Hi Lewy, I'm sorry to hear that you haven't got anywhere yet. I agree wholeheartedly with the others that you have to keep banging on the door. Many moons ago it took me 4 attempts to get into the Fire Brigade - when they finally accepted me they said they'd only let me in because they were sick of seeing my ugly face at the assessment centre. But the truth is that most employers value people with determination and ambition.
On the subject of jobs, IIRC you're located in Ipswich or thereabouts. That limits you to the number of FOCs/TOCs you can apply to. Given that we're going
into a recession it's unlikely (though not impossible) that any trainee postions will come up for a while now, BUT there is one option still open.
See this link...
http://www.everydaybrilliance.co.uk/...lant/what.aspx
This is the Network Rail training programme. They are desperately short of technicians, AND they have a residential training school, so it doesn't matter where you live.
Obviously it does NOT involve locos or rolling stock, but if you specialise in
plant you will deal with some engines and generators. This would be a terrific grounding in the technical basics, and you'd be well placed to apply for TOC/FOC jobs when things pick up on the other side of the recession.
Just a thought. It's always nice to get your foot on the first rung of the career ladder.
Best wishes,
FP