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Transport for Wales - Trainee Train Drivers

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Diedinium

Member
Joined
31 Oct 2021
Messages
185
Location
Shropshire
I've only heard that towards the end of last week Shrews people had the call... Hoping the calls go into next week as to whether they mix them I honestly have no clue!
Your source is correct, I'm one of the ones that got the call for Shrewsbury last week. I passed into the talent pool in January this year, so it seems they are going through from oldest to newest, you'll probably get a course date soon - but I wouldn't be surprised if it's to start next year.
Anyone else on the course starting at the end of October? I passed the DMI in May and had a call on Friday
Looks like we may be on the same course if all goes well :) (I'm not going to get my hopes up to much until the medical is done though lol)

Have you had the letter/email for the medical yet by the way? Got the call on Friday and now I'm waiting for that to come through, hopefully it does soon.
 

kallyvintage

Member
Joined
24 Oct 2022
Messages
65
Location
NW
If it is oldest to newest that seems fair. I passed my DMI in early April and have been told theres no courses until next year..
 

Island Dave

Member
Joined
13 Apr 2016
Messages
41
If it is oldest to newest that seems fair. I passed my DMI in early April and have been told theres no courses until next year.
Did TFW Recruitment Confirm that theres no more courses for the North or only for the Depot you applied?
Im in the pool for llandudno junction or Holyhead, passed Dmi in January and heard nothing since. There was supposed to be 5 courses for the north This year but 2 have been put on hold apparently due to lack of trainers, so im wondering if they have now been delayed until 2024 if what youve heard is true.
 

JLyons

Member
Joined
27 Nov 2019
Messages
102
Location
Shrewsbury
Just confirming with you guys that have sat the paper tests, does it just include the below;

* Group bourdon
* Dials
* GLOP (answering question from passage they give you)
* Tones test
* Report writing
* SSJ questions to order in priority for MMI
* 6 questions ready for MMI

Have I missed anything out, as this is what seems to be listed for paper tests on the email they sent.
 
Joined
9 Jun 2023
Messages
9
Location
Wales
I’ve just passed stage 1 and 2 and the mmi (within the last 3 months)

What you listed is what it is on the day.

If successful in applying for an assessment (reply to the email within 5 minutes- as they fill up within 10 max) then you will be given a practice booklet.

As for the group bourdon test. The practice paper you are provided is all letters. The test itself utilises the dots. A quick search online and you can get copies of these easily.

Honestly I found it all quite comfortable. I practiced the group bourdon and then I found some videos on YouTube about the stage 2 and practiced those probably for 30 minutes in total. It isn’t difficult and if you can concentrate and pay attention then you will pass. -
 

kallyvintage

Member
Joined
24 Oct 2022
Messages
65
Location
NW
Did TFW Recruitment Confirm that theres no more courses for the North or only for the Depot you applied?
Im in the pool for llandudno junction or Holyhead, passed Dmi in January and heard nothing since. There was supposed to be 5 courses for the north This year but 2 have been put on hold apparently due to lack of trainers, so im wondering if they have now been delayed until 2024 if what youve heard is true.
They didnt confirm / deny anything really.
To be honest, there wasnt much they were allowed to tell me but the reason why I asked was because I was holding back on my Honeymoon in case they called me for medical etc, I just REALLY didnt want to be away for it, so in the end I emailed and explained the situation. They were gracious enough to say I can book a honeymoon in confidence until the start of the new year but I have no idea whether that is a general thing or more specific to me. It was good enough for me to book my honeymoon with no worries anyway, after that all I can do is wait for the call.
 

Armourer79

Member
Joined
19 Jun 2023
Messages
43
Location
Shropshire
They didnt confirm / deny anything really.
To be honest, there wasnt much they were allowed to tell me but the reason why I asked was because I was holding back on my Honeymoon in case they called me for medical etc, I just REALLY didnt want to be away for it, so in the end I emailed and explained the situation. They were gracious enough to say I can book a honeymoon in confidence until the start of the new year but I have no idea whether that is a general thing or more specific to me. It was good enough for me to book my honeymoon with no worries anyway, after that all I can do is wait for the call..
Can I ask ... From the email you sent explaining your situation, how long did they take to reply?
 

richfoz84

Member
Joined
13 Oct 2018
Messages
383
I believe the issue is space for Crewe / Chester / Shrewsbury depots.. aswell as available trainers to deliver the courses.
 

Simotrfc

Member
Joined
3 Sep 2021
Messages
63
Location
Wirral
Yet to hear when that is... She did say they are waiting on an appt so should hear soon!

Can you choose where to go or do they say a specific GP?
You’ll probably go to Chester mate. I think that’s where most of the medicals for north are done.
 

Armourer79

Member
Joined
19 Jun 2023
Messages
43
Location
Shropshire
You’ll probably go to Chester mate. I think that’s where most of the medicals for north are done.
Gotcha! Awesome thanks for that!

2 final Qs

1. Does anyone know how long the classroom phase of the course actually is I've heard anywhere from 3 months to 4?

2. The ASLEF vote (going on currently?) I've seen the figures quoted if it passes for fully trained drivers but do the % increases apply to the starting pay & the pay after 35 weeks (or however long it is?)
 

craigybagel

Established Member
Joined
25 Oct 2012
Messages
5,826
Gotcha! Awesome thanks for that!

2 final Qs

1. Does anyone know how long the classroom phase of the course actually is I've heard anywhere from 3 months to 4?

2. The ASLEF vote (going on currently?) I've seen the figures quoted if it passes for fully trained drivers but do the % increases apply to the starting pay & the pay after 35 weeks (or however long it is?)
1: 11 weeks in the classroom normally. The next step is back at your own depot for traction training and how long that takes depends on your depot. There's normally a week of annual leave around then as well. Then you start your hours with a DI

2: The vote passed. The % applies to everyone, including trainees at all stages. You'll be on the training salary until the day you drive a train by yourself for the first time. 35 weeks is more of a minimum; depending on how long it takes you to complete your hours, it can take longer. From that day you're on 90% for a further 2 years, and then you go on to full pay.
 

Armourer79

Member
Joined
19 Jun 2023
Messages
43
Location
Shropshire
1: 11 weeks in the classroom normally. The next step is back at your own depot for traction training and how long that takes depends on your depot. There's normally a week of annual leave around then as well. Then you start your hours with a DI

2: The vote passed. The % applies to everyone, including trainees at all stages. You'll be on the training salary until the day you drive a train by yourself for the first time. 35 weeks is more of a minimum; depending on how long it takes you to complete your hours, it can take longer. From that day you're on 90% for a further 2 years, and then you go on to full pay

Legendary reply there!

Ahhhhhh so it's 2 years after that point not 2 years from joining! Gotcha!

Thanks for taking the time to send all that.

Honestly last Q... Is your hotel B&B & is there an allowance for evening meals? Or just the Hotel?

Remortgaging the month I start training so just trying to plan finances.
 
Last edited:

craigybagel

Established Member
Joined
25 Oct 2012
Messages
5,826
Legendary reply there!

Ahhhhhh so it's 2 years after that point not 2 years from joining! Gotcha!

Thanks for taking the time to send all that.

Honestly last Q... Is your hotel B&B & is there an allowance for evening meals? Or just the Hotel?

Remortgaging the month I start training so just trying to plan finances.
No problem.

Hotel is breakfast and dinner - the latter is usually either a set menu or an allowance.

Though looking through your posts you appear to be going to Shrewsbury, in which case you might not be offered a hotel. It's not that far of a commute to Chester every day.
 

Armourer79

Member
Joined
19 Jun 2023
Messages
43
Location
Shropshire
Very true... However I live in Shifnal currently so didn't realise I'd have to live within an hour to Chester! Flippin biscuits
No problem.

Hotel is breakfast and dinner - the latter is usually either a set menu or an allowance.

Though looking through your posts you appear to be going to Shrewsbury, in which case you might not be offered a hotel. It's not that far of a commute to Chester every day.
 

Plodster

Member
Joined
21 Feb 2019
Messages
370
Location
North
Very true... However I live in Shifnal currently so didn't realise I'd have to live within an hour to Chester! Flippin biscuits
You only need to live within an hour of your depot.
If you are over the hour for Chester you will be offered Hotel accommodation for the duration of the course including breakfast and evening meal or an allowance per day of around £25 if you choose to eat out.

Your trainer will be in touch to arrange it all nearer the time.
 

Armourer79

Member
Joined
19 Jun 2023
Messages
43
Location
Shropshire
You only need to live within an hour of your depot.
If you are over the hour for Chester you will be offered Hotel accommodation for the duration of the course including breakfast and evening meal or an allowance per day of around £25 if you choose to eat out.

Your trainer will be in touch to arrange it all nearer the time.
That makes more sense! Awesome! Months away but so excited to start
 

jessica1306

Member
Joined
19 Jul 2020
Messages
40
Location
Wales
Hi all, I hope someone will be able to help—just wondering if anyone has an idea on what happens after the background checks etc? The reference company have let me know my previous employers have got back to them, and I’ve received my DBS and signed all forms. I start on 18th sept course, so will I get confirmation from TfW that all has gone through etc? Or when do they get in touch before the course?

Thank you, just worried after having lots of emails and now nothing much at all, I want to see if it’s normal or not! :)
 

RyanC87

Member
Joined
26 Jul 2022
Messages
185
Location
Holyhead
Hi all, I hope someone will be able to help—just wondering if anyone has an idea on what happens after the background checks etc? The reference company have let me know my previous employers have got back to them, and I’ve received my DBS and signed all forms. I start on 18th sept course, so will I get confirmation from TfW that all has gone through etc? Or when do they get in touch before the course?

Thank you, just worried after having lots of emails and now nothing much at all, I want to see if it’s normal or not! :)
Nothing to confirm its all done.

You get all the forms from tfw to sign and return. Then you won't hear anything until the course trainer emails you
 

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