Avanti - Trainee Train Drivers - Recruitment Discussion

[mc234]

As expected, I applied in September last year, passed February this year and looking at a course date in either January or May

“
Hiya!



I hope you are well.



Just wanted to give you an update on the status of the Trainee Driver Talent Pool!



All courses for this year are now fully booked. – If anyone pulls out of the remaining 2 courses this year, I will give the next person in the talent pool for that location a call to offer them that place.



The next course will run in January 2024 and we will start making offers for this around October/November time. In the meantime, if you have your GCSE (or Level 2 Functional Skills) in Maths, English and IT certificates please send these over so we can start preparing for who needs what when they join.



When you send your certificates over please save them in the following format”

Hi, is this for Euston Depot?

 

[om1997]

Hi, is this for Euston Depot?

Manchester!

 

[choochoo777]

Hi all,

I have a bit of an unusual question. Having passed the CBI, I'm now waiting for a date for a DMI with Avanti like a few people on this thread. I'm also going through the process with GTR and have been offered the DMI (They do the DMI first then MMI)

My question is, If I pass the DMI and hopefully get talent pooled with Avanti and then do the MMI with GTR, would that result in my CBI being invalidated and me being removed from the Avanti talent pool?

Any genuine advice would be much appreciated. Thanks

 

[Harvinder]

Hi all,

I have a bit of an unusual question. Having passed the CBI, I'm now waiting for a date for a DMI with Avanti like a few people on this thread. I'm also going through the process with GTR and have been offered the DMI (They do the DMI first then MMI)

My question is, If I pass the DMI and hopefully get talent pooled with Avanti and then do the MMI with GTR, would that result in my CBI being invalidated and me being removed from the Avanti talent pool?

Any genuine advice would be much appreciated. Thanks

Yes this is correct, the mmi would invalidate the cbi for Avanti. Don't know why we can can't have both on file! Would be great!

 

[Ses16]

Hi all,

I have a bit of an unusual question. Having passed the CBI, I'm now waiting for a date for a DMI with Avanti like a few people on this thread. I'm also going through the process with GTR and have been offered the DMI (They do the DMI first then MMI)

My question is, If I pass the DMI and hopefully get talent pooled with Avanti and then do the MMI with GTR, would that result in my CBI being invalidated and me being removed from the Avanti talent pool?

Any genuine advice would be much appreciated. Thanks

Hello, I did what you did in reverse.

Did the DMI with GTR for (TL) Cricklewood earlier in the year, passed and now awaiting their assessments (DFFT and the MMI which is what you’ll have to sit for that TOC. I assume as you have done the other main assessments with Avanti)

But you just have to ask yourself what TOC you want to work more for. Euston is 20mins from my house, compared to (TL) Cricklewood which is 48mins. So if I pass the DMI with Avanti, I’ll withdraw my other applications.


As for your question directly, if you make the talent pool and then do the MMI (as long as it’s not within a 6 month period of your CBI pass) then I think it would be a bit harsh to remove you from that talent pool. Then again would Avanti know? Would the OPC who do the assessments or GTR tell them? I’m not sure, I doubt it.

One of the moderators on here said not to put all your eggs in one basket for a driver role. So if it’s first come, first serve with a job offer. I’d take it.

Hope that helps.

 

[Dmcb]

Hi all

Has anyone done some long term studying for this role or is it better to do a stage by stage basis? The depot I applied for is on hold atm and I am waiting to do the VSE and SJT. Just wondering if there is any advance work that could possibly be done for all stages on the chance that I actually get that far? Thanks!

 

[choochoo777]

Yes this is correct, the mmi would invalidate the cbi for Avanti. Don't know why we can can't have both on file! Would be great!

Yes I Did think that but was hoping otherwise. Thanks.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 28 Jul 2023 ==

Hello, I did what you did in reverse.

Did the DMI with GTR for (TL) Cricklewood earlier in the year, passed and now awaiting their assessments (DFFT and the MMI which is what you’ll have to sit for that TOC. I assume as you have done the other main assessments with Avanti)

But you just have to ask yourself what TOC you want to work more for. Euston is 20mins from my house, compared to (TL) Cricklewood which is 48mins. So if I pass the DMI with Avanti, I’ll withdraw my other applications.


As for your question directly, if you make the talent pool and then do the MMI (as long as it’s not within a 6 month period of your CBI pass) then I think it would be a bit harsh to remove you from that talent pool. Then again would Avanti know? Would the OPC who do the assessments or GTR tell them? I’m not sure, I doubt it.

One of the moderators on here said not to put all your eggs in one basket for a driver role. So if it’s first come, first serve with a job offer. I’d take it.

Hope that helps.

That is helpfull. Thank you.

I will have to give it some serious thought. Do GTR always do the DMI before the MMI? The email from them didn't say which interview I was being invited for. I don't think doing the DMI with any TOC makes a difference does it? (Doesn't invalidate a CBI/MMI?)

I did all my assessments with GTR in Feb so only did the VSE with Avanti. The DFFT I did with GTR is by far the hardest assessment I've done. I think I only completed 11 out of 23 questions and I was certain I'd failed it but I must have got all 11 correct because I passed.

I would definetly recommend getting the DFFT training material from the OPC website. It gives you a good idea of what the assessment is like but the actual assessment is harder than the training material. sorry I don't mean to put you off. Just want you to be well prepared.

 

[Harvinder]

Yes I Did think that but was hoping otherwise. Thanks.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 28 Jul 2023 ==


That is helpfull. Thank you.

I will have to give it some serious thought. Do GTR always do the DMI before the MMI? The email from them didn't say which interview I was being invited for. I don't think doing the DMI with any TOC makes a difference does it? (Doesn't invalidate a CBI/MMI?)

I did all my assessments with GTR in Feb so only did the VSE with Avanti. The DFFT I did with GTR is by far the hardest assessment I've done. I think I only completed 11 out of 23 questions and I was certain I'd failed it but I must have got all 11 correct because I passed.

I would definetly recommend getting the DFFT training material from the OPC website. It gives you a good idea of what the assessment is like but the actual assessment is harder than the training material. sorry I don't mean to put you off. Just want you to be well prepared.

You are correct, the DMI doesn't invalidate CBI/MMI because it is not part of the OPC assessment.

 

[Ses16]

Yes I Did think that but was hoping otherwise. Thanks.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 28 Jul 2023 ==


That is helpfull. Thank you.

I will have to give it some serious thought. Do GTR always do the DMI before the MMI? The email from them didn't say which interview I was being invited for. I don't think doing the DMI with any TOC makes a difference does it? (Doesn't invalidate a CBI/MMI?)

I did all my assessments with GTR in Feb so only did the VSE with Avanti. The DFFT I did with GTR is by far the hardest assessment I've done. I think I only completed 11 out of 23 questions and I was certain I'd failed it but I must have got all 11 correct because I passed.

I would definetly recommend getting the DFFT training material from the OPC website. It gives you a good idea of what the assessment is like but the actual assessment is harder than the training material. sorry I don't mean to put you off. Just want you to be well prepared.

Anytime mate and yes GTR do the DMI first. As for failing it just means you can’t apply again for that TOC for 6 months. Standard practice tbh.

I did DFFT test earlier in the year for GTR, it was kinda like the cables and dials so I didn’t find it too hard but I wrongly assumed that you haven’t sat it yet, my apologies with that.

But you do need to have a good think about what TOC you want to proceed with, where you want to commit long term and go from there. GTR take ages, so that may give you enough time to consider AWC, differences in pay and location.

Good luck on your journey, PM if you need anything else.

 

[baz962]

I had my mmi first and dmi after for Thameslink Cricklewood. Didn't start with them and the following year I had two applications in. I was at the first assessment day for overground and also had an application in elsewhere and the OPC told me to pull one as it might jeopardise both.

 

[choochoo777]

Thanks for the advice all. Much appreciated!

 

[Sparrowman]

I've noticed that Avanti are taking on qualified drivers at Wolverhampton and Liverpool.

As a Wolverhampton applicant, who's application has been put on hold, this does seem a little concerning and sounds as if that there will be fewer opportunities, going forward.

 

[Bazzzzz]

Hi, anyone know what is happening here. I got a rejection mail in April because I failed a part of the test, but today got a mail saying they will be progressing my application?

Very confused. Anyone else in similar position?

 

[Ses16]

Hi, anyone know what is happening here. I got a rejection mail in April because I failed a part of the test, but today got a mail saying they will be progressing my application?

Very confused. Anyone else in similar position?

It’s most likely an error on their part. I’d contact them and double check or maybe they will make you sit the VSE again in person.

In any case remove the email that’s got your full name showing.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 31 Jul 2023 ==

I've noticed that Avanti are taking on qualified drivers at Wolverhampton and Liverpool.

As a Wolverhampton applicant, who's application has been put on hold, this does seem a little concerning and sounds as if that there will be fewer opportunities, going forward.

I can see what you’re thinking, why can’t they wait for the current intake of new trainees to fill the vacancies.

I’m sure there’s maybe an immediate need for drivers at those depots plus with the new traction they’re introducing, they need the staff asap and not in 18 months. That’s me purely speculating but I find it rare there’s not many current Avanti drivers on this forum that can share any inside info (probably all so busy)

 

[Harvinder]

Hi, anyone know what is happening here. I got a rejection mail in April because I failed a part of the test, but today got a mail saying they will be progressing my application?

Very confused. Anyone else in similar position?

You need to contact them my friend, then for certain you know what is happening! Since you failed VSE then you must wait 6 months for this TOC

 

[Toottoot77]

Hi, anyone know what is happening here. I got a rejection mail in April because I failed a part of the test, but today got a mail saying they will be progressing my application?

Very confused. Anyone else in similar position?

Hi I have got the exact same emails as you have the same rejection and then Yesterday the one progressing me. Can only imagine it is an error on their part. Would be interesting to learn if anyone hears anything further from them.

 

[ZackCulross]

Finally

 

[GPR]

Finally

I received an email today saying they were prioritising Scotland depot applicants.

 

[ZackCulross]

I received an email today saying they were prioritising Scotland depot applicants.

Yeah makes sense, I applied for Edinburgh

 

[Harvinder]

I think Euston is first priority

I received an email today saying they were prioritising Scotland depot applicants.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 2 Aug 2023 ==

When do you think dmi dates will be handed out?

 

[CloudyManday]

Looks like Polmadie recruitment is restarting again, after being on hold for a few months. Got an email yesterday to tell me to expect to hear about the next stage shortly.

 

[poveelas]

I received an email today saying they were prioritising Scotland depot applicants.

Had the same today. Manchester applicant

 

[JohnnyOne]

I think Euston is first priority


== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 2 Aug 2023 ==

When do you think dmi dates will be handed out?

Hope it's soon, just accepted another job, 2 weeks notice, needs must but would be good to rule this one out this year.

 

[nolypops83]

Had the same today. Manchester applicant

Same for Manchester too. Feel like we’ll be lucky to hear back by Christmas at this rate

 

[henke7]

I think Euston is first priority


== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 2 Aug 2023 ==

When do you think dmi dates will be handed out?

Not really, The OPC will maybe have changed their focus to Scottish depots now. Your last hurdle (DMI & medical) is with Avanti not The OPC.

 

[badger85]

That's good news for everyone. Hopefully that means we'll all start 'moving down the bus' soon.

I'd really like to get the DMI out of the way to get some closure on the process as I don't mind sitting in pool for as long as needed IF I'm successful.

 

[Harvinder]

Hope it's soon, just accepted another job, 2 weeks notice, needs must but would be good to rule this one out this year.

I have a feeling its some point this year!

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 2 Aug 2023 ==

That's good news for everyone. Hopefully that means we'll all start 'moving down the bus' soon.

I'd really like to get the DMI out of the way to get some closure on the process as I don't mind sitting in pool for as long as needed IF I'm successful.

Things are moving indeed isn't it, I would like to get it done, same wouldn't mind waiting in the pool.

 

[ZackCulross]

Sigh

Feel like I screwed up on task 3 badly

Mouse got stuck on laptop
Then kids started causing mayhem downstairs haha

Good luck to everyone

 

[Gc85]

Been invited to sit M7 and VSE online for Polmadie so emails will be going out for this station

 

[kmck96]

Been invited to sit M7 and VSE online for Polmadie so emails will be going out for this station

Got the same email