EU national applying for trainee Driver position

[DreJ]

Good morning folks
I have applied with Northern three months ago for trainee train driver position and a couple of days ago I have received an interview invitation. I was all over the moon at first but now I am getting slightly worried about it. I have been working for the biggest cruise liner ( customer facing position ) so I have had safety critical role for past few years but realistically what are my chances to make it through? How hard are the written assessments with Northern? Are there any EU nationals working as train driver here?? Currently, I am gathering all relevant paperwork so I have something to show up for my past experiences and roles I had. I have been living in the UK since 2004 so I feel confident speaking but given the fact, English is the second language I am not so confident in writing.
Is there actually any reasonable chance I may even pass the Interview stage?
Its a little bit longer post so Thank you for your time
DreJ

 

[bionic]

I don't think it would make any difference. It's illegal to discriminate against someone at work or in recruitment because of their nationality. If you are the right person for the job then you will pass with no trouble. I can think of plenty of EU nationals who are train drivers. French, Austrian, Polish, Portuguese, Italian, Slovakian and Spanish off the top of my head. Good luck with it.

 

[SAlty]

Good morning folks
I have applied with Northern three months ago for trainee train driver position and a couple of days ago I have received an interview invitation. I was all over the moon at first but now I am getting slightly worried about it. I have been working for the biggest cruise liner ( customer facing position ) so I have had safety critical role for past few years but realistically what are my chances to make it through? How hard are the written assessments with Northern? Are there any EU nationals working as train driver here?? Currently, I am gathering all relevant paperwork so I have something to show up for my past experiences and roles I had. I have been living in the UK since 2004 so I feel confident speaking but given the fact, English is the second language I am not so confident in writing.
Is there actually any reasonable chance I may even pass the Interview stage?
Its a little bit longer post so Thank you for your time
DreJ

In terms of written assessments prior to being offered a position, there really isn't likely to be anything you need to 'write' and submit at all. The assessments are mostly a) b) c) d) answers. Keep positive - if you pass this interview, then the assessments and MMI you will get a place in a talent pool and maybe eventually a trainee driver post...

 

[142Pilot]

Short answer - yes I work with several EU nationals who's second and even third language was English. I was in training with one.

Shouldn't be a problem, if you meet the criteria then you should get a job.

 

[RUUDBOY]

The TOC I work for are proud of employing people from different national backgrounds. All name tags for people in customer facing positions now have their national flag on and the flag of any other languages they are fluent in. The fact that you speak more than just English can be used as a strength.
Treat it as a positive, and don't allow negativity to cloud your prep for the interview. Good luck!

 

[DreJ]

The TOC I work for are proud of employing people from different national backgrounds. All name tags for people in customer facing positions now have their national flag on and the flag of any other languages they are fluent in. The fact that you speak more than just English can be used as a strength.
Treat it as a positive, and don't allow negativity to cloud your prep for the interview. Good luck!

Wow, that is a really different way to look at the thing, thank you for that. We used to have that on the cruise ship and I have proudly worn my name badge that's for sure.
Anyway, thank you for all the information and your time guys. I will definitely try my best!

 

[FOCTOC]

In short the answer is yes, there are EU nationals working as train drivers in the UK having been trained here - I part trained two of them, one from Poland, the other from Spain. As long as you are able to pass all the obstacles put in your way the same as everyone else then you are no less eligable than a UK born applicant. Good luck.

 

[DreJ]

ok just quick sum up. The interview is very straightforward. the two guys were very approachable and even I may not pass it It was definitely a good experience. Apparently, 6800 people applied here in Sheffield so definitely success to me to make it even to the interview. for the rest of you guys good luck and enjoy the 60 minutes.

 

[12guard4]

Being an EU national males no difference we are in the EU still currently so have just as much freedom to live and work in the UK as anyone else. Sounds like you could have a background which will give you good transferable skills into the industry as well. You'll need to be fluent in English speaking and writing to do the role. Even if you pass the assessments there are multiple written assessments in rules.

 

[TheBadger]

6800? Just for the Sheffield role? Yikes!

Well done for getting to interview and good luck.

 

[DreJ]

just the quick update I have received the invitation to the assessment centre so definitely looking forward to that

 

[TheBadger]

just the quick update I have received the invitation to the assessment centre so definitely looking forward to that

Well done! Make sure you read everything you can about the assessment centre and practice as much as you can. I learned a lot from the forum and passed assessment a month ago.

 

[DreJ]

Wow, congratulations on your pass!! A lot of it makes a lot of sense, to be honest, I think its just down to calm down the nerves and concentrate on it. I just hope I am good enough to get it done and not to get sent home earlier haha

 

[Tom Quinne]

It’s great that qualified EU nationals come over here and establish careers.

To be able to speak multiple languages is a massive positive, especially when we have people here who struggle to speak English without reverting to text speak or dropping letters when they talk.

Best of luck!

 

[DreJ]

It’s great that qualified EU nationals come over here and establish careers.

To be able to speak multiple languages is a massive positive, especially when we have people here who struggle to speak English without reverting to text speak or dropping letters when they talk.

Best of luck!

That’s very nice from you sir, thank you for that comment.
Its good to know another language however I went through Toc supplied material and some words I had to look up-really embarrassing!! That is the disadvantage of foreign national. That’s what make me nervous haha what if I get some Words I wouldn’t understand under situational judgement part of the assessment..
I think its also the technology as people live two lives simultaneously. Don’t forget that they have their virtual life on top of their regular one. I have to say I was very fortunate to have my childhood in 80s/90s
Yet again thank you for the kind words