tiptoptaff
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The core rules course is identical, but thanks for trying.
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tiptoptaff
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I'd like to add one of the GWR Driver Standards Managers, whom I know personally, is reading this thread and PMd me to state the following:
Your training could be anywhere, as the rules phase is the same whichever depot you are based at. It is recruitment who decide which course you are on, not the DSMs. A couple of the start dates posted here are news to them.
Just because one person went one place from one depot once, doesn't mean everyone will. Reading being a DOO depot has zero bearing on the training school's ability to deliver a rules course. In any case, all drivers are taught the DOO rules for application during ECS moves.
The company likes to keep people as close to home depot to keep the travel time down for everyone, and of course to save on overtime and hotel costs. But you'll go where there's a course being run at the time they want you.
Your training could be anywhere, as the rules phase is the same whichever depot you are based at. It is recruitment who decide which course you are on, not the DSMs. A couple of the start dates posted here are news to them.
Just because one person went one place from one depot once, doesn't mean everyone will. Reading being a DOO depot has zero bearing on the training school's ability to deliver a rules course. In any case, all drivers are taught the DOO rules for application during ECS moves.
The company likes to keep people as close to home depot to keep the travel time down for everyone, and of course to save on overtime and hotel costs. But you'll go where there's a course being run at the time they want you.
Termy
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I have my Stage 2 at Watford on Monday. Nervous is an understatement! 
I wouldn't worry too much about stage two. From my experience it was far easier than stage one. For example the MMI if you have relevant life/work experience is not as bad as many people make it out to be.I have my Stage 2 at Watford on Monday. Nervous is an understatement!
Termy
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Thanks Nic. 
I passed the computer tests, just waiting on the results of the MMI now.
I passed the computer tests, just waiting on the results of the MMI now.Got an email saying they will contact me in due course about the DMI.Thanks Nic.
Termy
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Got an email saying they will contact me in due course about the DMI.
Same! If reading the tone of email similarly to the Stage 2 invite one, it feels like we both passed. So bloody happy right now it is unreal. :3 Congratulations! I knew you would do it.
Hopefully won't be too long for a DMI date. The email mentioned something about work force requirements and extensions ... Lol
I've got mine coming up soon found out today I passed stage 2 and MMI yesterday. What do they ask you at the DMI? What would I need to prepare? Thanks in advanceHi all.
I attended my Driver Manager interview yesterday, and I'm pleased to say that I've passed! I'm now in the talent pool for Paddington... Could be weeks before I receive a start date, could be years!
I had already completed the first set of psychometric assessments with my current TOC, before completing and passing the MMI with GWR earlier this month (Feb 2019).
Long time lurker here, thank you to all on the forums who have provided such good advice!
Best of luck to everyone applying.
Congrats! I'm in the same boat. Was your date for the DMI relatively soon? I'm out the country end of may so I'm hoping mine may be done by that time. Haha
Daydr3am3r
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It was pretty quick mate. Received my successful email similar to yours on 13th March. The following day I received an email inviting me to DMI for this Thursday (11th April).
If it’s similar to mine then you may get your wish of having your DMI before you are away!!
Fingers crossed. Good luck for your interview. What are you doing to prepare?
mercie3281
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Can you let us know how you get on and an idea of the questions asked once you have done yours as I am attending a DMI soon
Daydr3am3r
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I’m pretty laid back really so have answers for questions around why I want to join GWR, my strengths, areas to develop etc
I have researched the company/depot and spoken with a couple of drivers and GWR employees to get a feel for the company.
Daydr3am3r
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Will do!
Congrats!
I’ve conducted a few interviews in recent years, as well as sat a fair few.
The DMI is just a standard interview which is competency based. You’ll be asked what you know about the company etc, as well as be expected to give examples of times when you’ve done certain things or acted in certain ways. They’ll expect specific examples rather than giving a generic “here’s what I’d do” stance.
Use the STAR technique and keep answers detailed, yet waffle-free. Sometimes it’s the more simple questions which catch you out, such as “tell us what attributes you see as the ideal train driver having”. Focus on safety and customer service and you won’t go far wrong.
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Termy
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Thank you very much for the advice, Stigy. :3 Very much looking forward to meeting the Paddington Driver Manager at some point.
Daydr3am3r
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Well that’s the DMI completed. Felt like it went quite well but who knows? Hopefully me by tomorrow!
mercie3281
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Have you got any advice or examples of questions from you DMI
That's what I thought this time last week. Found out on Tuesday that I was unsuccessful.
Request feedback! Hopefully that will help you if and when you apply again.
Good luck! I have to say, my DMI was the first interview I’ve had recently (and I’ve had a few) that I came out feeling I really couldn’t have done any better, and felt genuinely pleased. I usually come out feeling unsure (which isn’t necessarily a bad sign anyway for me). I found out a day later I was successful.
Sorry to hear this, agreed you should definitely ask for feedback!
Which TOC did you apply for? Sorry about the result. Don’t give up!
Daydr3am3r
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All I will say is make sure you have examples for any driver related competency you can think of as there were a lot of questions! Also do you homework on your TOC.
Daydr3am3r
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Thanks Stigy. They have said that the interviews will be marked this evening and that hopefully I will find out tomorrow.
It definitely sounds like a good time to be applying for GWR though, lots of opportunities.
Liam00086
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Great to here fingers crossed for you
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