Southeastern Trainee Driver - All Depots - (20/09/21)

[MintyMango]

Anyone waiting or had their DMI for Orpington? I had mine recently and passed!

Just waiting to know when they’re going to start the training courses

 

[ShadM]

I have the assessment centre on Friday!

 

[ComUtoR]

Anyone waiting or had their DMI for Orpington? I had mine recently and passed!

Have you had your MMI yet ? There are reports that SE have changed their procedure so the MMI comes after the DMI.

Just waiting to know when they’re going to start the training courses

You should have been told in the interview or the application or was this for a talent pool place ?

 

[MintyMango]

I completed all the psychometric tests including the MMI last year so I just had to sit the DMI.

Was told it might be Jan/Feb but was told this is yet to be confirmed and might be a bit later than that. So maybe they're waiting for more people to pass to put on the course? I'm not sure.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 24 Nov 2022 ==

I have the assessment centre on Friday!

Good luck!

 

[ComUtoR]

Any course wouldn't be subject to others passing. I would expect a call in the near future.

 

[Gooner265]

Still waiting for mine, guess it will be next year now , wonder if I hindered myself saying Dartford preferred, Slade Green should have been put I think, has anyone gone from that depot yet?

 

[Luckyflames]

Anyone waiting or had their DMI for Orpington? I had mine recently and passed!

Just waiting to know when they’re going to start the training courses

Congrats. Hopefully not in for a long wait.

 

[c1403]

Hello All
Found this post whilst having a Google regarding application husband sent back in Sept 21 for Trainee Train Driver (can now see not the only one waiting)
He previously passed several assements in June 21 as applied for trainee shunter driver. Withdrew application after speaking with recruitment at SER as he ideally wanted the trainee train driver position so waited a couple of months.
Fast forward to now, several emails have been sent and he's waiting to finish the last couple of assessments (Visual Search Exercise, the Situational Judgement Exercise (SJE) and the Multi Modal Interview (MMI) , which recruitment advise they are waiting to find out trainee requirements before progressing.
He has applied for Gillingham depot (although will consider all kent areas)
Just wondering if any fellow Gillingham applicants have heard back?
Thank You

 

[Josh96]

Hi there, I applied for the Gillingham depot in sep 2021 like your husband, however this is my first time applying and haven’t say any of the classroom tests as that’s what I’m waiting for.

The last official email I received was back in July stating they’re still keen to progress my application but due to the volume of applicants that need to sit the tests it’s going to take a while. I had that email a few times but like I say July 2022 was the last I heard. I then sent an email in September asking for an update but they just said they’re still in the process of booking people in for tests so I guess it’s just a waiting game. I was thinking about sending another email but I don’t think they really like it and take it as you’re giving them the “hurry up” but it would be nice to receive more regular updates.

 

[Tekley94]

Anyone waiting or had their DMI for Orpington? I had mine recently and passed!

Just waiting to know when they’re going to start the training courses

I’ve got my DMI for Victoria on the 16th of Feb. I’d love all the help you can give me regarding the questions that’ll be asked. Feel free to DM me.

Thanks in advance

 

[Grvrdvicdr]

I’ve got my DMI for Victoria on the 16th of Feb. I’d love all the help you can give me regarding the questions that’ll be asked. Feel free to DM me.

Thanks in advance

The small extract they give you on TPWS learn it word for word and regurgitate it when they ask, loved it when I did unless it’s changed in last 2 years. Looking 24 trainees at vic this year. And then just every answer use safety, customer service ect ect

 

[MintyMango]

The small extract they give you on TPWS learn it word for word and regurgitate it when they ask, loved it when I did unless it’s changed in last 2 years. Looking 24 trainees at vic this year. And then just every answer use safety, customer service ect ect

Yep exactly this. Memorise the TPWS sheet they give you and make sure you learn about the company such as their routes, values etc. The questions are ones you'd expect just make sure you're answering in the STAR method and you'll be fine. Good luck!

 

[neilo5678]

I’ve got my SJE coming up soon. No real training for it in the guidance booklet, from research I have done it’s all about picking the best answer in terms of safety. Then the MMI same day and medical. Looking forward to it!

 

[ratbag]

I’ve got my SJE coming up soon. No real training for it in the guidance booklet, from research I have done it’s all about picking the best answer in terms of safety. Then the MMI same day and medical. Looking forward to it!

Is the VSE still part of South-Eastern's assessment, alongside the SJE, or have they dropped it?

 

[neilo5678]

I already completed the VSE on first assessment day so guess it’s different

 

[PTGRail]

I applied for this role in September 2021, stating Victoria as my preferred location. After a few of the standard “we’re still keen to progress your application” emails, I was shortlisted for the role last June. Haven’t had any further information since. This is the slowest recruitment I’ve ever encountered - though I understand it’s to be expected on the railway.

 

[Economist]

With Victoria as your chosen location, I'd be tempted to put in for the Central London depots of all of the other TOCs. That said, give them an email or call to make sure they haven't forgotten about you.

I know of someone who applied for a driving role and got a phone call out of the blue from the TOC five years later, sat the aptitude tests and went in to qualify as a driver.

 

[NSEWonderer]

With the amount of delays they have and cancellations I'm guessing it won't be long for these lot to open up next apps

 

[ComUtoR]

With the amount of delays they have and cancellations I'm guessing it won't be long for these lot to open up next apps

What have delays and cancellations got to do with applications ? That's the weirdest leap I've ever seen.

 

[PTGRail]

With Victoria as your chosen location, I'd be tempted to put in for the Central London depots of all of the other TOCs. That said, give them an email or call to make sure they haven't forgotten about you.

I know of someone who applied for a driving role and got a phone call out of the blue from the TOC five years later, sat the aptitude tests and went in to qualify as a driver.

I’m not sure I’d qualify for all of them due to distance requirements, but I satisfied the distance requirement for this role. I currently live in Thornton Heath, within walking distance of Selhurst Depot. Alas, I haven’t seen Selhurst come up with Southern in quite some time!

It’s good to hear they can still remember you even after all that time! I applied for a role as a signaller with NR and have been offered the job, though would choose driving if it was an option. Would still enjoy signalling though, as that was always my second choice for a railway job.

 

[Class2ldn]

I didn't hear anything from SE for over 3 years, got an invite out the blue and the rest is history as they say.

 

[PTGRail]

I received the following email today, which seems to be confusingly written. Not sure exactly what they’re saying!

“Good afternoon,

I hope you are well.

Firstly, I would like to thank you for your patience following your application for the role of Trainee Train Driver at Southeastern Trains. We appreciate your tolerance and thank you for your continued interest. Our Driver recruitment campaign has proven to be incredibly popular with over 8000 applicants for a limited number of training places, so, congratulations on passing the selection to remain in our train driver talent pool.

The waiting list for formal assessment is currently running at approximately 12 months. and I appreciate that, since you applied, your individual circumstances may have changed. We have therefore decided that we would like to offer you the opportunity to join a talent pool for other roles at Southeastern and gain relevant rail sector experience. We are currently recruiting in other areas of the business for example Shunter Drivers*, Conductor, On Board Manager (OBM), Railway Enforcement Officer and Station Staff across the whole of our network. Traditionally, your application would be withdrawn from the Trainee Train Driver role without being able to re-apply until the position was re-advertised, however due to the length of time that the process is currently taking you will be able to re-apply once your 12-month length of service has been completed, should you secure another position in the business. You would still need to be assessed, interviewed etc… but you would not need to wait for the Trainee Driver Roles to be readvertised.”

 

[Josh96]

I received the following email today, which seems to be confusingly written. Not sure exactly what they’re saying!

“Good afternoon,

I hope you are well.

Firstly, I would like to thank you for your patience following your application for the role of Trainee Train Driver at Southeastern Trains. We appreciate your tolerance and thank you for your continued interest. Our Driver recruitment campaign has proven to be incredibly popular with over 8000 applicants for a limited number of training places, so, congratulations on passing the selection to remain in our train driver talent pool.

The waiting list for formal assessment is currently running at approximately 12 months. and I appreciate that, since you applied, your individual circumstances may have changed. We have therefore decided that we would like to offer you the opportunity to join a talent pool for other roles at Southeastern and gain relevant rail sector experience. We are currently recruiting in other areas of the business for example Shunter Drivers*, Conductor, On Board Manager (OBM), Railway Enforcement Officer and Station Staff across the whole of our network. Traditionally, your application would be withdrawn from the Trainee Train Driver role without being able to re-apply until the position was re-advertised, however due to the length of time that the process is currently taking you will be able to re-apply once your 12-month length of service has been completed, should you secure another position in the business. You would still need to be assessed, interviewed etc… but you would not need to wait for the Trainee Driver Roles to be readvertised.”

Yeah I’ve received the same one, I’m currently waiting for a date for the psychometric tests so I don’t get if this applies to me because I’m not in a talent pool or anything yet as I haven’t got that far. I was confused like yourself and agree it’s been written in a very confusing way, I’ve since emailed asking for clarity so just waiting for a response.

 

[Stigy]

I received the following email today, which seems to be confusingly written. Not sure exactly what they’re saying!

“Good afternoon,

I hope you are well.

Firstly, I would like to thank you for your patience following your application for the role of Trainee Train Driver at Southeastern Trains. We appreciate your tolerance and thank you for your continued interest. Our Driver recruitment campaign has proven to be incredibly popular with over 8000 applicants for a limited number of training places, so, congratulations on passing the selection to remain in our train driver talent pool.

The waiting list for formal assessment is currently running at approximately 12 months. and I appreciate that, since you applied, your individual circumstances may have changed. We have therefore decided that we would like to offer you the opportunity to join a talent pool for other roles at Southeastern and gain relevant rail sector experience. We are currently recruiting in other areas of the business for example Shunter Drivers*, Conductor, On Board Manager (OBM), Railway Enforcement Officer and Station Staff across the whole of our network. Traditionally, your application would be withdrawn from the Trainee Train Driver role without being able to re-apply until the position was re-advertised, however due to the length of time that the process is currently taking you will be able to re-apply once your 12-month length of service has been completed, should you secure another position in the business. You would still need to be assessed, interviewed etc… but you would not need to wait for the Trainee Driver Roles to be readvertised.”

They’re essentially saying that if you apply for and get another role within the business, you can apply for a trainee driver position at any point after you’ve completed 12 months service with them, and because this recruitment is currently taking so long, you’ll effectively be in with a chance of getting the same trainee position as if you had just remained in the pool. That’s how I read it anyway.

 

[43066]

It’s good to hear they can still remember you even after all that time! I applied for a role as a signaller with NR and have been offered the job, though would choose driving if it was an option. Would still enjoy signalling though, as that was always my second choice for a railway job.

Personally (assuming you’d prefer it to what you’re currently doing) I would take the signalling roll for now and continue to apply for trainee driver roles from there (London overground at New Cross Gate would be a likely target based on where you live).

I received the following email today, which seems to be confusingly written. Not sure exactly what they’re saying!

“Good afternoon,

I hope you are well.

Firstly, I would like to thank you for your patience following your application for the role of Trainee Train Driver at Southeastern Trains. We appreciate your tolerance and thank you for your continued interest. Our Driver recruitment campaign has proven to be incredibly popular with over 8000 applicants for a limited number of training places, so, congratulations on passing the selection to remain in our train driver talent pool.

The waiting list for formal assessment is currently running at approximately 12 months. and I appreciate that, since you applied, your individual circumstances may have changed. We have therefore decided that we would like to offer you the opportunity to join a talent pool for other roles at Southeastern and gain relevant rail sector experience. We are currently recruiting in other areas of the business for example Shunter Drivers*, Conductor, On Board Manager (OBM), Railway Enforcement Officer and Station Staff across the whole of our network. Traditionally, your application would be withdrawn from the Trainee Train Driver role without being able to re-apply until the position was re-advertised, however due to the length of time that the process is currently taking you will be able to re-apply once your 12-month length of service has been completed, should you secure another position in the business. You would still need to be assessed, interviewed etc… but you would not need to wait for the Trainee Driver Roles to be readvertised.”

It’s certainly a badly written and confusing email. It sounds as though they’re trying to have their cake and eat it, by using their driver applicants to fill other roles while you’re waiting for assessment! Personally I wouldn’t touch that with a barge poll.

My concern is you’d really be in no better a position than someone who had applied for one of these jobs directly, who also would be given access to an internal vacancies list in a year’s time. You could find yourself doing a job you didn’t really want for a year, only for Southeastern to advertise for trainees externally again anyway and prioritise them above internal applicants, as you would then be! This happens a fair bit because, by recruiting off the street, TOCs avoid having to backfill the positions of internal applicants.

I would ask them to clarify whether there’s an option to stay as you are, and simply remain in the pool for driver assessments and do them in a year’s time. Personally in your position I would opt to do that, take the signalling role in the meantime and apply for other trainee driver roles as they come up. The signalling role is equivalent to driving and will be far more relevant experience than working on platforms or as an enforcement officer.

Even if they force you to withdraw now, you’ve not lost anything as there’s nothing to stop you applying to Southeastern again next time they recruit (and they will undoubtedly do so again).

 

[Traffic71]

In simple terms forget all about driving for Southeastern. I’ve passed my assessment day with them but have heard nothing since. I don’t think I’ll hold my breath.

 

[neilo5678]

I was lucky to get in, only 6 on the course for May.

 

[ComUtoR]

I was lucky to get in, only 6 on the course for May.

Nice one. Which depot ? I think there was someone else also starting on the same course.

There are two courses running in May with some people having their course moved to the other training school.

 

[Ben3258]

I received the following email today, which seems to be confusingly written. Not sure exactly what they’re saying!

“Good afternoon,

I hope you are well.

Firstly, I would like to thank you for your patience following your application for the role of Trainee Train Driver at Southeastern Trains. We appreciate your tolerance and thank you for your continued interest. Our Driver recruitment campaign has proven to be incredibly popular with over 8000 applicants for a limited number of training places, so, congratulations on passing the selection to remain in our train driver talent pool.

The waiting list for formal assessment is currently running at approximately 12 months. and I appreciate that, since you applied, your individual circumstances may have changed. We have therefore decided that we would like to offer you the opportunity to join a talent pool for other roles at Southeastern and gain relevant rail sector experience. We are currently recruiting in other areas of the business for example Shunter Drivers*, Conductor, On Board Manager (OBM), Railway Enforcement Officer and Station Staff across the whole of our network. Traditionally, your application would be withdrawn from the Trainee Train Driver role without being able to re-apply until the position was re-advertised, however due to the length of time that the process is currently taking you will be able to re-apply once your 12-month length of service has been completed, should you secure another position in the business. You would still need to be assessed, interviewed etc… but you would not need to wait for the Trainee Driver Roles to be readvertised.”

To sum that up, they basically mean that the depot you applied for won’t be taking any drivers any time soon. However you can go into another pool for a different role… that way you can apply as an internal. It’s easier to get into the driver grade as an internal as about half of the driver positions are taken by internal applicants. I’m employed by SE myself. The easiest depot to get into at the moment is Victoria. Victoria has a real issue retaining drivers because gtr, swr, southern etc pay much better and also have depots close by.

 

[ComUtoR]

It’s easier to get into the driver grade as an internal as about half of the driver positions are taken by internal applicants. I’m employed by SE myself. The easiest depot to get into at the moment is Victoria.

Total nonsense