Northern Apprentice Driver - Skipton (24/9/2023)

[SiTheTrainGuy]

Hi all, first post on the forum.

I've thrown my hat in the ring for the job that was advertised as per the thread title. Just wondered if anyone else on here had? The position closed last Sunday.
I've had the Northern train driver apprentice alert emails sent to me for some years now but it was never the right time to apply. However, now is the right time so hoping for a positive outcome and at least making it through the initial sift!
I've enjoyed reading a lot of the threads on here and grateful for the wealth of knowledge that has been shared!

Si

 

[MidweekR]

Welcome. I’m new here too. Best of luck with Skipton, keep us posted on how you get on. I was in for the apprentice driver job with Northern at Carlisle a few weeks back. Got through the sift but then a month later got an email to say the position had been advertised too early and no longer needed filled. I’m keeping a keen eye out for other opportunities…

 

[SiTheTrainGuy]

Welcome. I’m new here too. Best of luck with Skipton, keep us posted on how you get on. I was in for the apprentice driver job with Northern at Carlisle a few weeks back. Got through the sift but then a month later got an email to say the position had been advertised too early and no longer needed filled. I’m keeping a keen eye out for other opportunities…

Hi!

Are you not near enough Barrow In Furness to apply for that advertisement? Skipton is ideal if it works out. It's a 15 min drive/30 min cycle from where I live. I'll keep you posted. How long did it take to find out how you had done at the application stage?

 

[MidweekR]

Yes I saw the BiF opening but am too far away to apply! Pity, as I am looking for a fresh start so I would be willing to relocate. But it is what it is.

About two weeks after the closing date Northern emailed to let me know my application was being screened. Ten days later I got an email to say my application was under consideration.

 

[SiTheTrainGuy]

Thanks that’s helpful to know. Saves me refreshing my Northern portal multiple times per day

 

[MidweekR]

They’ll get back to you eventually. A twice a day check of the portal will see you through just fine

 

[SiTheTrainGuy]

The waiting really is the hardest part, isn't it? Just bumping this thread to see if anyone else is still waiting like I am to hear back?

 

[melliebobs]

Hiya!

I applied for the trainee driver role for Blackburn. That closed 3rd September and only yesterday did the status change to application under consideration to under review. Didn't get an email but I'm logging in daily too see if there's any changes.

Good luck

 

[SiTheTrainGuy]

Thanks that’s helpful to know. Might have a bit of a wait still!

I’ve also applied for the signaller role based in Hellifield. That closed on the 4th and I’ve already been invited to take the online tests which I’ve done today!

 

[16.19]

Be aware the Railway is slow when it comes to application updates. Keep checking but don’t be disheartened if you don’t hear anything for a specific time.

 

[SiTheTrainGuy]

Just to keep people in the loop I’ve received an email this morning to say my application ‘is now being screened by our Recruitment Team.’

 

[karl grindrod]

Hiya!

I applied for the trainee driver role for Blackburn. That closed 3rd September and only yesterday did the status change to application under consideration to under review. Didn't get an email but I'm logging in daily too see if there's any changes.

Good luck

I've had the same happen to my application, wonder what is taking so long? I applied last time and was told that a lot of drivers had transferred from Manchester Victoria to the Blackburn depot so they had no trainee driver positions to fill. Hope this isn't the case this time!!! bets of luck.

 

[Louby]

I've had the same happen to my application, wonder what is taking so long? I applied last time and was told that a lot of drivers had transferred from Manchester Victoria to the Blackburn depot so they had no trainee driver positions to fill. Hope this isn't the case this time!!! bets of luck.

That's not true , it's a domino affect, first few have had interviews and those that passed will be going for assessments , they won't bin people off until they know how many pass, then they will need more for interview if some don't , same with medical

 

[SiTheTrainGuy]

Yeah that makes sense. I’m assuming as Skipton is a relatively small depot then competition will be higher for places. Although yet to come across anyone on this forum who’s in for this round of recruitment.

 

[karl grindrod]

That's not true , it's a domino affect, first few have had interviews and those that passed will be going for assessments , they won't bin people off until they know how many pass, then they will need more for interview if some don't , same with medical

Didn't know that was the process, I was told that by a driver for Northern who had just transferred to blackburn. I passed all the tests lady year for TFW, only thing I need to do for Northern are the interviews... hope I make it through this time!!

 

[Louby]

Didn't know that was the process, I was told that by a driver for Northern who had just transferred to blackburn. I passed all the tests lady year for TFW, only thing I need to do for Northern are the interviews... hope I make it through this time!!

Last year was prob what you said but we need a few at Bbn now , retirement ,
people moving on etc

 

[19:72]

Yeah that makes sense. I’m assuming as Skipton is a relatively small depot then competition will be higher for places. Although yet to come across anyone on this forum who’s in for t

Yeah that makes sense. I’m assuming as Skipton is a relatively small depot then competition will be higher for places. Although yet to come across anyone on this forum who’s in for this round of recruitment.

I have an interview for Skipton next week. However now having doubts and considering withdrawing.

Studying a shift pattern found on here and absorbing the harsh reality of surving 12 months with £1000 less per month is making me question my decisions.

Best of luck with your applications. No news is good news

 

[SiTheTrainGuy]

Good luck with the interview (if you do go for it)

Have you got a link to the shift pattern? I’ve not seen one yet.

 

[Class2ldn]

I have an interview for Skipton next week. However now having doubts and considering withdrawing.

Studying a shift pattern found on here and absorbing the harsh reality of surving 12 months with £1000 less per month is making me question my decisions.

Best of luck with your applications. No news is good news

Whats the issue with the shift pattern?

 

[19:72]

Good luck with the interview (if you do go for it)

Have you got a link to the shift pattern? I’ve not seen one yet.

It's the Blackburn shift pattern so you may have seen it already. I understand east is different in terms of Sundays being included, however gives me an idea the working hours drivers work.

Whats the issue with the shift pattern?

I'm just comparing it to my current shift pattern. 12 hour shifts 2days 2 nights 4 days off. Work life balance is really good,

Im considering the train driver role for the job security and shorter commute, Looking at said train shift pattern, not sure if I'd always feel like I am at work or waiting to start work with forever changing start and finish times.

 

[Class2ldn]

I take it with that shift pattern you're a firefighter?
I think as train drivers we definitely get a lot of time off,
Max shift times for passenger work is 10 hours , yes you may work 7-10 days in a row but that will normally be rewarded with 5/6/7 days off and that will include working a Sunday which in a lot of cases is outside the working week and not compulsory or can be swapped.
Obviously be different if they are inside but that will be accounted for in your rest days and the working week.
It will definitely be different and yes there will be different shifts but then you may be able to go on permanent earlies or lates depending on depot and structure etc.
I do understand the drop in money especially at the moment.
Not many people leave the railway especially driving as once you are in you realise the perks of the job very much outweigh any negatives.
I dont work for Northern so can't specifically comment on them but hopefully someone can give you the shift pattern.
At my company we have a 5/6 day long weekend every 3rd week so plenty of time off plus the rest days in each week between.
Its a big change but I think most people are happy they've done it.

 

[CJBX]

I take it with that shift pattern you're a firefighter?
I think as train drivers we definitely get a lot of time off,
Max shift times for passenger work is 10 hours , yes you may work 7-10 days in a row but that will normally be rewarded with 5/6/7 days off and that will include working a Sunday which in a lot of cases is outside the working week and not compulsory or can be swapped.
Obviously be different if they are inside but that will be accounted for in your rest days and the working week.
It will definitely be different and yes there will be different shifts but then you may be able to go on permanent earlies or lates depending on depot and structure etc.
I do understand the drop in money especially at the moment.
Not many people leave the railway especially driving as once you are in you realise the perks of the job very much outweigh any negatives.
I dont work for Northern so can't specifically comment on them but hopefully someone can give you the shift pattern.
At my company we have a 5/6 day long weekend every 3rd week so plenty of time off plus the rest days in each week between.
Its a big change but I think most people are happy they've done it.

I sat the interview with Northern last week, for Blackburn. The manager confirmed they also do the 5 day weekend every 3rd week, which sounds great.

 

[karl grindrod]

Last year was prob what you said but we need a few at Bbn now , retirement ,
people moving on etc

Thanks for the info, really appreciate it. Just hope I get a shot at an interview now

 

[Louby]

Set rest days at Blackburn
, week 1 Mon & tues
week 2 wed & thur
week 3 fri/ sat
so every 2 half weeks fri/sat/sun/ mon & Tues off
if you can handle the shifts you will be fine, earliest book on 353 latest sign off 0107

 

[karl grindrod]

Just had an email regarding Blackburn, position is no longer available and my application is now on hold for 6 months.

 

[SiTheTrainGuy]

Finally had an update, it’s not a no, yet. They are currently waiting for an update of future positions as to whether they need to do more interviews.

I take it that means I’m good for an interview if there’s enough positions but probably wasn’t in the ‘first choice’ group.

The wait continues…..

 

[MckD]

Finally had an update, it’s not a no, yet. They are currently waiting for an update of future positions as to whether they need to do more interviews.

I take it that means I’m good for an interview if there’s enough positions but probably wasn’t in the ‘first choice’ group.

The wait continues…..

I've just had the same email regarding Leeds positions, fingers crossed more positions come available.

 

[SiTheTrainGuy]

I’ve just been invited to interview. Seems like there must be more positions that need filling!

Now to see if my suit still fits….

 

[MckD]

I’ve just been invited to interview. Seems like there must be more positions that need filling!

Now to see if my suit still fits….

Well done and good luck. How soon is your interview/how much time do you have to prepare?

 

[SiTheTrainGuy]

Its next Thursday (14th!) so just over a week to prepare.

Looking forward to it, not had a job interview for nearly 15 years!

Time to swat up!