First Great Western - Trainee Drivers

[ianrambo1981]

Im waiting for my cbi but dont hold much hope. Some of the questions such as emergency, rules and procedures I dont feel I answered that well. But having said that I felt I struggled with trp 1 in stage 1 but came through that unscathed. Anyone who does eventually become a train driver I take my hat off to them for coming through this difficult process.

 

[Maybe]

Just waiting for my date for my DTM interview at Bristol now, which imagine won't be before Xmas the way things are going.

Anybody that's been through the process, it is possible you could tell me the reference procedure, as one of my employers was based overseas so getting in touch with them is not as easy as it seems.

Many thanks

 

[welshjpc]

From what I gather your references will not be asked until you have passed everything and started your course, you will be asked for the details in the conditional offer of employment packup.

Dunno what would happen if your reference said you were an unstable nut job with the concentration span of a gnat.....

 

[general]

Yes, thank goodness. Got my e-mail this morning confirming that I'd passed stage 1 but no dates as yet for stage 2. If the rest of this thread is anything to go by then I guess recruitment could be stretched out over the next 18 months?

I've applied for Paddington and during my phone interview I was told that there were current vacancies, so I'm not sure if the 18 months is for everyone or just certain depots. I'm just glad to have passed, I can relax now and just wait for stage 2. I'm so glad you got through as well, I wonder how many of us Friday people got through?

I also got the same email on Friday and I applied for Paddington, just have to wait patiently now I guess, which is easier said then done!! I did the assessments on the Friday in Reading.

 

[Waikikibaby]

I also got the same email on Friday and I applied for Paddington, just have to wait patiently now I guess, which is easier said then done!! I did the assessments on the Friday in Reading.

Was that Friday the 18th as well? Welcome to the forum, I've managed to reach page 42 of this thread so far LOL It does have a lot of useful info on it though.

I feel a lot better now I know I've passed stage 1. It's when you're waiting to hear after doing a test / interview or assessment, that's the real killer. I'll be nervous again when I've got a date for stage 2

 

[SkinnyDave]

From what I gather your references will not be asked until you have passed everything and started your course, you will be asked for the details in the conditional offer of employment packup.

Dunno what would happen if your reference said you were an unstable nut job with the concentration span of a gnat.....

It's a third party agency that contact references which are usually HR departments not personal references.
They do ask you if they can contact them immediately

 

[Maybe]

Doesn't bother me in the slightest how and when they contact them, I just wanted to know if they ask you to provide two references or just go off their own back to contact people, if that makes any sense.

 

[SkinnyDave]

It was last two employers on my form they asked for

 

[general]

Was that Friday the 18th as well? Welcome to the forum, I've managed to reach page 42 of this thread so far LOL It does have a lot of useful info on it though.

I feel a lot better now I know I've passed stage 1. It's when you're waiting to hear after doing a test / interview or assessment, that's the real killer. I'll be nervous again when I've got a date for stage 2

yes the 18th. I've managed to have a good read of this thread also, some good info. Good luck for stage two when we get a date

 

[gb76]

Just waiting for my date for my DTM interview at Bristol now, which imagine won't be before Xmas the way things are going.

Anybody that's been through the process, it is possible you could tell me the reference procedure, as one of my employers was based overseas so getting in touch with them is not as easy as it seems.

Many thanks

Were you in Newport on 21st oct? if so how did you find out you had passed stage 2? I have not had an email or call. However my status on the website has changed to 'awaiting invitation to interview' so i can only assume I passed.

 

[carlejo]

From what I gather your references will not be asked until you have passed everything and started your course, you will be asked for the details in the conditional offer of employment packup.

Dunno what would happen if your reference said you were an unstable nut job with the concentration span of a gnat.....

This is what happened to me with ATW. They didn't ask for any reference until the SI/CBI and medical was passed, it was only then that they asked for them

 

[17ss05]

Skinny Dave have you had your contract and starting instructions? Still waiting for me so not sure whether to chase them up? Where are you going to be based?

 

[SkinnyDave]

Skinny Dave have you had your contract and starting instructions? Still waiting for me so not sure whether to chase them up? Where are you going to be based?

Hi There,

Had contract and all the forms for travel and security pass etc through which has all been sent back to them. Not had any joining instructions yet as to where ill be on 25th.
Ill be based at Gloucester, you?

SD

 

[Valla]

Hi There,

Had contract and all the forms for travel and security pass etc through which has all been sent back to them. Not had any joining instructions yet as to where ill be on 25th.
Ill be based at Gloucester, you?

SD

Congrats, SkinnyDave! I'm glad you got the thumbs up. I've not been on the forums for a while - looks like I missed quite a bit.

I'll be sitting stage 2 at the beginning of next week. (Sat Stage 1 in Bristol in September.) Good luck to everyone on the recruitment ladder!

 

[SkinnyDave]

Congrats, SkinnyDave! I'm glad you got the thumbs up. I've not been on the forums for a while - looks like I missed quite a bit.

I'll be sitting stage 2 at the beginning of next week. (Sat Stage 1 in Bristol in September.) Good luck to everyone on the recruitment ladder!

Cheers, good luck for next week

which depot have you applied for?

Just looked it was Westbury.. thats where I had my interview

 

[Downtheline]

Yhh I'm on the 18th aswell. What depot did you apply for?
I believe the course is in reading

Hi Sikes.
I was offered Reading or Oxford and chose Reading in the end.
Putting my contract in the post today, looking forward to receiving my instructions now, hoping to find confirmation the course is indeed at Reading too.

Had your contract / instructions yet?

 

[17ss05]

Hi There,

Had contract and all the forms for travel and security pass etc through which has all been sent back to them. Not had any joining instructions yet as to where ill be on 25th.
Ill be based at Gloucester, you?

SD

Yeah I'll be based at Gloucester too and will be on the 25th Nov course. Just waiting for my contract and all other paperwork...can't wait to get started

 

[SkinnyDave]

Yeah I'll be based at Gloucester too and will be on the 25th Nov course. Just waiting for my contract and all other paperwork...can't wait to get started

Brilliant, look forward to meeting up

If you write a couple of more posts PM me

 

[Johncleesefan]

Well done to you guys, wish you all the best. You must be excited!
I am sitting my stage 2 in Swindon this coming wednesday and I'm starting to feel like jelly again haha. As its all the new style assessments I'm sitting, I dont suppose you guys have any additional advice for me, obviously I have read, practiced and repeated my materials sent through. Its the interview I feel will be the biggy on the day (if I make it that far lol) Cheers again and all the best

 

[SkinnyDave]

Well done to you guys, wish you all the best. You must be excited!
I am sitting my stage 2 in Swindon this coming wednesday and I'm starting to feel like jelly again haha. As its all the new style assessments I'm sitting, I dont suppose you guys have any additional advice for me, obviously I have read, practiced and repeated my materials sent through. Its the interview I feel will be the biggy on the day (if I make it that far lol) Cheers again and all the best

Thanks Fella
I've not sat the new ones mate so from that point of view I can't help.
All I would say is dont worry about one part of it as you won't focus on others, just focus on nailing one at a time.
If its similar to structured interview and you have the answers and experience they are looking for then be prepared to be cross examined.

Cheers

D

 

[Downtheline]

Anyone starting the 18/11 course received starting instructions yet? I've had my contract etc and returned them but am eagerly awaiting confirmation of location and more on starting! Patience eh?

 

[Maybe]

18th Nov?? If I was your would definately give them a bell, the HR department isn't the biggest and are inundated at the moment.

I am still waiting a date for my DTM interview which if I am honest don't think will be till after Xmas now.

 

[Sikes 88]

Anyone starting the 18/11 course received starting instructions yet? I've had my contract etc and returned them but am eagerly awaiting confirmation of location and more on starting! Patience eh?

Haven't heard anything yet mate. Might give them a call tomorrow.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Just recieved my instructions for Monday. Most if the course is in reading but a few days spent in Swindon and bristol. Travel pass for a month is also included. It feels so real now.

 

[Downtheline]

I emailed them today and they sent me soft copies of the starting info probably get hard copy in post tomorrow

So, phone call to my new line manager tomorrow to arrange Monday
Yep Sikes, it's real at last.

Looking forward to meeting you & others.

 

[keaneo]

Well done to you guys, wish you all the best. You must be excited!
I am sitting my stage 2 in Swindon this coming wednesday and I'm starting to feel like jelly again haha. As its all the new style assessments I'm sitting, I dont suppose you guys have any additional advice for me, obviously I have read, practiced and repeated my materials sent through. Its the interview I feel will be the biggy on the day (if I make it that far lol) Cheers again and all the best

Hi, I was just wondering how you got on with stage 2, I hope you did well and passed. I have got mine on the 22nd and any tips or advise would be greatly appreciated. I am in the same boat as you as I feel I will be able to cope with the tests its just the interview that gives me the jitters!!
Thanks again and all the best

 

[SkinnyDave]

How did folk get on today with new process?

 

[Johncleesefan]

Whoop. Sat stage two today. I got my pass results for everything before sitting the mmi. Will get results for that hopefully next week. Come on...
As for computer tests. First one staring at a grey box for half an hour and tapping when it goe s black. Man I went cross eyed haha

 

[benno79]

Yeah I found the same thing, plus wondering if it was going to ever end.

 

[welshjpc]

After six weeks and six days waiting to hear the result of my DM interview.....

I'm out. Bummer.

Best of luck to all of those in the system.

On the plus side, I've been told that I will receive the feedback from my failed interview, that will come in handy for my DM interview I have with London Midland next year.

 

[rob12]

I sent you a pm welsh, Well I haven't heard anything yet but am now very down hearted excepting to hear the same thing, Can any body with correct knowledge tell me if there are any other Tocs that accept a FGW test pass IE meaning that they do the exact same tests as FGW because after nearly 9 months and travelling up and down the country for various tests and interviews I don't fancy applying for another Toc only to find out I have to resit all the tests again that would be a nightmare Thanks people.........