GTR Southern Trainee Train Driver “returners programme”?

[Baz86]

GTR / Southern have posted this trainee train driver role today for “returners” to work who’ve been out of work for 18 months.

I can’t see anywhere where it strictly says this is a requirement without starting the application process?

What I mean is are they “keen” to hear from those people or is it a defining requirement.

Has anyone got any advice/info?

GTR Careers

GTR stands for Greater Thameslink Railway, and includes Southern, Thameslink, Great Northern and Gatwick Express. GTR and Greater Thameslink Railway are trading names of Thameslink Southern Great Northern Limited (TSGNL).

www.gtrailwaycareers.com

 

[CSANewbie2024]

I had a brief look at the application process for this - further on the process there is a yes/no question asking if you have been on a carreer break in the last 18 months, however it does allow you to continue with the application past this point.

I am unsure however if that checkbox will preclude any applicants that are or have recently been in work (or any internal applications either).

 

[WelshTrainspot]

I applied, and got all the way through the questions - they sent me an online assessment (SJT) as normal, so everything I've seen so far seems to indicate that you can still apply fine. I hope so, anyway.
Best of luck!

 

[Baz86]

I applied, and got all the way through the questions - they sent me an online assessment (SJT) as normal, so everything I've seen so far seems to indicate that you can still apply fine. I hope so, anyway.
Best of luck!

Thanks. I just want to be absolutely sure before applying because if they reject it then that’s another 6 months I’d have to wait.

I’ve emailed their HR team for clarification.

 

[WelshTrainspot]

Thanks. I just want to be absolutely sure before applying because if they reject it then that’s another 6 months I’d have to wait.

I’ve emailed their HR team for clarification.

let me know what they say if you can - if i need to retract my application I'd like to know please

 

[utternoob]

Just completed the SJT Went for Hornsey depot

 

[WelshTrainspot]

Just completed the SJT Went for Hornsey depot

Have they sent you the next assessment to complete yet? I did my SJT yesterday and haven't heard anything back - presume I won't until Monday, but just wanted to check

 

[utternoob]

No, yeah most likey next week now

 

[Manjago]

Have they sent you the next assessment to complete yet? I did my SJT yesterday and haven't heard anything back - presume I won't until Monday, but just wanted to check

Was this test timed and how long did you get ?

 

[taani007]

Was this test timed and how long did you get ?

I’ve completed SJT with another TOC recently it was not timed

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 25 May 2025 ==

I need to complete my SJT in next 72 hours any tips would be appreciated

 

[Manjago]

I’ve completed SJT with another TOC recently it was not timed

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 25 May 2025 ==

I need to complete my SJT in next 72 hours any tips would be appreciated

Was this online ?

 

[Brickz]

I’ve completed SJT with another TOC recently it was not timed

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 25 May 2025 ==

I need to complete my SJT in next 72 hours any tips would be appreciated

It'll most likely be very similar to the one you've recently done and depending on what the other company was it'll be exactly the same as there's a few companies that use the exact same set of questions

 

[taani007]

Was this online ?

yes there were about 30 question roughly

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 25 May 2025 ==

It'll most likely be very similar to the one you've recently done and depending on what the other company was it'll be exactly the same as there's a few companies that use the exact same set of questions

thanks for reply I done SJT with GWR recently

 

[kieran88]

Have they sent you the next assessment to complete yet? I did my SJT yesterday and haven't heard anything back - presume I won't until Monday, but just wanted to check

You won’t get it before the application deadline closes and it could be a while after that. It was ~2 months between me completing the SJT and them letting me know I’d passed and inviting me to do the miniSCAAT. Hopefully it’s quicker for you as that did include the Christmas period but be prepared for the wait.

 

[utternoob]

Got a reply failed on SJT's

 

[Manjago]

sorry to hear did you get the email today ?

 

[WelshTrainspot]

You won’t get it before the application deadline closes and it could be a while after that. It was ~2 months between me completing the SJT and them letting me know I’d passed
and inviting me to do the miniSCAAT. Hopefully it’s quicker for you as that did include the Christmas period but be prepared for the wait.

Alright cheers thank you very much A bit of a wait, but I'm sure I can cope! I'll keep playing with trains in sims in the meantime lol

Got a reply failed on SJT's

ahhh man I'm sorry to hear that best of luck next time

 

[utternoob]

sorry to hear did you get the email today ?

Yeah

 

[Manjago]

Yeah

Never Give Up, Next time !!!!

 

[Baz86]

I’ve still not received a reply from HR about the 18 month out of work aspect. Have those who applied had any pushback on this?

 

[WelshTrainspot]

I’ve still not received a reply from HR about the 18 month out of work aspect. Have those who applied had any pushback on this?

Nothing so far - completed my SJT, heard nothing back since. No pushback, no rejection, radio silence.

 

[taani007]

Nothing so far - completed my SJT, heard nothing back since. No pushback, no rejection, radio silence.

was SJT timed ? and roughly how many questions come up ?

 

[WelshTrainspot]

was SJT timed ? and roughly how many questions come up ?

just seen you've already done another SJT recently - it'll likely be very similar if not identical, you're already set, just go for it.

 

[taani007]

just seen you've already done another SJT recently - it'll likely be very similar if not identical, you're already set, just go for it.

Thanks I’ve completed it today it was pretty much similar as you said

 

[D3WY]

Got a reply failed on SJT's

DO NOT give up, I failed my MMI first attempt. Reapplied, and had to wait 5 years (because covid happpened) but never gave up hope and eventually I got a 2nd chance and got through, so if it's the job you want, reapply soon as you can and keep trying. Learn from this time round as you now know exactly how it works.

 

[Burry]

Has anyone passed to the OPC section whilst being on the returners programme? Or is it strictly for those who been out of work?

 

[Baz86]

Just received an email back from GTR. Anyone currently employed who applies will not be considered for the role. More vacancies will be advertised towards the end of 2025.

 

[Burry]

Just received an email back from GTR. Anyone currently employed who applies will not be considered for the role. More vacancies will be advertised towards the end of 2025.

I just did my SJT. No point in perusing further then.

 

[43066]

Just received an email back from GTR. Anyone currently employed who applies will not be considered for the role. More vacancies will be advertised towards the end of 2025.

Presumably it’s aimed at a demographic such as stay at home mums/dads returning to work, or perhaps also because they need people at short notice?

I just did my SJT. No point in perusing further then.

I would confirm with them myself personally before making any decisions. It’s a little odd that this requirement wasn’t made explicitly clear in the job add.

 

[Baz86]

Presumably it’s aimed at a demographic such as stay at home mums/dads returning to work, or perhaps also because they need people at short notice?



I would confirm with them myself personally before making any decisions. It’s a little odd that this requirement wasn’t made explicitly clear in the job add.

It’s in the job title and job description and a question in the application. This is why I emailed to check before applying as didn’t want it to reset the 6month timer for reapplying if not successful.

It’s odd that it lets you answer yes or no to the 18 month question however.