Insider profil

Avanti West Coast

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Top Insider Advice

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.

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Career path

Driver Manager, Avanti West Coast

FirstGroup

From 04/2021 to 05/2025

Train Driver Instructor

FirstGroup

From 09/2014 to 05/2023

Company

What do you like about your job and the company?

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.

Greatest achievements

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.

Other Insiders

Christopher G

Top Insider Advice

Experiencing new things will broaden your horizon and give you things to talk about. This is really useful for life experiences and for discussions at interviews when the time is right to move on. Seek out new opportunities to meet new people and take part in exciting and innovative new projects. Want to try something different from your day job and see if you like it first? Why not do some shadowing or grab the opportunity to go on secondment within the business you're working in? With a secondment this is ideal as it means your original position will be waiting for you if, and when, you decide to return. You never know, a secondment may lead to new doors opening that you never thought about previously!

Sophia G

Top Insider Advice

First impressions count, and you may not always know they are happening. Particularly in our industry, you will likely rub shoulders with numerous influential people throughout your career. These moments can be opportunities to make a lasting impression, so take advantage of that. People want to work with people that are pleasant, professional and trustworthy, so make sure you showcase those behaviours regularly with your interactions. The rest of your qualities, skills and experiences, you can evidence and build on while you make more meaningful connections, but the first three are the basics that will catch peoples' eye and help make an impression. There are plenty of opportunities to learn, but they usually require a bit of effort. If it is something you want, remember that investing in yourself with time and effort is to serve you in the long run, so why not take the opportunity? Network, speak to that person. Learn that new skill. Develop on that weakness. Don't be disheartened if you fail that one time, ask for constructive feedback, reflect and learn from it and try again.

Adrian M

Top Insider Advice

My role enables me to champion the voice of the customer and lead the business in the delivery of the customer proposition through a high-profile, visible management style. I work collaboratively with a can-do attitude, always seeking opportunities to enhance the stakeholder experience, promoting the reputation of our Lumo business with our customers, stakeholders & partners, so that our customers can ‘Travel Safe & Well”. Health and Safety play an essential element to every activity and play an integral part of all thought processes. I adhere to strict rules and guidelines, always work with policies and procedures to ensure customers and colleagues travel well fulfilling their expectations. I strive to complete all activities in a timely manner, utilise and develop new skills whilst being punctual and working collaboratively with all colleagues within the team.

Discussions with Paul S