South Western Railway - Rail Operator 2

I have applied for the position of RO2 at SWR and was wondering how the selection and assessment process works? I previously had an assessment for an apprenticeship at SWR but wasn't successful.
Does anyone have any ideas of how different it is and possibly some tips to be successful. Thanks

Probably too late for a reply now. I have just been offered a RO2 role with SWR, starting in August.

The first stage of the selection process is an Assessment Centre. Mine took place at Southampton (literally right next to Southampton Central Station) which involves colour blindness test, hearing test & basic route/timetable test.

Those who are successful then gone onto an interview at the chosen station. All are told on the day if they're successful or not.

From there, either there will be an additional interview or the hiring managers will choose a candidate within 10 days of the interviews.

Then there's the usual pre-employment medical and questionnaires if you get the role, as it is a safety-critical role. Hope this helps!

JacobB2004 said:

Probably too late for a reply now. I have just been offered a RO2 role with SWR, starting in August.

The first stage of the selection process is an Assessment Centre. Mine took place at Southampton (literally right next to Southampton Central Station) which involves colour blindness test, hearing test & basic route/timetable test.

Those who are successful then gone onto an interview at the chosen station. All are told on the day if they're successful or not.

From there, either there will be an additional interview or the hiring managers will choose a candidate within 10 days of the interviews.

Then there's the usual pre-employment medical and questionnaires if you get the role, as it is a safety-critical role. Hope this helps!

Click to expand...

Thanks, i have completed my assessment and waiting for interview.
I appreciate if you could help me with the interview preparation. Please..

Well firstly, do research on the role. I went to my local station and spoke to them about what they do as RO2.

The SWR leaflet they gave you at the assessment centre should have some pointers too! That’s what I used. I am happy to send you the link if you need it! ☺️

As for interview questions - they ask the usual tell us about yourself, why you think you’d suit this role to get a feel of your personality & work ethic.

However the main parts of the interview are scenario based questions.

I had ones were based on station security (e.g passenger who’s pram is near platform edge. How do you approach?) and customer service whilst balancing your responsibilities (e.g customer asking questions whilst dispatching train. What would you prioritise?) which helps them to get an idea of what you're like a worker and how you adapt to situations.

As long as you show them the importance of being vigilant whilst balancing friendly and respectful communication with others, I’d say that’s important. That’s what I got from it.

They also make you chose a scenario and give you a short amount of time to form an announcement that would be given to customers over tannoy. Maybe have a listen to what announcements you currently hear on the network and base it on the wording of those. Be concise and clear!

I hope this helps! Let me know if you want to know anything else.

Good luck!

Hi all.

Has anyone got any info on what the training process is like for SWR Rail Operator role at either Basingstoke or Eastleigh training centres?

Any tips or insights worth sharing?

Any info on training modules, resources etc.?

Starting my 8 weeks of training at the end of August for RO2(S) for SWR.

I would like to be as prepared as possible. Naturally I'm very nervous and want to do the very best I can.

Thanks!

JacobB2004 said:

Hi all.

Has anyone got any info on what the training process is like for SWR Rail Operator role at either Basingstoke or Eastleigh training centres?

Any tips or insights worth sharing?

Any info on training modules, resources etc.?

Starting my 8 weeks of training at the end of August for RO2(S) for SWR.

I would like to be as prepared as possible. Naturally I'm very nervous and want to do the very best I can.

Thanks!

Click to expand...

Jacob I'm guessing this RO2 job is despatching?

First few days will be the company inductions

In week two to four you'll do modules on the basics of railway signalling, most of the basics track safety, train despatching and platform train interface, you'll probably do some work on HOT and what. There's a module on communication where you'll practice Safety critical communication and talking to the box in an emergency. There's one also on dangerous goods Likely you go out to the station to see the traction you'll be despatching after you've learnt about it. Potentially there will be a trip to a signal box too.

After each module is complete you'll have your training diary to complete and then you'll be tested. You'll need to reach a certain percentage each time to complete your course.

At the end there's your final assessment where you'll be tested on everything. If you pass you'll be with a minder at your home station before you're passed out to despatch alone. You'll also have have your rules test and you first assesment despatching before passing out.

You will enjoy it I'm sure! You get everything you need to pass and they want you to be successful so just ask any questions you aren't sure of and relax!

All good fun!

Geeves said:

Jacob I'm guessing this RO2 job is despatching?

First few days will be the company inductions

In week two to four you'll do modules on the basics of railway signalling, most of the basics track safety, train despatching and platform train interface, you'll probably do some work on HOT and what. There's a module on communication where you'll practice Safety critical communication and talking to the box in an emergency. There's one also on dangerous goods Likely you go out to the station to see the traction you'll be despatching after you've learnt about it. Potentially there will be a trip to a signal box too.

After each module is complete you'll have your training diary to complete and then you'll be tested. You'll need to reach a certain percentage each time to complete your course.

At the end there's your final assessment where you'll be tested on everything. If you pass you'll be with a minder at your home station before you're passed out to despatch alone. You'll also have have your rules test and you first assesment despatching before passing out.

You will enjoy it I'm sure! You get everything you need to pass and they want you to be successful so just ask any questions you aren't sure of and relax!

All good fun!

Click to expand...

Yes it's RO2 Supervisor, so despatching and the supervision of station assistants.

That all sounds good to me!

I tend to get very nervous with assessments but it sounds manageable! I like learning and a bit OCD with things so hopefully that will be perfect for me then haha. I'm sure they're used to all sorts there.

I volunteer at The Bluebell Railway too, so hopefully the training I've learnt there might help in some way. Also used to work as a Performance Security & Fire Officer in London so luckily I know about HOT and safety critical information.

Obviously I know SWR is wayyyy more in-depth and have the 3rd rail to worry about.

Thank you very much for the info!

fazy said:

Thanks, i have completed my assessment and waiting for interview.
I appreciate if you could help me with the interview preparation. Please..

Click to expand...

I passed my assessment day for Ro2 at Weymouth and had my interview the next day in Bournemouth.

MiNi said:

I passed my assessment day for Ro2 at Weymouth and had my interview the next day in Bournemouth.

Click to expand...

Ah well done! ☺️