3000 applicants so far for TPE trainee dvr jobs!

[E16 Cyclist]

Thanks HexDriver.
How did you get on?

No idea yet, was quite strange as it was the same tests i did for a guards job many years ago, interviews are 10th and 11th September

Wouldn't surprise if they wanted to get this part of the recruitment out of the way before dealing with trainees and most drivers need to give a minimum of 3 months notice

 

[SkinnyDave]

No idea yet, was quite strange as it was the same tests i did for a guards job many years ago, interviews are 10th and 11th September

Wouldn't surprise if they wanted to get this part of the recruitment out of the way before dealing with trainees and most drivers need to give a minimum of 3 months notice

Hope it goes well for you

 

[Lanc688]

Hiya,

I dont know how many at Manc I think there are ten trainees over 3 depots..
DI mentioned Liverpool depot will have 20 drivers in total.

It was a TPE driver who was very helpful that I spoke to.

Thanks

3 Drivers required at Sheffield BTW...from a good source....and just to keep you updated....NO...I haven't heard anything yet ! :roll:

Regards

Lanc

 

[SkinnyDave]

3 Drivers required at Sheffield BTW...from a good source....and just to keep you updated....NO...I haven't heard anything yet ! :roll:

Regards

Lanc

It's getting a bit frustrating but don't think we will hear until after the assessments next week

 

[Lanc688]

It's getting a bit frustrating but don't think we will hear until after the assessments next week

What is your reasoning for that Dave ?

Lanc

 

[SkinnyDave]

It's a hunch more than anything

 

[Lanc688]

It's a hunch more than anything

I do wonder whether they have taken a chunk and will put that chunk through first, due entirely to the numbers and that this is the 'first batch' so to speak, or have they taken those with the best profiles first ?

I'd love to know, or even be a fly on the wall during the process as I really don't understand it.

It just becomes annoying seeing guys being given dates when we still see "awaiting shortlisting". Does that mean that they haven't looked at our apps yet, or are they putting through those with the better prospects first ?

Anyway....Personally I have a moral dilema, given that today was one of those days that you really enjoyed at work and so I wonder if i'm doing the right thing throwing it all away right now !

I'll be sure when the time comes, but it's a difficult one for me right now !

Best regards
Lanc

 

[rob12]

Has anybody been to the first stage assessment at any point? because the email i received said '' problem solving'' Is nothing to do with the actual train driver assessments and is more geared to exactly that problem solving, to sort the wheat from the chaff if you will, Does anybody understand then what this sifting out exercise consists of?? I thought maybe Group bourdon test was all about concentration not problem solving??
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
You have a job my freind thats the most important thing, i have freinds right now who have worked hard done nothing wrong lost there jobs and have applied to hundreds of postions maybe at the moment your application just wasn't quite right or you just havent been given the nod yet??

 

[SkinnyDave]

I do wonder whether they have taken a chunk and will put that chunk through first, due entirely to the numbers and that this is the 'first batch' so to speak, or have they taken those with the best profiles first ?

I'd love to know, or even be a fly on the wall during the process as I really don't understand it.

It just becomes annoying seeing guys being given dates when we still see "awaiting shortlisting". Does that mean that they haven't looked at our apps yet, or are they putting through those with the better prospects first ?

Anyway....Personally I have a moral dilema, given that today was one of those days that you really enjoyed at work and so I wonder if i'm doing the right thing throwing it all away

I'll be sure when the time comes, but it's a difficult one for me right now !

Best regards
Lanc

What is for you won't go past you mate
And we haven't had bad news yet either (touch wood) but I think we will know soon

 

[Lanc688]

Has anybody been to the first stage assessment at any point? because the email i received said '' problem solving'' Is nothing to do with the actual train driver assessments and is more geared to exactly that problem solving, to sort the wheat from the chaff if you will, Does anybody understand then what this sifting out exercise consists of?? I thought maybe Group bourdon test was all about concentration not problem solving??
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
You have a job my freind thats the most important thing, i have freinds right now who have worked hard done nothing wrong lost there jobs and have applied to hundreds of postions maybe at the moment your application just wasn't quite right or you just havent been given the nod yet??

Ayamonte....you are right of course....and I shall not become despondent. I agree that the world is a bleak place right now for some and just to have employment is a joy.

I have many pals within my organisation right now who are being made redundant and would still love to do their jobs....so be under no illusion, I certainly agree with you wholeheartedly.

Good luck with your assessment !

lanc

 

[Bubba]

I do wonder whether they have taken a chunk and will put that chunk through first, due entirely to the numbers and that this is the 'first batch' so to speak, or have they taken those with the best profiles first ?

I'd love to know, or even be a fly on the wall during the process as I really don't understand it.

It just becomes annoying seeing guys being given dates when we still see "awaiting shortlisting". Does that mean that they haven't looked at our apps yet, or are they putting through those with the better prospects first ?

Anyway....Personally I have a moral dilema, given that today was one of those days that you really enjoyed at work and so I wonder if i'm doing the right thing throwing it all away right now !

I'll be sure when the time comes, but it's a difficult one for me right now !

Best regards
Lanc

Unfortunately the job application process is totally nontransparent, albeit not just in the train world. The best thing I have found is to not assume or get your hopes up about absolutely anything unless you actually receive a contract in the post. I've learnt this the cruel way

 

[PhilC]

Has anybody been to the first stage assessment at any point? because the email i received said '' problem solving'' Is nothing to do with the actual train driver assessments and is more geared to exactly that problem solving, to sort the wheat from the chaff if you will, Does anybody understand then what this sifting out exercise consists of?? I thought maybe Group bourdon test was all about concentration not problem solving??
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
You have a job my freind thats the most important thing, i have freinds right now who have worked hard done nothing wrong lost there jobs and have applied to hundreds of postions maybe at the moment your application just wasn't quite right or you just havent been given the nod yet??

Hi ayamonte,
I preparing for all assessments under the national standards. However I am thinking, the problem solving will be the mechanical comprehension, rules acquisition and spatial reasoning.

 

[Lanc688]

Unfortunately the job application process is totally nontransparent, albeit not just in the train world. The best thing I have found is to not assume or get your hopes up about absolutely anything unless you actually receive a contract in the post. I've learnt this the cruel way

Good advice Bubba !

Best regards
lanc

 

[Dale Allcock]

Hi I have my assessment for train driver on Wednesday 29th August 2012 at 09:30am, I was just wondering if anybody else on here was in the same position and had received an information pack of what to expect. I was just informed via email the assessments would relate to problem solving skills. Could somebody kindly shed any light on this please it would be very much appreciated.

 

[PhilC]

Hi I have my assessment for train driver on Wednesday 29th August 2012 at 09:30am, I was just wondering if anybody else on here was in the same position and had received an information pack of what to expect. I was just informed via email the assessments would relate to problem solving skills. Could somebody kindly shed any light on this please it would be very much appreciated.

Hi Dave, I am also there at 12:00hrs. I have spoken with HR and they have advised no packs are being sent and wouldn't state elaborate on what the tests involve. I'm thinking spatial reasoning, mechanical comprehension and trainibility for rules. But who knows!

 

[Flyboy]

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

Good post Mix107, useful input. I don't underestimate the advantage of railway experience, it's probably the biggest factor in some of these recruitment processes.

 

[Beninem]

I applied 2/7/12 and still says "awaiting shortlisting" dropped them a email to see if any news this was the reply....
Dear Ben

Thank you for your email.

We are currently waiting for the results of shortlisting from the line
manager, as soon as we have received this we will contact you by email with
the outcome of your application.

Unfortunately we do not have time scales on how long the shortlisting
takes.

You can check the status of your application by logging back in to your
account and selecting application submission history. This will show you
the status of any applications you have made.

 

[SkinnyDave]

I applied 2/7/12 and still says "awaiting shortlisting" dropped them a email to see if any news this was the reply....
Dear Ben

Thank you for your email.

We are currently waiting for the results of shortlisting from the line
manager, as soon as we have received this we will contact you by email with
the outcome of your application.

Unfortunately we do not have time scales on how long the shortlisting
takes.

You can check the status of your application by logging back in to your
account and selecting application submission history. This will show you
the status of any applications you have made.

Hi Ben,

Have you sat the assesments before?
What depot are you applying for?

Thanks

Dave

 

[Beninem]

Hi Ben,

Have you sat the assesments before?
What depot are you applying for?

Thanks

Dave

No never sat them before but hopefully i will get the chance soon,ive applied for manchester and liverpool and also got a application in with northen for manchester

 

[SkinnyDave]

No never sat them before but hopefully i will get the chance soon,ive applied for manchester and liverpool and also got a application in with northen for manchester

Grand,

I phoned HR today and was told same but because I've sat assessments that may be reason behind delay..
Patience going to be key and we have passed initial screening which is no mean feat

 

[Beninem]

Grand,

I phoned HR today and was told same but because I've sat assessments that may be reason behind delay..
Patience going to be key and we have passed initial screening which is no mean feat

Yeah defo the waiting game! How did u find the assessments? Got to admit reading all about um on here makes um sound pretty scary!

 

[SkinnyDave]

Yeah defo the waiting game! How did u find the assessments? Got to admit reading all about um on here makes um sound pretty scary!

Main thing is to be prepared for them and practice as much as you can

 

[Beninem]

Main thing is to be prepared for them and practice as much as you can

Yeah that seems to be what evrbody says,very good forum this very helpful

 

[Dale Allcock]

Thanks just another quick one you don't know if there's a structured interview involved tomorrow

 

[SkinnyDave]

Thanks just another quick one you don't know if there's a structured interview involved tomorrow

Don't think you will have that tomorrow

 

[samuraizion]

Hey guys read all the posts on this thread really interesting stuff let me know what those assessments involve tomorrow as i have an interview with west coast soon and been told they run the exact same test due to HR issues etc from a good source so be really handy thanks guys

PS good luck ! i know we wont be working on same company but still were firstgroup wannabes :P

 

[whhistle]

Most of the rail industry will use the same tests.
It's like most exam boards are Edexcel.

 

[PhilC]

Well the only assessment of the day is the DFFT which is quite difficult, especially with the time constraints!

For any of you that are still waiting short listing, I would assume that you've been unsuccessful. We was informed that out of 4600 applicants, 150 have been short listed for assessments over these 2 days only. The next is the standard driver assessments.

 

[kayla101]

Hi all,

Just a quick note to say 'good luck' to everyone sitting 'problem solving' tests today/tomorrow!

Received my 'How 2 become' books yesterday, thanks for everyone who recommended them. Although very similar to the online worksheets I have been using, I find I am scoring much higher on these so feel hopeful. (And they came without the additional hassle of printing, as my ink has sadly run dry from all this practising!!)

Feeling prepared yet nervous, travelling from London to the assessment and just praying for no delays!!

Thanks again
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Well the only assessment of the day is the DFFT which is quite difficult, especially with the time constraints!

For any of you that are still waiting short listing, I would assume that you've been unsuccessful. We was informed that out of 4600 applicants, 150 have been short listed for assessments over these 2 days only. The next is the standard driver assessments.

Did you go to the assessment day today then? I'm there tomorrow.

 

[PhilC]

Hi all,

Just a quick note to say 'good luck' to everyone sitting 'problem solving' tests today/tomorrow!

Received my 'How 2 become' books yesterday, thanks for everyone who recommended them. Although very similar to the online worksheets I have been using, I find I am scoring much higher on these so feel hopeful. (And they came without the additional hassle of printing, as my ink has sadly run dry from all this practising!!)

Feeling prepared yet nervous, travelling from London to the assessment and just praying for no delays!!

Thanks again
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---


Did you go to the assessment day today then? I'm there tomorrow.

Yes I went today 12:00hrs. It's none of the standard driver assessments, it the DFFT (driver fault finding test). It was quite difficult! There is 20 questions, with 15mins on the clock. Nobody answered more than 10.
If you pass this, the standard assessments (mechanical, concentration, reaction and interview) are on the 12th & 13th Sept.