Scotrail Trainee Drivers (Ongoing)

[Jace69er]

First time poster, so hello all.

Interesting reading on this thread, but just to confirm some of you are right about how it really works, some are wrong! External candidates are the preferred choice for many reasons including cost etc, so it is complete rubbish to suggest otherwise, reason I know this is because I was a passed man under British Rail, but lost my post on privatisation. I had to pass the psychometric test 8 times before I was finally offered a post, I was beaten by external candidates every time. Some of these individuals are not drivers now because they couldn't handle the boredom of the job, and believe me as much as I love it it can be very boring! The previous poster intimated that a lot of freight drivers will be slid into posts as part of deals with the Scotrail MD, yes that has happened in the past, not sure about now though, but if I were in their positions I would like ASLEF to fight to protect my livelihood and ensure I had a job even at the expense of others, it's a dog eat dog world when you are facing redundancy thats why we are a strong craft union. Can you imagine the outcry at the branch meeting,100 foc drivers lost their jobs but a toc took on 100 externals! Also it is disappointing to hear a Scotrail employee being slagged of on this forum, Sandra Cahill wouldn't have said internals have priority, as the recruitment process since 2003 has suggested very firmly otherwise, Sandra and her team are very capable at judging characters at these sessions, and to not get an offer at that stage, there must be something they have seen that they are not happy with.

So good luck to all, do your homework and may the best people win
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Dumfries, Stranraer, Oban, Fort William, Mallaig, Kyle of Lochalsh and Wick are all rural depots, who all have to have their complements increased by 1. The exceptions are Oban and Wick, I think Oban is full as good people have transferred from Glasgow, but Wick is chronically short, so maybe looking for more there.
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Sounds like you are in it for the money my man, and with that attitude good luck even integrating into the depot in the first place! Remember Scotrail still has a lot of BR men who can soon cut the wings of some of the know it alls coming through the training school, you are out of class with a hell of a lot to learn!

The last bit here is worth taking on board guys as I personally have seen this on many occasions

Guys coming in and ignoring the Un written rules and then learning the hard way

 

[387star]

You know what, go f**k yourself, believe what you will.

ah got to love this forum

 

[Jydo]

Id like to just say that Sandra and Synthia (?) were absolutely fantastic with everyone when I was in doing the 1st stage of physcometric tests. Very professional & didnt start any test until everyone was clear with what they were doing. Its funny because they must deal with thousands & thousands of wannabes so to act like that puts everyones nerves at ease , defo a credit to the Scotrail HR dept......

 

[Jace69er]

Id like to just say that Sandra and Synthia (?) were absolutely fantastic with everyone when I was in doing the 1st stage of physcometric tests. Very professional & didnt start any test until everyone was clear with what they were doing. Its funny because they must deal with thousands & thousands of wannabes so to act like that puts everyones nerves at ease , defo a credit to the Scotrail HR dept......

Maybe add your real name and address after an ass kissing like this lol

 

[Jydo]

People often have a little dig at the recruitment dept now and again, they have a difficult monotonous job at times..........all Im saying is that they done a very good job when I was there, Im not in the habbit of kissing folks arses to get a job on the railway

 

[Drsatan]

I'm a bit late to the party but when applying for one of these train driver vacancies, can you specify that you're willing to relocate if offered the job? I'm asking because at the moment I live in Wales but would be willing to move to Scotland. Or are ScotRail only accepting applications from candidates who live within commuting distance of the depot they're applying to?

 

[Daz9284]

I'm a bit late to the party but when applying for one of these train driver vacancies, can you specify that you're willing to relocate if offered the job? I'm asking because at the moment I live in Wales but would be willing to move to Scotland. Or are ScotRail only accepting applications from candidates who live within commuting distance of the depot they're applying to?

Yes as there is a section asking if you currently live within 45 mins commute, and if not, would you relocate

Regards
Darryl

 

[Watashi]

I live in Falkirk and Bathgate is technically my closest depot. However, Stirling is quicker to get to and in a different area. Should i apply for both Bathgath and Stirling? Or just Bathgate? Stupid question I know....

 

[josecc]

Report in the Daily Record today suggesting nearly 8000 applicants have applied so far with the final number expected to be over 10000 by the time the job advert ends.

 

[notadriver]

I wonder how many externals will be given jobs; there must be a lot of internal applicants applying too?

 

[link1driver]

I live in Falkirk and Bathgate is technically my closest depot. However, Stirling is quicker to get to and in a different area. Should i apply for both Bathgath and Stirling? Or just Bathgate? Stupid question I know....

Not a stupid question at all. Problem with Stirling is that there are drivers based at other depots who all have moves into Stirling registered with Scotrail and Aslef, so will be looking to fill any potential vacancies at that depot, on the plus side that leaves extra vacancies at the likes of Perth and Edinburgh, so maybe apply there as well.
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I wonder how many externals will be given jobs; there must be a lot of internal applicants applying too?

Wouldn't bank on that many, as recruitment history certainly as far back as 2003, suggests that internal staff get token positions now and again! Better chance externally in my view.

 

[josecc]

If internals were took on would they then need to potentialy train up people in 2 jobs as opposed to 1 therefore would it cost them more time, effort and money?
I think they will select who they believe to be the best candidate whether they are internal or external but I could be wrong.

 

[Saltire]

Report in the Daily Record today suggesting nearly 8000 applicants have applied so far with the final number expected to be over 10000 by the time the job advert ends.

I also heard this on local radio today, I'm surprised to be honest, thought it would have been much more given the amount of advertising and press coverage this vacancy list has had. I have at least 6 personal acquaintances who are applying (maybe more, those are just the ones I know about).
On the bright side if the expected total of 10,000 is accurate that gives a better than usual ratio of less than 100:1 compared to the usual figure of 300:1 that is quoted on this and other forums and websites, assuming the reports of 100+ vacancies are correct.
Good luck to everyone who's spent the time on their application

 

[paepo]

I also heard this on local radio today, I'm surprised to be honest, thought it would have been much more given the amount of advertising and press coverage this vacancy list has had. I have at least 6 personal acquaintances who are applying (maybe more, those are just the ones I know about).
On the bright side if the expected total of 10,000 is accurate that gives a better than usual ratio of less than 100:1 compared to the usual figure of 300:1 that is quoted on this and other forums and websites, assuming the reports of 100+ vacancies are correct.
Good luck to everyone who's spent the time on their application

Hi Saltire, I expected that number to be higher too given the large amount of advertising and media coverage the vacancies have had. 8000 applicants when 2/3 of the way through the recruitment drive would estimate the final figure to be at 12,000 (if you're averaging 4,000 per week) but given that the main advertising happened a week after the positions being posted and the length of the form I imagine there will be a lot of people still to complete it and there's nearly a week left to do so.

 

[Saltire]

Hi Saltire, I expected that number to be higher too given the large amount of advertising and media coverage the vacancies have had. 8000 applicants when 2/3 of the way through the recruitment drive would estimate the final figure to be at 12,000 (if you're averaging 4,000 per week) but given that the main advertising happened a week after the positions being posted and the length of the form I imagine there will be a lot of people still to complete it and there's nearly a week left to do so.

Perhaps, but as regular followers of this forum know sometimes the advert is pulled when sufficient applications have been received - maybe 10,000 is the magic number?

 

[paepo]

Perhaps, but as regular followers of this forum know sometimes the advert is pulled when sufficient applications have been received - maybe 10,000 is the magic number?

Hmmm, maybe. Dunno if they'd pull it early given the media coverage. Would this look bad that the TOC has moved the date and possibly denied some would be applicants or would it be good press to say they've had so many applicants that they had to close it early?
Anyone who's keen should be checking the TOC websites daily and have alerts set up anyway, so the serious applicants would've been the earliest ones submitted probably.
Good luck to all that have applied and if anyone is successful in progressing then please post on here so other applicants know. With the TOC only contacting successful applicants it will put others out of their misery if a load of people have heard but they haven't then chances are they've not succeeded.
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-business-34346101

As suspected it's already past 12,700 applicants now. Wouldn't be surprised if it doesn't go over 20,000 as every time a story is published the salary is quoted which is what draws a lot of people to apply and I imagine there will be a lot of people completing their form in stages so will be a fair amount still to submit. Great publicity for Abellio though.

 

[Kilted_Scot]

Ridiculous amount of Applicants! Leaves me sad as an internal applicant. It's hard enough as it is.

For those talking about the Dumfries jobs earlier in the thread, I believe these were freight drivers who were getting laid off and ASLEF put the pressure on to get them jobs.

Also the 6 month thing counts for internal applicants too.

 

[G-Scot]

Hi all,

Apologies but I've been a bit of a voyeur on here up until now, but have been reading your posts with great interest. I've been wanting to apply for this job for ages now and it was advertised just as I went on holiday. I started the application last week, with the intention of completing it on my return. When I logged in last night, the closing date stated 24th of September, for West vacancies, whereas it was previously the 30th. I ended up submitting a bit of a half baked application, sending it at 5 to midnight. When I looked again at the website, the closing date then stated 30th September.

I was wondering if any of you have had a similar experience, and if there may be any way of retracting my application, in order that I can make improvements? Also, do any of you know the contact number for recruitment? I've tried a general number, but can't even get through to that!

Good luck!

G

 

[Jen17]

Hi All,

I've just come across this thread. I've just sent my application off this morning for the East post. I've spent a week on my application, but was a bit concerned with the figures of applicants that BBC released yesterday - 12,700!

The closing date definitely had the 30th and still did this morning, but I wasn't tempting it as my application was checked and ready to send.

Best of luck to all applying!

J

 

[Bodiddly]

Nearly 13,000? Jeez, that's going to be some sift! Plenty OT going in our recruitment department!

 

[Donachie]

For those talking about the Dumfries jobs earlier in the thread, I believe these were freight drivers who were getting laid off and ASLEF put the pressure on to get them jobs.

Also the 6 month thing counts for internal applicants too.

Thanks for info on the Dumfries jobs Kilted Scott.

That's hard for internals.

Good luck with your application.

Donachie.

 

[Jydo]

Its great positive PR for Abellio and the "Scotrail" image but a ridiculous amount of candidates all the same, who's to say they wont just bin a large amount without even looking at their applications?? Im applying (again) because of the job, not because of the salary, Ive seen people post on various social media sites how they are applying because of the money and how they are "lying through their teeth" on the application form.

This is attracting people from all sorts of different industry backgrounds and not just the usual run of the mill folk like the ex-forces, drivers, police, firefighters etc etc so my question is that are they still looking for candidates with relevant job experience similar to a train drivers job? For example, Would a bus driver have more of an advantage over a person who worked in a call centre? I'd still like to think so but who knows?

 

[Markos72]

I am looking to move from my current post in Network Rail,with relevant track safety training and knowledge hopefully being an advantage.I don't think many of the applicants really realise what is involved in being a train driver

 

[scotraildriver]

I am looking to move from my current post in Network Rail,with relevant track safety training and knowledge hopefully being an advantage.I don't think many of the applicants really realise what is involved in being a train driver

Spot on. The vast majority will have no clue and will be taken out at testing and interview. Anyone really serious with a decent background and good knowledge of what the job involves will be in with a decent chance.

 

[387star]

Spot on. The vast majority will have no clue and will be taken out at testing and interview. Anyone really serious with a decent background and good knowledge of what the job involves will be in with a decent chance.

Yeah I agree with this

Certainly helps with the why do you want to be a train driver question as well

 

[Bodiddly]

Spot on. The vast majority will have no clue and will be taken out at testing and interview. Anyone really serious with a decent background and good knowledge of what the job involves will be in with a decent chance.

Isn't it also fair to say that probably the majority of candidates will not have had any railway experience whatsoever but can demonstrate the attributes needed for the job? The MSM have made the railways job in finding suitable trainee drivers very easy. According to the media, you sit around pushing/pulling a lever and stare out the window the rest of the time and get paid thousands for the pleasure. Many people who get through to the intensive training have no idea what lies ahead for them. It can be a very challenging job because of the sheer monotony of the work involved and very high concentration skills are needed. This alone will weed out a few thousand at the sift.

 

[notadriver]

Its great positive PR for Abellio and the "Scotrail" image but a ridiculous amount of candidates all the same, who's to say they wont just bin a large amount without even looking at their applications?? Im applying (again) because of the job, not because of the salary, Ive seen people post on various social media sites how they are applying because of the money and how they are "lying through their teeth" on the application form.

This is attracting people from all sorts of different industry backgrounds and not just the usual run of the mill folk like the ex-forces, drivers, police, firefighters etc etc so my question is that are they still looking for candidates with relevant job experience similar to a train drivers job? For example, Would a bus driver have more of an advantage over a person who worked in a call centre? I'd still like to think so but who knows?

Should a bus driver have more of an advantage over a call centre/office based type person ? If so why ?

 

[scotraildriver]

Should a bus driver have more of an advantage over a call centre/office based type person ? If so why ?

Not necessarily. But the railway is all about safety. It is a safety critical job. And a bus driver will have a proven record in the safe carriage of passengers and safety of their vehicle whilst also demonstrating customer service skills. It helps. Bus drivers also are used to similar shift patterns and will have a proven record of timekeeping etc as do people like posties. But it's all about demonstrating your awareness of safety at interview.

 

[320320]

Its great positive PR for Abellio and the "Scotrail" image but a ridiculous amount of candidates all the same, who's to say they wont just bin a large amount without even looking at their applications?? Im applying (again) because of the job, not because of the salary, Ive seen people post on various social media sites how they are applying because of the money and how they are "lying through their teeth" on the application form.

This is attracting people from all sorts of different industry backgrounds and not just the usual run of the mill folk like the ex-forces, drivers, police, firefighters etc etc so my question is that are they still looking for candidates with relevant job experience similar to a train drivers job? For example, Would a bus driver have more of an advantage over a person who worked in a call centre? I'd still like to think so but who knows?

Everyone is doing it for the money, save for some weird spotter types and the only thing about lying through your teeth is remembering what you've said. I know a few that told fairy stories to get the job but it didn't make them bad drivers.

 

[theironroad]

As one of about 13000 applicants, I am not holding my breath and I'm a qualified driver applicant. I really don't know how a hr department sifts that many applicants, but its going to be a numbers game. Good luck to everyone who applied.