Am I realistically too old for a tainee drivers job !?!

[Sully664]

Ok, to put it very simply, due to my age, do I stand a realistic chance of TOCs accepting me for a trainee Drivers job. - Some personal background, 47 years of age - 6 years army, 25 years Police - recently retired from the police, Sergeant. Consider myself physically fit for age.

I am fully aware that you need to be over 21 to apply, and that fitness / tests permitting you can keep driving till your turn old and grey and everyone calls you pops - I'm also aware employers shouldn't discriminate against age unless they are exempt etc - But when push comes to shove, lie and recruiting is often about money, investment and returns, so whilst a prospective employer is unlikely to admit they have a cut off recruitment age, many will for understandable reasons often work to one unofficially.

So, my real question is, for those that have started trainee drivers courses in the last year or two, what was the age spread on your course and in particular, was their anyone 45 plus.

Politely, don't need to hear about you can apply, age shouldn't be a problem, my mates a driver and he's 60 - just really want to hear about what's happening with recruitment on the ground, what's the average age range of those physically starting courses / recently joining depots etc.

 

[Daniel84]

Ok, to put it very simply, due to my age, do I stand a realistic chance of TOCs accepting me for a trainee Drivers job. - Some personal background, 47 years of age - 6 years army, 25 years Police - recently retired from the police, Sergeant. Consider myself physically fit for age.

I am fully aware that you need to be over 21 to apply, and that fitness / tests permitting you can keep driving till your turn old and grey and everyone calls you pops - I'm also aware employers shouldn't discriminate against age unless they are exempt etc - But when push comes to shove, lie and recruiting is often about money, investment and returns, so whilst a prospective employer is unlikely to admit they have a cut off recruitment age, many will for understandable reasons often work to one unofficially.

So, my real question is, for those that have started trainee drivers courses in the last year or two, what was the age spread on your course and in particular, was their anyone 45 plus.

Politely, don't need to hear about you can apply, age shouldn't be a problem, my mates a driver and he's 60 - just really want to hear about what's happening with recruitment on the ground, what's the average age range of those physically starting courses / recently joining depots etc.

I know that I have read on here of drivers being on recent courses, who are at least your age. Hopefully someone will be along who can confirm this, but from posts I've read on here 47 should not be a problem and you obviously have a great work background for the role.

 

[TheVicLine]

There were 10 people on my course that started in Feb and I'm 46.

There was one person older than me on the course and I would say that the average age on the course was 30 something, so you shouldn't have any problems. Go for it.

 

[welshjpc]

When I attended my stage 1 assessment earlier this year I was easily one of the youngest guys in the room (at a mere 33). There were plenty of guys who appeared older than 47 - they got invited to stage one.

At 47 the rail company can get a good decade out of you. With your past experience you could be a very strong candidate.

Just go for it! Whats the worst that can happen?

And good luck.

 

[PeteH]

Of ten people on my course two people were aged 46 at its commencement, one aged 49.

 

[Ransomes 902]

With regard to age, I was invited for assessment this year and I am 48, although I failed the GBT I was told there was no problem in me reapplying when my 6 month quarrantine period is up, even though I will be 49 by then. The lady who talks to you after you've failed was quite clear that a fail isn't held against you in the future, she also reassured me about my age not being a barrier. Hope that puts your mind at rest.
Who are you thinking of applying to?

 

[Cherry_Picker]

We had a guy at Chiltern who was 55 (almost 56) when he was given a trainee drivers job. He had a similar background to you too, though he had 25 years in the fire brigade and 10+ years in the Navy prior to joining the railway. Those kind of careers always seem to go down well with people at the interview process.

 

[TOCDriver]

You have a great background for the job and still a good 20 years of work in you. Go for it - I wouldn't be at all surprised if you got a chance.

 

[Latecomer]

There's a lot to suggest that TOC's view a combination of age and relevant experience (not necessarily rail related) as a positive. I was the oldest in our group of 10 when I attained the driver grade at age 46 (there was someone else a couple of years younger and most of the rest about 30). Certainly there have been other intakes where I've known people as young as 22 - but that is the exception. I hate to say it but in my limited experience incidents due to driver error amongst sub 2-year qualified drivers appear to be skewed towards the lower age range. I must stress this is my experience from my depot and I don't mean younger trainees can't or won't make good drivers! Obviously older drivers are far from immune, but I expect TOC's are aware of the stats.

 

[GGR]

We have a guy on my course at the moment who's had similar experience to yourself (forces etc) and he's 52! Age is not a barrier and experience is one of the things in life that money really cant buy.

Get applying and Good Luck!!!!

 

[Sully664]

Many thanks for the responses - greatly appreciated.

Looks like TOCs are happy to take on 'old knackers' my age so a potential career post Forces with the railways is possible - Now the hard work begins, time to start preparing so I can give it my best shot whilst time permits.

Once again, many thanks for your quick replies and statements of encouragement

 

[parsons16]

Mate, let me tell you something. I first applied at the age of 44 (2007) and after various rejections (Freightliner twice, GB Railfreight, London Midland) and a failure at NXEA), I finally got the green light this morning - and I was 50 late last year. Don't worry about your age - if your good enough (and with a bit of luck) you'll get there!

 

[carlejo]

Many thanks for the responses - greatly appreciated.

Looks like TOCs are happy to take on 'old knackers' my age so a potential career post Forces with the railways is possible - Now the hard work begins, time to start preparing so I can give it my best shot whilst time permits.

Once again, many thanks for your quick replies and statements of encouragement

You have tons of life experience in jobs that will suit the job you want to apply for. I was at an assessment several months ago and the average age was mid 40's, I recently had my SI and medical and start with a TOC in a few weeks..... I'm mid 40's, go for it, good luck

 

[letmedrive]

Definately not. I got a trainee depot drivers job at 55 and am starting a mainline training course with the same company next year aged 56. Just put in at least as much effort as the younger guns and you should have a good chance. Ask yourself if someone half your age can match your experience.