Life as a trainee Cityrail Driver

exVKG · Posted: Mon Oct 06, 2008 3:04 pm

Hey All,

(Pursuant to the moderators having no objection Very Happy

, I've started a new thread to detail my experiences as a Trainee Suburban Train Driver with Cityrail. Hope you'll get some enjoyment and info out of this series.)

Well, the big day is tomorrow Confused

Kinda excited and kinda nervous, which is strange sensation for me 'cause I'm normally such a confident guy Shocked

Already down in Sydney, decided to come down today so we wouldn't have to rush tomorrow, so I'm currently chilling in a smeggy motel in downtown Strathfield.

For some background: I'm 35, have already spent 10.5 years in the public service, as a Communications Operator for the Police Force. It was a good job, but there was no challenge left in it anymore, and I had already risen as far as I could. My brother who is 27 had also applied for this job at the same time and we were lucky enough to get the same start date. He was doing home nursing before this.

So there we go, thats enough info for now. If anyone would like to know more just ask!

Cheers,
Al

KRviator · Posted: Mon Oct 06, 2008 9:35 pm

Assuming the rest of the Mod Team has no objection, I'd sy go for it. I've already got my "Life on the Hunter Heavies" thread going, so a similar one for the sparks sounds a good idea. Very Happy

Trainee Driver, Pacific National

Comments made are strictly the opinion of the author and do not reflect the opinions of the ADF, Pacific National, Freight Australia or the Boy Scouts of Antartica.

My fotopic gallery: http://KRviator.fotopic.net

42209 · Posted: Tue Oct 07, 2008 12:15 am

I for one would be very interested to read your entries. Keep us posted! Very Happy

My photography at Railpictures.net

simont141 · Posted: Tue Oct 07, 2008 12:40 am

Have you lived in Sydney, or did you move there for the opportunity? Do you know all the routes already?

Good luck and I look forward to hearing more.

Simon

www.prr.org.au

8050 · Posted: Tue Oct 07, 2008 4:39 pm

Hey go for it mate Very Happy

BTW look out for SD10, they're a mean bunch Twisted Evil

exVKG · Posted: Tue Oct 07, 2008 5:17 pm

G'day All,

First day completed. We have been officially designated SD12/08. There are 11 men, and 1 woman, ranging in age from about 45 (rough guess) to about 22 (another rough guess!)

Today we've been hammered on the Code of Conduct, RailCorp's Values, and Ethics. They're really pushing for a generational culture change, and if I've learnt anything today it's been "Do it by the book, if you don't, you will get found out!" Smile

It seems that they are very serious about this.

We were all breath tested this morning too! Cool

Sitting down for less than 5 minutes into our first day, and bang, please count to 10 sir. We all passed, no problems.

The rest of the week looks to be taken up with more admin stuff, (Just Culture, Diversity, Environmental Awareness, Security Awareness, etc). We should also get issued with uniforms and security passes. We've already been issued with keys for the Drivers Cab and station staff carparks. Very Happy

Next week we start the real train stuff, and apparently there'll be 3 months of theory and then we'll be on road, learning the routes.

I won't write everyday, particularly if it's just admin stuff.

Cheers,

Al.

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Unfinished business from previous posts...

I remain in Newcastle, I'll commute for a while. My brother who is also in SD12 may be moving to Woy Woy, if so I'll bunk with him throughout the week. Haven't learnt any of the routes yet, but since I've been given a heads up from a member in another class I'll soon be doing some extracurricular learning on that.

& I'll certainly keep my eyes open for SD10 Laughing

8050 · Posted: Tue Oct 07, 2008 6:36 pm

Was your teacher Susan H?

exVKG · Posted: Tue Oct 07, 2008 7:03 pm

8050 · Posted: Tue Oct 07, 2008 8:29 pm

Ahh ok.

Mark_SA · Posted: Wed Oct 08, 2008 3:49 pm

First week sucks! Make sure you get plenty of coffee in before 8am! Laughing

Have fun!

1979 · Posted: Sun Oct 12, 2008 1:55 pm

1979 · Posted: Sun Oct 12, 2008 1:56 pm

8050 · Posted: Sun Oct 12, 2008 8:08 pm

8050 · Posted: Sun Oct 12, 2008 8:09 pm

Does a certain Buff in SD12 who calls me 'VEG' post here?

1979 · Posted: Sun Oct 12, 2008 8:27 pm