3000 applicants so far for TPE trainee dvr jobs!

[Sammy h]

I haven't heard anything yet so I'll take that as bad news. Onwards and upwards!

 

[Shrimper]

FWIW - I am an 'H' and got an email today inviting me to assessment.

Also, I have previously been knocked back at application stage by First despite having similar qualifications to Flyboy (everything but the job, basically!). The only thing to change since my first application is my job history although that history has not changed since the last round of applications in January, so who knows what has change my luck this time round!

Pleased to get through, now scouring for information on what I can use to help myself!

 

[jonnyb1978]

Just to correct one or two misunderstandings and misquotes from my posts above :

BLS - Apologies for the slight error in my second post, my FTPE application back in 2010 was and is the only official one I've been turned down for. The other knock-backs have been from unoffical approaches I've made to various TOCs, and this is probably due to the companies that I've approached who very rarely take on trainee drivers, but it was my choice to aim high.

I'm reasonably confident that the problem doesn't lay with me, and I say that because I've spent time out on the rail network in the cab with a couple of driver managers from different operators who were very interested in my desire to change profession, and at the end of each day they both said they'd be very keen to have me in their team. So although I was well-liked, these guys had no input whatsoever into the recruitment process and their companies hardly ever needed to recruit trainees, so I basically had no chance. It doesn't appear to be a 'who you know' type of industry. It's worth mentioning for the benefit of MR P that I actually made the teas and coffees during my time with these guys, I know my place!

Secondly, I definitely don't consider myself over-qualified and would hope that any operator that I approached would think the same. My job is very similar to that of any train, bus, coach or tram driver and I would NOT consider myself to be better (or worse) than any of those. It must be remembered that in any industry every employee contributes to the end result, and each role is important, so again MR P, I am no better than anyone else, I'm simply a cog in a machine!

If I had an extremely elevated opinion of myself then surely I'd have no interest in changing from being a steely-eyed Sky God (tongue-in-cheek MR P!) to a common as muck Train Driver? (again, tongue-in-cheek MR P!) The fact that I do surely says something about me.

Finally BLS, I have to take issue with your journalistic-style misquote about my thoughts towards those who got further than I in the FTPE 2010 selection process. I made it quite clear in my post that I did not wish to discredit their skills and experiences, also, I didn't say that they got the job, they simply got through to the second stage. I was rejected specifically because I didn't reach the required score in regard to "relevant skills", and I mentioned the other two guys because one was a station customer services advisor (not sure of the correct title) and the other was a Guard. So, considering how the first stage of selection works, I would argue any day of the week that I should score at least equal, if not slightly more, in regard to "relevant skills" than them, do you not agree? This is not pouring scorn on them, but simply using them to prove a point about the crux of the issue - the selection process. You're quite correct in your later post about other factors playing an equally important part to current or previous work experience, but again, I was making a point about the specific reason behind my rejection, (relevant skills) and in that regard current or previous work experience is a crucial factor.

As Lanc688 said, who knows what profile each TOC is looking for, I guess sometimes vacancies are advertised to all even though it's simply an exercise in promoting from within. In September 2009 the First Group website listed vacancies for both Qualified and Trainee Train Drivers at First Hull Trains, it transpired that they only wanted one driver who must be immediately productive - their own words. There were 400 applicants and I think it's frankly out of order that a lot of unqualified applicants wasted a lot of their time completing the online application when they were never going to get through!

notadriver - you make a very valid point about appreciating what you have because of the jobs you've had before. I know many in my profession who treat cleaners and despatchers (refuellers and baggage handlers too) like something they've stepped in, and I don't like that. Like I said above, every person has an important part to play in making the customer happy.

Beveridges - When I was 12 years of age I decided that I was going to be a Pilot or a Train Driver. I chose flying as my primary goal simply because I flew an aeroplane before I drove a train. I'm immensely proud to have reached my primary goal, but the industry that I joined is a very different beast today in many many ways and I would feel a lot happier out of it. Train Driver was my second choice so that's where I'd like to go next, however, it was easier to get into aviation than it is into the railways, in my opinion.

You stated earlier the fact that others got through and you didn't shows the recruitment process does not work....Do you know what others wrote in their application? No...so it does not show anything but the fact the others submitted a better application. With a poor attitude clearly shows you do not have the correct qualities to be a driver.

 

[GadgetMan]

My surname is B so I'm taking it they are doing it alphabetically .

Mine starts with A, and I've heard nothing so that's that theory out the window

 

[doubleamber]

Did you apply to Sheffield????

Might be depot based?
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Just out of interest did anyone put down they had a vehicle conviction??

Sp30 was mine?

 

[Lanc688]

Doubleamber,

Sorry to hear buddy....Keep trying tho, as I'm sure you will.

Me....."Awaiting Shortlisting" ! :roll:

Will update when can !

Lanc

 

[doubleamber]

Good Luck Lanc, and keep us all posted.

 

[Eduardo]

Hi all,

I recieved an e-mail today notifying me of reaching short listing.

Got to attend an assessment day in Manchester next week.

Looking forward to it.

Can anyone point me towards threads where I can read up on correct prep and what to expect etc

 

[Mix107]

Just to correct one or two misunderstandings and misquotes from my posts above :

BLS - Apologies for the slight error in my second post, my FTPE application back in 2010 was and is the only official one I've been turned down for. The other knock-backs have been from unoffical approaches I've made to various TOCs, and this is probably due to the companies that I've approached who very rarely take on trainee drivers, but it was my choice to aim high.

I'm reasonably confident that the problem doesn't lay with me, and I say that because I've spent time out on the rail network in the cab with a couple of driver managers from different operators who were very interested in my desire to change profession, and at the end of each day they both said they'd be very keen to have me in their team. So although I was well-liked, these guys had no input whatsoever into the recruitment process and their companies hardly ever needed to recruit trainees, so I basically had no chance. It doesn't appear to be a 'who you know' type of industry. It's worth mentioning for the benefit of MR P that I actually made the teas and coffees during my time with these guys, I know my place!

Secondly, I definitely don't consider myself over-qualified and would hope that any operator that I approached would think the same. My job is very similar to that of any train, bus, coach or tram driver and I would NOT consider myself to be better (or worse) than any of those. It must be remembered that in any industry every employee contributes to the end result, and each role is important, so again MR P, I am no better than anyone else, I'm simply a cog in a machine!

If I had an extremely elevated opinion of myself then surely I'd have no interest in changing from being a steely-eyed Sky God (tongue-in-cheek MR P!) to a common as muck Train Driver? (again, tongue-in-cheek MR P!) The fact that I do surely says something about me.

Finally BLS, I have to take issue with your journalistic-style misquote about my thoughts towards those who got further than I in the FTPE 2010 selection process. I made it quite clear in my post that I did not wish to discredit their skills and experiences, also, I didn't say that they got the job, they simply got through to the second stage. I was rejected specifically because I didn't reach the required score in regard to "relevant skills", and I mentioned the other two guys because one was a station customer services advisor (not sure of the correct title) and the other was a Guard. So, considering how the first stage of selection works, I would argue any day of the week that I should score at least equal, if not slightly more, in regard to "relevant skills" than them, do you not agree? This is not pouring scorn on them, but simply using them to prove a point about the crux of the issue - the selection process. You're quite correct in your later post about other factors playing an equally important part to current or previous work experience, but again, I was making a point about the specific reason behind my rejection, (relevant skills) and in that regard current or previous work experience is a crucial factor.

As Lanc688 said, who knows what profile each TOC is looking for, I guess sometimes vacancies are advertised to all even though it's simply an exercise in promoting from within. In September 2009 the First Group website listed vacancies for both Qualified and Trainee Train Drivers at First Hull Trains, it transpired that they only wanted one driver who must be immediately productive - their own words. There were 400 applicants and I think it's frankly out of order that a lot of unqualified applicants wasted a lot of their time completing the online application when they were never going to get through!

notadriver - you make a very valid point about appreciating what you have because of the jobs you've had before. I know many in my profession who treat cleaners and despatchers (refuellers and baggage handlers too) like something they've stepped in, and I don't like that. Like I said above, every person has an important part to play in making the customer happy.

Beveridges - When I was 12 years of age I decided that I was going to be a Pilot or a Train Driver. I chose flying as my primary goal simply because I flew an aeroplane before I drove a train. I'm immensely proud to have reached my primary goal, but the industry that I joined is a very different beast today in many many ways and I would feel a lot happier out of it. Train Driver was my second choice so that's where I'd like to go next, however, it was easier to get into aviation than it is into the railways, in my opinion.

Hi Flyboy

I have no doubt you could do the job, however I do think you under estimate the advantage railway experience can give you sometimes. You say the guard and station customer advisor got to the second stage, maybe this gave them the edge has they had railway experience in using the rule book and could demonstrate more relevant experience in their application. I'm not saying it will get you the job or guarantee shortlisting, but it may help. I was previously a signaller and have got a trainee train driver job starting in Nov. There were several others at my assessment day who had current or previous rail experience.

The other thing you mention is that you have only ever applied to one TOC officially via an application, so you can hardly base one failed application on your skills/experience versus someone else's. You need to get out there and keep applying via the official channels. Don't bother sending speculative CV's, especially for TOCS of FOCS that very rarely take any trainees on, use the applications when the jobs arise, no matter how tedious they can be.

I have applied to WAGN (2004) and four this year - First Scotrail, Northern, First Capital Connect and Greater Anglia. A failed the first driver assessment on the dots in 2004, was a Signaller for Network Rail from 2007-2008, this year got to the online assessments for Northern, shortlisted and on hold for the First ones and passed everything for GA (which is the closest to where I live after all that). All the TOCS have different criteria and some either like your application and some don't. I have used my basic application throughout, with tweaks to fit each application and have been successful in the end. But you just need to apply more and I have no doubt you'll find a TOC that will shortlist you and then the ball's in your court. It's not always a quick fix!

At the end of the day, I do believe some element of it is luck. With so many applications being received, so many TOCS with different criteria and different recruitment officers with their own views/opinions. But those elements are out of your hands, so just try a few more proper applications. If you want it, you have to put the work in and can't afford to become complacent. You get the knock backs, but just keep applying. Keep us posted!

Kind regards

 

[evoice]

Anyone has any idea what will be in that first assessment day coz it says only problem solving. Does it include mechanical aptitude??

 

[Silv1983]

Still nothing in my email from First. I submitted my application on 30/06. How does this tie in with others who have got assessment dates and those who are still waiting? Maybe it's done in waves.
Ah well it keeps me free to prepare for my Northern interview Thursday!

 

[SkinnyDave]

Still nothing in my email from First. I submitted my application on 30/06. How does this tie in with others who have got assessment dates and those who are still waiting? Maybe it's done in waves.
Ah well it keeps me free to prepare for my Northern interview Thursday!

Still waiting

 

[PhilC]

Anyone has any idea what will be in that first assessment day coz it says only problem solving. Does it include mechanical aptitude??

I'm assuming it will be reaction test, group bourdon or SCAAT (or even both), trainibility for rules and mechanical comprehension. At least that's my perpetration!
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Still waiting

I have heard from a reliable source that out of 3000, 97 have passed there applications. I was informed that I had passed Wednesday. It maybe just down to HR informing the relevant applicants.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Still nothing in my email from First. I submitted my application on 30/06. How does this tie in with others who have got assessment dates and those who are still waiting? Maybe it's done in waves.
Ah well it keeps me free to prepare for my Northern interview Thursday!

07/07/12 I submitted mine.

 

[GadgetMan]

Still nothing in my email from First. I submitted my application on 30/06. How does this tie in with others who have got assessment dates and those who are still waiting? Maybe it's done in waves.
Ah well it keeps me free to prepare for my Northern interview Thursday!

Submitted mine on the 30th too and still nothing. Oh well, just keep waiting never know what may turn up.

 

[Lanc688]

I'm assuming it will be reaction test, group bourdon or SCAAT (or even both), trainibility for rules and mechanical comprehension. At least that's my perpetration!
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---


I have heard from a reliable source that out of 3000, 97 have passed there applications. I was informed that I had passed Wednesday. It maybe just down to HR informing the relevant applicants.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---


07/07/12 I submitted mine.

Phil,

The thread start was 27 July and that was when the 3000 applicants so far was noted; with quite a few days (weeks) since then I would hazard a guess that 3000 applicants was quickly surpassed.

Anyway....more to the point...Apllication a few days after 30 Jun for me and guess what....still not heard ! :roll:

Best of luck in the assessment day next week to all !

Lanc

 

[MrJDS]

Applied on 30th and bingo, no reply yet. No news is good news

 

[doubleamber]

Applied on 30th and bingo, no reply yet. No news is good news

Had my Dear John so your probably right on the no news is good news !

 

[rob12]

Hi, just got my email yesterday, Got to be in manchester at 9.30 for first stage assessment Anybody else got the nod?? I chuffed to bits but now the real hard work starts just praying i get through to stage 2 good luck to everyone else

 

[Sammy h]

Hmm some have had bad and good news yet some are still waiting. I don't think there is a pattern here gents!

 

[MrJDS]

Hi, just got my email yesterday, Got to be in manchester at 9.30 for first stage assessment Anybody else got the nod?? I chuffed to bits but now the real hard work starts just praying i get through to stage 2 good luck to everyone else

When did you slip the application in and what depot???

 

[evoice]

Mine @ 1430 same place... Applied 01/07/12

 

[Deftone_13]

What do you think the tests are going to be? I heard it isn't dots or mechanics?

 

[evoice]

Haven't Got a clue... Just said problem solving assessment in d mail.
No dots or mechanics!! Is it den jus basic arithmetic or Wat??

 

[Sunday_mornin]

Haven't Got a clue... Just said problem solving assessment in d mail.
No dots or mechanics!! Is it den jus basic arithmetic or Wat??

I bet the FTPE application interface just loved your spelling, there is hope for all.

 

[PhilC]

What do you think the tests are going to be? I heard it isn't dots or mechanics?

Where did you get your information? I think the mechanical comprehension test involves alot of problem solving, maybe some maths too!

 

[kayla101]

Where did you get your information? I think the mechanical comprehension test involves alot of problem solving, maybe some maths too!

Hi all, got my short list email through 2 days ago.

If it's any comfort to you guys who are waiting - I rang HR to see if I could switch my date and they said I'd be placed on the waiting list until someone pulls out (I instead switched my working week around) so maybe you guys are on a waiting list another option for you to perhaps consider if you haven't yet heard.

Any ideas on the sorts of maths? Been watching this forum but only just registered to post on here. Definitely getting Bop It out the cupboard, as previously recommended. So nervous about the assessment! hock:

 

[SkinnyDave]

Its best to be fully prepared but
i think they will do reactions test in second round!
Still practice and bop it xtreme does really help

 

[kayla101]

Its best to be fully prepared but
i think they will do reactions test in second round!
Still practice and bop it xtreme does really help

Yeah luckily I have original bop it and bop it xtreme!

 

[MrJDS]

You guys which have been put for assessment. Which depot's did you apply for???

 

[kayla101]

You guys which have been put for assessment. Which depot's did you apply for???

All 3 submitted 29/6