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Transport for Wales - Trainee Train Drivers

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RailUK Forums

Plodster

Member
Joined
21 Feb 2019
Messages
370
Location
North
Any thoughts on what impact potential new Covid restrictions might have on training early in the new year?
Hope nothing changes.
 

wobman

Established Member
Joined
2 Jan 2011
Messages
1,233
Any thoughts on what impact potential new Covid restrictions might have on training early in the new year?
Hope nothing changes.
The Welsh government will hopefully make an announcement tomorrow, tfw are still struggling with the effects of previous restrictions in the training dept.
 

wobman

Established Member
Joined
2 Jan 2011
Messages
1,233
Rules to be tought via Teams? It was throughout most of last year I believe
Some Trainees had rules and traction taught via Teams, then sat at home for months. At last they are back front ending now and some are getting DIs, not the best way to start their careers on the railways.
At least TFW kept there trainees, ive heard other tocs let trainess go....
 

Steam Power

Member
Joined
25 Oct 2020
Messages
61
Location
Swansea
17 months later, I’m still absolutely in the dark, no emails, no email response from My emails asking about my application, nothing from Acorn Recruitment, seriously giving up hope of ever hearing anything.
 

Plodster

Member
Joined
21 Feb 2019
Messages
370
Location
North
Some Trainees had rules and traction taught via Teams, then sat at home for months. At last they are back front ending now and some are getting DIs, not the best way to start their careers on the railways.
At least TFW kept there trainees, ive heard other tocs let trainess go....
Looking like no significant changes being announced tomorrow by WAG - if Teletext is to be believed:smile:
 

Leospinks

Member
Joined
25 Aug 2020
Messages
36
Location
Wales
Been training now for 4 weeks it's very exciting times. There's been plenty of people doing assessments while we've been training. Apparently the talent pool is low atm as the fail rate for assessments is 70% so well done to everyone who's in the talent pool and waiting. Like I said in previous post tfw are looking to start 144 new drivers in 2022. But obviously this new strain of covid could hinder that. But whoever is in the talent pool it shouldn't be a long wait now.. Good luck guys should see you at some point
 

Welshman1

Member
Joined
22 Nov 2021
Messages
71
Location
Pontypridd
Been training now for 4 weeks it's very exciting times. There's been plenty of people doing assessments while we've been training. Apparently the talent pool is low atm as the fail rate for assessments is 70% so well done to everyone who's in the talent pool and waiting. Like I said in previous post tfw are looking to start 144 new drivers in 2022. But obviously this new strain of covid could hinder that. But whoever is in the talent pool it shouldn't be a long wait now.. Good luck guys should see you at some po

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: ==

Been training now for 4 weeks it's very exciting times. There's been plenty of people doing assessments while we've been training. Apparently the talent pool is low atm as the fail rate for assessments is 70% so well done to everyone who's in the talent pool and waiting. Like I said in previous post tfw are looking to start 144 new drivers in 2022. But obviously this new strain of covid could hinder that. But whoever is in the talent pool it shouldn't be a long wait now.. Good luck guys should see you at some point
I sat my first assessment last week, i found out today that i passed. I am now awaiting an invite for the computer tests + MMI. The assessor said that they were coming to the end of the assessments from the 2020 recruitment campaign, so if what you said is true, and the talent pool is low, possibly a new recruitment in the new year ? Im just excited to have passed, i didn't feel great about the TRP but i obviously done ok.
 

Jonno271

Member
Joined
26 Oct 2020
Messages
30
Location
South Wales
Been training now for 4 weeks it's very exciting times. There's been plenty of people doing assessments while we've been training. Apparently the talent pool is low atm as the fail rate for assessments is 70% so well done to everyone who's in the talent pool and waiting. Like I said in previous post tfw are looking to start 144 new drivers in 2022. But obviously this new strain of covid could hinder that. But whoever is in the talent pool it shouldn't be a long wait now.. Good luck guys should see you at some point

That's encouraging to hear. I had my DMI yesterday and was told within 2 hrs that I passed and am in the talent pool. Hopefully a start date won't be too far away then!
 
Joined
1 May 2020
Messages
170
Location
Warrington
Been training now for 4 weeks it's very exciting times. There's been plenty of people doing assessments while we've been training. Apparently the talent pool is low atm as the fail rate for assessments is 70% so well done to everyone who's in the talent pool and waiting. Like I said in previous post tfw are looking to start 144 new drivers in 2022. But obviously this new strain of covid could hinder that. But whoever is in the talent pool it shouldn't be a long wait now.. Good luck guys should see you at some point

That's encouraging to hear. I had my DMI yesterday and was told within 2 hrs that I passed and am in the talent pool. Hopefully a start date won't be too far away then!
Yes Leo thanks for the information! Very encouraging to hear! Wish everybody all the best for the new year whether you are in training or in the talent pool. :D
 

MOB91

Member
Joined
22 Oct 2020
Messages
18
Location
Wales
Afternoon all,

I was recently unsuccessful in my DMI. On the email it states that the tests are valid for several years. Does anyone know how many years the tests are valid for? And does failing the DMI count as one of my lives?

Many thanks.
 

Jonno271

Member
Joined
26 Oct 2020
Messages
30
Location
South Wales
Afternoon all,

I was recently unsuccessful in my DMI. On the email it states that the tests are valid for several years. Does anyone know how many years the tests are valid for? And does failing the DMI count as one of my lives?

Many thanks.
Sorry to hear that, but you're somewhat in luck. The test results are valid for two years and the DMI does not count as a strike, so you can try again when recruitment opens up again.
 

Welshman1

Member
Joined
22 Nov 2021
Messages
71
Location
Pontypridd
Afternoon all,

I was recently unsuccessful in my DMI. On the email it states that the tests are valid for several years. Does anyone know how many years the tests are valid for? And does failing the DMI count as one of my lives?

Many thanks.
Sorry to hear that, did you receive any feedback from the DMI? And how did you feel it went ?
 

HeresHoping

Member
Joined
19 Dec 2020
Messages
29
Location
Merthyr Tydfil
Afternoon all,

I was recently unsuccessful in my DMI. On the email it states that the tests are valid for several years. Does anyone know how many years the tests are valid for? And does failing the DMI count as one of my lives?

Many thanks.
Think its 2 years not several but i may be wrong. I failed DMI in October. Am put off applying again if i am totally honest as I found the DMI interviewers a bit unprofessional. In terms of i prepped and had answers for each question which i accept may not have been perfect but they answered the question in details, however all i had was “great response”, “excellent answer” “you have obviously done your research”, over and over again. Having been a manager and done many interviews thats bad to be so misleading to someone you are going to fail. And zero feedback which sort of puts me off re-applying as i wouldnt answer anything any different!
 

Welshman1

Member
Joined
22 Nov 2021
Messages
71
Location
Pontypridd
Think its 2 years not several but i may be wrong. I failed DMI in October. Am put off applying again if i am totally honest as I found the DMI interviewers a bit unprofessional. In terms of i prepped and had answers for each question which i accept may not have been perfect but they answered the question in details, however all i had was “great response”, “excellent answer” “you have obviously done your research”, over and over again. Having been a manager and done many interviews thats bad to be so misleading to someone you are going to fail. And zero feedback which sort of puts me off re-applying as i wouldnt answer anything any different!
I have always tried to remain neutral while conducting interviews for this very reason. What kind of questions were asked ? Was your responses relevant to the role ? Were the questions direct ? Or questions like why do you want to be a driver/ work for this TOC etc ?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: ==

Good morning,

Can anyone confirm if TFW conduct the SJE on stage two ? I have heard there is only 3 tests and the MMI.

Two handed coordination test
Vigilance test
Concentration test
MMI
 
Last edited:

mic1610

Member
Joined
13 May 2021
Messages
48
Location
Llandudno
I have always tried to remain neutral while conducting interviews for this very reason. What kind of questions were asked ? Was your responses relevant to the role ? Were the questions direct ? Or questions like why do you want to be a driver/ work for this TOC etc ?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: ==

Good morning,

Can anyone confirm if TFW conduct the SJE on stage two ? I have heard there is only 3 tests and the MMI.

Two handed coordination test
Vigilance test
Concentration test
MMI
It was the first in stage two I did in May.
 

mic1610

Member
Joined
13 May 2021
Messages
48
Location
Llandudno
Thank you, I just read it in the pack. It says it "feeds in to the MMI" I thought it was independent test.
The answers from it are taken into account when deciding MMI outcome but it's done seperate with the other compiter test if that makes sense?
 

Welshman1

Member
Joined
22 Nov 2021
Messages
71
Location
Pontypridd
The answers from it are taken into account when deciding MMI outcome but it's done seperate with the other compiter test if that makes sense?
Yes that makes sense, on the MMI I have heard of people only having to answer 4 questions. Is this because the answers they have given has met the criteria ? or is it their answer applies to multiple questions ? It make me ask the question if there are certain traits they are looking for, is this also why they ask some more questions ? because they are just one off passing for example, so they offer other questions to get that out of you. My examples are strong and relevant to the job so I am not concerned with the MMI too much, I just need to deliver them well on the day.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: ==

Anyone else Still at the Your Application is STILL Under Review stage????
Cardiff and Carmarthen
I had Stage 1 tests, last week for Cardiff. They told me that the sift had been complete and they were coming to the end of the selection process. Perhaps check your junk/spam emails ? It will be from either Recruitment or Laura. So i would double check. Mine was in Spam. If you haven't had a rejection email, I would look at that as a positive.
 

Steam Power

Member
Joined
25 Oct 2020
Messages
61
Location
Swansea
Yes that makes sense, on the MMI I have heard of people only having to answer 4 questions. Is this because the answers they have given has met the criteria ? or is it their answer applies to multiple questions ? It make me ask the question if there are certain traits they are looking for, is this also why they ask some more questions ? because they are just one off passing for example, so they offer other questions to get that out of you. My examples are strong and relevant to the job so I am not concerned with the MMI too much, I just need to deliver them well on the day.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: ==


I had Stage 1 tests, last week for Cardiff. They told me that the sift had been complete and they were coming to the end of the selection process. Perhaps check your junk/spam emails ? It will be from either Recruitment or Laura. So i would double check. Mine was in Spam. If you haven't had a rejection email, I would look at that as a positive.
Nothing in spam folder unfortunately
Nothing anywhere

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: ==

Yes that makes sense, on the MMI I have heard of people only having to answer 4 questions. Is this because the answers they have given has met the criteria ? or is it their answer applies to multiple questions ? It make me ask the question if there are certain traits they are looking for, is this also why they ask some more questions ? because they are just one off passing for example, so they offer other questions to get that out of you. My examples are strong and relevant to the job so I am not concerned with the MMI too much, I just need to deliver them well on the day.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: ==


I had Stage 1 tests, last week for Cardiff. They told me that the sift had been complete and they were coming to the end of the selection process. Perhaps check your junk/spam emails ? It will be from either Recruitment or Laura. So i would double check. Mine was in Spam. If you haven't had a rejection email, I would look at that as a positive.
Nothing
 

mic1610

Member
Joined
13 May 2021
Messages
48
Location
Llandudno
Yes that makes sense, on the MMI I have heard of people only having to answer 4 questions. Is this because the answers they have given has met the criteria ? or is it their answer applies to multiple questions ? It make me ask the question if there are certain traits they are looking for, is this also why they ask some more questions ? because they are just one off passing for example, so they offer other questions to get that out of you. My examples are strong and relevant to the job so I am not concerned with the MMI too much, I just need to deliver them well on the day.
It could be either way I guess. I'd advice to try to find examples that fit only one question. Shows you are better prepared and can give you more points in overall score. If I was asked only 4 questions I'd be worried
 

The..Railer1

New Member
Joined
16 Dec 2021
Messages
2
Location
UK
Hi all, first post for me but avid reader.
As someone who has just passed all tests and interviews and been put into the talent pool, I want to thank everyone for their input here because it certainly helped along the way.
I want to help others who are starting or going through the assessments. I put in huge amounts of hours of prep for each assessment, and even in the DMI there were numerous questions I wasn't expecting. If you are serious about passing all stages of the assessment I would recommend buying the 'How2Become a train driver' pack from the How2Become website, this was my go to through all stages and it helped me have a good idea about what to expect.
If anyone has any questions I will do my best to answer them in as much detail as possible.
 

Welshman1

Member
Joined
22 Nov 2021
Messages
71
Location
Pontypridd
Nothing in spam folder unfortunately
Nothing anywhere

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: ==


Nothing
Who sent you your latest email ? Acorn ?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: ==

Hi all, first post for me but avid reader.
As someone who has just passed all tests and interviews and been put into the talent pool, I want to thank everyone for their input here because it certainly helped along the way.
I want to help others who are starting or going through the assessments. I put in huge amounts of hours of prep for each assessment, and even in the DMI there were numerous questions I wasn't expecting. If you are serious about passing all stages of the assessment I would recommend buying the 'How2Become a train driver' pack from the How2Become website, this was my go to through all stages and it helped me have a good idea about what to expect.
If anyone has any questions I will do my best to answer them in as much detail as possible.
Congratulations, you must be excited. Hopefully start date soon. I purchased the Traineetrandriver.com Package which has been brilliant, but it is more for the computer based testing, and Tones and symbols test. Im awaiting Stage 2 now but assuming it will be in the new year. Where did you apply for Cardiff ?
 

Steam Power

Member
Joined
25 Oct 2020
Messages
61
Location
Swansea
Who sent you your latest email ? Acorn ?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: ==


Congratulations, you must be excited. Hopefully start date soon. I purchased the Traineetrandriver.com Package which has been brilliant, but it is more for the computer based testing, and Tones and symbols test. Im awaiting Stage 2 now but assuming it will be in the new year. Where did you apply for Cardiff ?
Yes
 

JustJim93

Member
Joined
27 Oct 2020
Messages
39
Location
Carmarthen
Anyone else Still at the Your Application is STILL Under Review stage????
Cardiff and Carmarthen
I know many people still on the same stage as you. I've only had the NI email, I had that over a year ago and still no assessments. I know it's ****, but you just got to get on with it unfortunately.
 

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