Yes, I am external.
My situation might be different from some of you as I will be confined to train movements from Laria Depot to Plymouth Station and won't be mainline passengers for maybe 2 years. Apparently you get the same driver course and learn all traction but I won't get mainline route knowledge or carry passengers.
It wasn't the role I originally applied for but they offered me the position and its an excellent step in getting to mainline driving and the 2 years will fly by, so I am just as excited and I'm kind of in the grade, some of you will know more about it than I do, Let me know what I'm talking about lol.