TPE Trainee Train Drivers - Manchester & York (21/09/21)

[feaky4]

Hi all, long time lurker but thought I'd create an account to let you know what response I've had.

I'm in the same boat as many on here - waiting for a psychometric tests date. Been frustrating seeing others have their tests and even going on to DMI without any response myself.

I contacted FirstGroup to enquire and after a bit of back and forth they've confirmed that applications are progressed based on the scores in the online assessments.

I had asked if they could give me a definite on whether or not I would have the opportunity to sit the psychometric tests but all I got was they're waiting on an update from the manager on dates and once received they would be in contact.

The pessimist in me reads this as if they have enough candidates that meet the requirements there may not be other dates but I suppose we will wait and see. Hope this helps in some way.

Cheers

Thanks for letting us know that was my fear tbh and I think I won’t hear back just a bit wrong getting an email saying you are going to the next stage but then left in the dark and most likely get another email saying “soz maybe next time”

 

[Magsdynamos]

Had assessments last Friday, just got email for DMI next week . Good luck to all that’s got this far, to those still waiting I hope you hear soon !!

 

[Zontar]

Had assessments last Friday, just got email for DMI next week . Good luck to all that’s got this far, to those still waiting I hope you hear soon !!

Mate your flying. Well done and keep us posted!

 

[BankieClagger]

Thanks for letting us know that was my fear tbh and I think I won’t hear back just a bit wrong getting an email saying you are going to the next stage but then left in the dark and most likely get another email saying “soz maybe next time”

I was interviewed for a few jobs (non-driver) with a TOC bout 2-3 years back.. To this day I still haven't been told if I was successful or not... Now that's being kept in the dark (although, beginning to assume that I wasn't successful), there loss . Good luck all still in the process.

 

[feaky4]

I was interviewed for a few jobs (non-driver) with a TOC bout 2-3 years back.. To this day I still haven't been told if I was successful or not... Now that's being kept in the dark (although, beginning to assume that I wasn't successful), there loss . Good luck all still in the process.

It’s crazy would have thought that they would get back no matter what, I’ve come to terms that it won’t happen what annoys me more is you get told you will be put, through if it was worded better or said it’s still not 100% then fine but it’s not also end up giving up opportunities in my current job because of it

 

[Nykad]

Good morning all,

I’ve stumbled upon this thread this morning, which makes for fascinating reading (at 3am anyway) and thought that I’d add my experience thus far for what it’s worth.

I, like many here applied, passed the online tests and am currently waiting to hear from TPE re the next stage. This is my 3rd attempt and the furthest that I’ve got and was quite pleased about it…until I finished reading this thread.

I’ve deliberately tried to not think too much about the assessments up to now. This was because I didn’t want to overthink it too much and get too stressed about it. I find it something of a downer to hear that others are already well into the next stages and I’ve yet to hear anything more. Seems unfair not to at least get a shot at the assessment day, especially as the email says nothing about that being a possiblity, simply that they would be in touch re the next stages. But maybe my glass is just half empty.

Anyway, fingers crossed that I and the others in the same situation hear something positive soon. Also, good luck to everyone that applied .

 

[Zontar]

Good morning all,

I’ve stumbled upon this thread this morning, which makes for fascinating reading (at 3am anyway) and thought that I’d add my experience thus far for what it’s worth.

I, like many here applied, passed the online tests and am currently waiting to hear from TPE re the next stage. This is my 3rd attempt and the furthest that I’ve got and was quite pleased about it…until I finished reading this thread.

I’ve deliberately tried to not think too much about the assessments up to now. This was because I didn’t want to overthink it too much and get too stressed about it. I find it something of a downer to hear that others are already well into the next stages and I’ve yet to hear anything more. Seems unfair not to at least get a shot at the assessment day, especially as the email says nothing about that being a possiblity, simply that they would be in touch re the next stages. But maybe my glass is just half empty.

Anyway, fingers crossed that I and the others in the same situation hear something positive soon. Also, good luck to everyone that applied .

Yes. I think a more honest answer of something like....

You have met the threshold, but we invite in order of merit those with the highest score. Therefore there is a possibility that we may not be able to offer you the opportunity to sit the tests.....

Or something similar.

 

[iwasyoungonce]

If you pass 'A' level English Language at grade 'B' youv'e passed congrats !! but if the University you fancy going to wants a grade 'A' you don't join the course unless the number of applicants falls below that required then they have an option to allow grade 'B' passes to join the course and fill up the numbers needed or indeed grade 'C'.

 

[Zontar]

If you pass 'A' level English Language at grade 'B' youv'e passed congrats !! but if the University you fancy going to wants a grade 'A' you don't join the course unless the number of applicants falls below that required then they have an option to allow grade 'B' passes to join the course and fill up the numbers needed or indeed grade 'C'.

Yes but the university is clear about that and communicates it.

 

[BlueMike26]

I do think that everyone who makes the grade should get a shot, but I can see why they perhaps don't. What's to stop you having a group of people completing an individual's application, therefore giving a better result that doesn't match the applicants aptitude?

 

[iwasyoungonce]

Thats when the stage 1 and 2 testing sifts those people out

 

[NorthernTech]

I do think that everyone who makes the grade should get a shot, but I can see why they perhaps don't. What's to stop you having a group of people completing an individual's application, therefore giving a better result that doesn't match the applicants aptitude?

Each stage is designed to sift the applicants down to a manageable level. If they gave everyone a shot, as you say, it would take even longer to get through the process than it already does, and the shear costs of staffing all those tests would cost a fortune. Those still in the process may be being kept in the loop in case lots fail the DMI or Psychometric tests and they need to take more through, but I’d imagine if they get enough pass then you’ll get the ‘thanks but unsuccessful this time’ letter.. It’s harsh, but with hundreds or thousands of applicants it has to be sifted somehow.

 

[fabs]

It’s crazy would have thought that they would get back no matter what, I’ve come to terms that it won’t happen what annoys me more is you get told you will be put, through if it was worded better or said it’s still not 100% then fine but it’s not also end up giving up opportunities in my current job because of it

Have you given up opportunities in your current career on the off chance you are successful in a process that has a less than 1% success rate?
Getting the ‘you’ve made it through the first sift’ letter is more communication than usual.
It is a shame that an attempt (that maybe could’ve been written better) to help alleviate some of the fears that arise while waiting for the ‘you’re through or you’re out automatic email’ has been received this badly. I imagine if any recruiters are reading this they won’t bother next time.

Good luck anyone who has not had a rejection email, therefore still in with a shout.

 

[BankieClagger]

Guess if you're a prime candidate, they'll get to you... Thinking I may have just been missed! Just have to wait

 

[chaser]

Also waiting still, but not overly optimistic to get a shot at it. I'll keep my eye on this forum as to whether anyone else gets a call, or whether or job opportunities come up nearby.

 

[ThePeakNed]

Hi folks

My twopence worth.

I applied like everyone else did in late September and completed the online assessments the same day I received the email.

I received an email in October maybe(?) to advise me that TPE were reviewing who required psychometric testing, or indeed who needed to potentially resit existing results.

I then received a phone call last week to tell me that my psychometric results were already at enhanced level (I’m already in a driver role elsewhere) and that I would be going straight through to Driver Manager Interview which is this coming Thursday.

Best of luck to everyone currently in the running.

 

[jakecreates]

Hi folks

My twopence worth.

I applied like everyone else did in late September and completed the online assessments the same day I received the email.

I received an email in October maybe(?) to advise me that TPE were reviewing who required psychometric testing, or indeed who needed to potentially resit existing results.

I then received a phone call last week to tell me that my psychometric results were already at enhanced level (I’m already in a driver role elsewhere) and that I would be going straight through to Driver Manager Interview which is this coming Thursday.

Best of luck to everyone currently in the running.

Excellent news, hopefully see you on the course

 

[BlueMike26]

Excellent news, hopefully see you on the course

How was your DMI mate? I assume it went well

 

[jakecreates]

How was your DMI mate? I assume it went well

It did! Both interviewers were very friendly and made me feel at ease which is always helpful. My advise to anyone with a dmi is just to do your research and make sure you can put your passion as to why you want to be a train driver into words

Recruitment have been really good too and let me know the result the day after the interview.

 

[Magsdynamos]

It did! Both interviewers were very friendly and made me feel at ease which is always helpful. My advise to anyone with a dmi is just to do your research and make sure you can put your passion as to why you want to be a train driver into words

Recruitment have been really good too and let me know the result the day after the interview.

Congratulations Jake have you had your medical yet ?

 

[ThePeakNed]

Excellent news, hopefully see you on the course

Disclaimer: You won’t…

 

[Magsdynamos]

Disclaimer: You won’t…

Have you had a answer already ?

 

[ThePeakNed]

Have you had a answer already ?

Yup. Unsuccessful after interview. Received the gen about 90 minutes after. Bit gutted. But I’m still in a driving role elsewhere so not all doom and gloom. Just have to be better for next time.

 

[Magsdynamos]

Yup. Unsuccessful after interview. Received the gen about 90 minutes after. Bit gutted. But I’m still in a driving role elsewhere so not all doom and gloom. Just have to be better for next time.

Ah I am sorry to hear that mate ! When was your interview if you don’t mind me asking ? I was at lunch time and waiting to hear with everything crossed

 

[ThePeakNed]

Ah I am sorry to hear that mate ! When was your interview if you don’t mind me asking ? I was at lunch time and waiting to hear with everything crossed

Today. Originally at 10am, then pushed to 11am owing to some urgent meeting that needed to be held.

To be honest it wasn’t my best interview. I find them hard enough as it is without having to do them on Microsoft Teams.

 

[Frankie4763]

Today. Originally at 10am, then pushed to 11am owing to some urgent meeting that needed to be held.

To be honest it wasn’t my best interview. I find them hard enough as it is without having to do them on Microsoft Teams.

Can I ask why you’d apply for a trainee role if you’re already a qualified driver. Wouldn’t it be better to wait for qualified vacancies?

 

[ThePeakNed]

Can I ask why you’d apply for a trainee role if you’re already a qualified driver. Wouldn’t it be better to wait for qualified vacancies?

Because I’m a depot driver, and depot drivers don’t qualify as qualified drivers.

 

[Frankie4763]

Because I’m a depot driver, and depot drivers don’t qualify as qualified drivers.

Gotcha….cheers and all the best

 

[Magsdynamos]

Just received my great news !!!!!!

 

[on-the-tracks]

Just received my great news !!!!!!

Congratulations!