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Transport for Wales - Trainee Train Drivers
- Thread starter L33mcc
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That's interesting! Clearly they have course dates in mind with Holyhead trainees being on some of the first. Hopefully with some from other depots given there's people at DMI stage for Crewe/Chester already
Island Dave
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- 13 Apr 2016
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- 41
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Interesting question here, considering that I am still awaiting the call for testing of any sort.
I applied for Avanti back in February and got all the way to the computer tests. I passed two, failed one. Avanti did not tell me whether I'd hit national basic standard but failed their enhanced, or whether I had totally crashed it.
Is there a way someone could contact the OPC to obtain their standings if they have sat them within the last twelve months please?
I applied for Avanti back in February and got all the way to the computer tests. I passed two, failed one. Avanti did not tell me whether I'd hit national basic standard but failed their enhanced, or whether I had totally crashed it.
Is there a way someone could contact the OPC to obtain their standings if they have sat them within the last twelve months please?
Yes, there is a contacts page on OPCs website. They took a few days to respond when I asked them a question at the start of the year. Though OPC should've told you the answer to that when you were there as if you hit national standard then you won't have lost a life
Im not sure if anyone is still checking this forum who missed out on the first round of paper assessment dates, but Im aware quite a few following this forum replied to the first email with paper assessment dates too slow and were told theyd be contacted when more dates come up. Has anyone who missed out been contacted again since?
IntercityJacob
Member
No nothing as yet
Leavesontrack
Member
- Joined
- 19 Oct 2018
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- 80
Got an email today and managed to book onto paper tests (finally), this is for Cardiff position. Date set for 24th Nov
Manda2194
Member
Hi guys. I have my stage 2 assessment next week for this role. Does anyone know it is standard or enhanced passes required.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Just national standard for testing at TfW
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Good to hear they're still making their way through the list! Good luck
Well done!
They seem to have commenced this week as I know at least 1 who has interview today for Chester. Shrewsbury doing some on Wednesday and Crewe on Friday. Not sure if this is the first week of interviews or not though.
I initially applied for Pwllheli, then 2 days later Chester was advertised which would be my dream posting. I spoke to recruitment who said I could apply for both, it would be sorted later if successful. I then had an invite for Pwllheli Intv, so they have progressed that and not my Chester application.
I think it’s sorted now but I’ve missed the first round of Chester interviews which is annoying.
Pwllheli would be lovely but Chester is 5 miles away from where I am now and covers the routes I’d love to work and traction types also.
Just waiting a date now.
I was in a similar position 5 years ago having passed all the tests with a different operator.
Luckily wot TfW they are happy to discuss location at interview stage so make sure to mention the Chester position being your preference and go from there. Obviously also point out that you'd be more than happy at Pwllheli though. Hopefully move dates in the next few weeks.
Yeah I'm similar, passed mine for WMT in March 2020 so in date for most TOCs but TfW only take up to 2 years so I've had to start from scratch and overwrite my original results!
Tibbsjo
New Member
Failed my stage 2 in Cardiff today. I Was told that I failed on the square test.. past the other two. Will have to give it another go in 6 months time or so. Best of luck to everyone
Ah unlucky. Definitely try again in 6 months time as you'll only have that test to do and the MMI. And of course you know what to expect next time so hopefully you'll score higher.
I did it all in June 2017 and passed, it was no different doing it again 5 years later but with the added pressure of already having passed it once.
They’re mad/weird tests, keep at it!
Tibbsjo
New Member
Thanks ☺️
yes, today
Fredytrains
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- Joined
- 2 Nov 2018
- Messages
- 53
How did you Get on? hope it went well for you !
I'm expecting to get a date soon myself now, passed them all in 2018 with ATW but failed one paper test,
Things were done slightly different then with order of tests ,
How did you find the computer tests today?
I can remember all the tests then exept the gray square test, maybe you can remind me How it was?
Was the gray square constantly flashing and frequently changing to Black.. Or was it always solid and frequently changes to Black? (just cant remember that far back now)
It was well explained and probably easier than I had built it up to be. 4 of us took the tests and all passed to MMI in the afternoon. Now the long wait for that result.
It is a grey flashing box that turns black. Don’t panic you have a practice run at all test before they start.
Fredytrains
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- 2 Nov 2018
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- 53
== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: ==
Great stuff, Hope the MMI results go your way, sure you'll be fine.
Like I said passed the Computer tests back then but cant for the life of me remember how the Grey Square worked, I found a similar video on you tube showing a flashing square that turns Black, somehow I Had it in my mind from last time it was a solid grey square and not flashing like the video, I know they were pretty staight forward and that I did pass them then, Only anxious know as Its My last chance due to failure on TRP. 2 last time around, Really don't want to blow it on something Ive passed previously.. This is the Video on YT (sure its on this forum somewhere aswell).
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It's solid grey that slowly flashes and then changes to dark grey/black which is when you hit the button.
Not all routes are equal, nor driving hours, associated relief breaks, turnaround time, and duty lengths. For current and prospective TFW drivers, which depot and routes/links offer the best gig? IE: Shortest day, driving hours, average shift length etc.
craigybagel
Established Member
- Joined
- 25 Oct 2012
- Messages
- 5,826
Drivers are all on the same contract and T&Cs (bar a few very minor differences) between depots so everyone should be doing roughly the same amount of hours. It's a 35 hour week for everyone! The best depot to be at is always the one that offers you a job.
So is there nowhere where you tend to have longer breaks, or depots that have more pass/taxi work than others for instance? I know my depot is vastly different in tha regard to my previous depot for the same TOC despite same pay/T&C's 100% agree that the best is the one you get a job at though
craigybagel
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There's a big difference between the Valleys depots and all the others to be fair. Jobs on the Valleys tend to involve 4 hours of intensive all stop services, a PNB, and then another few hours of the same. Not for the faint hearted! At least they'll be doing it exclusively on fancy new trains & tram trains soon enough.
For the rest of us, I can think of pros and cons to pretty much every depot so it's really hard to find one that stands out. It also really depends on what you're looking for.
For route variety, Chester is king - even their starter link has a lot of variety. Mach, Pwllheli and Carmarthen have some very pretty route cards, and Cardiff Mainline is the place for traction variety - at least once you've done a few years and moved out of the bottom link. For a day made up of two long drives with a break in-between, you're best off at Crewe.
For enthusiasts who like the idea of driving locos, Holyhead let you drive them from the start and Crewe will soon be doing the same. For those who prefer the comfort of driving the same train day in day out, Pwllheli and Machynlleth will soon be joined by Llandudno Junction in only signing one unit - and as I've said on the 197 thread, they're a lovely unit to drive.
That leaves Shrewsbury, where you can experience driving through the West Midlands and down the Heart of Wales line on the same day. It's hard to think of a bigger contrast in one shift.....
As far as taxis go, we all get them from time to time. TfW are very good at making the most of cross depot working, so that's a necessary side effect.
Also, any information now is about to become out of date. The crew diagrams for December for many depots bear almost no relation to the ones that exist at present. I've never known such a large shake up in one timetable change.
TLDR - every depot has pros and cons and none really stand out as good or bad
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Manda2194
Member
This is very helpful. Out of interest what is the starter link in Chester. That is where i applied to.There's a big difference between the Valleys depots and all the others to be fair. Jobs on the Valleys tend to involve 4 hours of intensive all stop services, a PNB, and then another few hours of the same. Not for the faint hearted! At least they'll be doing it exclusively on fancy new trains & tram trains soon enough.
For the rest of us, I can think of pros and cons to pretty much every depot so it's really hard to find one that stands out. It also really depends on what you're looking for.
For route variety, Chester is king - even their starter link has a lot of variety. Mach, Pwllheli and Carmarthen have some very pretty route cards, and Cardiff Mainline is the place for traction variety - at least once you've done a few years and moved out of the bottom link. For a day made up of two long drives with a break in-between, you're best off at Crewe.
For enthusiasts who like the idea of driving locos, Holyhead let you drive them from the start and Crewe will soon be doing the same. For those who prefer the comfort of driving the same train day in day out, Pwllheli and Machynlleth will soon be joined by Llandudno Junction in only signing one unit - and as I've said on the 197 thread, they're a lovely unit to drive.
That leaves Shrewsbury, where you can experience driving through the West Midlands and down the Heart of Wales line on the same day. It's hard to think of a bigger contrast in one shift.....
As far as taxis go, we all get them from time to time. TfW are very good at making the most of cross depot working, so that's a necessary side effect.
Also, any information now is about to become out of date. The crew diagrams for December for many depots bear almost no relation to the ones that exist at present. I've never known such a large shake up in one timetable change.
TLDR - every depot has pros and cons and none really stand out as good or bad
Excellent response mate, think a lot of people will get answers to questions from your post.There's a big difference between the Valleys depots and all the others to be fair. Jobs on the Valleys tend to involve 4 hours of intensive all stop services, a PNB, and then another few hours of the same. Not for the faint hearted! At least they'll be doing it exclusively on fancy new trains & tram trains soon enough.
For the rest of us, I can think of pros and cons to pretty much every depot so it's really hard to find one that stands out. It also really depends on what you're looking for.
For route variety, Chester is king - even their starter link has a lot of variety. Mach, Pwllheli and Carmarthen have some very pretty route cards, and Cardiff Mainline is the place for traction variety - at least once you've done a few years and moved out of the bottom link. For a day made up of two long drives with a break in-between, you're best off at Crewe.
For enthusiasts who like the idea of driving locos, Holyhead let you drive them from the start and Crewe will soon be doing the same. For those who prefer the comfort of driving the same train day in day out, Pwllheli and Machynlleth will soon be joined by Llandudno Junction in only signing one unit - and as I've said on the 197 thread, they're a lovely unit to drive.
That leaves Shrewsbury, where you can experience driving through the West Midlands and down the Heart of Wales line on the same day. It's hard to think of a bigger contrast in one shift.....
As far as taxis go, we all get them from time to time. TfW are very good at making the most of cross depot working, so that's a necessary side effect.
Also, any information now is about to become out of date. The crew diagrams for December for many depots bear almost no relation to the ones that exist at present. I've never known such a large shake up in one timetable change.
TLDR - every depot has pros and cons and none really stand out as good or bad
I've gone from 8/9 hour intensive shifts at Snow Hill (100-140 stops per shift) to 6-9 hour mostly intercity work at Crewe with massive breaks on some jobs so I've done both extremes.
I've gone for Crewe so I'm guessing that's almost exclusively Manchester and Cardiff work with some Chester? Likely to be similar to what I do already.