Northern Rail Conductor Training

[Lancs Lass]

Another question for you Train1992 - any idea how long it is til we get uniforms please? I have worn a uniform in my current job for the last 14 years so I have no "work clothes". Going on a Matalan shopping spree next week, but don't want to spend too much. Have they said how long it will be til we get them? Thank you for your help!

PS - what sort of clothing are the ladies wearing please? Is it business suits or smart casual, and if it isn't too weird can you have a peak at their shoes! Will I be ok in heels or would flat shoes be better if there is practical training involved! Thanks

 

[Louby]

Another question for you Train1992 - any idea how long it is til we get uniforms please? I have worn a uniform in my current job for the last 14 years so I have no "work clothes". Going on a Matalan shopping spree next week, but don't want to spend too much. Have they said how long it will be til we get them? Thank you for your help!

PS - what sort of clothing are the ladies wearing please? Is it business suits or smart casual, and if it isn't too weird can you have a peak at their shoes! Will I be ok in heels or would flat shoes be better if there is practical training involved! Thanks

I'd wear office clothes, no need for trouser suit but smart trousers and top, in class you are ok for heels till your boots arrive

 

[Train1992]

Another question for you Train1992 - any idea how long it is til we get uniforms please? I have worn a uniform in my current job for the last 14 years so I have no "work clothes". Going on a Matalan shopping spree next week, but don't want to spend too much. Have they said how long it will be til we get them? Thank you for your help!

PS - what sort of clothing are the ladies wearing please? Is it business suits or smart casual, and if it isn't too weird can you have a peak at their shoes! Will I be ok in heels or would flat shoes be better if there is practical training involved! Thanks

I'll be honest, it's not been a great start in terms of the uniform. Some people on the course have received parts of their uniform but not everything. I personally have only received my shoes. Bit and pieces have just been turning up each day for different people. They expect you to wear smart office wear until you get your uniform.

In terms of the shoes, you could wear heels for the time being while you're in the classroom. Flat shoes would be perfectly fine aswell.

 

[Lancs Lass]

Cheers Louby & Train!

 

[Millbrook09]

I applied for a position at Piccadilly last year, had my interview/assessment last Tuesday & have received an email today saying i have been successful! now on hold pending a start date, so excited! ... without meaning to hijack the thread, could i ask how long you guys & girls have been on the waiting list for? my email says they'll be filling vacancies in the next 3/4 months pending a start date. I understand they're running a large number of training courses at the moment so hopefully won't be too long!

Hi, jindivik. I'm in the same boat as you. Had the interview last Wednesday and received an email on Monday too to say I was successful and again like you now pending a start date. Looks like we've had the same message. Really looking forward to getting started and the feedback I'm seeing looks like it is a good place to work. The sooner the better, good luck to you too.

 

[jindivik]

Thanks for the replies guys, hope you're all enjoying yourselves were any of you in Piccadilly today? There was quite a big group of trainees around the station, one of my old friends I know from working at Bolton was there. Said he's really enjoying it so far but there's a hell of a lot to take in! Millbrook, my interview was the Tuesday, how did you find it? Perhaps we will be starting at the same time! I've worked in Piccadilly for the last year & half or so, so I know most of the dispatch staff there now, the railway I've found so far to be one of the most enjoyable places I've worked, I'm sure you'll enjoy it

 

[Millbrook09]

Thanks for the replies guys, hope you're all enjoying yourselves were any of you in Piccadilly today? There was quite a big group of trainees around the station, one of my old friends I know from working at Bolton was there. Said he's really enjoying it so far but there's a hell of a lot to take in! Millbrook, my interview was the Tuesday, how did you find it? Perhaps we will be starting at the same time! I've worked in Piccadilly for the last year & half or so, so I know most of the dispatch staff there now, the railway I've found so far to be one of the most enjoyable places I've worked, I'm sure you'll enjoy it

Hi jindivik, I found the interview quite relaxing really. Was very nervous on arrival and had to do the group exercise first which I wasn't too comfortable with as you never know how much to say and when to say it. Want to contribute but not dominate it. Then the interview afterwards was good and I felt I answered all the questions more than adequately and I got very good feedback on the on line tests so I left the hotel very hopeful I'd done ok. Was told I'd hear in about a week so just wanted to get to the weekend without hearing anything as I've got this thinking that all the fails are contacted first and quickly so the longer the better. Had the successful email on Monday lunchtime. Just can't wait to get started now. Its going to be a lot of hard work and will have its very bad days but really looking forward to it. Bring it on!!

 

[KB1967]

Hi, I'm starting my training in Manchester on 13th February to be based in Wigan. Anyone know what the situation is about travelling by train on the first day as I won't have a pass. Does anyone know if passes are sent before we start the training? Can't wait to get started.

 

[Train1992]

Hi, I'm starting my training in Manchester on 13th February to be based in Wigan. Anyone know what the situation is about travelling by train on the first day as I won't have a pass. Does anyone know if passes are sent before we start the training? Can't wait to get started.

Just purchase a ticket if you don't have your pass then fill in a return form to claim it back

 

[Lancs Lass]

Anyone know what the situation is about travelling by train on the first day as I won't have a pass.

Someone suggested to me to take the letter from Northern offering employment and show that to the conductor and gate line. That's what I am going to do - not sure if it's right or not, but you can try it. I will be with you on Monday as I start then too! I am doing a reki this morning to make sure I can find the training centre.

 

[ANorthernGuard]

Uniform is in relatively shore supply as new uniforms with a new design will be issued around summer. You will get it just may take a little bit longer than usual. When your training starts go in with a total clean slate in your mind. There is a lot to learn. Listen to your Trainers/CTM's/Instructors and DON'T rush make sure everything is clear in your head and never ever take shortcuts.

 

[Lancs Lass]

Thanks for the info ANorthernGuard.

Just got back from my very successful reki - met some really nice people from Northern including a lady that is conductor training - also for Blackburn! She said to take the letter offering employment and this will be fine to travel with on our first day, then we get a temp pass until our staff passes are issued.

I had thought initially that I would be getting the train from Blackburn to Bolton and onto Picc, but been told there is a very good chance I wouldn't get on the Picc train from Bolton at that time, so been advised it's best going direct from Blackburn to Victoria then walking. The very nice trainee showed me the way, and it takes about 20 mins. Flat shoes are definitely a must for me next week!

I've made a note of directions if anyone needs them.

I am so glad I did a reki, feel so much more relaxed and confident about next week now and can't wait to get going!

 

[Millbrook09]

From an interview and assessment on Jan 25th and an email saying I was successful last Monday, I received a call from HR yesterday to ask about starting March 13th. Absolutely made up to be starting so quick as I imagined it would be a few months before a start date was offered. Good luck to all who are in the same boat.

 

[Lancs Lass]

That's excellent news - well done Millbrook!

 

[donpoku]

From an interview and assessment on Jan 25th and an email saying I was successful last Monday, I received a call from HR yesterday to ask about starting March 13th. Absolutely made up to be starting so quick as I imagined it would be a few months before a start date was offered. Good luck to all who are in the same boat.

Congratulations! Bet you're well chuffed.

 

[Shrimper]

If HR as on top of the courses as they are for driver courses, you should receive your staff travel pass a couple of days before you start. Hopefully no need to mess around with letters and temporary travel passes!

 

[Millbrook09]

That's excellent news - well done Millbrook!

Thank you, good luck next week to you too.

 

[Millbrook09]

Congratulations! Bet you're well chuffed.

Thank you, I am very happy with things. Just looking forward to getting started. The hard work starts now.

 

[KB1967]

Thanks very much for the info everyone. Hopefully the passes will arrive before Monday but if not I'll try with the letter. Look forward to seeing you Monday Lancs Lass.

 

[KB1967]

Thanks for the info ANorthernGuard.

Just got back from my very successful reki - met some really nice people from Northern including a lady that is conductor training - also for Blackburn! She said to take the letter offering employment and this will be fine to travel with on our first day, then we get a temp pass until our staff passes are issued.

I had thought initially that I would be getting the train from Blackburn to Bolton and onto Picc, but been told there is a very good chance I wouldn't get on the Picc train from Bolton at that time, so been advised it's best going direct from Blackburn to Victoria then walking. The very nice trainee showed me the way, and it takes about 20 mins. Flat shoes are definitely a must for me next week!

I've made a note of directions if anyone needs them.

I am so glad I did a reki, feel so much more relaxed and confident about next week now and can't wait to get going!

Great idea Lancs Lass. I'm travelling direct from Southport to Piccadilly which I think is round the corner from the Training Centre so should take about ten mins but arriving early on my first day just to make sure.

 

[Lancs Lass]

Sorry - just read your second message KB - was asking how you were travelling and offering to meet you. But I am going from Accrington straight to Victoria so guess I will see you at the training centre. See you Monday!

 

[Lancs Lass]

My staff pass arrived today woowoo. My other half has received a Staff Privilege Card (concessionary travel), can we go out on the train tomorrow, before I technically work for Northern? I start on Monday - wouldn't want to get into any bother for using the passes - although there is no "valid from" date on either of them. Also, what does concessionary travel mean on my hubby's pass - is that cheaper travel with Northern or can he also travel for free?

 

[LETHLFH]

Both yourself, hubby and any dependents get free travel an any arriva ran toc when you have received passes. Not sure if you there will be an official rule on you using passes before starting, however Northern employ 5000 people and so it is highly unlikely you'll be indentified as a newbie in any case.

 

[Lancs Lass]

Both yourself, hubby and any dependents get free travel an any arriva ran toc when you have received passes. Not sure if you there will be an official rule on you using passes before starting, however Northern employ 5000 people and so it is highly unlikely you'll be indentified as a newbie in any case.

Thanks for the info - I can't wait to show the pass to my other half. He is a bit of a train spotter, he's more excited than me about me starting! He's gonna love flashing the pass tomorrow and feeling all "official" - bless him :roll:

 

[corky65]

any advice on interview questions i have my 1st assessment event next tuesday 21st feb '17

 

[donpoku]

any advice on interview questions i have my 1st assessment event next tuesday 21st feb '17

Comp info ( passengers numbers, routes, traction etc). And then the Competency Q's like tell me a time you dealt with a confrontation physical or verbal. They looking for people who take control of difficult situations in a safe and efficient (+ve outcome) manner. Do not go on a long story in fact they want straight to the point ( STAR technique). Oh & be prepared for follow on Q's. All the best.

 

[yorkshirelad01]

Does anyone know if there is anywhere to park and lock a motorbike at Leeds station for staff? After training I intend on getting to work this way but don't like the thought of leaving my bike in the centre of Leeds.

 

[yorkshirelad01]

Due to start on the on the 27th March, pretty excited now, it's taken a good few months but I'm sure it's worth the wait.

Can someone please post an example of the Conductor shift pattern, I'm sure this question has been asked before but can't seem to find anything.

Thanks

 

[RoverRail]

Hi All, I am starting Conductor training soon! Can anybody possibly give me a rough idea of the schedule for training as far as shifts go? How long will it be Mon- Fri 9-5, before going out on shifts? I have commitments in the evening of my third week so don't want any clashes! Can't wait to get started!

 

[Lancs Lass]

Hi All, I am starting Conductor training soon! Can anybody possibly give me a rough idea of the schedule for training as far as shifts go? How long will it be Mon- Fri 9-5, before going out on shifts? I have commitments in the evening of my third week so don't want any clashes! Can't wait to get started!

Training is normally Monday - Friday, approx 7 hours per day. Usually start at 9-4pm, but sometimes changed to an earlier start i.e. 8.30-3.30pm. On your 3rd week you will probably start PTS so lots of revision, so don't plan too much in your evenings! It is normally Monday - Friday (normal times) until you go out with a minder in your 8th week of training.