I have spent countless hours filling in these things over the last few years. Never got anywhere. Been Instructing in my spare time over that period, now got about 1200 hours.
Well had enough now thank you very much. I have been offered a drivers assessment by my local Train Operating Company early next year. Have bought the interview prep books, on the face of it doesn't look to difficult for somebody who has done the ATPL exams.
Will give it my best shot, starting salary £28,000, for a 36 hour, 4 day week. Pension plus free staff travel on the railway. Begin as a depot driver, then once you become a mainline driver (within 2 years) its £40,000 for the same hours.
And guess what? They pay for your training, your don't get charged for the interview, they pay for your uniform, ID, everything!
And with 3 days off a week still plenty of time to enjoy a bit of Instructing without the worries of having to make ends meet.
Nothing guaranteed, but I am going to give it my best shot.