Paul S.

From Holiday Rep to Driver Manager

I spent 3 years overseas as a resort representative looking after amazing customers in hotels and apartments, ensuring they made memories that would last forever. After 3 years I transferred to the UK and moved into the airline operations. I spent almost 10 years flying around the world, where I spent a lot of time staying in hotels in the most amazing places... I hear you ask where was my favourite destination: Well, it was Mauritius!! After that I joined the railway as a trainee train driver and never looked back. It is, in my opinion...The best job in the world.

Driver Manager

I've always wanted to be a Driver Manager as I knew I could utilise some of my skills and experiences for the benefit of train drivers, instructors and assessors. My day-to-day role involves managing the competence of Avanti West Coast train drivers. This means regular assessments whilst they're driving and through assessing their rules of the railway and traction knowledge. I ensure the depot runs as smoothly as possible, being on hand to deal with anything that lands on my desk....except the biscuits; which there has been a massive lack of. I also have an on-call responsibility, which means I can be called upon 24/7 to attend any incidents on the railway.

The railway community

I really enjoy working with the variety of characters within this industry, especially the stories of the old British Rail days. I thrive on watching new drivers start on day one to seeing them leave the platform for the first time on their first solo drive. I love to talk and I will speak to anyone within the station; staff and customers. I have had the pleasure of attending various rail awards celebrating many success stories in the railway. The railway is like one big family and one I am proud to be part of.

Never give up!!

I would encourage anyone who wants to pursue a career as a Train Driver...Go for it. You will not regret it. From the very early shifts to the late ones; every drive brings its own challenges. This is something that still excites me when I get to drive. I have played an active part in answering recruitment questions in the past as well as delivering training to trainee drivers. So the application process will all be worth it once you sit in the driving seat. We’re determined to make a difference. We’ve worked with the LGBTQ+ community and our Inclusion Council to raise the bar. At Avanti West Coast, we’re committed to creating a team that works for all of us. We know it’s not enough to say it – we must live it too. Every single day. That’s why we’ve introduced Live Proud. In a world where anyone can be anything, we all want the opportunity to be ourselves. That’s why we’re encouraging colleagues, customers and communities to share their spark. And when it comes to Pride, we’re proud to stand out. If you have been thinking about applying, come and share your spark and join our amazing community.

Charity Fundraising

I find time every year to raise money for various charities... But I have to do it with a challenge. I have taken part in 7 London Marathons, 4 Half Marathons, along with a sky dive, climbed Mount Fuji, and more recently ran my first Great North Run. I enjoy bringing teams together and have previously arranged charity football matches to bring awareness of mental health and the importance of speaking up. The Alzheimer's Society is close to my heart after my Nana was diagnosed with this 10 years ago. If you have any suggestions for my next challenge feel free to pass them over.