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CrossCountry - Apprentice Train Driver - Recruitment Discussion

KaneLeb

Member
Joined
9 Jul 2025
Messages
58
Location
ECML
I applied for Newcastle last year (I think October). Have sat the spatial awareness tests and haven’t been rejected following those. But that was a while ago. I know some people have been progressed through to psychometrics and DMI. Has anyone got any info that may be in the same boat?
Exactly the same boat as me. Sadly no info, just stuck on pending. I did email their recruitment team but got no answer.
 
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R

RailUK Forums

Joined
16 Apr 2026
Messages
37
Location
UK
My wait was 6 months. It is normal to hear nothing in between each phase and each phase can be a very long wait.
Thanks. And absolutely, you can say that again - so it's definitely helpful to know the most recent timelines with specific TOCs.
 
Joined
16 Apr 2026
Messages
37
Location
UK
Hi all,

Big ask, but thought this might be the thread to ask in case any XC drivers are lurking. As an external candidate new to the railway, I have an upcoming DMI with XC for the Trainee Driver role.

I've researched extensively for the likely structure of the DMI, and have as much information as one could possibly acquire from the internet (traction, routes, aims, values, recent challenges, news, etc!).

That said, any current knowledge from XC staff would be incredibly helpful, as I have nada personal connections on the railways, and I'm keen to bring myself as close as possible to the knowledge level internal candidates may possess - happy to DM anyone who might be able to help. Biscuits and/or beer could be made available :lol:
 

IndegoMouse

Member
Joined
29 Jan 2026
Messages
119
Location
Warwickshire
Hi all,

Big ask, but thought this might be the thread to ask in case any XC drivers are lurking. As an external candidate new to the railway, I have an upcoming DMI with XC for the Trainee Driver role.

I've researched extensively for the likely structure of the DMI, and have as much information as one could possibly acquire from the internet (traction, routes, aims, values, recent challenges, news, etc!).

That said, any current knowledge from XC staff would be incredibly helpful, as I have nada personal connections on the railways, and I'm keen to bring myself as close as possible to the knowledge level internal candidates may possess - happy to DM anyone who might be able to help. Biscuits and/or beer could be made available :lol:
Hi,

Cant offer much help for DMI but which depot have you gone for and when did you complete your tests

Many thanks
 
Joined
16 Apr 2026
Messages
37
Location
UK
Hi,

Cant offer much help for DMI but which depot have you gone for and when did you complete your tests

Many thanks
Hi there,

Derby, and mid-May. If you're waiting for Leicester they may be working on different timescales as it's a smaller depot, but that's just guesswork on my part.
 

Ridetherails

Member
Joined
19 Feb 2025
Messages
211
Location
Birmingham
Hi all,

Big ask, but thought this might be the thread to ask in case any XC drivers are lurking. As an external candidate new to the railway, I have an upcoming DMI with XC for the Trainee Driver role.

I've researched extensively for the likely structure of the DMI, and have as much information as one could possibly acquire from the internet (traction, routes, aims, values, recent challenges, news, etc!).

That said, any current knowledge from XC staff would be incredibly helpful, as I have nada personal connections on the railways, and I'm keen to bring myself as close as possible to the knowledge level internal candidates may possess - happy to DM anyone who might be able to help. Biscuits and/or beer could be made available :lol:
Look at routes ( depot dependant ), traction, diversions, company policy ( care passionately, do the right thing etc… ), green policy.

Big thing is questions similar to your mmi at opc and how they relate to the job. Remember STAR and keep safety and rules prominent
 
Joined
16 Apr 2026
Messages
37
Location
UK
Look at routes ( depot dependant ), traction, diversions, company policy ( care passionately, do the right thing etc… ), green policy.

Big thing is questions similar to your mmi at opc and how they relate to the job. Remember STAR and keep safety and rules prominent
Excellent, thank you.
 

John1986

New Member
Joined
12 Jun 2026
Messages
3
Location
West Midlands
Does anyone know when Cross country open their applications or is it as and when it’s needed ?

I recently sat the OPC stage 1 and found I did not meat the required standard (enhanced for the TOC I applied for) so if I find out from the feedback that I passed to a national standard I may apply for cross country as and when it comes up.

Any help is much appreciated.
 

ChooWoo

Member
Joined
1 May 2026
Messages
51
Location
Wolverhampton
Does anyone know when Cross country open their applications or is it as and when it’s needed ?

I recently sat the OPC stage 1 and found I did not meat the required standard (enhanced for the TOC I applied for) so if I find out from the feedback that I passed to a national standard I may apply for cross country as and when it comes up.

Any help is much appreciated.
They've just done a big recruitment for Leicester, Cambridge, Birmingham, and Derby to fill up the talent pools so may be a while until they recruit. But keep checking
 

Anon272916

Member
Joined
4 Jan 2024
Messages
20
Location
Newcastle
Got an interview coming up for this, can anyone that has gone through it please let me know the types of questions they ask? I’m already prepping heavily but always helps to have some specifics to go for. I know the STAR method for responses etc. cheers!
 

IndegoMouse

Member
Joined
29 Jan 2026
Messages
119
Location
Warwickshire
Got an interview coming up for this, can anyone that has gone through it please let me know the types of questions they ask? I’m already prepping heavily but always helps to have some specifics to go for. I know the STAR method for responses etc. cheers!
Good luck! Which depot have you gone for?
 

BongCups34

Member
Joined
4 Oct 2023
Messages
47
Location
Bristol
Hi
I’m on the talent pool for BTM I was wondering if anyone knows of any possible updates for Bristol? Not heard anything for a long time now.
I have been keeping a eye on the forums.
 

Reactor Scram

Member
Joined
3 Feb 2024
Messages
120
Location
Bristol
Hi
I’m on the talent pool for BTM I was wondering if anyone knows of any possible updates for Bristol? Not heard anything for a long time now.
I have been keeping a eye on the forums.
I'm same as you, although I've got a start with another TOC now.

XC last took 2 Bristol trainees in Jan 26, both internal. March, May and August courses had/have no Bristol places. Unsure if there are further courses in 2026.

XC added another 2 to the Bristol Talent Pool from the June 2025 recruitment advert.
 

rozza1234

Member
Joined
30 Sep 2025
Messages
26
Location
bristol
I am in the talent pool for BTM. I got told last course was Aug for this year but someone a few pages back said they got told a November course was on the cards. I have not been told that though. From what I was told it would be next Jan/Feb 2027 when the next course is. Whether that take BTM i don't know. Hopefully it does.
 

chalkijr

Member
Joined
13 Apr 2023
Messages
188
Location
Crewe
Hey everyone, I've got my DMI coming up soon for Manchester!

Can anyone who has already done their DMI please offer some advise?
 

chalkijr

Member
Joined
13 Apr 2023
Messages
188
Location
Crewe
WOW! was there any reason for it taking so long? Did you have any contact during your wait?
No reason really, they only contact I've had is an email a couple of weeks ago saying I'm through to the next part.
 

rozza1234

Member
Joined
30 Sep 2025
Messages
26
Location
bristol
Sending emails is a new thing. They usually ring with results and next steps. I am constantly watching my phone haha.
 

Massen

Member
Joined
22 May 2026
Messages
5
Location
Worcestershire
I’m waiting for feedback from my DMI I had four weeks ago with cross country and I’m looking for some indication from others on how long the wait was before they called/emailed you back about being successful or not.

I appreciate any help :)
 

Sotac464

Member
Joined
15 Feb 2017
Messages
167
That's a long time im with Southeastern and got a call within an hour. I would definitely chase them up, thats far too long to keep you hanging.
 

chalkijr

Member
Joined
13 Apr 2023
Messages
188
Location
Crewe
I’m waiting for feedback from my DMI I had four weeks ago with cross country and I’m looking for some indication from others on how long the wait was before they called/emailed you back about being successful or not.

I appreciate any help :)
Got any advice or tips please?
 

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