Southeastern - Trainee Driver - Recruitment Discussion

[newbiewannabe]

Yes, same here. June 24 applicant. I passed everything, all interviews and assessments, passed the medical mid April and told I'm in the talent pool. Literally waiting for a start date but no idea. Can't book summer holiday with the kids etc, very frustrating. Did they give you any indication of how long the wait would be?

All they said is it probably wouldn’t be until the end of the year. Us June 24 applicants don’t seem to have much luck!

 

[Purplerain77]

Hi everyone! I have my assessment day soon. Can anyone explain how the VSE is on the day? Is it on computer? I’ve heard that it is very different to what we get given in practice materials. Any information is greatly appreciated.

 

[typicalalex1]

Hi everyone! I have my assessment day on Thursday. I have already passed enhanced paper and computer tests plus the MMI with another TOC and emailed to asked how this would look and I’ve literally only got to attend for the VSE. Apparently been added to the talent pool for my station on the back of this being told to them. Can anyone explain how the VSE is on the day? Is it on computer? I’ve heard that it is very different to what we get given in practice materials. Any information is greatly appreciated.

I found that the VSE practice material wasn't very helpful to be honest, but do it anyway.

The VSE is done on computer and is in 3 parts.
Part 1 is a circuit with various markers around it. You need to follow the marker around the circuit and watch for mistakes which include skipping, colour changes and moving backwards.
Part 2 is 2 columns of symbols. You need to work out if the symbols in both columns match and press a button to say yes or no. I believe the amount of symbols increases over time but can't remember 100%.
Part 3 is doing both at the same time.

I did the first 2 parts with zero mistakes. I made maybe 3 mistakes in part 3. Mostly because it is quite easy to get the yes & no buttons mixed up.
In the waiting area, I was sitting with a group of people who had done the assessment before me and they said they found it to be the most difficult assessment and found it easy to become flustered. I personally didn't agree with this, I actually got more flustered with the artic shores assessment.

 

[Twin82]

I found that the VSE practice material wasn't very helpful to be honest, but do it anyway.

The VSE is done on computer and is in 3 parts.
Part 1 is a circuit with various markers around it. You need to follow the marker around the circuit and watch for mistakes which include skipping, colour changes and moving backwards.
Part 2 is 2 columns of symbols. You need to work out if the symbols in both columns match and press a button to say yes or no. I believe the amount of symbols increases over time but can't remember 100%.
Part 3 is doing both at the same time.

I did the first 2 parts with zero mistakes. I made maybe 3 mistakes in part 3. Mostly because it is quite easy to get the yes & no buttons mixed up.
In the waiting area, I was sitting with a group of people who had done the assessment before me and they said they found it to be the most difficult assessment and found it easy to become flustered. I personally didn't agree with this, I actually got more flustered with the artic shores assessment.

Just to add, for part 3, you have to prioritise the track over the column should you identify an error.

 

[Purplerain77]

I found that the VSE practice material wasn't very helpful to be honest, but do it anyway.

The VSE is done on computer and is in 3 parts.
Part 1 is a circuit with various markers around it. You need to follow the marker around the circuit and watch for mistakes which include skipping, colour changes and moving backwards.
Part 2 is 2 columns of symbols. You need to work out if the symbols in both columns match and press a button to say yes or no. I believe the amount of symbols increases over time but can't remember 100%.
Part 3 is doing both at the same time.

I did the first 2 parts with zero mistakes. I made maybe 3 mistakes in part 3. Mostly because it is quite easy to get the yes & no buttons mixed up.
In the waiting area, I was sitting with a group of people who had done the assessment before me and they said they found it to be the most difficult assessment and found it easy to become flustered. I personally didn't agree with this, I actually got more flustered with the artic shores assessment.

Thanks for this. Very helpful, feel a lot more at ease about it now.

Just to add, for part 3, you have to prioritise the track over the column should you identify an error.

Thank you!

 

[jjjjjjonny]

Finally got my MMI booked in, which will be about a year after my assessment date.

I know I shouldn't get ahead of myself as good chance I won't get there, but it seems the training course start dates seem to be in April? Starting next April would be ideal for me! Or are they spread out over the year? Does anyone know when they tend to be? I'm going for Orpington if that makes a difference.

 

[Twin82]

Finally got my MMI booked in, which will be about a year after my assessment date.

I know I shouldn't get ahead of myself as good chance I won't get there, but it seems the training course start dates seem to be in April? Starting next April would be ideal for me! Or are they spread out over the year? Does anyone know when they tend to be? I'm going for Orpington if that makes a difference.

What depot are you applying for? I spied for the CX/Grove Park vacancy, now changed to CX/Victoria after passing my mmi. Was told there are candidates areahrad of me that are prioritised for the Aug/Sept/Oct courses. Maybe if you're at a different depot it might be different.

 

[jjjjjjonny]

What depot are you applying for? I spied for the CX/Grove Park vacancy, now changed to CX/Victoria after passing my mmi. Was told there are candidates areahrad of me that are prioritised for the Aug/Sept/Oct courses. Maybe if you're at a different depot it might be different

Orpington. Ah okay so there must be multiple course start dates.

 

[Twin82]

Orpington. Ah okay so there must be multiple course start dates.

Seems so

 

[mickeyC]

Orpington. Ah okay so there must be multiple course start dates.

There seems to be multiple course dates spread out over the year.

I started 3 weeks ago at the end of April and about to take Module 1 assessment.
There is another group just about to take the last module no5 so they must of started around late Feb and a new group are booked for June to start.

 

[jjjjjjonny]

There seems to be multiple course dates spread out over the year.

I started 3 weeks ago at the end of April and about to take Module 1 assessment.
There is another group just about to take the last module no5 so they must of started around late Feb and a new group are booked for June to start.

Ah okay, thanks for the info. How's it going so far?

 

[mickeyC]

Ah okay, thanks for the info. How's it going so far?

I won’t sugar coat it, it’s brutal.
3 weeks in and already had 3 assessments that require a minimum 80% pass rate or your out.
4th assessment is next week.
Trainers and other applicants are a right laugh.

 

[Twin82]

I won’t sugar coat it, it’s brutal.
3 weeks in and already had 3 assessments that require a minimum 80% pass rate or your out.
4th assessment is next week.
Trainers and other applicants are a right laugh.

Has anyone fallen out your classroom so far?

 

[mickeyC]

Has anyone fallen out your classroom so far?

Nope, we’re all pretty solid at the moment.

 

[Twin82]

Nope, we’re all pretty solid at the moment.

Good to hear. Keep it up mate.

 

[Purplerain77]

Ah okay, thanks for the info. How's it going so far?

I just was at the assessment center in Ashford the other day and they told us they try to get one in monthly depending on company needs. They’ve fit in 10 this year apparently and have everything booked up to August and with others in front of us they are saying realistically early next year but of course there may be people that can’t start or other things happen that mean it’s a bit earlier

At the end of the day it’s all dependant on what vacancies are open at your chosen depot. Until there is one coming, there won’t be an allocated place on one of the training dates for the location.

 

[newbiewannabe]

How’s this for luck… I have my medical on Friday and I’m now in hospital after having a heart attack an hour ago! Anyone know if I should still go on Friday? Do they do an ECG? The cardiologist said the abnormalities will show. I’m going to be fine though.

 

[Matti boo]

How’s this for luck… I have my medical on Friday and I’m now in hospital after having a heart attack an hour ago! Anyone know if I should still go on Friday? Do they do an ECG? The cardiologist said the abnormalities will show. I’m going to be fine though.

Sorry to hear that. Not 100% sure but I think they do, I vaguely remember having mine done, but that was a little while ago now.
Hopefully someone can confirm.

 

[newbiewannabe]

Sorry to hear that. Not 100% sure but I think they do, I vaguely remember having mine done, but that was a little while ago now.
Hopefully someone can confirm.

Cheers mate, hopefully I can still do it, I’ve waited nearly two years for this!

 

[FR510]

How’s this for luck… I have my medical on Friday and I’m now in hospital after having a heart attack an hour ago! Anyone know if I should still go on Friday? Do they do an ECG? The cardiologist said the abnormalities will show. I’m going to be fine though.

ECG is definitely done at a medical. Although the clinician doing the medical won't be able to give you a definitive answer there and then. The ECG and report will be sent to a railway doctor who will give their opinion later the same day probably, normally by telephone initially. The most important thing of course is that you're OK.

 

[newbiewannabe]

ECG is definitely done at a medical. Although the clinician doing the medical won't be able to give you a definitive answer there and then. The ECG and report will be sent to a railway doctor who will give their opinion later the same day probably, normally by telephone initially. The most important thing of course is that you're OK.

I’m ok cheers, fingers crossed. I’ve emailed recruitment and explained to them and asked what my next move should be. I can still make the medical but there’s no point if it’s an automatic fail.

 

[Class2ldn]

There will most likely be a considerable delay to any offer if you've just had a heart attack, there will definitely be an ecg, they may be willing to continue the process but seems unlikely youll be getting an offer anytime soon I would have thought.
Main thing is you're ok and im sure they will be sensitive with it and hopefully give you chance at some point.
Think it will be a while though as they'll want to make sure any treatment you receive is satisfactory before they clear you and theres probably a minimum timeframe for that.

 

[forgetmyname69]

I won’t sugar coat it, it’s brutal.
3 weeks in and already had 3 assessments that require a minimum 80% pass rate or your out.
4th assessment is next week.
Trainers and other applicants are a right laugh.

BRUTALLY BRUTAL

 

[newbiewannabe]

There will most likely be a considerable delay to any offer if you've just had a heart attack, there will definitely be an ecg, they may be willing to continue the process but seems unlikely youll be getting an offer anytime soon I would have thought.
Main thing is you're ok and im sure they will be sensitive with it and hopefully give you chance at some point.
Think it will be a while though as they'll want to make sure any treatment you receive is satisfactory before they clear you and theres probably a minimum timeframe for that.

Cheers spoke to recruitment today and they said not to worry, they’ll keep me in the talent pool and once I’ve recovered and my medication is approved I’ll be good to go. Think it’ll be a while though as you said

 

[JM1989]

Hi, I have just been given a date for my MMI interview at the start of June. Been reading a lot of the posts which are helpful, thankyou for all that.

I've took 6 questions that seem to pop up as the main 6 that are likely to be asked and wrote a brief answer, then using the STAR method expanded in detail on the answer to another person to create an interview scenario. Across the 6 questions, with no questions thrown at me, I'm taking roughly 10 minutes to detail all info, explain my actions then talk about the outcome and relate it to a train driving role.

My question is, does anyone recall whether there was a (likely unofficial but preferred) time frame on each question? I don't want to bore anyone sitting in front of me but at the same time want to give as much information and detail on my answer as possible.

Any advice would be brilliant. Much appreciated in advance.

 

[Twin82]

Hi, I have just been given a date for my MMI interview at the start of June. Been reading a lot of the posts which are helpful, thankyou for all that.

I've took 6 questions that seem to pop up as the main 6 that are likely to be asked and wrote a brief answer, then using the STAR method expanded in detail on the answer to another person to create an interview scenario. Across the 6 questions, with no questions thrown at me, I'm taking roughly 10 minutes to detail all info, explain my actions then talk about the outcome and relate it to a train driving role.

My question is, does anyone recall whether there was a (likely unofficial but preferred) time frame on each question? I don't want to bore anyone sitting in front of me but at the same time want to give as much information and detail on my answer as possible.

Any advice would be brilliant. Much appreciated in advance.

I'm not sure about time for each question. Just remember the interviewer will be writing notes as you say your answers. Try to keep it concise as you can.

 

[NeoNeko]

Hi, I have just been given a date for my MMI interview at the start of June. Been reading a lot of the posts which are helpful, thankyou for all that.

I've took 6 questions that seem to pop up as the main 6 that are likely to be asked and wrote a brief answer, then using the STAR method expanded in detail on the answer to another person to create an interview scenario. Across the 6 questions, with no questions thrown at me, I'm taking roughly 10 minutes to detail all info, explain my actions then talk about the outcome and relate it to a train driving role.

My question is, does anyone recall whether there was a (likely unofficial but preferred) time frame on each question? I don't want to bore anyone sitting in front of me but at the same time want to give as much information and detail on my answer as possible.

Any advice would be brilliant. Much appreciated in advance.

There's really no time frame. It's more about hitting all the points they are looking for in each answer, and if you are using STAR to give a detailed explanation for each question, and it's taking 10 minutes for you to do so, then that sounds good to me People saiad the MMI would take about 45 mins, and I think my MMI was about an hour and a half, which included me going through all my answers in detail, and being asked a few follow-up questions for each one by the interviewer. As I was giving my answer, she was making notes and ticking things off on her sheet, and then she'd ask me additional questions to steer me in the right direction so that I hit the other points she needed to tick off on her sheet. If you're not repeating yourself during your STAR answers while practising, and are covering all the areas in each part, you're doing it right as far as I'm concerned

 

[typicalalex1]

Hi, I have just been given a date for my MMI interview at the start of June. Been reading a lot of the posts which are helpful, thankyou for all that.

I've took 6 questions that seem to pop up as the main 6 that are likely to be asked and wrote a brief answer, then using the STAR method expanded in detail on the answer to another person to create an interview scenario. Across the 6 questions, with no questions thrown at me, I'm taking roughly 10 minutes to detail all info, explain my actions then talk about the outcome and relate it to a train driving role.

My question is, does anyone recall whether there was a (likely unofficial but preferred) time frame on each question? I don't want to bore anyone sitting in front of me but at the same time want to give as much information and detail on my answer as possible.

Any advice would be brilliant. Much appreciated in advance.

No set time, it really depends on how well you answer the questions, I was in and out within 20 minutes. So quick that I thought I had screwed it up but apparently I answered the questions really well.
On my assessment day, 1 guy was called in 20-30 minutes before me and he was still going long after I had finished. Just link everything to aspects of the role, safety, working alone etc.

The other assessment you sit on the day forms part of your MMI as well, I think it was called the SJE? They will ask you random questions between the MMI questions as well. One I got asked was can you think of a role similar to a train driver and why.

 

[JM1989]

thanks for your replies. Will just practice keeping the answers concise and relevant to the role as mentioned.

Looking online the 'SJE' seems to be a set of questions with multiple answers, and its a case of putting them in the most relevant order?

Thanks

 

[Folkestonechap]

Just a quick question. Where are the medicals carried out?