GWR - Trainee Train Driver - Recruitment Discussion

[JLH1989]

Has anyone been contacted in regards to any courses next year yet?

Nothing my end, passed my DMI and into the talent pool the end of July for BTM.

 

[B00kworm]

Hi all

Got my email today too, to book my DMI so nearly 2 months after the MMI but perhaps 4-5 weeks after finding out I passed it. Booked DMI for end of Oct.

I have a question about training courses. I was going to book a family holiday for end of July but worry about not being able to accept a course prior (if I pass and if a course becomes available for me before then of course ). Has anyone not been able to accept a course? Are you still kept in the talent pool or do they give you the boot? Seems harsh but I understand the competition of it all

 

[traineeyh]

Hi all, I’m starting with HEX in November and was just wondering what the first week is like, especially the timetable, where you train and what sort of start/finish times you have. Is it mainly classroom stuff to begin with?

Also, has anyone opted for the accommodation HEX provides if you live more than 1 hour 40 away? Just wondering how it works and whether you stay there for the whole week or just certain days. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Reactor Scram]

Hi all

Got my email today too, to book my DMI so nearly 2 months after the MMI but perhaps 4-5 weeks after finding out I passed it. Booked DMI for end of Oct.

I have a question about training courses. I was going to book a family holiday for end of July but worry about not being able to accept a course prior (if I pass and if a course becomes available for me before then of course ). Has anyone not been able to accept a course? Are you still kept in the talent pool or do they give you the boot? Seems harsh but I understand the competition of it all

I guess it depends on your situation but, if possible, I'd resist booking anything that far out. If you're offered a course anywhere between February and July and you're not willing to drop the holiday then you'll go back into the hold when you turn it down on the phone with recruitment.

They don't boot you, don't worry. But the nature of the business means there is a forever shifting demand depot by depot. So genuinely, if you turn it down and somebody else gets the spot they might not ask you again especially if people interview with higher scores dropping you down the list for your depot or your psychometrics expire (less likely, I know), or the depot just doesn't require anyone else for a long time.

My advice is pass the interview get in the talent pool and be willing to book something later than normal. By all means book leave etc but don't book a July holiday until May, if you can. If you've not heard by then, then probably safe barring a late drop out.

Good luck

 

[officewalla]

Hi all

Got my email today too, to book my DMI so nearly 2 months after the MMI but perhaps 4-5 weeks after finding out I passed it. Booked DMI for end of Oct.

I have a question about training courses. I was going to book a family holiday for end of July but worry about not being able to accept a course prior (if I pass and if a course becomes available for me before then of course ). Has anyone not been able to accept a course? Are you still kept in the talent pool or do they give you the boot? Seems harsh but I understand the competition of it all

Don't do anything until you have firm dates. I was on holiday in Devon when my medical date came through. The conversation was short....there are plenty of other candidates if you don't want it. Implication was take it or leave it but don't expect us to wait for you.That was 4 or 5 years ago so things may have changed to be more flexible.

 

[moshah]

Got an email from GWR Oxford depot for next step on checking if to be invited for a psychometric test or DMI

 

[Otter_87]

I've just had an email through about the Trainee Driver position at Oxford. They will be contacting me about the tests and checks. Is there anywhere online that I could do a few practice tests without having to pay for it? It seems like a very long and slow process. I have my video interview in August, they have only just told me that I passed it today, why is it taking so long?!

 

[officewalla]

I've just had an email through about the Trainee Driver position at Oxford. They will be contacting me about the tests and checks. Is there anywhere online that I could do a few practice tests without having to pay for it? It seems like a very long and slow process. I have my video interview in August, they have only just told me that I passed it today, why is it taking so long?!

Search and read this forum and you will find plenty of advice.

 

[SmugStarlord]

I've just had an email through about the Trainee Driver position at Oxford. They will be contacting me about the tests and checks. Is there anywhere online that I could do a few practice tests without having to pay for it? It seems like a very long and slow process. I have my video interview in August, they have only just told me that I passed it today, why is it taking so long?!

I applied december last year and have my DMI later this month. The application process is long for a reason but expect for it to take over a year from start of application until being offered a space on the training program and that's if your successful throughout of process. The recruitment department for GWR is also relatively small and they have to sift through 1000's of applications, so bare that in mind.
My advice would be to focus on the now and concentrate on the upcoming assessment day/s. These are the hardest part of the application by far.
I dont know about free practice tests, other than the ones you'll get sent by GWR, however i highly recommend the "how2become" train driver practice tests book. Its usually around £12 and it helped me massively in terms of practicing for the paper and computer assessments.

 

[BennyF94]

Hi All

Lennie and brenfield I’m also in the same position as you waiting for a training course for Reading depot, I was also told the earliest would be Feb 27.

Please keep me updated if either of you hear anything.

 

[lennie1]

Hi All

Lennie and brenfield I’m also in the same position as you waiting for a training course for Reading depot, I was also told the earliest would be Feb 27.

Please keep me updated if either of you hear anything.

Will do. I’m hoping we all get a call soon for February.

 

[B00kworm]

Don't do anything until you have firm dates. I was on holiday in Devon when my medical date came through. The conversation was short....there are plenty of other candidates if you don't want it. Implication was take it or leave it but don't expect us to wait for you.That was 4 or 5 years ago so things may have changed to be more flexible.

So did you not end up doing the training to become a train driver then?

 

[Brenfield]

Hi All

Lennie and brenfield I’m also in the same position as you waiting for a training course for Reading depot, I was also told the earliest would be Feb 27.

Please keep me updated if either of you hear anything.

Hi, what Lennie said. Though i've not heard anything yet.

 

[JLH1989]

Is anyone else in here in the talent pool for Bristol temple Meads? Found out I was successful at the end of July, wondering if anyone has had a call up recently for training.

 

[Reactor Scram]

Is anyone else in here in the talent pool for Bristol temple Meads? Found out I was successful at the end of July, wondering if anyone has had a call up recently for training.

I was called in March for Bristol Temple Meads. Started course in July.
I know that there was no BTM trainees on the September course for central region.
I also know that projected BTM trainee numbers has been halved for reasons I'm not sure of, but if I was to take a guess it might be because discussions about bringing Sunday into the week seems to have stalled possibly postponing projected retirements and shrinking the required trainee requirements. Others in the company may correct me or know more.

Not the most positive of news for you but sit tight - you've done all you can for now. BTM is a pretty big depot so that will work in your favour. Plus new routes coming in the next couple of years.

 

[officewalla]

So did you not end up doing the training to become a train driver then?

Of course not. I travelled up from Devon stayed at home overnight, did my medical and went back to Devon afterwards.

 

[JLH1989]

I was called in March for Bristol Temple Meads. Started course in July.
I know that there was no BTM trainees on the September course for central region.
I also know that projected BTM trainee numbers has been halved for reasons I'm not sure of, but if I was to take a guess it might be because discussions about bringing Sunday into the week seems to have stalled possibly postponing projected retirements and shrinking the required trainee requirements. Others in the company may correct me or know more.

Not the most positive of news for you but sit tight - you've done all you can for now. BTM is a pretty big depot so that will work in your favour. Plus new routes coming in the next couple of years.

Thanks for the info mate, good to know roughly what's going on and just to sit tight and wait!

Hope it's going well for you!

 

[Qev27]

Is anyone else in here in the talent pool for Bristol temple Meads? Found out I was successful at the end of July, wondering if anyone has had a call up recently for training.

I’ve been in the BTM talent pool since January. I was told in March that all vacancies were filled for the financial year (April 26 - April 27). They said that may change but I’m not expecting to hear anything until April 27 at the earliest.

 

[BartM]

I’ve been in the BTM talent pool since January. I was told in March that all vacancies were filled for the financial year (April 26 - April 27). They said that may change but I’m not expecting to hear anything until April 27 at the earliest.

Did the letter specifically said financial year?
I'm in the talent pool for a different depot, and having received a letter stating that all vacancies have been filled for 26/27, it was confirmed it's for the calendar year, not financial year.
So I'm not expecting to hear till the end of 2027
Anything before that would be great!

 

[vc99]

Did the letter specifically said financial year?
I'm in the talent pool for a different depot, and having received a letter stating that all vacancies have been filled for 26/27, it was confirmed it's for the calendar year, not financial year.
So I'm not expecting to hear till the end of 2027
Anything before that would be great!

Who are you in pool for?

 

[Qev27]

Y

Did the letter specifically said financial year?
I'm in the talent pool for a different depot, and having received a letter stating that all vacancies have been filled for 26/27, it was confirmed it's for the calendar year, not financial year.
So I'm not expecting to hear till the end of 2027
Anything before that would be great!

Yes my email stated financial year 2026/2027

 

[BartM]

Who are you in pool for?

Exeter

 

[jakechamberlai]

I also agree that just going ahead with taking on the video interview may be the correct choice.

And absolutely, You’re spot on. The time i applied for this role I hadn’t progressed no more than just an automated email confirming my application being reviewed.

Going back on to the Psychometric part I’ve searched numerous times in different wording in the hope of finding an accurate comparison to the SWR Psychometric test that was laid out to me on the day but I’ve had no hope. I don’t suppose you’ve came across this in a search of your own and if so how did you search it in the search bar.

Thanks in advance mate.

Hiya again mate @Reactor Scram

Just thought I’d let you know just out of interest should you want to.

I completed the video interview back on August 8th and got a response back from GWR saying I’d pass (Which shocked me) but none the less, I did.

I received in the email saying they will do their usual checks on me regarding my Psychometric tests etc which obviously i failed in July with SWR so knew to expect any hope with GWR getting closed fairly quickly as i think them taking longer than 6 months to check was very ambitious but they said it could potentially take months for them to do this where I also hoped they would.

But unfortunately within 24 hours of receiving an email confirming I’d passed the video interview i received a further email with ‘Unfortunately on this occasion you haven't been successful’ Assuming they’d done their check on my Psychometric record.

In the email though, It didn’t saying it was because of that and says they’re unable to give a feedback at this stage which i assume it was because of that though.

 

[Reactor Scram]

Hiya again mate @Reactor Scram

Just thought I’d let you know just out of interest should you want to.

I completed the video interview back on August 8th and got a response back from GWR saying I’d pass (Which shocked me) but none the less, I did.

I received in the email saying they will do their usual checks on me regarding my Psychometric tests etc which obviously i failed in July with SWR so knew to expect any hope with GWR getting closed fairly quickly as i think them taking longer than 6 months to check was very ambitious but they said it could potentially take months for them to do this where I also hoped they would.

But unfortunately within 24 hours of receiving an email confirming I’d passed the video interview i received a further email with ‘Unfortunately on this occasion you haven't been successful’ Assuming they’d done their check on my Psychometric record.

In the email though, It didn’t saying it was because of that and says they’re unable to give a feedback at this stage which i assume it was because of that though.

Back on the horse and look out for adverts. You know what you need to do when the next chance comes.
Good luck!

 

[Str1k3r]

hi, congrats! i just sent you a DM with some info.

could you please give me info aswell please as I have my interview soon. Thank you!

 

[amalek]

could you please give me info aswell please as I have my interview soon. Thank you!

Hi mate I did my DMI back in march. I’ll be honest with the DMI it’s like a normal job interview. Do some research about the company, the values and learn about what class trains they run. But my number one advise is be yourself and be comfortable. I felt like after the questions I was just having a normal chat with my interviewers

 

[plymguy]

Congratulations! What date did you complete the video interview? I did mine on 30/08 and still waiting for the result.

Hi WMC, I believe I did it end of July start of august, I can't remember the exact date

 

[Str1k3r]

Hi mate I did my DMI back in march. I’ll be honest with the DMI it’s like a normal job interview. Do some research about the company, the values and learn about what class trains they run. But my number one advise is be yourself and be comfortable. I felt like after the questions I was just having a normal chat with my interviewers

Thanks! Did you have you're dmi after psychometrics? I had my psycho in june and Monday they sand me an email about the interview but it doesn't say if is DMI or MMI

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Hi WMC, I believe I did it end of July start of august, I can't remember the exact date

Hi! Could you please tell how was the interview? You had DMI after psychometrics? What questions did they ask you? Thank you!

 

[SmugStarlord]

Thanks! Did you have you're dmi after psychometrics? I had my psycho in june and Monday they sand me an email about the interview but it doesn't say if is DMI or MMI

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: Yesterday at 18:46 ==


Hi! Could you please tell how was the interview? You had DMI after psychometrics? What questions did they ask you? Thank you!

If you havent had your MMI, I would think thats potentially the interview you mean. Where is it being held?

 

[Str1k3r]

HI!

Southampton next week.

I'm guessing you had you're interview.

Any sugestions about the interview?

Thank you!