FriendlyBomb
Member
Thanks. Is rail recruitment always this slow. Hurry up and wait is killing me
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GWR - Trainee Train Driver - Recruitment Discussion
- Thread starter JT97
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RobotBen91
Member
Yeah it definitely will. Just want to get started!!
Yes!
FriendlyBomb
Member
Same here. I’ve wanted to do it for years and I finally got to a point where I can and now it’s hurry up and wait!
But it’s so slow!
Indeed. But driver recruitment jobs are so competitive - we're talking potentially thousands of applicants - and most recruitment teams at TOCs aren't even in double digits. The processing just takes a very long time (think about how many video interviews they have to review, rank, score etc.) due to the sheer numbers as well as having to liaise with other departments, such as the Driver Managers to work out availability etc.
Patience is a virtue, albeit easier said that done sometimes.
FriendlyBomb
Member
My background is in retail and hospitality. Used to less than a week of recruiting bumf.
Neatro
Member
If you're used to a week of recruitment, you're in for a shock.
Rail recruitment is notoriously slow because of the process involved and the limited number of people who actually process the applications.
My company has probably close to 1000 applications for a handful of positions and there's probably at most 3 people, sometimes only 1.
Then you've got to review the application and CV, set up to progress people on to the whittling down tests, then organise dates for the people who pass that to go onto OPC tests which are already overbooked from all the other operators, set up interviews etc.
It's a lot of work for not a lot of people at the best of times. Then you might have two different recruitment campaigns overlapping because the process is that long.
For reference the quickest I heard from application to getting the job I have now was 3 months. The longest from job I didn't get was over a year...
Completely different industry. I explained the reasons why and you might not like it, but you have to be prepared to wait.
RobotBen91
Member
Mine is mainly retail too. During covid it was as fast as offer the job at the end of an interview if they passed. Difference here is there were 1000 applicants per vacancy, the job is so desirable we'd all wait over a year to get it and the way GWR do recruitment is different. They technically do their recruitment in advance. We've essentially got the job before there is a vacancy so when they do need us they can just pick us out for medicals. Clever way of doing it really.
From what I've read this way of recruiting seems to be standard across the industry, and not just for drivers either. As you say its a pretty clever way of doing it, if a bunch of people in your depot leave you don't want to be short staffed for a year while you try to recruit new people. That said, its not so fun being on the receiving end of this system.
It is in theory quite clever, allowing you to "pluck" from the pool when required instead of doing another recruitment round. Unfortunately the management and maintenance of talent pools can be a bit hit and miss.
halfajob
Member
Don't forget there's been a lot of trained drivers hired which also slows down the external vacancies.
I suppose it's the kind of system that can only work for roles that are very sort after. They know applicants will stick around until spot opens. If it were another job they would have no candidates because no one would bother waiting.
Hi,
passed my DMI for Paddington. Got the results of the DMI about an hour after the interview and waiting on medical and reference check. Found out in the interview they had a course starting in may, so hopefully,I get an email soon for my medical.
Very excited!!!
passed my DMI for Paddington. Got the results of the DMI about an hour after the interview and waiting on medical and reference check. Found out in the interview they had a course starting in may, so hopefully,I get an email soon for my medical.
Very excited!!!
Correct, and TOCs know they are sought after.
Neonburger
Member
Just had an email confirming I’m on the reserve list for Bristol temple meads! Cant wait to start.
I was expecting to receive a phone call but only got the email with the news, same for others?
I was expecting to receive a phone call but only got the email with the news, same for others?
Reactor Scram
Member
Yes, was an email for me (Temple Meads). I believe it's a phone call when they have a start date for you.
Hi WillPlym,
Sorry for the late reply.
I applied for a Trainee Train Driver- Plymouth (02695), not sure if that's the same as a Trainee Depot Driver, I'd think someone on here may be able to answer that.
I applied Aug 24 , MMI Mar 25 and DMI Jun 25.
Hope that Helps.
You're welcome,
Hope it goes well for you.
MaxCherry25
Member
hi, quick question if anyone could help I’ve passed my DMI and medical now!! Do you know how quickly they come back with the formal offer?
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Form what I have read the formal offer comes with the medical I believe but not entirely sure, how long did you wait for a call for the medical
MaxCherry25
Member
I had My DMI in December and medical last week, so only about a month.
RobotBen91
Member
I had my DMI for Exeter back in September but still waiting for medical/start date so it may be a while.
Swordfish3
Member
Same here - DMI in September - Medical is outstanding.
On another note I wonder if anyone would know about the content of the training at all? As in what are the modules etc?
Most importantly is there anything pro-active I could be doing/studying/watching in advance of the training to get the best start possible?
On another note I wonder if anyone would know about the content of the training at all? As in what are the modules etc?
Most importantly is there anything pro-active I could be doing/studying/watching in advance of the training to get the best start possible?
Bock
New Member
Is there any sort of idea when courses are being carried out? E.g. for those that are awaiting the call for Exeter?
BarneyGumble
Member
I passed my video interview! I was sure I had bottled it but it turns out I should just have more faith. Well chuffed!
RobotBen91
Member
Just wondering if we were in the same Assessment day, do you remember the date of yours? No I think the training will be very thorough. Having said that if we're training with conductors and other GWR internals, it'd be nice to increase our knowledge a bit closer to their level.Same here - DMI in September - Medical is outstanding.
On another note I wonder if anyone would know about the content of the training at all? As in what are the modules etc?
Most importantly is there anything pro-active I could be doing/studying/watching in advance of the training to get the best start possible?
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Im not sure but they're obviously still interviewing so there's quite a bit of movement by the sounds of it.
congrats. that seems like quite a quick turn around for the video interviews, which depot are you applying for?
I only did my interview last week for Reading and I'm not expecting to hear anything for a while based on what other people have said on these forums.