Transport for Wales - Conductor Recruitment and Discussion

[C70]

Hi all, I had an interview for the treherbert depot on the 4th June and subsequently received an email saying that I had been successful and placed in the talent pool. Any idea on the timescale I’m looking at as it’s been 3 months so just wondering what sort of timescale I’d be looking at and would it be any use emailing the recruitment team. Thanks for the replies in advance

16 months and counting here. It can be a VERY long wait!

 

[ConnorH93]

16 months and counting here. It can be a VERY long wait!

Seems like it’s going to be that way for me too, I know they say up to 24 months but then their advertising and interviewing again already

 

[CountryBoy]

Seems like it’s going to be that way for me too, I know they say up to 24 months but then their advertising and interviewing again already

Evening, all. I had my interview in January for Chester and got a call last week. There's a course starting in Jan 2023, so medical first (fingers crossed for that) then it's all aboard. I'd resigned myself to a long wait, but with the plans to roll out new services by the end of next year things may well start progressing for more of those who have been waiting a while. Good luck to everyone.

 

[Turn180]

Anyone had any updates with this? I've had an email today asking for start dates.

 

[C70]

Anyone had any updates with this? I've had an email today asking for start dates.

Yes. Had a call at the start of the month offering me a start date, after a 20 month hold in a talent pool. I was thinking it wasn’t going to happen, so I’m absolutley delighted!

 

[Turn180]

Where is this based? I've been in poor since around July 22

 

[Tevion539]

Where is this based? I've been in poor since around July 22

I have heard some candidates up north being in the pool upwards of 18 months, however, huge recruitment drive now. I dont suspect you'll be in the pool that long, have you tried emailing recruitment to see if there's any movement?

 

[millbatron]

I've been invited for an assessment day following the SCAAT, RAAT and TCT. I can't find any information of people having to do this, it sounds like it was stopped due to COVID. I've applied for Cardiff Mainline with TFW. It says it's 3 hours long and but doesn't detail what the day involves. Has anyone had an experience with this, would the interview take place on this day?

 

[Tevion539]

I've been invited for an assessment day following the SCAAT, RAAT and TCT. I can't find any information of people having to do this, it sounds like it was stopped due to COVID. I've applied for Cardiff Mainline with TFW. It says it's 3 hours long and but doesn't detail what the day involves. Has anyone had an experience with this, would the interview take place on this day?

It's a new process, so not much information is available sorry. Just go there with an open mind and be yourself. That's all I can tell you!

 

[L401CJF]

I've been invited for an assessment day following the SCAAT, RAAT and TCT. I can't find any information of people having to do this, it sounds like it was stopped due to COVID. I've applied for Cardiff Mainline with TFW. It says it's 3 hours long and but doesn't detail what the day involves. Has anyone had an experience with this, would the interview take place on this day?

They used to do this apparently so somebody who started pre covid may remember- although it could well have changed since. I didn't do it myself but as far as I know its a teamwork group type exercise, probably involving some problem solving - but don't quote me on that!

I did a group exercise with Merseyrail a few years ago which involved being put into pairs, 10 minutes to interview your partner and find out as much about them as possible whilst being watched by one of the recruiters. You'd then switch and your partner does the same to you. You then had to stand up in front of the group and tell them all about your partner. It was quite fun and was a good laugh. Obviously not necessarily what TfW do, but I'd imagine it will be something along the same lines showing your ability to work with others, problem solve and communicate clearly.

Let us know how it goes, I'm interested to see what it involves!

 

[Swan1251]

Hi all, I had an interview for the treherbert depot on the 4th June and subsequently received an email saying that I had been successful and placed in the talent pool. Any idea on the timescale I’m looking at as it’s been 3 months so just wondering what sort of timescale I’d be looking at and would it be any use emailing the recruitment team. Thanks for the replies in advance

How long after your interview did you find out you had the job it been 8 days since my interview no news yet

 

[Tevion539]

How long after your interview did you find out you had the job it been 8 days since my interview no news yet

It took me a few days. They should be in contact soon. Give them a quick email, they tend to reply.

 

[Swan1251]

It took me a few days. They should be in contact soon. Give them a quick email, they tend to reply.

Thanks I message them on Friday. They asked me what position I’d gone for. I had an email on Monday

Thank you for your continued interest in the Trainee Train Conductor role and your recent attendance to your interview.​

​

We are delighted to confirm that you have been successful within your interview.



As a result, you will now be placed into the Trainee Train Conductor Talent Pool and, as and when a suitable position arises throughout 2023 and 2024, we will be in touch with further information of a potential start date.
Any idea how long you will wait in the pool Carmarthen is the location I have applied for

 

[Tevion539]

Thanks I message them on Friday. They asked me what position I’d gone for. I had an email on Monday

Thank you for your continued interest in the Trainee Train Conductor role and your recent attendance to your interview.​

​

We are delighted to confirm that you have been successful within your interview.



As a result, you will now be placed into the Trainee Train Conductor Talent Pool and, as and when a suitable position arises throughout 2023 and 2024, we will be in touch with further information of a potential start date.
Any idea how long you will wait in the pool Carmarthen is the location I have applied for

The wait can be a long one. But, there's plenty of courses running! Just be patient and well done!!

 

[Jacob Didcote]

I applied for Cardiff Mainline in December and heard absolutely nothing. Someone I know currently works for TfW has already sat through all the assessments!

 

[Tevion539]

I applied for Cardiff Mainline in December and heard absolutely nothing. Someone I know currently works for TfW has already sat through all the assessments!

Email them matey

 

[millbatron]

They used to do this apparently so somebody who started pre covid may remember- although it could well have changed since. I didn't do it myself but as far as I know its a teamwork group type exercise, probably involving some problem solving - but don't quote me on that!

I did a group exercise with Merseyrail a few years ago which involved being put into pairs, 10 minutes to interview your partner and find out as much about them as possible whilst being watched by one of the recruiters. You'd then switch and your partner does the same to you. You then had to stand up in front of the group and tell them all about your partner. It was quite fun and was a good laugh. Obviously not necessarily what TfW do, but I'd imagine it will be something along the same lines showing your ability to work with others, problem solve and communicate clearly.

Let us know how it goes, I'm interested to see what it involves!

It was a group exercise where you work together to prioritise different problems as a conductor and then you had to present your decisions as a group. No other tests were involved and it was pretty straightforward but took nowhere near as long as the 3 hours they said it would.

Onto the face to face interview now, been told by a driver who works there that if you get to the interview stage you've pretty much secured the job, he does talk a lot of nonsense though. Anyone have any tips?

 

[Tevion539]

It was a group exercise where you work together to prioritise different problems as a conductor and then you had to present your decisions as a group. No other tests were involved and it was pretty straightforward but took nowhere near as long as the 3 hours they said it would.

Onto the face to face interview now, been told by a driver who works there that if you get to the interview stage you've pretty much secured the job, he does talk a lot of nonsense though. Anyone have any tips?

Not as straight forward as that - they will be looking at your general demeanor, how you present yourself (make sure your clothes are clean and well ironed. Consider taking coats off to illustrate this) otherwise, prepare general competency based answers surrounding dealing with conflict, health and safety protocols you currently follow and customer service etc.

 

[Jacob Didcote]

Email them matey

Still awaiting a reply Zzz...!

 

[Tevion539]

Still awaiting a reply Zzz...!

Odd - have you followed up?

 

[DJ__S79]

After being shortlisted in April 2022 and and having an interview in July, I finally passed my medical on Monday Hoping to hear asap about a start date, Based from Treherbert.

 

[Tevion539]

After being shortlisted in April 2022 and and having an interview in July, I finally passed my medical on Monday Hoping to hear asap about a start date, Based from Treherbert.

They usually give a start date when you're booked in for a medical. Good luck with the new career!

 

[DJ__S79]

They usually give a start date when you're booked in for a medical. Good luck with the new career!

Cheers pal, June 26th looks to be the start of training. Received all the contracts etc today. Looking forward to a change in career.

 

[Tevion539]

Cheers pal, June 26th looks to be the start of training. Received all the contracts etc today. Looking forward to a change in career.

Depending on your trainer, you may need to get colouring pens (non-felt) and a ruler for signalling. I've just started route learning and I'm enjoying it so far

 

[millbatron]

Got offered the job and given a medical date and start date straight away! Was very surprised not to be sat in a talent pool, I know Cardiff is busier though. I know training is 6.5 months, but does anyone know what kind of annual leave they give amongst that?

 

[Tevion539]

Got offered the job and given a medical date and start date straight away! Was very surprised not to be sat in a talent pool, I know Cardiff is busier though. I know training is 6.5 months, but does anyone know what kind of annual leave they give amongst that?

You usually get at least one week between the course finishing and route learning.

 

[CubeStereo]

Good evening all,
Anyone else starting the training course in Cardiff, on May 5th?
Feeling super excited to begin, although a little anxious.

 

[DJ__S79]

Good evening all,
Anyone else starting the training course in Cardiff, on May 5th?
Feeling super excited to begin, although a little anxious.

Due to Start on June 26th, hows it going so far mate ?

 

[Tevion539]

Apologies for not replying @CubeStereo, you must be on signalling this week or next? Hope you're doing well!

Due to Start on June 26th, hows it going so far mate ?

Good luck! It's an intense course, around 12 weeks constant learning and tests. Make sure you revise and communicate any issues with your trainer. Do you know who's training you yet? Are you going to be Mainline or Valleys?

 

[DJ__S79]

Apologies for not replying @CubeStereo, you must be on signalling this week or next? Hope you're doing well!


Good luck! It's an intense course, around 12 weeks constant learning and tests. Make sure you revise and communicate any issues with your trainer. Do you know who's training you yet? Are you going to be Mainline or Valleys?

Andy is the trainer, and ill be based in Treherbert pal, thx.