Northern Rail Conductor Man Picc

[BeNN]

Hi, I'd just like to share my good news, after waiting around 6 months after completing my assessments in Leeds to become a conductor, I'm over the moon to have been given a start date for 9th November at man picc after passing my Medicals this week. Just wondering if anyone else will be starting on the same day.

Cheers, Ben.

 

[JohnC]

Hi, I'd just like to share my good news, after waiting around 6 months after completing my assessments in Leeds to become a conductor, I'm over the moon to have been given a start date for 9th November at man picc after passing my Medicals this week. Just wondering if anyone else will be starting on the same day.

Cheers, Ben.

I was crossing my fingers for a call for this as I've been in touch a couple of times and told they would have places around the end of the year. Still nothing yet tho. When did you get an invitation to medical?

 

[BeNN]

I got the call for my medical on 14th sept, sat my medical on 29th sept and was told i had passed on 1st October. Whilst I was waiting for my medical my contracts and uniform order forms etc arrived, I'm pretty surprised at how fast things start moving. Fingers crossed for you buddy, just don't give up the wait, I thought I had no chance until I emailed HR to get an update.

 

[Potato185]

Ben,

Congratulations! I'm in the same boat as you and got the good news on 23rd Sept, took medical 30th and confirmation of passing it 2nd Oct. Likewise, all uniform order/contract/other forms filled out and posted, so very much looking forward to starting Nov 9th. From what Tom at HR told me, this course came up last minute and there were 3 positions at Picc available (at the time of calling) of which I happily agreed to one of them.

As much as I'll be sad to leave my Transpennine uniform behind, contracted work isn't ideal and I'm very much looking forward to joining Northern in the next few weeks. I believe the September course that was mentioned on our application was cancelled which is why none of us who didn't cut the July deadline never heard back.

John, I had wondered if you heard back as I couldn't find the original topic on here that we had set up. However, I wish you all the best in the application and I'm sure you'll get there. They seem to be running these courses bi-monthly. Of course, the franchise is up for renewal come April 2016 so they may be running fewer.

See you at the training centre bright and early at 0900 on the 9th Nov Ben! I assume it's smart dress code?

 

[BeNN]

Hi potato

Thanks buddy and congrats to you also! I'm really excited and looking forward to starting. Yes I assume it's smart dress code, I believe we will be getting our uniforms at the training centre? Also any idea if there is a staff car park there? The NCP would be v expensive for all day parking?

Ben

 

[Potato185]

I've spoken to Tom at HR and he says it is formal, but doesn't have to be strictly formal -just avoid denim and sportswear. I'd like to think we'll get our uniforms on our first day seeings we've ordered them at least a month before starting. I don't think there is a staff car park, but I do know that the NCP on Sheffield Street immediately behind Piccadilly station (accessed via Fairfield St) is only £2.70 for 24hrs . Get there as early as you can as it does fill up quickly.

Look forward to seeing you there.

Jack

 

[BeNN]

Hi jack,

Think I'll just wear a shirt and trousers just to be safe lol. I've emailed Carole Bibby regarding the parking so I'll let you know what she says when I get a reply. I know there is an NCP on Chorlton street but it is ludicrously expensive.

Looking forward to meeting you buddy.

Ben

 

[Potato185]

Probably best. I'll be catching the train in every morning as I'm only just down the road in Eccles so got direct trains/trams into the city which is a win.

 

[kelv]

Great News for you all, and by the sound of it a bit out of the blue as well.

Can you feel the envy emanating from the rest of us that keep filling in applications ?

A couple of you have said you weren't expecting to hear anything and presumed you had missed out, but have you filled in many applications previously, and if so over what timescale and how far did you progress then ?

 

[BeNN]

Thanks kelv,

I'll be honest with you, this was my first attempt and flew through the application, interview, assessments and medical without any problems whatsoever. I'd say it's luck but I have worked my socks off go this so I'd like to think it's also my hard work.

I'm just excited to start a completely new career, after 16 yrs it's time for a change and I can't wait!

 

[Potato185]

I think this is my 4th application for Northern in the past 2 years. Since turning 18, I applied for a variety of roles such as station staff, trainee conductor etc all around the North West but didn't get anywhere. Following on from agency work for Transpennine Express this year and located in Manchester, I was able to properly nail this application and it appears to have worked!

 

[kelv]

I think this is my 4th application for Northern in the past 2 years. Since turning 18, I applied for a variety of roles such as station staff, trainee conductor etc all around the North West but didn't get anywhere. Following on from agency work for Transpennine Express this year and located in Manchester, I was able to properly nail this application and it appears to have worked!

Can I ask what the Agency work was ? which Agency etc please, I think it's a good way of gaining some railway experience, getting a feel for the work, even the fact that you'll meet supervisors etc who can advise you regarding applications etc.

Although for 1 of the guys in another thread it doesn't seem to have helped, and he seems to have put a fair bit into it regarding doing some courses & hiking over to Leeds to do some 'Train Presentation' work, I feel for him a bit tbh as he probably wasn't gaining much financially from it with the travel etc.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
In days gone by doing things like that would be looked at positively btw, but obviously things have changed a lot regarding recruitment and you have to get through 1st sifts etc that look for specific things, it may well be that if that lad got through those things and onto the 'human element' of the process then someone would look at what he's done and recognise the extra effort that has been put into trying to get the job.

 

[387star]

Can I ask what the Agency work was ? which Agency etc please, I think it's a good way of gaining some railway experience, getting a feel for the work, even the fact that you'll meet supervisors etc who can advise you regarding applications etc.

Although for 1 of the guys in another thread it doesn't seem to have helped, and he seems to have put a fair bit into it regarding doing some courses & hiking over to Leeds to do some 'Train Presentation' work, I feel for him a bit tbh as he probably wasn't gaining much financially from it with the travel etc.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
In days gone by doing things like that would be looked at positively btw, but obviously things have changed a lot regarding recruitment and you have to get through 1st sifts etc that look for specific things, it may well be that if that lad got through those things and onto the 'human element' of the process then someone would look at what he's done and recognise the extra effort that has been put into trying to get the job.

I have past just about every sift

Having a degree in English helps as I am able to write clear well structured sentences where every word counts... Corporate speak if you will that embraces the core values of the company and skillset of the job role

Keep it short sweet and engaging... It is sometimes less the experience that counts but rather how you articulate that experience

 

[Potato185]

Agency work is for a company called Carlisle Support Services. Although they specialise in cleaning and security, they provide Piccadilly and Leeds with dispatch/customer service staff under the image of Transpennine. Conditions aren't amazing, but it gets you vital experience in the railway and gets your name known. I am the 4th from the company to move to Northern this year, so Northern know what they're like. The jobs come up often and usually listed on Indeed.co.uk.

HTH

 

[ANorthernGuard]

Hi, I'd just like to share my good news, after waiting around 6 months after completing my assessments in Leeds to become a conductor, I'm over the moon to have been given a start date for 9th November at man picc after passing my Medicals this week. Just wondering if anyone else will be starting on the same day.

Cheers, Ben.

Congrats on getting a place at the best Northern Depot (Well I am slightly biased).

The Car park is on Boad Street at Piccadilly when you have completed your school training you will be issued with a pass for the barrier and one for the car. I think you have to get a temporary pass for Depot induction etc. (Ask the instructor/CTM for more details).

Now some advice.

LISTEN to your instructors at School and when you are at your depot Minders/Instructors. School will give you the Rules & regs and the Minders/Instructors will show you how to implement them safely. They know what they are doing and have years of experience.

HAVE A SENSE OF HUMOUR. Most railways depots are basically a p**s taking/Joking environment where the humour can be extreme but when it counts we all stick together. BUT if you do get bullied report it as NO true railwayperson will accept that as right.

COFFEE costs 35p at the Depot (Coffee all in for me btw) but if you want decent coffee Carlucios on the concourse gives us top notch Coffee at a quid.

BURGER KING at Piccadilly is garbage don't use it (its already been shut down twice).

AND

Welcome to Picc!

 

[BeNN]

Thanks buddy, some really invaluable advice there and it's much appreciated!! Looking forward to getting stuck in. ??????

 

[ANorthernGuard]

you will be sat on your arse most of the time being a newb. Hadfield will be your core route usually followed by Sheffield, Chester Liverpool, than Crewe and Stoke. Only afew hundred Signals/Crossings/Stations,...NO pressure 3

 

[craigybagel]

Congrats on getting a place at the best Northern Depot (Well I am slightly biased).

The Car park is on Boad Street at Piccadilly when you have completed your school training you will be issued with a pass for the barrier and one for the car. I think you have to get a temporary pass for Depot induction etc. (Ask the instructor/CTM for more details).

Now some advice.

LISTEN to your instructors at School and when you are at your depot Minders/Instructors. School will give you the Rules & regs and the Minders/Instructors will show you how to implement them safely. They know what they are doing and have years of experience.

HAVE A SENSE OF HUMOUR. Most railways depots are basically a p**s taking/Joking environment where the humour can be extreme but when it counts we all stick together. BUT if you do get bullied report it as NO true railwayperson will accept that as right.

COFFEE costs 35p at the Depot (Coffee all in for me btw) but if you want decent coffee Carlucios on the concourse gives us top notch Coffee at a quid.

BURGER KING at Piccadilly is garbage don't use it (its already been shut down twice).

AND

Welcome to Picc!

I never knew that about Burger King! Luckily I've not had to use it yet but I'll bear that one in mind......

Meanwhile, in a similar vein,

Be prepared for some filthy looks if you want to get change from the Virgin ticket office staff.

Be nice to the dispatchers, you never know when you'll need a favour - and the Northern dispatchers at Picc are a great bunch.

It's quickest and easiest to just assume the Passenger Assist staff won't turn up.

Don't bother running across Wilmslow for an early trip back to Picc on ATW's 23:23, it's nearly always late anyway

 

[BeNN]

you will be sat on your arse most of the time being a newb. Hadfield will be your core route usually followed by Sheffield, Chester Liverpool, than Crewe and Stoke. Only afew hundred Signals/Crossings/Stations,...NO pressure 3

Gee thanks, no pressure! Lol. I'm sure we will get them memorised, it does seem a little overwhelming but everyone starts somewhere I guess. I was wondering which routes we would start on, thanks for the heads up buddy.

 

[JohnC]

Just wanted to share my good news aswell. Looks as if I'll be joining you on the 9th!

Had a phone call today letting me know I've got a place on the course but to be working out of Lime Street. Course is still in Manchester so I'm guessing I'll be with you guys until we're passed out of school. Getting a medical date on Wednesday so still unofficial but I'm still over the moon. Hopefully see you in 4 weeks!

 

[dalesrail]

Best of luck with that. I have heard that Lime Street is a good depot to work out of. I think it's one of the larger depots with a fair variety of work.

Does anybody know how many guards links there are there and what routes are signed? I think they still sign through to Huddersfield, even though direct services from LS finished a while back.
Cheers.

 

[Potato185]

Thanks for all the help so far guys. I can firm up that the Northern dispatchers at Picc are fantastic as I currently work alongside them now in my current job (yes Scott, I know you're reading this!).

Excellent news JohnC! Glad you got told the news and hoping you get your leave notice in without a problem.

Burger King at Picc is a rip off and Carluccio's, as mentioned previously, does excellent coffee/tea for £1! Cakes also available which is a bonus!

Looking forward to meeting you all on the 9th! Not long to go!

 

[JohnC]

Thanks for all the help so far guys. I can firm up that the Northern dispatchers at Picc are fantastic as I currently work alongside them now in my current job (yes Scott, I know you're reading this!).

Excellent news JohnC! Glad you got told the news and hoping you get your leave notice in without a problem.

Burger King at Picc is a rip off and Carluccio's, as mentioned previously, does excellent coffee/tea for £1! Cakes also available which is a bonus!

Looking forward to meeting you all on the 9th! Not long to go!

Spoke with my managers today and seems like the notice isn't going to be an issue. Just gonna wait for medical results before I hand it in officially. Looking forward to it

 

[Loop & Link]

Best of luck with that. I have heard that Lime Street is a good depot to work out of. I think it's one of the larger depots with a fair variety of work.

Does anybody know how many guards links there are there and what routes are signed? I think they still sign through to Huddersfield, even though direct services from LS finished a while back.
Cheers.

Lime St-Man Airport/Man Vic via Chat Moss
Lime St-Manchester Oxford Rd via CLC
Lime St-Wigan via St Helens Central and Golborne Jn
Lime St-Warrington BQ
Warrington BQ-Preston via WCML
Preston-Blackpool North
Warrington BQ-Helsby-Chester/Ellesmere Port
Chester-Helsby-Runcorn-Lime St via Halton Jn and WCML
Man Vic-Stalybridge/Huddersfield

Still quite a fair bit of Huddersfield work for Lime St traincrew.

 

[Potato185]

Just 1 week to go gents! See you all bright and early at 9am next Monday.

 

[JohnC]

Just 1 week to go gents! See you all bright and early at 9am next Monday.

Five more shifts to go in my current job See you Monday.

 

[BeNN]

3 more shifts for me! See you Monday guys.