Avanti - Trainee Train Drivers - Recruitment Discussion

[Ned21]

Just had the email to say I passed the CBI!, very surprised.

What was the CBI like?

 

[Harvinder]

Thanks klkl. I had my feedback call yesterday and they pretty much said the same thing that you’ve said. I was also shocked to hear that I didn’t fail on the two tone beep test, as I first thought but just failed the group bourdon test to the Avanti enhanced level, (on accuracy). I just have to accept the results and move on for now.

If Avanti choose to have another recruitment drive later in the year, I will try again at that time. I am however obviously aware that there is a long wait before applicants who have passed all the tests / interview etc actually start training.
Best of luck again to everyone still left in the process.

You have to keep practicing everyday to pass group bourdon. Its about practice.

 

[JohnnyOne]

What was the CBI like?

It's a stressful build up, but goes really quick as the interviewer is really friendly and good at it. It's all on here and been said before, look up the train driver competencies, think of a situation from work or personal life that includes it, safety or working alone etc. Make sure it's actually happened so you can expand on the detail when pushed. Then choose one to match the questionnaire.

 

[catmandoza]

It's a stressful build up, but goes really quick as the interviewer is really friendly and good at it. It's all on here and been said before, look up the train driver competencies, think of a situation from work or personal life that includes it, safety or working alone etc. Make sure it's actually happened so you can expand on the detail when pushed. Then choose one to match the questionnaire.

All mine included safety and working alone from my current job, I spend everyday being hassled by H&S 'experts', I guess my examples weren't exciting enough for them lol

 

[Harvinder]

All mine included safety and working alone from my current job, I spend everyday being hassled by H&S 'experts', I guess my examples weren't exciting enough for them lol

Get the feedback from them find out where you went wrong and then work from there! Good luck

 

[Ned21]

Anybody been to Crewe, the Avanti training centre? Is there any parking?

 

[badger85]

Anybody been to Crewe, the Avanti training centre? Is there any parking?

Yeah, there's parking around the back of the building, just use the intercom and they'll let you in. You can't miss it, just head for the Pendolino in front of you! Good luck!

 

[Ned21]

Yeah, there's parking around the back of the building, just use the intercom and they'll let you in. You can't miss it, just head for the Pendolino in front of you! Good luck!

Thanks

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 12 Jun 2023 ==

Passed the computer based assessments Friday, just waiting to hear how the CBI went.

 

[Dewberry_]

has anyone heard anything from manchester? going on 7 weeks now.

I've still not heard anything since the original 5 tests!

 

[JohnnyOne]

Has anyone done the DMI yet or been given an appointment, wandering if its still done by Teams or not?

 

[britconverse]

Has anyone done the DMI yet or been given an appointment, wandering if its still done by Teams or not?

No I found out the 5th May I had passed my opc and haven't heard anything since.

 

[ADW051415]

I've still not heard anything since the original 5 tests!

Had nothing from Manchester since an email on the 6th of April, saying they are prioritising other depots but they will be in touch within the next 6 weeks, coming upto 10 weeks now! Proper frustrating.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 14 Jun 2023 ==

We got given a 28 day holding email for Manchester, then a 6 week holding email and now nothing. I believe a few from Manchester have progressed a little further but this particular depot seems to be bottom of the recruitment list. I'm assuming they have some still to process from the previous recruitment drive or there aren't that many drivers needed for this specific depot. We'll hear back eventually but I'm assuming it won't be for some time.

Same as mate, prefer they just tell me either way, not great.

 

[RyanGosling]

Am I the only Manchester who has done the paper assessments? Still no word when the computer ones will be

 

[nolypops83]

Am I the only Manchester who has done the paper assessments? Still no word when the computer ones will be

Don't think I've seen anyone else mention they have. Most of us are stuck waiting for the 5 tests results.

 

[LMK]

Sat stage 2 today! Passed all of the computer assessments (I personally found them to be absolute light-work) but I suspect that I’ve messed up on the CBI quite severely. I will keep everyone updated but if you have a CBI coming up, I recommend coming up with at least 2 responses for each potential question and memorising every detail of them. You get absolutely machine gunned with probing questions so try to anticipate them as much as possible. It was extremely intense for me!

 

[pharaoh1368]

CBI was definitely intense I could say I was prepared for my questions but the intensity was next level and at some points had to pause before giving an answer...if you've got the gift of gabing you'll be fine

 

[gazelle1234]

Sat stage 2 today! Passed all of the computer assessments (I personally found them to be absolute light-work) but I suspect that I’ve messed up on the CBI quite severely. I will keep everyone updated but if you have a CBI coming up, I recommend coming up with at least 2 responses for each potential question and memorising every detail of them. You get absolutely machine gunned with probing questions so try to anticipate them as much as possible. It was extremely intense for me!

what sort of questions were you asked?

 

[Aviator88]

Sat stage 2 today! Passed all of the computer assessments (I personally found them to be absolute light-work) but I suspect that I’ve messed up on the CBI quite severely. I will keep everyone updated but if you have a CBI coming up, I recommend coming up with at least 2 responses for each potential question and memorising every detail of them. You get absolutely machine gunned with probing questions so try to anticipate them as much as possible. It was extremely intense for me!

Don't write it off yet mate - we've seen every combination of 'how you thought it went' vs 'actual result' on this (and the previous) thread!

Fingers crossed and keep us updated

 

[LMK]

what sort of questions were you asked?

Questions relating to the skills and qualities required to become a train driver. You’ll have to recall times you’ve utilised these skills and/or provide a solution to a scenario involving these skills.
Eg:
-Have you ever had to follow rules and procedures?
-You’ve just witnessed someone fall into an icy lake. What would you do?

You’ll then be asked additional questions related to the answers you provide.
Eg:
-Is there anything else you’d do?
-How did this make you feel?

You get given a sheet before the interview that has SOME of the questions on it, along with answer boxes that you have 25 minutes to fill. The interviewer will ask you questions relating to the answers you write down but will fire a bunch of other questions at you, which can really throw you off without significant preparation.

 

[Harvinder]

In stage 2 I found the two hand coordination tricky and the rest easy including cbi which I passed.

 

[LMK]

In stage 2 I found the two hand coordination tricky and the rest easy including cbi which I passed.

I was a bit concerned about the 2 hand coordination test after sitting it. The trick is to balance speed and accuracy. I went outside of the lines quite a few times but not too far out and corrected myself within a fraction of a second. Try to avoid sacrificing speed for accuracy or accuracy for speed.

 

[Harvinder]

I was a bit concerned about the 2 hand coordination test after sitting it. The trick is to balance speed and accuracy. I went outside of the lines quite a few times but not too far out and corrected myself within a fraction of a second. Try to avoid sacrificing speed for accuracy or accuracy for speed.

They had a practice example, I got used to it afterwards. But still not nice!

 

[LKF01]

'Hello Everyone

We are still holding your application in the talent pool, apologies I'm not able to update you at this time.

We will be able to advise further at a later date when we are able to progress your application

Thank you for your patience'

Received 18th May

Anyone else received this for Manchester Depot??

 

[Harvinder]

'Hello Everyone

We are still holding your application in the talent pool, apologies I'm not able to update you at this time.

We will be able to advise further at a later date when we are able to progress your application

Thank you for your patience'

Received 18th May

Anyone else received this for Manchester Depot??

What stage are you? Have you done CBI?

 

[LKF01]

What stage are you? Have you done CBI?

I haven't done CBI no, I'm stage 2, I completed the online assessments 9th March

 

[Harvinder]

I haven't done CBI no, I'm stage 2, I completed the online assessments 9th March

Ok, thats different then. It seems your depot already have enough drivers. They just want to top up the talent pool! Hence the delay

 

[LKF01]

Ok, thats different then. It seems your depot already have enough drivers. They just want to top up the talent pool! Hence the delay

ahhh I see, thanks for the reply

 

[Harvinder]

ahhh I see, thanks for the reply

Your very welcome, good luck and remember if you need help, we are here to help you!

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 23 Jun 2023 ==

Any DMI dates yet for anyone?

 

[nolypops83]

'Hello Everyone

We are still holding your application in the talent pool, apologies I'm not able to update you at this time.

We will be able to advise further at a later date when we are able to progress your application

Thank you for your patience'

Received 18th May

Anyone else received this for Manchester Depot??

No I've not had anything since the 6 weeks email. Got that on the 6th April.

 

[JohnnyOne]

Your very welcome, good luck and remember if you need help, we are here to help you!

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 23 Jun 2023 ==

Any DMI dates yet for anyone?

No nothing yet. Only been 3 weeks for me so far though.