take anywhere from 6 to 12 months.You will begin working on your own as a train operator once you have completed your training.Over the course of your training, you will receive an introduction to general information about the London underground.You should be familiar with operational procedures training.Take a tour of the depot.Train knowledge can be learned.
Step 16: Understand apprenticeship requirements.
There is a loophole in the union agreements that allows for apprenticeships, even though it is not possible for a non-union member to get a job as a train operator for the tube.To become an apprenticeship, you need to be between 16 and 18 years of age.There is no less than four GCSEs physical ability.
Step 17: Evaluate your desire to learn something new.
The job of a train operator has many difficult points.If you don't like the dark or early/late shifts or find it hard to concentrate on repetitive tasks, a job as a train operator for the tube might not be for you.
Step 18: Be persistent.
TfL can schedule application submissions because the hiring process usually follows a predictable pattern.January 7, 2016 is when the next open enroll for apprenticeships will begin.The apprenticeship brochure can be found at: https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/careers/apprenticeships.
Step 19: Go through the application process.
Once you have been accepted into the apprenticeship program, you will be able to continue with the evaluation portion of the assessment process.It may be similar to the assessments given to regular workers of TfL who are applying to become a train operator.