Being nosey i e-mailed them asking for information and details of any endorsements from successful " trainees" if you like, the reply is below...
The price has been reduced since you last looked at the website it is now £845. The national pass rate for passing this assessment is very low at about 45% , our pass rate is no better or worse than that. What we have done to try and better prepare people is to run our half day session prior to the assessment day to help candidates understand why and how they are being assessed. The majority of the testing regime cannot be pre taught as it measures innate reactions and personality type. You either fit the mould the industry has set for a train driver or you dont.
Out of the 14 candidates we have processed, at the moment we have had one candidate who is now driving full time and we are actively working with 6 other recently passed candidates to get them an interview with a train operating company. There are not that many slots available at the OPC that we use for the assessments hence the small numbers since our first session a year ago.
Here is the general information I give to all candidates to help make up your mind,
Anyone wishing to become a train driver in the UK must,
1. Pass a specific medical examination.
2. Pass the specifically designed driver psychometric assessment process.
3. Then undergo on the job training which will be a mixture of classroom work and practical hands on training.
There are two ways of achieving this,
Firstly: looking for advertisements from the many train / freight operating companies when they are on particular recruitment drives.
Or
Secondly: get ahead of the queue, stand out from the crowd, by paying for steps 1 & 2 via our company, we will then use our contacts to try and get you an interview with one of the companies, who will then complete your training. Although we are currently providing driver training courses we have not at the moment in time offered this up to private individuals.
So if you are interested please read the following carefully :
What happens next,
Stage 1 : MEDICAL
Testing for colour blindness, general health, eyesight, hearing, heart ECG, drug & alcohol abuse.
In order to book your medical for Driver Prequalification, you will need to supply the following details,
· Full Name
· Full postal address
· NI Number
· Date of Birth
· Preferred MEDICAL test centre : nearest big cities that you can easily get to.
Stage 2: ASSESSMENT at Industry Certified Centre in WATFORD
1 ½ days of Psychometric testing & specifically designed tests to make sure the Rail Industry has candidates with the right aptitude for driving.
1. ½ day (TBA) introductory workshop to introduce delegates to the assessment process & provide practice materials.
2. Full day (TBA ) assessment looking at the following,
Tests described below. We use the OPC at Watford and you would be expected to fund your own way there. More info can be read about the tests at
http://theopc.co.uk. These tests are the Mandatory elements only.
Group Bourdon
Effective and sustained concentration is a key characteristic required of a safe train driver. As automation of the driving role has increased the ability to concentrate for long periods of time with low activity has become increasingly important. A lack of concentration or a loss of focus is often identified as the underlying cause of train driver incidents including Signals Passed at Danger (SPaDs), Station Overruns or Failed to Calls.
Tea-Occ
Everyday Attention for Occupational Assessment carry out a simulation whilst being distracted.
TRP 1
The TRP has been specifically designed for the train driver role and has been developed in two parts. Part 1 of the test assesses the candidates ability to retain and recall job related information and part 2 assesses their aptitude for learning new concepts similar to those encountered in driver training.
TRP 2
Vigilance
Analysis of the train driver role indicates that quick, effective and safe reactions are a key requirement of being a safe driver. In addition, depending on the traction type, train drivers may also need to be skilled and co-ordinated in using both hand and foot controls. During training some trainees will have to work very hard at learning to coordinate their hand and foot movements to ensure they keep safe and smooth control of their train.
Perception
Reaction Time
Hand Co-ordination
Conscientiousness
Interview based.
Be relied upon to do a job well, even in the face of difficulties
To do a task where it was important not to make a mistake
Follow strict rules or procedures
Dealing with Challenging Situations
Take control of a pressurised or emergency situation
Really persevere to learn or achieve something
Tolerance for Low Stimulation
Task you have undertaken that you think is similar to a task within the train driver role
Verbal Communication
This exercise provides assessors with evidence of a candidates ability to communicate work-related information clearly and accurately in spoken form.
The rVce has been designed specifically for front-line rail safety-critical personnel, including train drivers. This test assesses an applicants ability to communicate verbally safety-critical information. The candidate listens to an audio tape about a rail incident, and makes notes. The candidate then gives a verbal summary of the incident to an Incident Officer (assessor) together with what needs to be undertaken immediately.
Payment.
The total cost is £845. Once I have all the information requested above, I will need £200, shortly before taking the medical, then £645 payment via bank to bank transfer, a week prior to your assessment. Bank details will be given later.
If you are successful , we will endeavour to use our industry contacts to get you a foot in the door to complete your training with a train operator. There is a national shortage of train drivers. We have been assured by our industry partners that a pre-qualified driver will be ahead of the queue for recruitment having taken the initiative and paid for their own assessment. We are currently working with 4 pre-qualified candidates to get them placed with a train operations company.
Please do email or phone if you have more questions. The web site is also a good source of information.
Http://railopsgroup.co.uk &
Http://theopc.co.uk ALL GENERAL COMMUNICATION WILL BE BY EMAIL SO BE SURE TO ADD MY EMAIL ADDRESS TO YOUR SAFE SENDER LIST.
Please let me know via return email, if you are still interested.
