Recent content by henryedward61

I would'nt suggest reading ahead, simply because it is not necessary. Believe me talking as a 'boil in the bag', two years ago everything was a tad confusing but the rule book becomes extremely straightforward once you are able to put it in context. Unfortunately, until you begin gaining driving...

I have managed to apply, train and pass-out with another TOC in less time than it has taken First to respond, needless to say I have lost interest in my application with them. Absolutely shambolic!. Some automated email garbage was the least I expected, considering the depth's required to...

I had my managers interview before progressing to the assessments, culminating with the SI, so I do not think it's anything out of the ordinary. My application was with Northern and there was a guy there only sitting certain elements of the test, so that also seems plausible. Unfortunately...

I'm 35, it is Northern who have very kindly decided to take a punt on me. I am off the street 'boil in a bag', I believe is the expression. The training has been intense and daunting at times. I am really enjoying the challenge and have to say the training is excellent, well structured...

Thank God not every company is as appallingly inept at informing candidates of developments. My experience of First group has been extremely disappointing. I have yet to receive any response to an application submitted in August, which has simply sat there as awaiting shortlisting...

Both my First Group applications are still 'awaiting shortlisting', after almost two months, that is just stupid, regardless of the applicant numbers. Thank god I already have a job with NR confirmed otherwise I would soon be going mad. Good luck everyone who is still hanging in there...

My Brother and I lost our business Dec 23rd last year, making 15 of us unemployed in the process. The business was bought and thankfully all but a few of our brilliant workforce were re-employed. The business employed myself, my wife, my brother and his wife so the last nine months have been...

I sat the Bourdon test, however I practised hard on both. It was five sheets of dots, circling the groupings of four, two minutes on each sheet, then instructed to move on until 10 mins were up and five sheets had been tackled. The Mechanical test is as suggested on multiple websites; i.e...

With regard the Mechanical test, you simply have to remain calm during, as the pass mark is very generous (less than half if the info I was fed was correct). I was inclined to panic once I started stumbling on a few, but having taken a breath and composed myself it is very much common sense...

I think that is an extremely valid point, although a bit sad if anybody actually considers it. In all honesty anybody who feels the need to cheat to pass this prelim stage is not going to get very far at assessment. I have just submitted my third application with Northern, having passed all...

Thanks for that, I was beginning to wonder whether anybody would post a response. I sat my interview at one depot prior to my assessments and was told the following day that the vacancies had been withdrawn, but would I like be considered for another depot (of course I said yes). I presume...

I am new to the site, but have eagerly visited regularly to get a heads up on this whole process. I am currently sat in a talent pool for two vacancies with a TOC, although the vacancies at one depot were withdrawn midway through application. I am finding it a very painful journey, and...