Chester to Holyhead/Llandudno, Manchester, Crewe, Shrewsbury and Wrexham - Bidston.
That's the gist of it alright - also Chester to Shrewsbury and Shrewsbury to Birmingham but those routes aren't in the starter link.
That quite rare from my experience, at WMT almost all depots are single link therefore all drivers sign all routes & tractions.
When you get your hours in with an instructor you'll be working their hours so covering all routes and learning them as you go along, so no point keeping you to just the one when you first qualify.
To be fair most at TfW are as well. Chester and Cardiff Mainline have always had link progression, and Crewe used to only have 67 knowledge in one of its links but that's about it.
I don’t think TFW send rejection letters. It’s just a case of waiting until they get around to you if you’re shortlisted
In that case they must send acknowledgement. I’d take it as a good sign you’re still in with a chance of being shortlisted.
Ah excellent, thanks for that
Ahh gutted, I've just had the same email. Mine was just over an hour so they aren't quick interviews in fairness.
Oh I’m so sorry. What sort of questions did you have? I have zero rail experience so not feeling too hopeful now.
Just got my email inviting me to computer assessment so looks like things may be moving again.
That's good! When is your testing?
Indeed I did unfortunately. They say no feedback will be given but give a generic looking "things to do next time" which were things I'd done anyway like research the company, etc.
I had all sorts of questions, ranging from customer service to shift work etc. I have never done shift work so maybe that’s what put them off? I did tell them I was familiar with shift work though and understood the dedication it took as my partner does shift work in the hospital. I was asked about issues that I would come across as a train driver and how I would resolve them, what I would do if a manager was off and I encountered a problem whilst driving etc. I work alone every day for my job so I have no problems in that sense but I feel like they wanted be to be more specific on the issues I would face as a train driver and after identifying the obvious/generic ones they weren’t satisfied so I didn’t know what else to say. That’s why I think having an insight on the ins and outs of the industry would help massively
Ahh I see what you mean now, the main ones for problems you man encounter really are people/animals on the line or infrastructure issues like wires down. I guess I hadn't thought of it as a railway issue per say as I do it without thinking in my current job. Apologies
No worries! I suppose it comes down to “points” on each answer really doesn’t it, and if you don’t
Ah I’m sorry. Must be really difficult. Will you just have to apply again in six months and just do the DMI again?
Yes I think I will struggle on being able to make them feel confident I have enough experience with shift work too.
Yes, I will apply in 6ish months or whenever they open again. Wit TfW you have 2 years from testing dates so will be sift and then DMI stage. Other TOCs take testing for up to 5 years also.
Feeling more confident now as they won’t catch me out on golf handicaps or gym routines
Hi, sorry to hear about that.
same, still waiting, applied for the 30th
Brilliant, thanks for that
Got an email back saying all dates gone. I replied within three minutes of receiving the email!!