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First Rail London - Trainee Driver - Recruitment Discussion

argonaut56d

Member
Joined
14 Oct 2013
Messages
40
Location
Watford, UK
Good luck to those starting today. Start of a great new life for you all. Life changing for most.

Maybe those that haven’t heard back yet, you might be held back till November as the first 10 trainee positions were already filled? Don’t give up all hope. If you’ve passed the OPC tests, they can be used when applying for other companies. Which is exactly what happened to my other son 5 years ago. Passed them with Freightliner and then got on with ARL.

Regarding communications from ARL, that’s the railway unfortunately! During training it is drummed into you how important clear and concise communication is. Unless it comes from management! Then it’s worse than poor!
 
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mcgrindah

Member
Joined
15 Jul 2025
Messages
38
Location
UK
Good luck to those starting today. Start of a great new life for you all. Life changing for most.

Maybe those that haven’t heard back yet, you might be held back till November as the first 10 trainee positions were already filled? Don’t give up all hope. If you’ve passed the OPC tests, they can be used when applying for other companies. Which is exactly what happened to my other son 5 years ago. Passed them with Freightliner and then got on with ARL.

Regarding communications from ARL, that’s the railway unfortunately! During training it is drummed into you how important clear and concise communication is. Unless it comes from management! Then it’s worse than poor!
Great message. Thank you
 

Mr Francis

Member
Joined
21 May 2025
Messages
49
Location
London
New Trainee Train Driver role posted couple hours ago, same depot Willesden Junction.
What does this mean in regard to the courses starting on November 26th or January 5th? I’m so excited to start and wouldn’t want it to be pushed back.
 

mc234

Member
Joined
10 Apr 2023
Messages
13
Location
London
What does this mean in regard to the courses starting on November 26th or January 5th? I’m so excited to start and wouldn’t want it to be pushed back.
I Take it your still waiting to hear in reguards to medical and start date right? As I remember you saying they wouldn't start contacting till the 23rd or so haha.
 

Mr Francis

Member
Joined
21 May 2025
Messages
49
Location
London
I Take it your still waiting to hear in reguards to medical and start date right? As I remember you saying they wouldn't start contacting till the 23rd or so haha.
Yeah, that’s correct. I’d hate them to say they’re still recruiting and the date has been pushed back. I’m itching to resign lol
 

NSEWonderer

Established Member
Joined
5 Dec 2020
Messages
2,909
Location
London

Willesden Junction, 11th of September end date.
 

Kyle2409

Member
Joined
8 Apr 2023
Messages
24
Location
London
Morning all

I have applied for the new vacancy yesterday. Could not see anywhere to add a cover letter which it mentions in the job advertisement?

I passed all the stages previously back in 2021 and was waiting for a contract offer but covid put a halt to all recruitment and never heard much once it resumed.

Hoping my tests will still be in date

Good luck to everyone applying
 

Mr Francis

Member
Joined
21 May 2025
Messages
49
Location
London
Morning all

I have applied for the new vacancy yesterday. Could not see anywhere to add a cover letter which it mentions in the job advertisement?

I passed all the stages previously back in 2021 and was waiting for a contract offer but covid put a halt to all recruitment and never heard much once it resumed.

Hoping my tests will still be in date

Good luck to everyone applying
Good luck
 

RS1225

Member
Joined
20 Aug 2025
Messages
12
Location
London
I applied again too, I passed all the OPC stages back in July/ August 2025 but haven't heard anything back yet, maybe they'll actually get back now.
 

Oggs

Member
Joined
1 Nov 2018
Messages
58

Willesden Junction, 11th of September end date.
The link goes to page doesn't exist, must be closed?
 

Mystiq7

Member
Joined
18 Aug 2025
Messages
34
Location
London
I have applied for the role and have just received an email to say that my application will be proceeding to the next stage. They want me to complete a Microsoft Form and answer it as accurately as possible - before I open the form, i want to ask if anyone has previously completed this form before and can you kindly tell me what it entails?
 

chip799

New Member
Joined
5 Sep 2025
Messages
1
Location
London
I have applied for the role and have just received an email to say that my application will be proceeding to the next stage. They want me to complete a Microsoft Form and answer it as accurately as possible - before I open the form, i want to ask if anyone has previously completed this form before and can you kindly tell me what it entails?
Just got it as well. They actually sent a rejection email first, two minutes later I got an apology email with the link.
 

I_am_Nobody

Member
Joined
1 Dec 2024
Messages
136
Location
UK somewhere, on a train
Just got it as well. They actually sent a rejection email first, two minutes later I got an apology email with the link.
Same… my heart sank, then the follow-up made me happy!

can you kindly tell me what it entails
It’s simple questions; are you within 1hr of Willesden depot, NI Number so they can check OPC records, notice period. Nothing challenging, just personal stuff!
 

Business Bob

Member
Joined
22 Nov 2018
Messages
140
Location
London
Just got it as well. They actually sent a rejection email first, two minutes later I got an apology email with the link.
Regarding communications from ARL, that’s the railway unfortunately! During training it is drummed into you how important clear and concise communication is. Unless it comes from management! Then it’s worse than poor!
100% this! Since recruitment went from being dealt with directly by ARL to Arriva UK its absolutely shockingly poor! As proven with the initial rejection email here. Don't expect a quick process or proper comms with this
 

Islam95

New Member
Joined
8 Sep 2025
Messages
2
Location
Forest Gate
Same… my heart sank, then the follow-up made me happy!


It’s simple questions; are you within 1hr of Willesden depot, NI Number so they can check OPC records, notice period. Nothing challenging, just personal stuff!
I have filled up this form and selected to be at New Cross Gate, however they responded back saying they’ll send me the application form… would I be accepted straight away or it will go through consideration just as new and why do they give us options if we initially applied for Willesden
 

I_am_Nobody

Member
Joined
1 Dec 2024
Messages
136
Location
UK somewhere, on a train
I have filled up this form and selected to be at New Cross Gate, however they responded back saying they’ll send me the application form… would I be accepted straight away or it will go through consideration just as new and why do they give us options if we initially applied for Willesden
The two depots are two separate application forms. From what I read, looks like the New Cross vacancy is being opened soon. People may have applied for this one who would have an easier or better commute to the other without realising or knowing it was coming soon. Who can say? The only people who fully know are recruitment. My advice would be follow what they say, and apply for the other when they send it!
 

Islam95

New Member
Joined
8 Sep 2025
Messages
2
Location
Forest Gate
The two depots are two separate application forms. From what I read, looks like the New Cross vacancy is being opened soon. People may have applied for this one who would have an easier or better commute to the other without realising or knowing it was coming soon. Who can say? The only people who fully know are recruitment. My advice would be follow what they say, and apply for the other when they send it!
Thank you for your response
 

neonthunder01

New Member
Joined
11 Sep 2025
Messages
2
Location
London
Evening,

Hoping to get advice, I am yet to complete my visual search test. I just wanted a bit of an idea of what it will include? I’ve had a look in the link just after I started writting this and wanted to clarify if you are able to spot more than 1 error in the same row of a test or not or perhaps I’m getting it wrong.
 

MO12110

Member
Joined
7 Apr 2020
Messages
19
Location
London
Trainee Train Driver

Location:
New Cross Gate

Job Type: Permanent Full-Time

Salary: £39,463 + Free London Underground & Overground Travel!

Closing Date: 29th September 2025



Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion


At Arriva Rail London, we acknowledge the importance of our people's diverse experiences, talents, and cultures. Embracing diversity and creating inclusion is a key component of our talent strategy. The creation of a diverse, inclusive workforce is central to our ability to unlock potential and enhance our success.



About Arriva Rail London

Arriva Rail London is a leading train operating company, running the London Overground network under a concession agreement with Transport for London (TfL). We are part of the Arriva Group, which delivers over 2.2 billion passenger journeys across 14 European countries every year. We're on a mission to become the leading passenger transport partner in Europe. Join us as we shape the future of the passenger transport industry through digitisation, sustainability, and continuous improvement.



About the role

As a Trainee Train Driver, you will be at the very heart of our business, ensuring a safe, reliable, and punctual service for our customers. This is a fantastic apprenticeship opportunity where you will receive a comprehensive training programme and support to help you progress into a fully qualified driver with a nationally accredited qualification. The training program, spanning 35-39 weeks, is a vital part of your journey with us.



A little about you

We are looking for people who are committed to safety and have a strong focus on customers. While we offer a comprehensive training program, we are looking for applicants with the following essential skills and attributes to set them up for success:

  • Demonstrate a positive, can-do attitude at work.
  • Live within 1 hour of the New Cross Gate depot.
  • Be able to commit to the full 35-39 week training programme.
  • Be at least 20 years of age or older.


Our benefits

We believe in rewarding our employees and providing a supportive environment. Our benefits include:

  • Free travel for you and a nominated person on the TfL Network, a benefit worth £5,200 per year.
  • Discounts on European rail services after one year of service.
  • Free travel on Arriva branded rail services around the country.
  • A 75% discount off season tickets on other Train Operating Companies.
  • Access to Arriva Village, our web-based discount programme.
  • A 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme.


Our hiring process

We anticipate a high number of applications for this role. To help you prepare, here’s an overview of our hiring process:

Application Review: We will review your CV and application and will contact you to request any missing information.

Initial Assessments: You will be invited to complete some rules and safety tests.

Interviews: This will be followed by a series of interviews.

Safety Critical Medical: A medical assessment will be required as part of the process.

Offer and Onboarding: If successful, we will make you an offer and begin the onboarding process.



If you require any reasonable adjustments to be made to the application or interview process, please let us know. We are committed to making our hiring process accessible and equitable for everyone.



Next steps

Sounds like your type of job? We encourage you to apply. Please ensure you include a CV and a cover letter detailing your suitability for the role and any driver assessments you have already passed.



A note to past applicants: Those who have previously applied will need to complete a new application due to the length of time passed. Please also be aware that annual leave must be taken where it is programmed into the training course.

LINK: https://arriva.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/Careers/job/Trainee-Train-Driver_JR030843
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Joined
16 Jan 2019
Messages
88
Location
Sunderland
New Cross Gate Depot Trainee Driver has been advertised today. A 75 mins commute to the depot is stated as a requirement. Closing date 29/30th Sept.

 

43066

Veteran Member
Joined
24 Nov 2019
Messages
12,089
Location
London
New Cross Gate Depot Trainee Driver has been advertised today. A 75 mins commute to the depot is stated as a requirement. Closing date 29/30th Sept.


Salary is circa twice what’s stated once fully qualified - surprised they don’t mention that!
 

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