I went for this job when they recruited last year and got through to DMI, so just to summarise my experience for people thinking of applying this time around:
- We did the full tests required by the OPC, an OPC rep was in attendance at stage 1 which was paper tests, and they conducted the testing at stage 2 (computerised).
They also require an enhanced pass mark as opposed to the national benchmark set by the OPC. Failing to meet the OPC benchmark will count towards your two strikes.
Once successful and trained you are not qualified to drive on network rail and your experience is not officially recognised by other TOC's.
There is one route and it is essentially a giant figure of 8 through the tunnel. French language is not a requirement, just a plus.
It's a multi aspect role in that you will only drive approximately 50% of the time. The rest you will be in the rear acting as the Train Manager/Supervisor /Chef De Train watching cctv and directing staff etc.
This is a plus or a minus depending on how you see it - because you take over a train with your crew it's much less isolated than 'normal' train driving may be as you work together as part of a team.
Everyone I met on Eurotunnel premises - including staff conducting the assessments and current train crew were all kind and approachable, really good bunch. Train crew canteen is good.
On the other hand, the pay is awful compared to every other rail operator I can think of. Especially when they ask for enhanced OPC scores. Go figure.
