New TfL Recruits Swap the Military for London Underground
Category: Success Stories
Publish date: 31/10/2014
Six former members of
the Armed Forces have
been recruited by TfL as
train operators.
It is the first time since 2001 that
direct recruit train operators have
joined the business and forms part
of a wider initiative between TfL, the
Ministry of Defence and the CTP.
The new recruits were welcomed by
Programme Director of Infrastructure and
Access George McInulty and Brendan
Sleight, Chief Engineer, Performance and
Maintenance, Road Space Management.
Greeting the ex-servicemen,
George said the skills they are bringing
are highly sought-after and will be
invaluable to TfL.
Referring to an external recruitment
drive in 2009 for line controllers he
said: “That brought in some of the best
line controllers this business has ever
had and this is similar. We wanted to
make sure we filled our train operator
vacancies with appropriate people we
could invest in, upskill, and hopefully
progress in the business.
“They are becoming part of the great
story that is TfL,” said George.
The new recruits:
James Donovan who spent 11
years working in air defence and
communications for the Royal Artillery
said: “I joined the Army straight from
school but I’ve always had a fascination
with trains and railways. I’m really
looking forward to the new role.”
Kev Potter was in the Royal Navy for
34 years, working primarily on nuclear
submarines: “The career prospects look
good at TfL,” he said. “I like the idea of
driving a train. It’s something I think I can
do and am cut out for.”
Based at RAF Leuchars in Fife,
Nathan Rutland worked in the
operations room specialising in quick
reaction alert: “I’d achieved what I
wanted to in the RAF and when I saw
this role advertised it looked like a great
opportunity,” he said.
Scott Marshall joined the Army at
16 and served in the First Batallion of
the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
before it was amalgamated into the
Royal Regiment of Scotland in 2006: “I’ve
not had a working life outside the Army,”
said Scott, “so while there’s naturally
some apprehension about a change of
direction I can’t wait to get started.”
Twenty-two years as an army
ammunition technician has given
John
Stevens a wide range of experiences:
“This will be a demanding role but I’m
really looking forward to it,” he said.”
Tom Cracknell served in the Army
Air Corps at RAF Wattisham for seven
years as an aviation communications
specialist: “There are a lot of
transferable skills,” said Tom, “and I’m
looking forward to the new challenge.”
TfL Recruitment Consultant Linda
Moran said the new recruits would be an
excellent addition to TfL’s talent pool.
Watch out for TfL roles on RightJob - vacancies often close early due to volume of applications so ensure you apply in a timely manner.