Freightliner Intermodal after trainee drivers across UK

[infiltrator]

I got my phone call this morning to arrange the telephone interview - so chuffed

 

[d_kingscott]

I got my phone call this morning to arrange the telephone interview - so chuffed

Well done, good luck!

 

[kelv]

I got my phone call this morning to arrange the telephone interview - so chuffed

Congratulations, have you sat/passed any of their tests already ?

 

[infiltrator]

No - I havent done anything before, this is my first application.

Mega nervous now for the telephone interview - such a long way to go and the slightest mistake etc could end it all :/
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Well done, good luck!

Thanks pal
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

It annoys me when I read forums and read the false information people post.

As I currently work in a company where we use the same method of application process as Freightliner. I can assure all of you that your application will NOT have been binned if you did not get all the questions in the test correct.

In fact it is the complete opposite,

These tests are given a time limit of 20 minutes for a reason. The answers to all the questions are easily found by doing a Google search so by timing the test it means less chance of cheating. Like the company I work for we know this happens so unless the applicant is a member of MENSA a 100% Score in the test will be seriously questioned.

These tests are not designed for applicants to get 100% and if you gave 1000 people 20 minutes to complete one of the tests (with no internet access) I would put my mortgage on not 1 of them scoring 100%!

It is very clear to see when marking the tests who has done it legit and who has had a wee peek on Google to help them out.

So please don’t get dishearten that you got some questions wrong as it will make no difference to your application, it’s the ones who know they got them all correct that should worry as there credibility will be called into question.

In 4 years I have seen 1 applicant score a genuine 100% and that’s from over 10000 tests taken in that time.

I guess it is fortunate then that I am a member of Mensa

 

[Timpg]

Congratulations mate. Well done! Really hope my application was good enough to get the phone call too!!

 

[infiltrator]

Congratulations mate. Well done! Really hope my application was good enough to get the phone call too!!

Good luck mate - fingers crossed!

 

[col68]

congrats m8 hope i get the call too

 

[Nic nic]

Also got one pretty chuffed but now the real challenge begins good luck to all the other potentials

 

[Choo13]

Fair enough, but I'm not giving people false hope, I'm offering a theory on why the test is there. Until someone in-the-know comes along (which you claim to be), we can do nothing but speculate.

You can't disagree that my guess of it being a sifting tool wasn't outwith the realms of possibility.

For the record, I think I got 100% on the tests, it really wasn't that difficult.

The test is there because previously you went for an interview and if successful went onto the psychometric testing at Watford, a lot of people were getting that fair but failing the test, the new process now allows them to sift thru applicants a lot quicker, saving a lot of time and money.

 

[iWanabee]

Congratulations to those who have had phone calls.

Does anyone know if you still get a phone call inviting for a telephone interview even if you've already passed the stage 1,2 & MMI?

 

[Daz9284]

The test is there because previously you went for an interview and if successful went onto the psychometric testing at Watford, a lot of people were getting that fair but failing the test, the new process now allows them to sift thru applicants a lot quicker, saving a lot of time and money.

A different way to FLHH. You would think it would be cheaper to take someone who has passed all psychometric testing and MMI to the next stage than take someone who hasn't.

I have not heard from FLIM so I'm guessing I didn't get 100% or they are still calling people (hopefully the latter)

Regards
Darryl
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Congratulations to those who have had phone calls.

Does anyone know if you still get a phone call inviting for a telephone interview even if you've already passed the stage 1,2 & MMI?

As long as you passed the online tests, as FLIM will do the tests & MMI after the telephone interview

Regards
Darryl

 

[Fred Dinenage]

A different way to FLHH. You would think it would be cheaper to take someone who has passed all psychometric testing and MMI to the next stage than take someone who hasn't.

I have not heard from FLIM so I'm guessing I didn't get 100% or they are still calling people (hopefully the latter)

You've passed assessments and MMI. Is that why it would be "cheaper" ? :roll:

 

[Daz9284]

You've passed assessments and MMI. Is that why it would be "cheaper" ? :roll:

Yes I have passed them all, but that is not what I am getting at.

For example, if it costs £5 per person to do the online test, and £250 for the tests and MMI, that is £255 with guarantee of passing the final stage.

Taking someone to the next stage who has passed them all would only cost £5, thus a £250 saving.

I'm not saying that I am better than another candidate, far from it, nor am I saying that I deserve to be put through over someone else.

It just makes business and financial sense.

regards.
darryl

 

[Fred Dinenage]

Perhaps a move into finance, management or HR within Freightliner would be more appropriate then, given your concern over their monetary situation?

 

[the sniper]

At last somome is talking sense, I saw the questions and seriously if you didnt get them all right you don't deserve to be a train driver

I know plenty of drivers who wouldn't have got 100% on that test. Do they not 'deserve' to be drivers...?

 

[Timpg]

Well surely it would benefit the company to promote an internal employee who has built up a credible file with the company, who is already proven to be a hard worker and reliable, than someone new off the street? Of coarse everyone deserves a chance at it, but it's kinda seen as a level of progression within the company.

 

[class 9]

Fully agree with you Timpg, a company should always recruit from within, particularly someone proven and reliable rather than people off the street.
There is the unknown element to externals, you don't whether they'll take to shift work, their work ethic etc.

 

[387star]

Fully agree with you Timpg, a company should always recruit from within, particularly someone proven and reliable rather than people off the street.
There is the unknown element to externals, you don't whether they'll take to shift work, their work ethic etc.

Aye struggle to understand why TOCS take on externals with plenty of excellent guards etc to pick from

My TOC prefers internals or the Driver Manager does yet take on plenty of externals
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Well surely it would benefit the company to promote an internal employee who has built up a credible file with the company, who is already proven to be a hard worker and reliable, than someone new off the street? Of coarse everyone deserves a chance at it, but it's kinda seen as a level of progression within the company.

 

[Timpg]

Fully agree with you Timpg, a company should always recruit from within, particularly someone proven and reliable rather than people off the street.
There is the unknown element to externals, you don't whether they'll take to shift work, their work ethic etc.

Exactly mate. The other point I'm making as well, is an employee could work hard for a number of years, jump up a few positions up the ladder then can't go no further as the golden position has been advertised external.

 

[Driver068]

Two words...Equal Opportunities

 

[Timpg]

Two words...Equal Opportunities

Yea I don't disagree, everybody should have a chance. Just I guess, gone are the days where you start at the bottom in order to get your foot in the door, then work your way up with hard work and dedication.

 

[AD15]

Well surely it would benefit the company to promote an internal employee who has built up a credible file with the company, who is already proven to be a hard worker and reliable, than someone new off the street? Of coarse everyone deserves a chance at it, but it's kinda seen as a level of progression within the company.

Fully agree. I've seen plenty of positions handed to external instead of better qualified internals for "internal politics" reasons. May I add I'm not just talking about one company, they all do it to a degree.

 

[Nic nic]

Think people may be jumping the gun a bit here. In regards to the guys that have already passed tests and mmi maybe you are not needed to contacted as quickly as people like myself who are new to this.
genuinely wish everyone luck in this in paticular people within the company itself I have been through the same thing in my current company. The problem I had was that I was experienced and good at my job so finding a replacement is incredibly difficult and my management knew that realistically it cannot be done within my notice period. All I can say is keep at it every time the opportunity arises.

 

[Timpg]

Think people may be jumping the gun a bit here. In regards to the guys that have already passed tests and mmi maybe you are not needed to contacted as quickly as people like myself who are new to this.
genuinely wish everyone luck in this in paticular people within the company itself I have been through the same thing in my current company. The problem I had was that I was experienced and good at my job so finding a replacement is incredibly difficult and my management knew that realistically it cannot be done within my notice period. All I can say is keep at it every time the opportunity arises.

You hit the nail on the head mate, you would like to think company's wouldn't think like that and stop an employees career progression. But sadly it happens. Oh I will keep trying, driving is what I want to do, Iv been an engineer, I'm now a shunter, driving is the next step I want to go! Best wishes to you too buddy

 

[Rocket]

Freightliner do put up internal trainee drivers jobs within the company (Intermodal), there was one up recently.

We have quite a few shunter's that are now drivers within the company.

We have had some more shunter's put in for the trainee drivers jobs for this year.

Not all people put in for these jobs, as the trainee pay is to low for them.

Not all people want to become a drivers

Not all internal grades pass the test.

Sometimes the reason they have to recruit trainees outside the company, is because they have nearly exhausted all their internal staff that want to apply for the position.

The external (outsiders) on here are going through the same process as our guys at Freightliner, there is nothing special about you guys that have a better chance than the internal guys.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

I know plenty of drivers who wouldn't have got 100% on that test. Do they not 'deserve' to be drivers...?

Whether we could pass the test or not, we all came through a different regime.

When I came on the footplate at 17 I had to wait untill I was 20 1/2 before I could go up for driving.

I had all the experience I needed to become a driver which you guys will never have. Our training was a lot better at Ilford school. Also the training I got from being on the footplate for nearly 4 years, unofficially driving in all types of traction and weathers helped me to become the driver I am today.

When we did go up for our MP12 which was Rules, Traction and driving, we were grilled big time and with some of the Stratford traction inspectors we had to know every nut and bolt on a class 47. Some guys were in theirs rules for nearly 9 hours.

So whether we could pass the test is irrelevant really.

Now you wannabe drivers have it easy. You take a test, which in my eyes doesn't count for much, come onto our job and in 16 months, driving 2000 tns Freightliners.

The test must mean something I suppose to some person that made them up, but seeing some of the new drivers of today across the railway industry that do pass that test, I have no comment.

I know we have to move on in life, but under the old system, you served your time and it also got the chance to filter out the no gooders.

Reading comments on here, you guys have a lot to learn coming into the railway industry, especially the know it all's that have worked on some heritage lines ..lol

I may sound rude in my comments, but I'm just blunt and to the point, so don't take offence.

 

[kelv]

Freightliner do put up internal trainee drivers jobs within the company (Intermodal), there was one up recently.

We have quite a few shunter's that are now drivers within the company.

We have had some more shunter's put in for the trainee drivers jobs for this year.

Not all people put in for these jobs, as the trainee pay is to low for them.

Not all people want to become a drivers

Not all internal grades pass the test.

Sometimes the reason they have to recruit trainees outside the company, is because they have nearly exhausted all their internal staff that want to apply for the position.

The external (outsiders) on here are going through the same process as our guys at Freightliner, there is nothing special about you guys that have a better chance than the internal guys.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---


Whether we could pass the test or not, we all came through a different regime.

When I came on the footplate at 17 I had to wait untill I was 20 1/2 before I could go up for driving.

I had all the experience I needed to become a driver which you guys will never have. Our training was a lot better at Ilford school. Also the training I got from being on the footplate for nearly 4 years, unofficially driving in all types of traction and weathers helped me to become the driver I am today.

When we did go up for our MP12 which was Rules, Traction and driving, we were grilled big time and with some of the Stratford traction inspectors we had to know every nut and bolt on a class 47. Some guys were in theirs rules for nearly 9 hours.

So whether we could pass the test is irrelevant really.

Now you wannabe drivers have it easy. You take a test, which in my eyes doesn't count for much, come onto our job and in 16 months, driving 2000 tns Freightliners.

The test must mean something I suppose to some person that made them up, but seeing some of the new drivers of today across the railway industry that do pass that test, I have no comment.

I know we have to move on in life, but under the old system, you served your time and it also got the chance to filter out the no gooders.

Reading comments on here, you guys have a lot to learn coming into the railway industry, especially the know it all's that have worked on some heritage lines ..lol

I may sound rude in my comments, but I'm just blunt and to the point, so don't take offence.

so do shunters jobs get advertised very often ?

 

[Rocket]

Normally internal first.

 

[Timpg]

There was a Felixstowe job advertised on the last list, which I think has been filled.

Normally internal first.

They took a few on at Felixstowe last year. These guys are quite young and I assume will stay and maybe filter off into other internal jobs or into the driving grade as they come up.

HH... I'm not sure, but they did take on a internal member for Parkeston

There is shunters jobs advertised fairly regularly at Felixstowe , although most of them are taken by internal applicants. It's usually a relief position that's not snapped up internal. Tech b positions are more common as it's usually a tech b who moves up to shunter, tech b's are responsible for light repairs and examination of the rolling stock upon arrival of the trains to the terminals. Im currently a shunter, and I find it really enjoyable. Although beings that we deal with 22 services a day, it can be very busy. As any driver visiting the terminal can quote me on!!!

 

[infiltrator]

Telephone interview was not what I expected - managed to answer everything though so fingers crossed, but definately didnt 'nail it'

Reference was made to the fact that people who had already passed the tests etc - and passed this paper sift of course - would be contacted at the same time as those (hopefully me) who have now passed the telephone interview. Which, should be beginning of June - so if you have already passed the tests then still keep the faith, there is hope yet.

- please dont ask, I wont be sharing any information regarding the questions on interview.

 

[Timpg]

Telephone interview was not what I expected - managed to answer everything though so fingers crossed, but definately didnt 'nail it'

Reference was made to the fact that people who had already passed the tests etc - and passed this paper sift of course - would be contacted at the same time as those (hopefully me) who have now passed the telephone interview. Which, should be beginning of June - so if you have already passed the tests then still keep the faith, there is hope yet.

- please dont ask, I wont be sharing any information regarding the questions on interview.

Well done mate, all the best. As for me... Phone sat silent, so I guess I fell at the first hurdle!!