GTR Southern Trainee Train Driver “returners programme”?

[43066]

It’s in the job title and job description and a question in the application. This is why I emailed to check before applying as didn’t want it to reset the 6month timer for reapplying if not successful.

It’s odd that it lets you answer yes or no to the 18 month question however.

Thanks for confirming.

Yes indeed, they could have made that clearer. Making work themselves, rather, if they get a slew of applications from those who are ineligible.

 

[Burry]

I applied, but if I withdraw the application. Will I still be able to apply for another toc or have to wait 6 months?

 

[Baz86]

I applied, but if I withdraw the application. Will I still be able to apply for another toc or have to wait 6 months?

I’d email and ask the question just so that everything is done the right way.

I can obviously only speak for myself and the contact I’ve had. I didn’t mean to panic anyone into action as we obviously would all love the opportunity to apply for the job we want.

I don’t think they could ever see that as a bad thing.

 

[Economist]

As a qualified driver, I can't help but think this programme is absolutely bonkers. Passengers deserve to have the most capable drivers the company can find with the resources it has available, that means taking on the best trainees they can find solely on grounds of ability. As much as I think it's admirable that the company wishes to recruit people who for various reasons have been out of work for a while, it should be done in the context of a wider recruitment campaign where everyone can apply.

 

[WelshTrainspot]

Just received an email back from GTR. Anyone currently employed who applies will not be considered for the role. More vacancies will be advertised towards the end of 2025.

Appreciate you asking them - I've withdrawn my application and will reapply for the next ones. Thanks and I wish you the best of luck o7

 

[donkey86]

I'm working on my application for this at the moment. I do agree it's odd to only accept applicants who are unemployed but it's perfect for me right now as I've been out of work for a couple of years. Does anyone know how much stock they put in the written answers? I'm struggling with the question about 'a time I have provided exceptional customer service' as the majority of my work history hasn't been in customer facing roles. Do you think they send most people who fill the form in a SJT to do or do they heavily filter and only send test links to those who give the very best answers?

 

[Brickz]

I'm working on my application for this at the moment. I do agree it's odd to only accept applicants who are unemployed but it's perfect for me right now as I've been out of work for a couple of years. Does anyone know how much stock they put in the written answers? I'm struggling with the question about 'a time I have provided exceptional customer service' as the majority of my work history hasn't been in customer facing roles. Do you think they send most people who fill the form in a SJT to do or do they heavily filter and only send test links to those who give the very best answers?

You could use a time where you've helped out a company you've worked with like when unexpected issues happen and you may have then stayed on to help solve the issue or a time where you've helped out a friend or family member that needed help with something. It's all still a form of customer service. Your answers can be about times inside or outside of a work setting.

 

[43066]

I'm working on my application for this at the moment. I do agree it's odd to only accept applicants who are unemployed but it's perfect for me right now as I've been out of work for a couple of years. Does anyone know how much stock they put in the written answers? I'm struggling with the question about 'a time I have provided exceptional customer service' as the majority of my work history hasn't been in customer facing roles. Do you think they send most people who fill the form in a SJT to do or do they heavily filter and only send test links to those who give the very best answers?

They will most likely filter most applicants out at the form stage, so worth putting plenty of thought into the answers!

 

[donkey86]

Thanks both, will do.

 

[greatkingrat]

I applied, but if I withdraw the application. Will I still be able to apply for another toc or have to wait 6 months?

You can apply to as many TOCs as you want. The 6 month rule is only if you take the assessments and fail. If you are rejected before the assessment stage, that does not count as a fail.

 

[Burry]

You can apply to as many TOCs as you want. The 6 month rule is only if you take the assessments and fail. If you are rejected before the assessment stage, that does not count as a fail.

Assessment, you mean the invitation to VSE and SJT right? The initial sifting part?

 

[Manjago]

If you fail in any stage with GTR you cannot apply for 6 months with them.

 

[donkey86]

Anyone heard back after doing the SJT yet?

 

[kieran88]

Anyone heard back after doing the SJT yet?

Unless it’s changed since I went through all this. They only tell you when you’ve failed otherwise the next thing you’ll get will be a miniscaat invite.

It could be months and if there’s a logic as to who they choose to invite first nobody knows what it is.

 

[donkey86]

Thanks, I guess I just need to be patient. It’s tricky because I’m currently not in work but I’m actively trying to find a job. I’d really love this role but it seems I’m only eligible for this round of recruitment if I stay unemployed.

 

[Steprenity]

Thanks, I guess I just need to be patient. It’s tricky because I’m currently not in work but I’m actively trying to find a job. I’d really love this role but it seems I’m only eligible for this round of recruitment if I stay unemployed.

I'm in the same postion as you, I applied for this but I've not heard back since doing the online SJT.

If they are looking for people currently out of work, I "assumed" the reason was they needed people to start quickly without having to give notice to a previous employer, but now my problem is that I can't afford to stay out of work much longer, and so I'm having to apply for other jobs. If successful then I will no longer fit the criteria for this recruitment programme.

 

[Trev5678]

DO NOT give up, I failed my MMI first attempt. Reapplied, and had to wait 5 years (because covid happpened) but never gave up hope and eventually I got a 2nd chance and got through, so if it's the job you want, reapply soon as you can and keep trying. Learn from this time round as you now know exactly how it works.

Sorry, i’ve just been scrolling and i have also failed my first mmi and will hopefully be re attempting soon. It’s nice to see that you passed the 2nd time. What did you fail on if you don’t mind me asking and did you need to change much to pass the 2nd round? The 2 attempt rule really puts the pressure on doesn’t it

 

[D3WY]

Sorry, i’ve just been scrolling and i have also failed my first mmi and will hopefully be re attempting soon. It’s nice to see that you passed the 2nd time. What did you fail on if you don’t mind me asking and did you need to change much to pass the 2nd round? The 2 attempt rule really puts the pressure on doesn’t it

I believe its 3 now.... (dont quote me on that)

I failed and when asked they said I didn't "structure" my answers correctly.

So my second time i practiced my answers using the S.T.A.R interview method. That will structure each answer the right way.

I found the 2nd time much more laid back because I knew what to expect.

 

[Jaytrains]

Yeahh its three chances now if your first attempt was in December 2024

 

[Trev5678]

I believe its 3 now.... (dont quote me on that)

I failed and when asked they said I didn't "structure" my answers correctly.

So my second time i practiced my answers using the S.T.A.R interview method. That will structure each answer the right way.

I found the 2nd time much more laid back because I knew what to expect.

No, you are right, it’s 3 if you haven’t taken any tests before i think december 2024. I started applying and attended an assessment day early 2023 so i only have one more go . Oh amazing that you passed the 2nd go. You shall be my inspiration Sir . I failed one question in the interview and i think i know why. I just need to repeat the other questions in the way i did last time but not let nerves get the better of me

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 16 Jul 2025 ==

No, you are right, it’s 3 if you haven’t taken any tests before i think december 2024. I started applying and attended an assessment day early 2023 so i only have one more go . Oh amazing that you passed the 2nd go. You shall be my inspiration Sir . I failed one question in the interview and i think i know why. I just need to repeat the other questions in the way i did last time but not let nerves get the better of me

sorry i just realised i assumed you are a Sir! Apologies if you are a lady

 

[donkey86]

I'm in the same postion as you, I applied for this but I've not heard back since doing the online SJT.

If they are looking for people currently out of work, I "assumed" the reason was they needed people to start quickly without having to give notice to a previous employer, but now my problem is that I can't afford to stay out of work much longer, and so I'm having to apply for other jobs. If successful then I will no longer fit the criteria for this recruitment programme.

I’ve received an email today inviting me to do the next stage - the mini scaat - so things are at least moving in the right direction now.

 

[LuckyJackal]

@d

I’ve received an email today inviting me to do the next stage - the mini scaat - so things are at least moving in the right direction now.

Hey mate, how did it go What was the test like?

 

[donkey86]

I haven’t actually done it yet - it’s given me a deadline of Thursday so I’ve been doing the OPC practice tests. Staring at random numbers until my eyes go funny! I’ll probably do the real thing tomorrow.

 

[LuckyJackal]

I hear you. Well, good luck! I'm sure you will smash it! Please let us know once you've done it what it was like, e.g., shapes, numbers, time it took. Thanks in advance.

 

[donkey86]

Done. It was just letters, no numbers or shapes. Maybe two minutes per round. I found it easier than the practice ones with shapes (if you’ve tried the one with all the different brackets you’ll know how hard it is!) but still tricky overall, because I’d done all the practice ones printed out with a pencil, but for the real test I had to click them on the screen. I guess it depends how used to using a mouse you are. It’s not something I’ve done day to day for a while, so by the last one my hand was starting to hurt so that slowed me down.

I’m pretty confident that I managed to be very accurate, but maybe too slow. Ah well, time to wait and see!

 

[LuckyJackal]

Thanks so much for your advice! I really appreciate it.
I understand the importance of precision and I know those brackets are there to ensure accuracy—not cause panic.
You've done more than enough, and I’m grateful for it. Wishing you the best of luck!

 

[newbiewannabe]

Morning everyone, did everyone here that applied for the trainee train driver role attach a CV?

 

[Horizon22]

Morning everyone, did everyone here that applied for the trainee train driver role attach a CV?

Hello, is this in reference to the very recently posted advert or this one which started in May?

If it’s the former, please use this thread - https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/southern-trainee-train-driver-recruitment-discussion.295791/

 

[newbiewannabe]

Hello, is this in reference to the very recently posted advert or this one which started in May?

If it’s the former, please use this thread - https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/southern-trainee-train-driver-recruitment-discussion.295791/

The recent one, I’ve only just found out about it and don’t have a good CV and the closing date is Sunday and I am very strapped time at the moment! Just trying to find out if it’s compulsory. I also applied for Southeastern and a CV wasn’t required.

 

[greatkingrat]

If they ask for a CV, then ignoring their request is not a good way to be selected.