Transport for Wales - Trainee Train Drivers

[CMDussan]

Wow has changed a lot with these online tests. Sounds like the TPE process

Everyone keep an eye out on your emails responses are starting to comeback

Have you heard anything ? I apply on the 19th still showing as shortlisting on the portal

 

[Manda2194]

Have you heard anything ? I apply on the 19th still showing as shortlisting on the portal

Yes an interview date pending so keep an eye out on your emails!

 

[CMDussan]

Yes an interview date pending so keep an eye out on your emails!

That’s for the Chester one ?

 

[VR494]

Sorry I know this is the driver forum but do you know rough number of guards out of Treherbert currently? That increase sounds promising and a number of us waiting for word on any courses in South Wales!

Approximately 20-30 guards there I believe.

Once the 398’s are in service and the new depot is up and running, the plan is to have a big recruitment drive for Treherbert.

There are also internal transfer channels to consider first, but I imagine there will be a course or two for this depot towards the end of the year, if all goes to plan.

If you’re in the pool, don’t loose hope, railway recruitment is historic for its slow pace.

Tfw is a really friendly place to work, great and knowledgeable instructors and the courses are well planned out.

Some depots can be clicky though

 

[Manda2194]

That’s for the Chester one ?

Yes buddy

 

[angleseyfitter]

Has anybody heard back from shortlisting for other northern depots? Crewe/llandudno? I’m guessing they are soon to follow if not already sending some out

 

[sjberry3]

A brand new site is due to launch on 1st February, the company is moving into a new 10 year contract.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 3 Feb 2026 ==

New site can be found here: https://jobs.tfw.wales/jobs/home/

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 3 Feb 2026 ==

With the launch of the new site from today, the driver recruitment process has also changed going forward:

Applicants for Trainee Train Driver will now have to:

• Complete the online application
• Complete an online quiz
• Online testing, which invloves an error checking test and SJT exercise
• Competency based video interview
• Structured interview with driver team management
• Stage 1 assessment (paper tests)
• Stage 2 assessment (computer test)
• MMI
• Medical
• Formal offer
• Background checks

The above brings tfw in-line with other TOC's.

More information can be found here: https://jobs.tfw.wales/jobs/category/2/80/description/

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 3 Feb 2026 ==

Applications are no longer accepted outside the 1 hour rule as well if your residence does not comply at the time of application

I applied for 2 roles in Jan and it was on the old system. I’ve not had any emails or prompts to move to the new system. The 2 jobs just say shortlisting on my application. I registered for the new site and it says 0 applications. Should I be concerned?

 

[LoftyTD]

I applied for 2 roles in Jan and it was on the old system. I’ve not had any emails or prompts to move to the new system. The 2 jobs just say shortlisting on my application. I registered for the new site and it says 0 applications. Should I be concerned?

I dont think this is anything to worry about. I applied in 2023 and on the old site it shows ‘current stage - talent pool’, I did the same as you and created an account with the new site and there are 0 applications under my profile so my guess is it just doesn't transfer across if you applied before the new site went live.

 

[VR494]

I applied for 2 roles in Jan and it was on the old system. I’ve not had any emails or prompts to move to the new system. The 2 jobs just say shortlisting on my application. I registered for the new site and it says 0 applications. Should I be concerned?

If you have your confirmation emails, I’d email recruitment and see if they can provide you with an update on these.

I would advise though that when applying to a TOC you focus one particular role at a time. Research the role you are applying for and understand the requirements and expectations. Also have an understanding of the company values and a particular thing that interests you about joining them specially.

Don’t apply for various roles just with the vision this will get you a driver position in the quickest way. You could end up stuck in a position you will not enjoy. And I’ve seen cases of many people not progress at all internally.

If you want to be a driver, focus on working on how you can match the requirements of the role, write down a list of examples of how you match these points and just go for it. At the moment it’s a trainee market, with plenty of apprenticeship opportunities due to funding grants from the government.

 

[sjberry3]

If you have your confirmation emails, I’d email recruitment and see if they can provide you with an update on these.

I would advise though that when applying to a TOC you focus one particular role at a time. Research the role you are applying for and understand the requirements and expectations. Also have an understanding of the company values and a particular thing that interests you about joining them specially.

Don’t apply for various roles just with the vision this will get you a driver position in the quickest way. You could end up stuck in a position you will not enjoy. And I’ve seen cases of many people not progress at all internally.

If you want to be a driver, focus on working on how you can match the requirements of the role, write down a list of examples of how you match these points and just go for it. At the moment it’s a trainee market, with plenty of apprenticeship opportunities due to funding grants from the government.

They were both driver roles just in different locations

 

[LW17]

Got an interview for Trainee Driver for Chester. It's a DMI interview.. If I pass the interview what will be the next steps after that? I read through the thread but it seems like this is a new process as most seem to of done assessments before the interview but I've not done any assessments yet only the questions on the job application.

 

[willowcat]

Got an interview for Trainee Driver for Chester. It's a DMI interview.. If I pass the interview what will be the next steps after that? I read through the thread but it seems like this is a new process as most seem to of done assessments before the interview but I've not done any assessments yet only the questions on the job application.

That's great news! Please can I ask when did you apply? I have also applied for Chester but application still says 'shortlisting' online.

 

[LW17]

That's great news! Please can I ask when did you apply? I have also applied for Chester but application still says 'shortlisting' online.

I applied on the 18th Jan and got the interview email on Monday. My online application now says Operational Interview but did say 'shortlisting' before the email came.

 

[GPR]

Logged in and ‘unsuccessful after shortlisting’
Thought as much having not received an email with an interview invite.

 

[VR494]

Got an interview for Trainee Driver for Chester. It's a DMI interview.. If I pass the interview what will be the next steps after that? I read through the thread but it seems like this is a new process as most seem to of done assessments before the interview but I've not done any assessments yet only the questions on the job application.

This will be with two members of the driver management team. One of which could be your final line manager, who will be passing you out, so first impressions matter here.

They will most likely want to know your motivations for becoming a driver. Do some research around the role of a driver, especially non-technical skills and how they are used. Also think of some examples of how you meet these types of qualities from your current work and life experience.

Don’t forget to look up the company values, and research current investments and ongoing business plans at the moment.

The interview will last around 1 hour. Do dress smart and follow all instructions given, and listen carefully to what they ask.

If you are successful the next stage will be the paper assessments, followed by computer and MMI.

 

[CMDussan]

Sadly, I received an unsuccessful email. Do you have any tips for the future if another position opens?

 

[VR494]

Sadly, I received an unsuccessful email. Do you have any tips for the future if another position opens?

I’d not be disheartened, opportunities will arise again no doubt in the future.

When applying it’s important to ensure you are covering all the relevant areas of the role and evidence quite clearly how you match each element.

For example, they always state the role requires a high level of concentration. So, did you explain in your personal statement how you already have this ability, referenced with an example from your current or work or life experience? Did you provide examples within the specific word count? This is test to actually see if a candidate can follow rules and procedures.

The initial sift also involves the use of AI tools, and applications are also scanned for certain buzz words, preferred occupational roles with transferable skills etc. It’s no lie that those primarily from service backgrounds, or emergency workers tend to make the initial sift.

Don’t give up, refine your application, if you don’t have the experience there’s always opportunity to go out there and get it.

 

[LW17]

This will be with two members of the driver management team. One of which could be your final line manager, who will be passing you out, so first impressions matter here.

They will most likely want to know your motivations for becoming a driver. Do some research around the role of a driver, especially non-technical skills and how they are used. Also think of some examples of how you meet these types of qualities from your current work and life experience.

Don’t forget to look up the company values, and research current investments and ongoing business plans at the moment.

The interview will last around 1 hour. Do dress smart and follow all instructions given, and listen carefully to what they ask.

If you are successful the next stage will be the paper assessments, followed by computer and MMI.

Thank you!!

 

[sjberry3]

I’ve applied for wm trains, did the testing and got all the way to the interview (just waiting the DMI) but every time I apply for TFW I get rejected

I got rejected from Chester this time. Still waiting to hear back from Crewe but imagine it’ll be the same. I don’t know what I’m doing wrong!

Congrats to anyone that got an interview though!

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 12 Feb 2026 ==

I just noticed the post above. I used AI to reword some of my answers this time as last time I didn’t get through so interesting they sift for AI. Am I better or using it? I didn’t get it to write it, just reword it

 

[VR494]

I’ve applied for wm trains, did the testing and got all the way to the interview (just waiting the DMI) but every time I apply for TFW I get rejected

I got rejected from Chester this time. Still waiting to hear back from Crewe but imagine it’ll be the same. I don’t know what I’m doing wrong!

Congrats to anyone that got an interview though!

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 12 Feb 2026 ==

I just noticed the post above. I used AI to reword some of my answers this time as last time I didn’t get through so interesting they sift for AI. Am I better or using it? I didn’t get it to write it, just reword it

They have something called a serial applicant test. What I mean by this they are able to spot an individual that applies to various TOC's just for driving vacancies.

When you apply ensure you are specific in your approach to the TOC. In this case what in particular attracts you to TFW. I would not mention you have tests already, they are able to confirm this during the NX check on the database.

Using a spell checker is okay, however they do use AI software to help sift the applications, and there are algorithms set by HR that are kept secrect.

 

[843185288]

With regards to south wales, do you know the companies plan with the new tram system being built in cardiff bay and how that looks going forward with train drivers etc? I heard that the company may look to employ tram only drivers on significantly less pay? Thank you

 

[VR494]

With regards to south wales, do you know the companies plan with the new tram system being built in cardiff bay and how that looks going forward with train drivers etc? I heard that the company may look to employ tram only drivers on significantly less pay? Thank you

I will be honest here, the current CVL driving situation is a bit of a mess. The agreements are all over the place and reforms are being implemented. The guards are even more uncertain.

The chances are very likely those employed as drivers on the CVL are going to be driving a tram on the street as well. There will be training for trams included later on. And drivers are going to have to do dual duty.

If your based on the valleys the most likely thing is you’ll be somewhere near to Tyne and Wear with competence, but not to mainline standards and won’t get an ETDL.

However there are loads of other depots you can apply for that are mainline and offer better routes and conditions to the CVL.

Currently if your based out of Cardiff or Rhymney diagrams offer 9hrs or more of constant Barry-Bargoed or Coryton to Penarth and Caerphilly.

Treherbert drivers are just mainly Treherbert up and down most of the day or doing trips to Aberdare and Merthyr in a loop. Sundays are in and you won’t get much time with your friends and family, there’s a lot of weekend work.

Drivers on the CVL will be opening and closing doors going forward, and this will involve DOO cameras. If your not one for this I’d suggest looking at another TOC.

 

[843185288]

Thanks for this, its very nice having someone from the inside tell us about the ongoings within the company. The one thing i read about Driver only operation is the issue with guards and unions. Be interesting to see how this played or is playing out.

 

[chalkijr]

Anyone on here who applied for Crewe heard back yet? Or is the portal showing as "shortlisting" still?

 

[LoftyTD]

I will be honest here, the current CVL driving situation is a bit of a mess. The agreements are all over the place and reforms are being implemented. The guards are even more uncertain.

The chances are very likely those employed as drivers on the CVL are going to be driving a tram on the street as well. There will be training for trams included later on. And drivers are going to have to do dual duty.

If your based on the valleys the most likely thing is you’ll be somewhere near to Tyne and Wear with competence, but not to mainline standards and won’t get an ETDL.

However there are loads of other depots you can apply for that are mainline and offer better routes and conditions to the CVL.

Currently if your based out of Cardiff or Rhymney diagrams offer 9hrs or more of constant Barry-Bargoed or Coryton to Penarth and Caerphilly.

Treherbert drivers are just mainly Treherbert up and down most of the day or doing trips to Aberdare and Merthyr in a loop. Sundays are in and you won’t get much time with your friends and family, there’s a lot of weekend work.

Drivers on the CVL will be opening and closing doors going forward, and this will involve DOO cameras. If your not one for this I’d suggest looking at another TOC.

A little unrelated, I saw recently the UK government are looking to put like 7 new stations in Wales with majority located in the south. Obviously this may be 5-10+ years down the line but do you think it is likely TfW will look ahead in terms of recruitment? I heard 12,000 new jobs will be created.

 

[VR494]

A little unrelated, I saw recently the UK government are looking to put like 7 new stations in Wales with majority located in the south. Obviously this may be 5-10+ years down the line but do you think it is likely TfW will look ahead in terms of recruitment? I heard 12,000 new jobs will be created.

The vast majority of changes tfw would like to make are still outstanding funding. Whether or not the UK government will commit to those pledges, only time will tell.

There are planned service increases in the future that will obviously affect staffing levels. There will be more retirees no doubt too!

The railway is very dynamic, and sadly most of the time slow to make decisions.

 

[BOMPO83]

Anyone heard anything for us in Cardiff?

 

[VR494]

Anyone heard anything for us in Cardiff?

There’s no courses planned for Cardiff at the moment, sorry I know it’s not what you want to hear.

 

[ndjefc82]

I applied in August for Chester.

Interviewed in September.

Psychometrics completed in November.

Receieved a call today - verbal offer of a course starting 22nd June.

I'm absolutely delighted

 

[LoftyTD]

Congratulations mate! Seems a fairly smooth process for yourself. We are all desperate for that call! Am I correct in saying they call from a mobile number?