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Chiltern - Apprentice Train Driver - Recruitment Discussion

HeelBurton

Member
Joined
10 Mar 2014
Messages
441
Location
Wembley
"as I know additional tests were added and people invited back"

When has this happened? I have completed everything that's OPC related...I hope I'm not invited back for further tests...
A few people have said here in previous posts they had two day assessments and had to resit VSE

Previously all assessments were done in one day
 
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Ridetherails

Member
Joined
19 Feb 2025
Messages
211
Location
Birmingham
They do a mix depending on where people are at application wise. You can be invited to a full day which has everything or 2 half days ( 1 being paper, 1 being computer based ) depending on, as I mentioned, how many people are sitting that day.
 

HeelBurton

Member
Joined
10 Mar 2014
Messages
441
Location
Wembley
They do a mix depending on where people are at application wise. You can be invited to a full day which has everything or 2 half days ( 1 being paper, 1 being computer based ) depending on, as I mentioned, how many people are sitting that day.
a number of groups had to return to do VSE in a controlled environment. this I know as people have told me on my current course.

i feel that maybe there’s an emphasis of some having completed one day who’s status reflects this but not fully understanding the process has changed.

Some are clued up on it. Others not so as predecessors did one day.
 

DA1

Member
Joined
22 May 2017
Messages
444
Location
England
I think they’re currently focusing on qualified drivers, a few got interviewed over the last few weeks but only a couple of positions for trainees will come up this year and I imagine a few more next year.
 

RuralSquad93

Member
Joined
13 Sep 2017
Messages
28
I think they’re currently focusing on qualified drivers, a few got interviewed over the last few weeks but only a couple of positions for trainees will come up this year and I imagine a few more next year.

For what it's worth to all in relation to this & not to go off topic too much .. i'm a qualified driver who weny from application to job offer with Chiltern within about 2 weeks which is incredibly quick for any TOC. I start in the coming weeks/months.

This may add evidence to qualifieds being prioritised for service.

Good luck to all going through the process.
 

FhdNet

New Member
Joined
31 Jul 2025
Messages
3
Location
London
I have received my stage 1 opc assessment.
Any tips or ideas. I have no clue about the test with opc for Chiltern
 

topfisher

Member
Joined
28 May 2025
Messages
58
Location
Somewhere nearby
I have received my stage 1 opc assessment.
Any tips or ideas. I have no clue about the test with opc for Chiltern
Practice practice practice
What assessments are you going to be undertaking?
I'm guessing;
Group Bourdon- cross out 4 dot group; practice this and you will get better

Tea-Occ (Test of Everyday Attention), this is easy, but you need a strategy of how you count the beeps...

TRP1b (Trainability for Rules and Procedures, Part 1b);

TRP2 (Trainability for Rules and Procedures, Part 2)

Let us know how you get on

Best of luck
 

aesha2905

Member
Joined
13 Aug 2024
Messages
10
Location
london
Practice practice practice
What assessments are you going to be undertaking?
I'm guessing;
Group Bourdon- cross out 4 dot group; practice this and you will get better

Tea-Occ (Test of Everyday Attention), this is easy, but you need a strategy of how you count the beeps...

TRP1b (Trainability for Rules and Procedures, Part 1b);

TRP2 (Trainability for Rules and Procedures, Part 2)

Let us know how you get on

Best of luck
I also received my stage 1 invitation. you please explain in detail with tips which you used for your test ? it might be helpful for achive my dream job. if you can explain bit more in details each stage it will me much appreciated.
 

topfisher

Member
Joined
28 May 2025
Messages
58
Location
Somewhere nearby
I also received my stage 1 invitation. you please explain in detail with tips which you used for your test ? it might be helpful for achive my dream job. if you can explain bit more in details each stage it will me much appreciated.
Hello,
For the group Bourdon test, I was given a pdf file with loads of practice materials, and my family would help me with the timings and marking....I was consistently achieving 9-12 rows with no mistakes.

The Tea-Occ I was given a software package with this test on it....it was exactly the same test but on a computer rather than on paper....this really helped me with my preparation.... again, I practiced it loads to the point where I was getting 100% for all three parts...the test is in 3 parts...

TRP1b (Trainability for Rules and Procedures, Part 1b);
I didn't have any practice materials...but I managed ok...only got through half of the questions and the 8 minutes were up....I thought I had failed..but fortunately I passed....but I took my time and ensured all my answers were right...I think accuracy over speed helps here....

TRP2 (Trainability for Rules and Procedures, Part
2)
I didn't practice this test as I had no practice materials...but what I did was read 2 pages book and try and ask myself questions about what I have just read

Hope this helps...
 

bhoy87

Member
Joined
14 Jul 2025
Messages
6
Location
marylebone
Current qualified pay is a little over £65k, excluding Sundays.

Each booked Sunday worked adds a min of £501.48 to the salary.

Taxi agreement at Marylebone is for any sign on before 5:30am, and any sign off after midnight (iirc)

Earliest book on is around 05:20, and latest finish around 01:30.

Newly qualified drivers go into the starter link, and then proceed to the main link after PQ.
Hi, I’m one of the trainees that have started my training for Chiltern this month. Can I ask what the Starter Link is? In rough terms.

Goodluck to everyone applying, not easy but at a very early stage in my training I can say it’s been done very well and enjoying the start of the course!
 

Hot rod

Member
Joined
21 Feb 2016
Messages
24
Hi, I’m one of the trainees that have started my training for Chiltern this month. Can I ask what the Starter Link is? In rough terms.

Goodluck to everyone applying, not easy but at a very early stage in my training I can say it’s been done very well and enjoying the start of the course!
Any tips for the interview please would be much appreciated
 

d44nny

Member
Joined
31 Jan 2023
Messages
73
Location
Birmingham
Hi, I’m one of the trainees that have started my training for Chiltern this month. Can I ask what the Starter Link is? In rough terms.

Goodluck to everyone applying, not easy but at a very early stage in my training I can say it’s been done very well and enjoying the start of the course!
Where are you doing your training? I've heard it can be either aylesbury or Banbury
 

bhoy87

Member
Joined
14 Jul 2025
Messages
6
Location
marylebone
Any tips for the interview please would be much appreciated

DMI interview is like any other job interview. Research company, understand what the role entails, relate answers to why you’re suitable for the role

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: ==

Where are you doing your training? I've heard it can be either aylesbury or Banbury
Banbury (for me) for most of it. Think Aylesbury for a portion of it because they another simulator down there. Chiltern are recruiting quite a few it seems, so you have a good chance if you nail your DMI
 
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d44nny

Member
Joined
31 Jan 2023
Messages
73
Location
Birmingham
Banbury (for me) for most of it. Think Aylesbury for a portion of it because they another simulator down there. Chiltern are recruiting quite a few it seems, so you have a good chance if you nail your DMI

Just waiting on DMI now for birmingham.
Banbury would be a better option travelling from birmingham as its easier to get to. Aylesbury would be a much longer commute in the car
 

bhoy87

Member
Joined
14 Jul 2025
Messages
6
Location
marylebone
Just waiting on DMI now for birmingham.
Banbury would be a better option travelling from birmingham as it’s easier to get to. Aylesbury would be a much longer commute in the car
I have a long commute every day to Banbury! In to Marylebone and back out to Banbury. Everyone else is a lot closer to Banbury. But I’m not complaining, opportunity is there and the long term benefits will be worth it. Goodluck on your DMI!
 

puffpuffgive

Member
Joined
16 Apr 2020
Messages
76
Location
London
Hi, I’m one of the trainees that have started my training for Chiltern this month. Can I ask what the Starter Link is? In rough terms.

Goodluck to everyone applying, not easy but at a very early stage in my training I can say it’s been done very well and enjoying the start of the course!
The starter link is where new drivers at some depots spend their first two years. At MYB you will then progress to the main link and sign the locos.
 

HeelBurton

Member
Joined
10 Mar 2014
Messages
441
Location
Wembley
Training would take place in both locations and some days at various other locations on the network.
Signalbox visits at London, full cab sim at Aylesbury,
I would mentally prepare yourself to visit Both Banbury and Aylesbury for training. Youll in advance and we understand the distance sometimes is not ideal, we try to make it work for all but you have to understand the logistics of multiple courses, trainees from depots across the company and room availability, as well as training needs, such as The simulator being where it is and a crucial part of your training means you do need to use it and it cannot be missed.
I was living in Neasden and During my training I travelled to Basingstoke and Fratton at various parts. I travel daily from Wembley to Banbury, Aylesbury or STOURBRIDGE to deliver training for example.
Its the nature of the beast. I am just preparing you all for it in advance.
 

topfisher

Member
Joined
28 May 2025
Messages
58
Location
Somewhere nearby
Training would take place in both locations and some days at various other locations on the network.
Signalbox visits at London, full cab sim at Aylesbury,
I would mentally prepare yourself to visit Both Banbury and Aylesbury for training. Youll in advance and we understand the distance sometimes is not ideal, we try to make it work for all but you have to understand the logistics of multiple courses, trainees from depots across the company and room availability, as well as training needs, such as The simulator being where it is and a crucial part of your training means you do need to use it and it cannot be missed.
I was living in Neasden and During my training I travelled to Basingstoke and Fratton at various parts. I travel daily from Wembley to Banbury, Aylesbury or STOURBRIDGE to deliver training for example.
Its the nature of the beast. I am just preparing you all for it in advance.
Thanks for the heads up...
Im assuming that travelling on the trains to location of training forms part of the staff benefits? As in, travelling on the train is free during training?

Thank you
 

Ridetherails

Member
Joined
19 Feb 2025
Messages
211
Location
Birmingham
Yeah you’ll get your staff card which entitles you to all arriva TOC travel for free and other agreements Chiltern have in place. As well as your duty card which you use when repositioning etc ( but not for daily commute or leisure )
 

HeelBurton

Member
Joined
10 Mar 2014
Messages
441
Location
Wembley
Yeah you’ll get your staff card which entitles you to all arriva TOC travel for free and other agreements Chiltern have in place. As well as your duty card which you use when repositioning etc ( but not for daily commute or leisure )

Thanks for this
 

FhdNet

New Member
Joined
31 Jul 2025
Messages
3
Location
London
Practice practice practice
What assessments are you going to be undertaking?
I'm guessing;
Group Bourdon- cross out 4 dot group; practice this and you will get better

Tea-Occ (Test of Everyday Attention), this is easy, but you need a strategy of how you count the beeps...

TRP1b (Trainability for Rules and Procedures, Part 1b);

TRP2 (Trainability for Rules and Procedures, Part 2)

Let us know how you get on

Best of luck
Yes thats right!!! Thanks for your response...
 

puffpuffgive

Member
Joined
16 Apr 2020
Messages
76
Location
London
Yeah you’ll get your staff card which entitles you to all arriva TOC travel for free and other agreements Chiltern have in place. As well as your duty card which you use when repositioning etc ( but not for daily commute or leisure )
You can use the duty card on other tocs while training, you need a letter to say you are in the training school.
 

gatters

Member
Joined
11 Sep 2019
Messages
32
Location
london
Can I ask what the Starter Link is? In rough terms.
Marylebone starter link- all turns are spare turns so you will not know exactly what times you are working until 72 hours before (you'll know your rest days months in advance though). alternating weeks of early and lates
 

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