(28 Aug 2014, 10:29 pm)aureolin wrote More snug than the Washington depot? You can go past at 10pm/11pm on an evening and there's still buses on the main road.

Always imagined CLS to be the most interesting depot due to its age. What's it like for asbestos?

I imagine if the depot does close, asbestos as well as age confinements could contribute to it's closure.

I've seen Washington on Google Maps, there was a MetroLink Scania parked outside the depot grounds, you have to ask why they censor the registration but you can clearly see the fleet number.

(28 Aug 2014, 10:39 pm)Marcus wrote I imagine if the depot does close, asbestos as well as age confinements could contribute to it's closure.

I've seen Washington on Google Maps, there was a MetroLink Scania parked outside the depot grounds, you have to ask why they censor the registration but you can clearly see the fleet number.

If a Super Depot did open, do you reckon it would be merged with Stanley or Washington?

(28 Aug 2014, 10:47 pm)Tom wrote If a Super Depot did open, do you reckon it would be merged with Stanley or Washington?

I reckon GNE will stop renting Crook, and amalgamate those services with Chester, same with Consett and Stanley, that's two depot and two mini-depots. Possibly Washington as well. Can definitely see Stanley and Chester together.

(28 Aug 2014, 10:49 pm)Marcus wrote I reckon GNE will stop renting Crook, and amalgamate those services with Chester, same with Consett and Stanley, that's two depot and two mini-depots. Possibly Washington as well. Can definitely see Stanley and Chester together.

Imagine all the routes you'd have to learn though. I counted at least 42 (4, 8, 13, 14, 15/15A, 21, 28/28A, 34/34A, 43/44/44A, 45/46, 50, 71, 78, 88/88A M2, M3, V1/V2, V3/V4, V5/V6, V8, V9, W5/W6, X1, X22, X25, X30/X31, X43, X70/X71, X88) if Stanley, Consett, Washington and Chester-le-Street merged.

(28 Aug 2014, 10:55 pm)Tom wrote Imagine all the routes you'd have to learn though. I counted at least 42 (4, 8, 13, 14, 15/15A, 21, 28/28A, 34/34A, 43/44/44A, 45/46, 50, 71, 78, 88/88A M2, M3, V1/V2, V3/V4, V5/V6, V8, V9, W5/W6, X1, X22, X25, X30/X31, X43, X70/X71, X88) if Stanley, Consett, Washington and Washington merged.

I would think they might keep the routes to their respective depots. I don't know how Sunderland Rd and Winlaton work now they're at Riverside, but I would assume they'd keep it similar if they had a super-depot just as big.

Also, Washington and Washington?

(28 Aug 2014, 10:57 pm)Marcus wrote I would think they might keep the routes to their respective depots. I don't know how Sunderland Rd and Winlaton work now they're at Riverside, but I would assume they'd keep it similar if they had a super-depot just as big.

Also, Washington and Washington?

Should say Washington and Chester-le-Street
I've edited my post.

None of the lads know (in Riverside) that I have an interest in buses, so it's been quite fun for me to ask a few questions to see what they know or have heard.

For the past seven years at the very least, there have been rumours that they were going to shut Stanley and Chester, to merge them on a new site like Riverside, but nothing has ever come of it (yet).

(29 Aug 2014, 5:02 am)Dan wrote None of the lads know (in Riverside) that I have an interest in buses, so it's been quite fun for me to ask a few questions to see what they know or have heard.

For the past seven years at the very least, there have been rumours that they were going to shut Stanley and Chester, to merge them on a new site like Riverside, but nothing has ever come of it (yet).

So, are you like one of those Undercover Bosses (or should I say, Undercover Buses! ) who goes into various departments of the company to find out what's wrong?

(29 Aug 2014, 10:15 am)Marcus wrote So, are you like one of those Undercover Bosses (or should I say, Undercover Buses! ) who goes into various departments of the company to find out what's wrong?

Hahah! Not at all.

Really, I've just been floating around various departments to gain as much 'experience' as possible. As the majority have kids, it's also helped having me there, as a lot of employees have taken annual leave this month.

(29 Aug 2014, 10:19 am)Dan wrote Hahah! Not at all.

Really, I've just been floating around various departments to gain as much 'experience' as possible. As the majority have kids, it's also helped having me there, as a lot of employees have taken annual leave this month.

What do you fancy doing then Dan, do u fancy being a bus driver and working your way up or would you like to enter a company like GNE at some kind of management level???

(29 Aug 2014, 11:12 am)marxistafozzski wrote What do you fancy doing then Dan, do u fancy being a bus driver and working your way up or would you like to enter a company like GNE at some kind of management level???

If only I knew, fozz!

A number of people at GNE have told me they'd like to see me return after I finish school, but who knows...

(29 Aug 2014, 11:40 am)Dan wrote If only I knew, fozz!

A number of people at GNE have told me they'd like to see me return after I finish school, but who knows...

Well, your still young, get your qualifications what you need, I have faith In you my friend and in whatever you do...

What you have been doing with GNE puts you in a good place...whatever path you take good luck mate

(29 Aug 2014, 11:45 am)marxistafozzski wrote Well, your still young, get your qualifications what you need, I have faith In you my friend and in whatever you do...

What you have been doing with GNE puts you in a good place...whatever path you take good luck mate

Cheers.

I originally thought it was going to be a laborious task to go to work every day, under the impression that it would be worth it in the end as not many people will have four weeks worth of voluntary work experience on their CV in addition to my ordinary one-week work experience placement from school. In reality, it was a totally different story.

I've heard a number of things about the morale of those who work at Riverside, but I think this may be the opinion of the minority. In my first week, I spent my time undertaking basic administration duties. I didn't really know anyone there other than the people who I was working alongside. I moved into another department for my second week, and this is when I attended a meeting, which was when I got to know the majority of the people at Riverside and a few from other sites too. From this point onwards, I started to have a bit of a joke and carry on with people, and I acquired the name "Golden Boy" because the manager of the department didn't stop praising me to them.

But yeah, I've had a couple of suggestions from those on a more senior level about the future... Playing it by here though! I know school won't be happy if I don't go to University and end up going straight into the world of work, but I'm not there to please them...

(29 Aug 2014, 12:18 pm)Dan wrote Cheers.

I originally thought it was going to be a laborious task to go to work every day, under the impression that it would be worth it in the end as not many people will have four weeks worth of voluntary work experience on their CV in addition to my ordinary one-week work experience placement from school. In reality, it was a totally different story.

I've heard a number of things about the morale of those who work at Riverside, but I think this may be the opinion of the minority. In my first week, I spent my time undertaking basic administration duties. I didn't really know anyone there other than the people who I was working alongside. I moved into another department for my second week, and this is when I attended a meeting, which was when I got to know the majority of the people at Riverside and a few from other sites too. From this point onwards, I started to have a bit of a joke and carry on with people, and I acquired the name "Golden Boy" because the manager of the department didn't stop praising me to them.

But yeah, I've had a couple of suggestions from those on a more senior level about the future... Playing it by here though! I know school won't be happy if I don't go to University and end up going straight into the world of work, but I'm not there to please them...

Sod your school, it is your life, who gives a monkeys shit if you don't go to Uni, though my advice would be to go, get as much of an education as you can get(judging by your GCSE's, you are bright and quite intelligenr but it is not the be-all and end-all, go with what your happy with, because I am sure if GNE took you on, you would surely get an opportunity to study for NVQ in whatever department you ended up in...

If your not in Uni when I come back home I hope you are doing well in whatever you choose...

All the best pal

(29 Aug 2014, 12:18 pm)Dan wrote Cheers.

I originally thought it was going to be a laborious task to go to work every day, under the impression that it would be worth it in the end as not many people will have four weeks worth of voluntary work experience on their CV in addition to my ordinary one-week work experience placement from school. In reality, it was a totally different story.

I've heard a number of things about the morale of those who work at Riverside, but I think this may be the opinion of the minority. In my first week, I spent my time undertaking basic administration duties. I didn't really know anyone there other than the people who I was working alongside. I moved into another department for my second week, and this is when I attended a meeting, which was when I got to know the majority of the people at Riverside and a few from other sites too. From this point onwards, I started to have a bit of a joke and carry on with people, and I acquired the name "Golden Boy" because the manager of the department didn't stop praising me to them.

But yeah, I've had a couple of suggestions from those on a more senior level about the future... Playing it by here though! I know school won't be happy if I don't go to University and end up going straight into the world of work, but I'm not there to please them...

My parents want me to do uni, so I suppose I will. They've raised me and given me a wonderful life, so I suppose I really should give something back to them (even if a Business Degree does cost them £10K )

(29 Aug 2014, 1:09 pm)Marcus wrote My parents want me to do uni, so I suppose I will. They've raised me and given me a wonderful life, so I suppose I really should give something back to them (even if a Business Degree does cost them £10K )

Do what you feel comfortable with mate, it is not easy to say this, don't do something just to keep people Happy, because if you are doing things for others expectations in you, then you will end up resenting what your doing and may set yourself up to fail...

At least you have a few years to decide what you want to be doing 😀

(29 Aug 2014, 12:18 pm)Dan wrote Cheers.

I originally thought it was going to be a laborious task to go to work every day, under the impression that it would be worth it in the end as not many people will have four weeks worth of voluntary work experience on their CV in addition to my ordinary one-week work experience placement from school. In reality, it was a totally different story.

I've heard a number of things about the morale of those who work at Riverside, but I think this may be the opinion of the minority. In my first week, I spent my time undertaking basic administration duties. I didn't really know anyone there other than the people who I was working alongside. I moved into another department for my second week, and this is when I attended a meeting, which was when I got to know the majority of the people at Riverside and a few from other sites too. From this point onwards, I started to have a bit of a joke and carry on with people, and I acquired the name "Golden Boy" because the manager of the department didn't stop praising me to them.

But yeah, I've had a couple of suggestions from those on a more senior level about the future... Playing it by here though! I know school won't be happy if I don't go to University and end up going straight into the world of work, but I'm not there to please them...

You see, we are not that bad.....

(29 Aug 2014, 1:09 pm)Marcus wrote My parents want me to do uni, so I suppose I will. They've raised me and given me a wonderful life, so I suppose I really should give something back to them (even if a Business Degree does cost them £10K )

Even if my parents want me to do Uni (which they do), I'm not. They can't make me. Despite them giving me a great life etc. I'm not going to do something I don't want to do.

(29 Aug 2014, 4:14 pm)Tom wrote Even if my parents want me to do Uni (which they do), I'm not. They can't make me. Despite them giving me a great life etc. I'm not going to do something I don't want to do.

That's a good point, but what if you move to Stagecoach in Cumbria and get offered an amazing job that you can't accept because you don't have the qualifications to do?

(29 Aug 2014, 2:16 pm)citaro5284 wrote You see, we are not that bad.....

Well... A smile or two wouldn't gan a miss in the mornings like!

(29 Aug 2014, 4:16 pm)Marcus wrote That's a good point, but what if you move to Stagecoach in Cumbria and get offered an amazing job that you can't accept because you don't have the qualifications to do?

The chances are, if you're offered a job, you'll get it (providing you want it). Some companies look for experience over qualifications. You can always study whilst you're on an entry-level job and work your way up from there.

(29 Aug 2014, 4:16 pm)Marcus wrote That's a good point, but what if you move to Stagecoach in Cumbria and get offered an amazing job that you can't accept because you don't have the qualifications to do?

But what if I get A-Levels in Business?

(29 Aug 2014, 4:25 pm)Tom wrote But what if I get A-Levels in Business?

Possible, but I reckon a degree would be more preferable than an A-Level.

There's people on here who can explain it way better than me, but I think if you did a bit of part-time driving with GNE while at Uni, you can do about 3 years with GNE, then as soon as you get a degree, go off to Cumbria. You'll have driven for both GNE and SiC. Could work?

(29 Aug 2014, 4:28 pm)Marcus wrote Possible, but I reckon a degree would be more preferable than an A-Level.

There's people on here who can explain it way better than me, but I think if you did a bit of part-time driving with GNE while at Uni, you can do about 3 years with GNE, then as soon as you get a degree, go off to Cumbria. You'll have driven for both GNE and SiC. Could work?

Would that work though? Being part time with GNE and going to Uni?

(29 Aug 2014, 4:32 pm)Tom wrote Would that work though? Being part time with GNE and going to Uni?

Highly doubt it.

I don't think GNE usually hire 'weekend drivers'.

(29 Aug 2014, 4:32 pm)Tom wrote Would that work though? Being part time with GNE and going to Uni?

It's possible. I've heard there are a few really short duties on an evening (I think they're like 14:00 till 19:00) that you could each night, then get a few lectures in each day? I think the minimum to be considered a full-time student is 12 hours of study a week or something? It could work if you looked further into it.

(29 Aug 2014, 4:33 pm)Marcus wrote It's possible. I've heard there are a few really short duties on an evening (I think they're like 14:00 till 19:00) that you could each night, then get a few lectures in each day? I think the minimum to be considered a full-time student is 12 hours of study a week or something? It could work if you looked further into it.

Suppose it could work - still not sure about University though.
If I did I would probably have to move away too.

(29 Aug 2014, 4:39 pm)Tom wrote Suppose it could work - still not sure about University though.
If I did I would probably have to move away too.

Or you could do the part time scholars runs (two hrs in the morning and two hrs in the afternoon, I think)?

Would you not want to just study at Northumbria or Newcastle?

(29 Aug 2014, 4:40 pm)Marcus wrote Or you could do the part time scholars runs (two hrs in the morning and two hrs in the afternoon, I think)?

Would you not want to just study at Northumbria or Newcastle?

Possibly yes - I'd hate to do Scholars
I'd rather do proper services.

(29 Aug 2014, 4:22 pm)Dan wrote Well... A smile or two wouldn't gan a miss in the mornings like!

In all seriousiness, I am pleased you enjoyed it and your look 'behind the scenes' of what we do, from the recruitment process, to the Risk Management Department and through to what we do at Bensham and what it takes to actually operate a bus service and the amount of staff involved in the background.

As you seen, in Risk there is so much going on, from checking tools for vibration, to risk assessments and Health and Safety Meetings. I believe you also sat in on a meeting about on the road accidents and how these figures can be reduced going forward by bringing quite a few of the different departments of the business into one room and for them to discuss there part of the project and what they can do.

When you came to Bensham, you saw the amount of staff based there along with the vast amount of roles which is covered in a Head Office Function from IT, payroll, revenue, service planning and Customer Services along with our roles with System Admin.
You saw how the Mix Telematics system worked along with how the destination displays are programmed and what we report to Go Ahead at Period End along with the associated KPI's - which is quite a bit.....

(29 Aug 2014, 6:11 pm)citaro5284 wrote In all seriousiness, I am pleased you enjoyed it and your look 'behind the scenes' of what we do, from the recruitment process, to the Risk Management Department and through to what we do at Bensham and what it takes to actually operate a bus service and the amount of staff involved in the background.

As you seen, in Risk there is so much going on, from checking tools for vibration, to risk assessments and Health and Safety Meetings. I believe you also sat in on a meeting about on the road accidents and how these figures can be reduced going forward by bringing quite a few of the different departments of the business into one room and for them to discuss there part of the project and what they can do.

When you came to Bensham, you saw the amount of staff based there along with the vast amount of roles which is covered in a Head Office Function from IT, payroll, revenue, service planning and Customer Services along with our roles with System Admin.
You saw how the Mix Telematics system worked along with how the destination displays are programmed and what we report to Go Ahead at Period End along with the associated KPI's - which is quite a bit.....

Sounds like Dan has had quite a look at GNE and can only be a benefit for him if he wants a career of some kind within the Company