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metrolink drivers

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Andrew32

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18 Jul 2013
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492
Beavercreek,

Is is common for the probationary period to be extended and why do they do this?

Whatever the length of period I'm sure it's worth it anyway in the long run as it's still more than on now, can overtime be done during probationary period?

Cheers in advance
 
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beavercreek

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Yes overtime can be done and there is lots of it at this time.
Unfortunately if you have an incident during the first Six months then you will have your probation extended and be monitored there after.
 

beavercreek

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Yes it includes the training period.
It's very important to get through the probationary period as it becomes an expensive mistake should you mess up.
Unfortunately it does happen.
 

Andrew32

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I take it you mean things like accidents and the service you are running is late and being late for your shift?

Everyone is bound to have teething problems at the start and practice makes perfect, hope they account for this or it would be abit harsh and would put people off the job like the person who posted a few posts back.
 

beavercreek

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I mean safety critical incidents like a SPAD/SPAS or opening doors on the wrong side or not at a platform.
 

Andrew32

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Ah I see, well I'm of the opinion that if you listen in training and take advice from your minder when you go out with him/her, you should have no problem getting through the probationary period.

Thanks again for the advice, much appreciated and I'll keep my eyes firmly peeled on the metro site.
 

TOCDriver

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24 Jan 2013
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Ah I see, well I'm of the opinion that if you listen in training and take advice from your minder when you go out with him/her, you should have no problem getting through the probationary period.

Thanks again for the advice, much appreciated and I'll keep my eyes firmly peeled on the metro site.

You need to concentrate 100% of the time. I'm sure this applies also to light railway work.
 

topgunrobins

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23 Sep 2013
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Glossop
I submitted my application back in July.

Got an email 22nd August.

We have been inundated with applications and would ask for your patience whilst we assess your application.



We will endeavour to give you an outcome of your application by the end of September 2013.

Still not heard anything, fingers crossed will hear something this week.
 

Daniel84

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10 Oct 2012
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151
I received a letter on Wednesday inviting me to an assessment next Friday. I had to decline due to my application with Northern. Good luck to those attending.
 

Mattm123

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21 Mar 2013
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Finally got a letter this morning inviting me to a psychometric test in 2 weeks.
:D

Good luck with it :) I went for the job in August, the tests are nothing to worry about just work as quickly and accurately as you can.

The interview was relaxed too, there were a lot of questions like 'what would you do in this situation' kind of thing. And are you comfortable using radio systems at work etc. All common sense stuff really.

Have any more questions give us an email :)
 
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topgunrobins

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23 Sep 2013
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Good luck with it :) I went for the job in August, the tests are nothing to worry about just work as quickly and accurately as you can.

The interview was relaxed too, there were a lot of questions like 'what would you do in this situation' kind of thing. And are you comfortable using radio systems at work etc. All common sense stuff really.

Have any more questions give us an email :)
Thanks Mattm123, I went for the job earlier this year and passed on the tests, but a week later I had the interview and I must have answered some questions wrong as I wasn't successful.
One of the questions I think I got wrong was if you are feeling tired when driving a tram what would you do, I said drink coffee and open window.
I really dont like interviews, but I will prepare a lot more this time around.
If you can remember some of the questions they ask and the answer they are looking for that would be a great help.
 

Mattm123

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21 Mar 2013
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Thanks Mattm123, I went for the job earlier this year and passed on the tests, but a week later I had the interview and I must have answered some questions wrong as I wasn't successful.
One of the questions I think I got wrong was if you are feeling tired when driving a tram what would you do, I said drink coffee and open window.
I really dont like interviews, but I will prepare a lot more this time around.
If you can remember some of the questions they ask and the answer they are looking for that would be a great help.

Ah that's a shame! That question was asked in my interview too i too said what you said but also said that I would have spoke to control to tell them how I was feeling and await instructions.
 

topgunrobins

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23 Sep 2013
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Ah that's a shame! That question was asked in my interview too i too said what you said but also said that I would have spoke to control to tell them how I was feeling and await instructions.
They said after I answered that question that they never expect drivers to drive while tired and that you need to contact them if you are feeling tired.

Have you started your training yet?
 

Beveridges

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8 Sep 2010
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Driving while feeling tired? Surely thats inevitable especially where early shifts and/or long periods of repetetive work are involved.
I'm no genius but can tell you now that this is just management BS to cover themselves, if you regularly walked off the job claiming to be too tired to finish your job I don't think you'd last long in that job.
If tired most people will rough it out and see the job through. Probably not what management want to hear in an interview but what is said in an interview is not the same as what really happens.
 
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topgunrobins

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23 Sep 2013
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Should my answer be kept brief or would it help to to say that in my current job I am used to working early shifts and think it important to get enough sleep and so I ensure I get to bed early, or is that just going off the question too much?
 

beavercreek

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18 Nov 2011
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The answer they would be looking for is that you would get adequate rest between shifts.If we do feel unfit to drive then we must inform our control room immediately and they will arrange cover.
Just think safety in everything you answer.
As a driver, when the early shifts come round then it's normally bed for 8pm and no alcohol what so ever.
Good luck with your application and it's a great company to work for.
 

topgunrobins

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23 Sep 2013
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So happy :D
Got a letter today inviting me to an interview a week tomorrow.
This time I shall make sure I'm more prepared.
Anyone got any help and tips that will help me would be much appreciated.
 

beavercreek

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18 Nov 2011
Messages
187
I'm a driver for Metrolink.
When answering any questions, think about what the job involves.

Working shifts
Working for long periods alone
Maintaining concentration
Following rules and procedures
The safety of passengers,staff,pedestrians and yourself
Working under pressure

I would wear a suit and also do some research about the company and it huge expansion programme.

It's a great job and good luck with your application.
 

Manchester77

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4 Jun 2012
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Manchester
Do any of you drivers know how far off TMS commissioning is at Trafford bar and Altrincham Line depot entrances?
 

beavercreek

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18 Nov 2011
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187
We are training on a simulator at the moment so I would guess it will be operational by mid December.
 

topgunrobins

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23 Sep 2013
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Glossop
Interview went really well. Thanks for all help.
Got medical appointment next Monday, does that mean I got the job?
Is the medical just a standard health check thing?
 

anthony263

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19 Aug 2008
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Hopefully if everything goes well with your medical and your referances etc check out then yes I would say you have got the job.
 

beavercreek

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18 Nov 2011
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187
Congratulations and welcome to the team.

The medical is standard and consists of the following.

BMI
Blood pressure reading
Eye test
Hearing test
Colour blindness test
Drug and alcohol screening
Health questionnaire

If you take any medication then take the boxes with you.

You have the job.
 
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topgunrobins

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23 Sep 2013
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Glossop
Thank you, I am looking forward to starting.
Was told by admin on my test day, the start date is 16th december, but at interview he said he thinks its febuary.
 
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