trainstrainstr
Member
I wouldn't be so sure that LNER don't know what you've failed elsewhere. There is a centralised database, I just can't remember whats on it. It might just be licences.
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LNER - Apprentice Train Driver - Leeds & Doncaster (09/05/22)
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I wouldn't be so sure that LNER don't know what you've failed elsewhere. There is a centralised database, I just can't remember whats on it. It might just be licences.
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Also test attempts and scores. They’ll find out if you apply within six months of taking the tests, or if you’ve previously failed twice.
trainstrainstr
Member
Which is why it's potentially a fools errand to apply all over the place, or at least to apply after failing all the tests. Absolutely no idea if that's 'failure for life'!
If you’ve failed just the once you can apply again after the six months. “Failure for life” is after two attempts have resulted in failure. The only way possible around that is if the tests are changed in the future (or I suppose if the two strikes rule is scrapped).
TreacleMiller
Member
I'm referring to to passing assessments, which they will not know until you tell them. Every TOC is literally the same on this. They won't search you on the OPC until you make it clear you've passed tests, hence you'll be contacting a TOC prior to sitting psychometric testing to confirm what tests you'll need to pass / redo for their own grading. They can get a copy of your scores from the other TOC if you give permission to or same a parent company, as LNER did with me.
I can state for a fact, from the horses mouth, that there is nothing telling the recruitment team if youve got a valid pass or not.
As for "failed at other TOCs" - Nope they won't know that either unless they are internal to the same parent company such as Arriva. DPA issues all over the show doing that.
The only point this will become an issue is if you've failed psychometric testing already within the window, I'm not sure there actually is a cool down on testing or not though, I didn't fail when I did mine so I've never seen a rejection result.
seapacific
Member
Anyone heard anything recently? I got an email at the end of June saying they were busy with applications and were getting on it ASAP. Been a long time like.
So you’re saying the two strikes rule can be circumvented by simply not mentioning to TOCs that you’ve failed the tests in the past?
Have to say that goes against I’ve ever been told about driver recruitment…
Especially when they check your national insurance number against the database
nb2001uk
Member
Not really possible because they use your NI number.
I can guarantee you this is not the case.
They will know. A guy doing psychometric tests the same time as me had already failed GB for a guard position a few years before. The OPC guy told him that he’s already lost one life, if he fails this he can never apply again unless there’s a significant change to the tests.
TreacleMiller
Member
No, I did not say that.
The original post answer "Doncasters" point was about valid psychometric passes at the point of application, not "cheating the system" or whatever else youve misread in my post and others have cascaded into.
I was responding to this:
Which isn’t right for the reasons noted above. They’ll know whether you’ve failed for any TOC, even if it was years ago.
I didn’t misread. Perhaps you mistyped.
TreacleMiller
Member
Again, you're misreading. Northern for example would have no idea if you've recently failed in an application to with GA or GWR.
The only way a TOC will know about the status of an application with another company is if you went to testing and failed.
Psychometrics have a central database based on your NI. That's it. Applications are otherwise company / patent company specific.
There is no big bad database where companies can see who's applying where.
The only way a TOC will know about the status of an application with another company is if you went to testing and failed.
Psychometrics have a central database based on your NI. That's it. Applications are otherwise company / patent company specific.
There is no big bad database where companies can see who's applying where.
You’re incorrect.
I can't see the logic in this, maybe someone could explain it. There is no standardised application form, different TOCs may be looking for slightly different qualities from the people they recruit to suit their business, so if one TOC doesn't like the look of a particular application, it doesn't follow that all other TOCs would also discard that person. We are talking about completely separate businesses all with their own cultures and things they're looking for in employees, it's not British Rail anymore. In addition if they were sharing personalised application data they'd need the applicants consent to comply with GDPR.
Obviously when it gets to psychometrics there is a standardised process across the industry for safety purposes, and rules about number of attempts, so that is where it makes sense to share pass/fail data.
Hello. Can please, those who have been successful to all stages and they have already done the medical test(or they are about to do it), write a message on here just to know how many are ready to start the course? So that we finally know if , for those who are stuck since may from the email 'thanks for the video interview at the moment we are working through lots of application and go back to you as soon as possible' , if for them it is over or not.... Thanks! I have the feeling that it is over actually...
There seems to be complicaton here around the application and testing phase. I think its correct that you could apply all over the place and only that indiviudal TOC (or maybe owning group) would know.
Assessments are indeed centralised. The TOC could put you through to an assessment and another failure would ultimately be the end of your process anywhere. Of course you could apply again, but it would be futile as you will always never pass a certain phase.
Some specific elements of this may be incorrect, but the core details are a reflection of what happens.
You get precisely two opportunities to pass the tests to do the job. Whether you want to do it longer term is another question.
== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: ==
There’s a straightforward pass or fail criteria in terms of the psychometrics and a database of attempts/passes is maintained. Obviously TOCs can and will take other factors into account beyond the tests in making selections, no different to any other job application. I don’t think anyone has suggested otherwise, so the whole argument seems to be based on a misunderstanding.
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TreacleMiller
Member
Keep waiting until you are told its over. Do not assume anything.
I have called LNER customer service and they told me that if I have not received any response after more than 2 months it might be the case that I have not been successful. Furthermore it is not normal/positive that after more than two months I didn't receive any other emails. Third, if you check previous post on here you will see that more than one user has already reached the medical(last step). Fourth someone on here said that the recruitment team told him that they are ok for the next course in October. So, all of these condition makes me understand that is over by all who are still stuck to a certain step. In the meantime better apply for other train companies. I don't want to wait like a 'candle' for ages to get their reply, but I want to boost my career in the railways.
TreacleMiller
Member
The October course is full yes, there will be courses after that too.
The customer service team don't work with recruitment, they are miles apart and in completely different departments. I very much doubt they have any ability to speak on behalf of the recruitment.
As for "more than two months" - I didn't hear for 4 months and then within a week of an interview being planned had a job offer.
Be positive.
However, given how negative you seem about the entire process, the company and as an attitude in general consider why you are applying for the role.
The customer service team don't work with recruitment, they are miles apart and in completely different departments. I very much doubt they have any ability to speak on behalf of the recruitment.
As for "more than two months" - I didn't hear for 4 months and then within a week of an interview being planned had a job offer.
Be positive.
However, given how negative you seem about the entire process, the company and as an attitude in general consider why you are applying for the role.
MeatAndTwoMeg
Member
Hi there, just wondering if you have heard whether future courses are still on hold due to the strikes?
Also, how have you found the course so far?
It is not about being positive or negative. It is about let them know if we are successful or not. It is not a 'game' to wait ages for no reason. On the plate there is our life time, and we cannot spend ages to wait for something where we don't know if it is not successful or not only because they don't let us know anything after a consistent amount of time. They should reply to everyone who are still on the steps, rather than not let us know
== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: ==
Can please someone who will start the course in October ask to the trainer/recruiter what is the destiny for those who have been stuck on the video interview without having any response but only the message ''we are working as soon as possible" ect? I am sure that the recruiters know that since july at least! It is just that they have forgotten/they didn't consider important tell them the outcome!
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seapacific
Member
Hi mate, firstly good luck with the rest of your application, I hope you find out one way or the other.
Unfortunately, LNER recruitment and driver recruitment in general can be a bit of a nightmare
I personally know of somebody who applied to LNER in early 2020, got as far as having a telephone interview, which she passed and some months later received a “We haven’t forgotten about you” email.
That was in August 2020 and she heard nothing after that.
LNER have since advertised for the depot she applied for, again, with no communication to advise her that they had closed the process she was part of but she had taken a position elsewhere so didn’t apply again.
There are numerous LNER recruitment threads on here with similar stories, not hearing for months after Driver Manager Interviews, recruitment not responding to emails and the waiting position you find yourself in to name a few.
Then there is the guaranteed 78 jobs when they were VTEC (same recruitment team and senior management) which suddenly turned into a talent pool and 43 were eventually told they were not required.
There was no apology explaining the business needs had changed and the company got their numbers wrong. No apology for breaking their guaranteed jobs promise and it was a promise, just a tough luck and we’ll let you know if we recruit again.
Back to the present day, I have heard a rumour, which I stress is something I have heard third hand but from a good source, that LNER tried to pull the October course due to the current industrial issues. This was after the candidates had already handed in their notice in their current jobs, however the course is now going ahead as planned.
Sorry if this is a bit doom and gloom but I’m trying to give you some realistic insight into the recruitment process. If you get in then I’m sure they’re great but it’s that getting your foot through the door which is the problem.
I feel for anyone in the position you find yourself in, it seems to be a common occurrence in railway recruitment, especially for drivers and I completely agree that a bit more communication wouldn’t go amiss, even if it’s a generic email every 6-8 weeks or so.
There is a complete lack of empathy for candidates and it’s not fair but, for now, that’s how it is and something you’ll have to deal with.
Keep at it and again, good luck with the rest of the process.
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I understand there is a lot of uncertainties over the forthcoming December timetable changes. Until a decision is made as to the actual services to be run especially in relation to a (years ago) proposal to increase services I don’t think they know how many drivers they require. Ironic since LNER has recovered well (too well!) since the pandemic and it could do with increases in services and drivers. I understand King’s Cross is heaving this Sunday afternoon and all trains are fully reserved. Yes, I know it takes a long time to train drivers (I have been one and driven on the ECML) but the railway is in a crazy place now.
Good luck to those who are waiting.
Good luck to those who are waiting.
Can all those affected by the lack of updates from LNER since June (below), please update this thread with any further updates? I'll do the same.
Regarding your application for the role of Apprentice Driver (Leeds & Doncaster Depot), reference 1227
We are currently busy working through applications and working as fast as we can to get back to you.
We will be in contact as soon as we can with an update on your application.
Regarding your application for the role of Apprentice Driver (Leeds & Doncaster Depot), reference 1227
We are currently busy working through applications and working as fast as we can to get back to you.
We will be in contact as soon as we can with an update on your application.
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