A career as a train driver

[kleb15]

My dads cousin is a driver for northern rail, he was a postman before, nothing else, his advice to me was don't be too enthusiastic about trains, cos when he was in the interview the manager said we prefer people who will just get on with the job and who are a blank canvas when it comes to trains, as they're easier to train, luckily my dads cousin doesn't have an interest in them so he got the job. He told me the assessments are fairly straight forward really, yet everyone here is saying they're really difficult, and he said the jobs fairly straightforward also, alls you have to be is safety conscious and aware.
Anyway I recently phoned a TOC who said to me that they are recruiting for trainee drivers, so they sent me a form, with a reference number, location etc. But they're not actually advertising the job on their website, and when i spoke to the HR department, they said they weren't recruiting, yet literally the week before they said they were, so can anybody help me out here. As i say the form they sent me wasn't for a speculative application, it was for a certain position in a certain location, they are also apparantly expanding within the next couple of years, so it would make sense that they are recruiting. Yeh, anyway just curious to know if anybody could help me out here please, and just let me know if that happens all the time with them sending specific forms for specific location etc

 

[notadriver]

Yes it's all very easy Tests easy, job is easy. GO FOR IT!!!!

 

[kleb15]

Yes it's all very easy Tests easy, job is easy. GO FOR IT!!!!

No i'm not saying it is easy, but he's a guy who has no history in a technical job, and said that its all common sense most of it. Do you ever think maybe the reason people say it's hard is because they put their eggs all in that basket. I mean if your dream is to be a train driver, you're putting extra pressure on yourself to pass the exams already, which in turn could make them seem more difficult than what they actually are. Like he wasn't bothered really, he saw the vacancy come up and thought, 'why not give it a go?' so to him if he failed it wasn't the end of the world, and that's why i think he probably has a point. Anyway the actual reason I am on here refers to my previous question, would this TOC send out an application form with a job title, reference number, and location if they weren't actually recruiting/speculative application, because they have told me 2 different things you see.

 

[Gareth43]

No i'm not saying it is easy, but he's a guy who has no history in a technical job, and said that its all common sense most of it. Do you ever think maybe the reason people say it's hard is because they put their eggs all in that basket. I mean if your dream is to be a train driver, you're putting extra pressure on yourself to pass the exams already, which in turn could make them seem more difficult than what they actually are. Like he wasn't bothered really, he saw the vacancy come up and thought, 'why not give it a go?' so to him if he failed it wasn't the end of the world, and that's why i think he probably has a point. Anyway the actual reason I am on here refers to my previous question, would this TOC send out an application form with a job title, reference number, and location if they weren't actually recruiting/speculative application, because they have told me 2 different things you see.

They are hard otherwise every one would pass them, I passed mine yesterday, the assessments very intense but not impossible, however the criteria based interview was very hard and it is what most fail on.

What TOC are you talking about?

 

[the sniper]

FYI, if you wanted help you shouldn't have come in with the 'it's all so easy' introduction, even if it was your dad's cousin's opinion.

Good luck and let us know whether you find it all so easy.

 

[kleb15]

They are hard otherwise every one would pass them, I passed mine yesterday, the assessments very intense but not impossible, however the criteria based interview was very hard and it is what most fail on.

What TOC are you talking about?

Ok thanks for the advice, and I would say which TOC it is, but considering I know how competitive this job is i'd rather not say just in case they are actually recruiting, cos i'd like to give myself a chance at least, i'm only 22, so that's probably working against me for a kick off, and i'm sure i sound like a bit of a knob already, but its a dog eat dog world, so sometimes you need to be selfish, Anyway basically what this TOC did was send me an application form for their company, with an application form for the trainee driver position, then sent a cover letter with a reference and the job & location that i've enquired about/applied for. So like I say what i'm wondering is would they send all that stuff if it was just a speculative application?
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FYI, if you wanted help you shouldn't have come in with the 'it's all so easy' introduction, even if it was your dad's cousin's opinion.

Good luck and let us know whether you find it all so easy.

I don't think it will be, i'm struggling with Bop It at the moment here mate, i'm just saying what he said. It's a very safety critical job, having hundreds of peoples lives in your hands, they're not gonna make it so any tom, dick or harry can pass are they, i do realise that.

 

[lvaxb24]

Ok thanks for the advice, and I would say which TOC it is, but considering I know how competitive this job is i'd rather not say just in case they are actually recruiting, cos i'd like to give myself a chance at least, i'm only 22, so that's probably working against me for a kick off, and i'm sure i sound like a bit of a knob already, but its a dog eat dog world, so sometimes you need to be selfish, Anyway basically what this TOC did was send me an application form for their company, with an application form for the trainee driver position, then sent a cover letter with a reference and the job & location that i've enquired about/applied for. So like I say what i'm wondering is would they send all that stuff if it was just a speculative application?
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I don't think it will be, i'm struggling with Bop It at the moment here mate, i'm just saying what he said. It's a very safety critical job, having hundreds of peoples lives in your hands, they're not gonna make it so any tom, dick or harry can pass are they, i do realise that.

I have a job so don't panic I'm not looking for your position! However if it is such a dog eat dog world and you're holding your cards so close to your chest why would you seek extra information and help on this forum? People on here are very helpful and volunteer information which I beleive helped me a long way in securing a driver role. I don't think by not telling people what TOC has the positions you will gain any advantage as there will likely be 3000+ applicant anyway. You will more likely alienate a group of people who could offer valuable information and support during your application process.

Good luck anyway

 

[kleb15]

I have a job so don't panic I'm not looking for your position! However if it is such a dog eat dog world and you're holding your cards so close to your chest why would you seek extra information and help on this forum? People on here are very helpful and volunteer information which I beleive helped me a long way in securing a driver role. I don't think by not telling people what TOC has the positions you will gain any advantage as there will likely be 3000+ applicant anyway. You will more likely alienate a group of people who could offer valuable information and support during your application process.

Good luck anyway

Ye i accept that, fair point, although according to this TOC on their information sheet they sent me, they say that on average they receive 20 applications for each position, which isn't amazing but it could be worse like you say, i've read about loads of companies receiving thousands of applicants for 1 vacancy. But the reason i'm seeking information is because many people on this forum are a little more clued up than me when it comes to the application process, i mean i've done my research, and it seems almost impossible to come by these opportunities, thats why i'm curious to know whether this is like a standard protocol for speculative applications, or if they have sent me this form for a specific job, and if they have i'll be happy cos at least i'm actually applying if you get me.

 

[Gareth43]

Ok thanks for the advice, and I would say which TOC it is, but considering I know how competitive this job is i'd rather not say just in case they are actually recruiting, cos i'd like to give myself a chance at least, i'm only 22, so that's probably working against me for a kick off, and i'm sure i sound like a bit of a knob already, but its a dog eat dog world, so sometimes you need to be selfish, Anyway basically what this TOC did was send me an application form for their company, with an application form for the trainee driver position, then sent a cover letter with a reference and the job & location that i've enquired about/applied for. So like I say what i'm wondering is would they send all that stuff if it was just a speculative application?
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I don't think it will be, i'm struggling with Bop It at the moment here mate, i'm just saying what he said. It's a very safety critical job, having hundreds of peoples lives in your hands, they're not gonna make it so any tom, dick or harry can pass are they, i do realise that.

Firstly 20 applicants per vacancy.. yeah right try 1000's
Secondly your only 22 so your chances are extremely slim not impossible but slim, get a life first.
And finally why the secrecy?, it is easy to find out who are and not recruiting, its not going to give you an edge.

Id like to wish you luck but you seem to think that its a breeze so enjoy

 

[kleb15]

Firstly 20 applicants per vacancy.. yeah right try 1000's
Secondly your only 22 so your chances are extremely slim not impossible but slim, get a life first.
And finally why the secrecy?, it is easy to find out who are and not recruiting, its not going to give you an edge.

Id like to wish you luck but you seem to think that its a breeze so enjoy

Only secrecy cos they're not even advertising the vacancy on their website, yet over the phone they told me they have vacancies, and ye i think it probably is thousands, but i'm not gonna argue with the TOC if they tell me 20, also i have worked full-time since i was 16, here and abroad, and in jobs that involved safety etc, i've done my travelling, and to be honest i'm just looking to set myself up in life, so the 'get a life first' remark, i have done enough, most people my age always have itchy feet cos they wanna travel etc, but i've done my messing about, and i'm sick of doing mindless jobs, that's why i am applying, and truthfully if i thought it was easy, i wouldn't even apply, but the fact that it is quite difficult means that it's mentally stimulating, something that appeals to me.

 

[GB]

No reason why a 22 year old can't get the job, many do. If you can demonstrate the right qualities at the right time then your age doesn't really matter. (as long as you are over 21 of course)

 

[E&W Lucas]

They are hard otherwise every one would pass them, I passed mine yesterday, the assessments very intense but not impossible, however the criteria based interview was very hard and it is what most fail on.

What TOC are you talking about?

They are aptitude tests. They are looking for something that you are born with. By definition, if you lack it, you will find them difficult or impossible. If you have the aptitude, you will not find them difficult.

Similarly, I did not find the competency based interview hard. If you have the relevant experience, it should just be a perfectly relaxed conversation about situations you have previously encountered. However, if your idea of time well spent is standing about on railway stations, you are going to struggle!

 

[Gareth43]

They are aptitude tests. They are looking for something that you are born with. By definition, if you lack it, you will find them difficult or impossible. If you have the aptitude, you will not find them difficult.

Similarly, I did not find the competency based interview hard. If you have the relevant experience, it should just be a perfectly relaxed conversation about situations you have previously encountered. However, if your idea of time well spent is standing about on railway stations, you are going to struggle!

When I say that they were intense was the fact that it was test after test,
I did mine privately and all the assessments were carried out one after the other then straight in to the interview, the actual assessments I personally found easy and the interview was relaxed its just the pressure I put on myself that made it hard for me as I wanted to pass and give the best examples possible.

I did not prepare for the interview and so when I was given 20 Min to write down my responses to the base questions I struggled to choose the best situation for my answers, I had plenty to use I just wanted to use the strongest examples from my experience.
In the end I gave strong answers to the grilling I received and got a good pass.

 

[E&W Lucas]

When I say that they were intense was the fact that it was test after test,
I did mine privately and all the assessments were carried out one after the other then straight in to the interview, the actual assessments I personally found easy and the interview was relaxed its just the pressure I put on myself that made it hard for me as I wanted to pass and give the best examples possible.

I did not prepare for the interview and so when I was given 20 Min to write down my responses to the base questions I struggled to choose the best situation for my answers, I had plenty to use I just wanted to use the strongest examples from my experience.
In the end I gave strong answers to the grilling I received and got a good pass.

My post was not specifically aimed at you, I just linked to yours for purposes of illustration. Lots of those reading this discussion will be younger people, probably still at school, who may want to be drivers in the future. What they can be doing to help themselves is to participate in activities that develop some of the life skills that the structured interview looks for. Rather than trainspotting, playing computer simulations, etc, get out there and do something that challenges you, and gets you recognition in the eyes of others. Sport, D of E award, Scouts, cadets or similar, voluntary work.
Driving is a job for practical people who can make things happen in the real world. Show that this is you.

 

[kleb15]

My post was not specifically aimed at you, I just linked to yours for purposes of illustration. Lots of those reading this discussion will be younger people, probably still at school, who may want to be drivers in the future. What they can be doing to help themselves is to participate in activities that develop some of the life skills that the structured interview looks for. Rather than trainspotting, playing computer simulations, etc, get out there and do something that challenges you, and gets you recognition in the eyes of others. Sport, D of E award, Scouts, cadets or similar, voluntary work.
Driving is a job for practical people who can make things happen in the real world. Show that this is you.

Ye thats what i'm saying i've never spent time trainspotting, but i've worked in a few different areas, communications, retail etc, stuff that invloves some of the stuff e.g following instructions to do with health and safety etc, so although I realise I am quite young I don't think i'm that immature really, like I said i've been abroad working, learnt a foreign language/culture. All my travelling and messing about is done. I just want a mentally stimulating, stable enjoyable job, which I believe trai driving to be having spoken to my relative.

 

[RussianBear]

Does anyone have a copy of this program they may be able to email to me. As the free link to download this program does not work anymore.
It would be much appreciated as I am hoping to sit driver assessment soon and would hope to get some pratice in.

 

[PhilC]

I have been invited to attend an assessment day for First TPE for a trainee train driver position. If I am successful I have noticed that the second assessment day is held whilst I am on holiday. Does anybody know if this will result in me loosing out or will they offer an alternative date? I know the more obvious answer will be contact them which I will do tomorrow, but I am just wondering if anybody on here has knowledge of the recruitment process.

 

[SkinnyDave]

Well done on getting shortlisted, I'm still waiting

I would like to think they would offer an alternative.. There is a thread titled 3000 applicants where TPE applicants are discussing this. See you over there and best of luck

 

[Lanc688]

I have been invited to attend an assessment day for First TPE for a trainee train driver position. If I am successful I have noticed that the second assessment day is held whilst I am on holiday. Does anybody know if this will result in me loosing out or will they offer an alternative date? I know the more obvious answer will be contact them which I will do tomorrow, but I am just wondering if anybody on here has knowledge of the recruitment process.

Phil,

As a matter of interest what days are those assessments. If you don't want to post here can you PM me please.

Best regards
Lanc

 

[doubleamber]

Phil, what depot have you applied for?

 

[PhilC]

I put Liverpool or Manchester as my prefered depo. Sheffield was also an option, but Its more than an hour away, so it would'nt.
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Hi Lanc688 29th August assessment day.

 

[Lanc688]

I put Liverpool or Manchester as my prefered depo. Sheffield was also an option, but Its more than an hour away, so it would'nt.
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Hi Lanc688 29th August assessment day.

Phil thanks for that...what about second day?

PS....sorry to hear the second youre on hols, however I would imagine a call to HR with a little pleading may do the trick.

Lanc

 

[PhilC]

Well done on getting shortlisted, I'm still waiting

I would like to think they would offer an alternative.. There is a thread titled 3000 applicants where TPE applicants are discussing this. See you over there and best of luck

Thanks Dave and I hope they offer me another date! However I have to get through the first assessments to reach the Septemeber assessments.
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Phil thanks for that...what about second day?

PS....sorry to hear the second youre on hols, however I would imagine a call to HR with a little pleading may do the trick.

Lanc

I imagine I should get another date. 12th & 13th September second dates.

 

[Lanc688]

Thanks Dave and I hope they offer me another date! However I have to get through the first assessments to reach the Septemeber assessments.
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I imagine I should get another date. 12th & 13th September second dates.

Phil....I'll drag you (leave a message) over onto the main TPE thread just to pre-empt the board police if you wouldnt mind answering another question.

Lanc

 

[marksavageuk]

Hi Guys,
I am looking for a change of career and really want to become a train driver. From bits I've read on sites it looks like its really difficult to get a trainee post? Can anyone help point me in the right places to look/people to contact to help find openings? I currently live in Yorkshire and ideally would prefer to train round here but would move anywhere to be able to get a post!
Thanks
Mark

 

[notadriver]

Hi mark. What's your current job ?

 

[marksavageuk]

Hi,
I've done a mixture of golf coaching and retail management work over last 20 yrs, just got really bored with it and fancy an interesting new challenge!
Think I'd fit into the train drivers "reliable and professional criteria"?
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Hi
Where/how did you guys find out where to apply for trainee jobs??
Thanks
Mark
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Thanks Dave and I hope they offer me another date! However I have to get through the first assessments to reach the Septemeber assessments.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---


I imagine I should get another date. 12th & 13th September second dates.

Hi guys,
Where/how did you guys find where to apply for trainee jobs??
Thanks
Mark

 

[notadriver]

Totally - train drivers come from all walks of life. As long as you aren't someone who gets bored easily lol

 

[marksavageuk]

Where do I find adverts for trainee drivers or what would you recommend I do to find openings and apply???

 

[TDK]

Where do I find adverts for trainee drivers or what would you recommend I do to find openings and apply???

Look at the hundreds of posts on this forum related to your question