HeelBurton
Member
Already passed
-
Our new ticketing site is now live! Using either this or the original site (both powered by TrainSplit) helps support the running of the forum with every ticket purchase! Find out more and ask any questions/give us feedback in this thread!
Chiltern - Apprentice Train Driver - Recruitment Discussion
- Thread starter NSEWonderer
- Start date
Sponsor Post - registered members do not see these adverts; click here to register, or click here to log in
R
RailUK Forums
Ahhh damn still got a long wait ahead
Hey dear sorry to bother you but I have the same question that my application status is stuck to 1.7 OPC stage 1 from months I want to ask you that my application will be progressed or not.
Attachments
HeelBurton
Member
I believe I’ve spoken to you off this forum lol
The previous advice I’ve given you applies.
HB94
New Member
I successfully completed and passed Stage 2 and the MMI for Birmingham, in June 2025.
In October, I received an email asking whether I was still interested in joining Chiltern, as they were planning to take on new trainees in the new year — I confirmed that I was. I understand that some DMI interviews took place shortly after in November, but I am still waiting to be invited for mine.
Does anyone have any insight into when the next round of interviews might be scheduled?
I appreciate that timelines can be uncertain and that it’s a waiting game, but any information would be greatly appreciated.
In October, I received an email asking whether I was still interested in joining Chiltern, as they were planning to take on new trainees in the new year — I confirmed that I was. I understand that some DMI interviews took place shortly after in November, but I am still waiting to be invited for mine.
Does anyone have any insight into when the next round of interviews might be scheduled?
I appreciate that timelines can be uncertain and that it’s a waiting game, but any information would be greatly appreciated.
Hi my status is also stuck on 1.7 OPC stage 1 from months do you know if my application will be progressed or not?
HeelBurton
Member
No idea when the next round of interviews will be. This depends on when and if there will be more vacancies at BMO. Sorry
== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: ==
You are waiting for vacancies to arise at your chosen depot before being sent to OPC testing. Please read through previous posts regarding this before asking similar questions as others
Thank you and yeah sorry wrong for me to assume it was regarding Aylesbury as many other depots. Are you able to shed any light on how many intakes are planned for Aylesbury this year? Appreciate it is driven by demand along with other factors.
HeelBurton
Member
Sadly I cannot. As this puts pressure on our recruitment department and of course it can change in an instant depending on demand as you’ve mentioned.
Sorry not much help, but only so much I can say in a public forum.
I don’t work in recruitment either
HeelBurton
Member
Bletchley are looking for apprentice trainee drivers
kennyledzep
Member
Thank you !
Matteo1988
Member
Hi I m living in milton keynes and I applied for aylesbury in February and I didn't receive any answer so far,is it possible to cancel the application for aylesbury and apply for bletchley?
HeelBurton
Member
Matteo1988
Member
Thanks
Tophamhatt124
Member
Hi All, new to this site and the railways! Im not sure if you or anyone can answer this, the advert states they are recruiting for SEPTEMBER 2026 training school. If I am lucky enough to pass everything in a timely manner am I guaranteed to get on this course? or is there pool system where even if you do pass everything you are put into a talent pool and then may or may not be loaded onto this years training school?
HeelBurton
Member
IF there’s a chance where September may be over subscribed you’ll be considered for future courses.
these jobs collect a lot of interest however the postcode sift, at home assessments and OPC assessments and the interview process are rigorous in the fact that unfortunately people are eliminated from the process which dwindles the numbers down drastically from my experience. All of which are designed to assess both your ability to show you have the non technical skills a, passion and knowledge to carry out the role.
My advice is apply and let the rest slot into place. Should you be unfortunate enough where you pass everything and there’s no requirement from Bletchley candidates you have OPC and interview experience and can apply elsewhere if you need to.
Don’t dwell too long as applications like this close early pending numbers reached, and Bletchley is a rare advertisement.
Tophamhatt124
Member
Thanks for your reply , much appreciated. I was planning to buy a course called Train Driver Pre Employment CPD Certified Course Level 3, Is this worth it at all? for someone with no railway experience? Its nearly £300.00 I just wanted to double check if this helps at all
HeelBurton
Member
No. I wouldn’t advise it. All training is internal and it doesn’t pay really to take a course on the outside because it doesn’t make your application stronger against any pre assessments
Tophamhatt124
Member
thank you for all the advice!
kennyledzep
Member
Hello, sorry to trouble you again - i applied for Aylesbury Depot on 1st December - my application is still showing 1.7 OPC Stage 1 ( i have already passed all OPC assessments & MMI with another TOC) - i applied for Bletchley position shorlty after you posted the advert (Aylesbury is my nearest depot, Bletchely is still within reach) - should i hold out for Aylesbury as this one is showing some progresss / will Bletchley application jepordise my original application ? Thank you - Kenny.
HeelBurton
Member
That’s a personal choice.
Would you be comfortable commuting to Bletchley for all sorts of shifts?
kennyledzep
Member
Hello, thank you for getting back to me - yes, absolutely - i currently work in the ambulance service, am quite used to all sorts of shifts. So, am safe to keep both applications running for the time being, please?
HeelBurton
Member
Again personal choice but I know other candidates have withdrawn from multiple applications and they have progressed
The only test you’ll have to sit here is the VSE in any case. It’s Chiltern specific. Will be the same for both depots unless you passed at enhanced level already. if you passed at standard you may have to do an additional exercise.
kennyledzep
Member
Thanks again, i did an enhanced VSE already.
HeelBurton
Member
As the VSE is a sifting tool for all applicants, prepare yourself to do it again just in case.
kennyledzep
Member
Yes, for sure, thank you - still veruy unsure what to do with my multiple applications, still !
HeelBurton
Member
I have known a number of people after shutting down multiple old applications that have got through. But the choice is yours
kennyledzep
Member
Thank you again, so would you suggest i withdraw from Bletchley to show recruitment team i am concentrating on aylesbury, please?
SaddleMan09
New Member
Is Bletchley going to be the only position for the September course? Or will other depots like Stourbridge, Snowhill, Banbury etc be hiring too?
HeelBurton
Member
It comes down to the preference of your depot mate
== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: ==
Have to wait to see when the vacancies come up