Trainee Conductor assessments - @ Northern

[ChrisVT]

Hello, all!
Regarding the 'Calculation' and 'Verbal Reasoning' assessments for the Trainee Conductor jobs at Northern. Does anyone know if passing them relies on completing all of the questions or is it more important to get the answers right, for, say 12 out of 18 questions but maybe only attempting 15 of them? I'm going to be sitting them, this afternoon.
I hope that makes sense and isn't too silly a question.
Any help would be very much appreciated. Thank you.

 

[LokiB]

Obviously completing to them all is a bonus but I'd say accuracy is more important. I didn't complete all the numeric reasoning but passed it.

 

[ChrisVT]

Obviously completing to them all is a bonus but I'd say accuracy is more important. I didn't complete all the numeric reasoning but passed it.

Thank you, LokiB. I've actually completed it, now. It was really difficult! I was surprised that the individual questions 'time-out' and move onto the next question, regardless of whether you want it to or not! Anyway, I've done my best

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 3 Oct 2023 ==

Obviously completing to them all is a bonus but I'd say accuracy is more important. I didn't complete all the numeric reasoning but passed it.

Ah, that's great! How are you enjoying your job? (presuming you progressed through to the holy grail!)

 

[MadMax]

I did my assessments last week. I thought I did atrocious on the maths but found out yesterday I passed them. Just waiting to see if I get an interview now.

 

[ChrisVT]

I did my assessments last week. I thought I did atrocious on the maths but found out yesterday I passed them. Just waiting to see if I get an interview now.

Well, that's brilliant for you, MadMax. Well done! So you think you can pass the tests but (maybe) STILL not get an interview, then?
Do you mean, you might not because other people were quicker to complete the test, say?

 

[MadMax]

Well, that's brilliant for you, MadMax. Well done! So you think you can pass the tests but (maybe) STILL not get an interview, then?
Do you mean, you might not because other people were quicker to complete the test, say?

Yeah, it looks like they don't even look at your application until you've passed the assessments.
From the email:

"Your application has now been put forward for the final stage in our shortlisting process, where we will assess your application in relation to the role criteria and requirements."

 

[LokiB]

Thank you, LokiB. I've actually completed it, now. It was really difficult! I was surprised that the individual questions 'time-out' and move onto the next question, regardless of whether you want it to or not! Anyway, I've done my best

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 3 Oct 2023 ==


Ah, that's great! How are you enjoying your job? (presuming you progressed through to the holy grail!)

The numeric reasoning is ridiculous hard, doesn't have any resemblance to the actual job and I think I was lucky to pass it tbh so don't give up hope.

Yeah I've been in nearly 2 years now. I absolutely love been a conductor, best job I've ever had a wished I'd have done it 10years ago.
Obviously there are somethings that aren't great as with any job but the pros massively outway the cons in my opinion ( others may differ ).

What depot have you applied for? Drop me a dm if you need any questions answering.

 

[ChrisVT]

Yeah, it looks like they don't even look at your application until you've passed the assessments.
From the email:

"Your application has now been put forward for the final stage in our shortlisting process, where we will assess your application in relation to the role criteria and requirements."

It does, you're right!
I'll be, hopefully, going into it as an ex-Nurse. I don't know whether a previous occupation like that would be appealing to Northern or not?
...I can but try!

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 7 Oct 2023 ==

The numeric reasoning is ridiculous hard, doesn't have any resemblance to the actual job and I think I was lucky to pass it tbh so don't give up hope.

Yeah I've been in nearly 2 years now. I absolutely love been a conductor, best job I've ever had a wished I'd have done it 10years ago.
Obviously there are somethings that aren't great as with any job but the pros massively outway the cons in my opinion ( others may differ ).

What depot have you applied for? Drop me a dm if you need any questions answering.

I will dm you, LokiB, if I can see where the dm bit is!

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 7 Oct 2023 ==

The numeric reasoning is ridiculous hard, doesn't have any resemblance to the actual job and I think I was lucky to pass it tbh so don't give up hope.

Yeah I've been in nearly 2 years now. I absolutely love been a conductor, best job I've ever had a wished I'd have done it 10years ago.
Obviously there are somethings that aren't great as with any job but the pros massively outway the cons in my opinion ( others may differ ).

What depot have you applied for? Drop me a dm if you need any questions answering.

Literally 'living the dream', eh! Wonderful, I'm so pleased to hear that!

 

[LokiB]

It does, you're right!
I'll be, hopefully, going into it as an ex-Nurse. I don't know whether a previous occupation like that would be appealing to Northern or not?
...I can but try!

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 7 Oct 2023 ==


I will dm you, LokiB, if I can see where the dm bit is!

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 7 Oct 2023 ==


Literally 'living the dream', eh! Wonderful, I'm so pleased to hear that!

I think you have to have posted a few times (5 I think) before dm becomes available.

 

[ModernRailways]

The numeric reasoning is ridiculous hard, doesn't have any resemblance to the actual job and I think I was lucky to pass it tbh so don't give up hope.

If I’m remembering correctly the tests, specifically the maths, is mainly focused on how you deal with your time management and prioritisation. If you’re stuck on a specific question, then it’s better to go to the next then come back if you have the time left.

 

[ChrisVT]

I think you have to have posted a few times (5 I think) before dm becomes available.

Ah right, best get posting, then... Thanks!

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 7 Oct 2023 ==

If I’m remembering correctly the tests, specifically the maths, is mainly focused on how you deal with your time management and prioritisation. If you’re stuck on a specific question, then it’s better to go to the next then come back if you have the time left.

I see. When I was doing the sums, it moved onto the next one, straight away. It wasn't as if you had a choice to move on when you chose to. Sometimes I had time to spare; sometimes, maybe 3, I either didn't get an answer or rushed to get one entered! I couldn't go back to a previous sum.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 7 Oct 2023 ==

I think you have to have posted a few times (5 I think) before dm becomes available.

LokiB, which areas of the screen does dm show up, please? I can't see anything, yet... Thank you.
I'm applying for my hometown station, Hull

 

[jc1983]

Hi all, passed the tests this week, waiting to hear back to see if I've landed an interview or not for Leeds.

 

[LeeH]

Hi all, passed the tests this week, waiting to hear back to see if I've landed an interview or not for Leeds.

Well done!

 

[jc1983]

Well done!

Thanks! Unfortunately I didn't get any further but it has left me confused! In the email it said the below, but I don't even remember providing written response. All I did was send my CV and then do the timed maths test and the true, false and cannot say test online. Of which I passed.

We were fortunate to have received a high number of applications for the position. After careful consideration, on this occasion you have not been selected to progress further.

At this stage in the recruitment process, we are unable to provide specific feedback on your application. However, some information which may assist you with future applications is to think about the necessary skills required to be successful in the Trainee Train Conductor role; and to demonstrate those skills in your written responses. Please ensure that you provide thorough and comprehensive detail regarding your motivation for applying to the role.


This is a highly sought after role and we will be looking for responses that are well articulated, in-depth and stand out from the crowd.

 

[dodecahedron67]

I believe it's probably the "what motivated you to apply for this job", "give an example of a time you had to communicate effectively" questions that you fill out as part of the application itself, not any of the online tests

 

[jc1983]

I believe it's probably the "what motivated you to apply for this job", "give an example of a time you had to communicate effectively" questions that you fill out as part of the application itself, not any of the online tests

That's what I mean, I didn't have those questions in my application form. It was just a form that I filled in references and uploaded my CV.

 

[dodecahedron67]

Where did you apply through? Because the northern conductor application on the northern website definitely has those questions on it (see image, image shows the stages of a northern conductor application needed to be filled out when applying, before any tests are taken)

 

[LeeH]

Anyone on here about to start conductor training soon?

 

[Mgees]

Anyone know if there’s a limit to the number of times you can apply to the conductor role? I.e. like the driver role where you have 2 lifetime attempts?

Thanks

 

[Scotrail84]

Anyone know if there’s a limit to the number of times you can apply to the conductor role? I.e. like the driver role where you have 2 lifetime attempts?

Thanks

If the TOC use the the OPC tests for recruiting their Conductors then you can only fail it twice, you can pass them as many times as you want to technically.

You could apply for a Conductors role as many times as you want providing you've not failed the tests twice previously.

 

[banksywhoshe]

Can always try get in as revenue or cleaner then you don’t do them internally

 

[Harvey B]

Can always try get in as revenue or cleaner then you don’t do them internally

So you're exempt from doing the assessments if you apply to be a conductor internally?

Does this apply to any internal role (I.e: Ticket Office/Customer Service) or just Revenue and Cleaners?

 

[skyhigh]

If the TOC use the the OPC tests for recruiting their Conductors then you can only fail it twice, you can pass them as many times as you want to technically.

Northern doesn't so this isn't relevant.

 

[Harvey B]

Northern doesn't so this isn't relevant.

What do you mean?

 

[43066]

If the TOC use the the OPC tests for recruiting their Conductors then you can only fail it twice, you can pass them as many times as you want to technically.

You could apply for a Conductors role as many times as you want providing you've not failed the tests twice previously.

Do any TOCs use the OPC driver aptitude tests to recruit conductors? I’d be surprised if they do.

 

[skyhigh]

What do you mean?

Northern doesn't use the OPC tests for Conductors.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 30 Jan 2024 ==

Do any TOCs use the OPC driver aptitude tests to recruit conductors? I’d be surprised if they do.

There are Guard versions - from memory TPE still use them (though that might have changed).

 

[43066]

There are Guard versions - from memory TPE still use them (though that might have changed).

The two lives thing is exclusive to drivers, though. I’ve certainly never heard of it in relation to guards.

 

[Harvey B]

The two lives thing is exclusive to drivers, though. I’ve certainly never heard of it in relation to guards.

Me neither. I wouldn't have thought there would have been a limit on how many times you can apply for a Guard role. Two strikes and you're out does seem quite harsh for both

 

[ruthc]

Hello, all!
Regarding the 'Calculation' and 'Verbal Reasoning' assessments for the Trainee Conductor jobs at Northern. Does anyone know if passing them relies on completing all of the questions or is it more important to get the answers right, for, say 12 out of 18 questions but maybe only attempting 15 of them? I'm going to be sitting them, this afternoon.
I hope that makes sense and isn't too silly a question.
Any help would be very much appreciated. Thank you.

Hello, I hope this went for you! I was hoping to get some clarification on the 'calculations' assessment. Some online tests ask for the reading of data, graphs, tables, percentages, ratios etc but others suggest that the test will be mainly focused on addition/subtraction etc. I was just wondering what areas I should practice. Math's isn't my strong suit. Thank you for any help.

 

[Mgees]

If the TOC use the the OPC tests for recruiting their Conductors then you can only fail it twice, you can pass them as many times as you want to technically.

You could apply for a Conductors role as many times as you want providing you've not failed the tests twice previously.

Ok thank you!

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 5 Feb 2024 ==

Northern doesn't use the OPC tests for Conductors.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 30 Jan 2024 ==


There are Guard versions - from memory TPE still use them (though that might have changed).

Thank you for the info