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Careers - Working at Northern - Train Despatcher Interview

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View the Spring / Summer 2012 issue of the Northern customer magazine

Train Despatcher Interview

Hello I'm Mark.

I work at the train station doing customer service and train despatch. My job is very busy, I am responsible for making sure trains are despatched in a safe, punctual manner as well as helping out customers with their travel needs.

As I work on the station, I get lots of customers approaching me and asking me questions! Sometimes it can be distracting as my priority is to make sure the train is despatched safely. Usually I just ask the customer to hang on a moment while I despatch the train.

Its amazing the types of questions I get asked by customers, not just about trains! From where are the taxis to can I recommend a local restaurant! You have to be a fountain of knowledge!

I absolutely love my job; it's a total change from what I have done before, as I was self-employed. I have been working for Northern for 5 months now, it's a great company to work for. The best thing is the team spirit, it's been great getting to know everyone, and you really do make a lot of friends.

Northern really are a progressive company, there are lots of opportunities to move forward, there is a weekly vacancy list and there are always plenty of jobs advertised.

I also think the wages are pretty good too; I certainly look forward to getting my wages each month, I know my kids do!

There are challenging parts to my job, it doesn't always run smoothly. If the train services are disrupted it can get really busy, you find yourself running around and trying to prioritise as you go. It's very satisfying though, when you can make a difference to someone's journey.

The shifts can be challenging; I can work earlies, nights, weekends, the whole lot! But it also allows me to have time off too, so I think overall the good outweighs the bad.

I am a big family man so anytime off with my family is much appreciated plus time off also gives me a chance to indulge in my passion for bike racing.