SWT driver assessment

[Safety365]

There may be some light at the end of the tunnel for some of you still waiting on SWT.

A friend who has since started training with LOROL was phoned up by SWT yesterday asking if he was available for an interview. He had applied for Waterloo. He declined, so they might still be working their way down the list.

fingers crossed...

 

[armin99]

When your in the class room doing your rules (which is about 3 months but I'll get the actual timings tomorrow) no you won't have to work sundays, you get the weekends to your self (Banl Holidays are down to your manager). When you go out doing your hours you'll work what your DI works, so it's depending on what he/she has in agreement at their depot. Usually you will work a mixture of days, nights, early turns, late turns, weekends and bank holidays.

hi 455/8, i am about to start my rules and procedures on the 23rd. could you tell me how intense it is and whats the dress code is like please? thanks

 

[Tubeman]

I was invited in for interview yesterday (Waterloo driver) at very short notice and turned them down... I've decided not to leave LU now anyway.

Just shows how disorganised SWT recruitment are and how bad their forecasting must be. In February I had to call them after passing assessments / structured interview to be told I'd be waiting until late 2011 / early 2012 for interview, only to then get 6 day's notice of an interview in early May.

The lesson is: don't give up hope, and believe nothing they tell you!

Good luck to everyone going through the various stages now.

 

[Solus]

Hi tagzy
I was inthe same situation as you. Passed all the assements in Dec/jan and was told that all places were filled. Well I got an email inviting me to Basingstoke next week for an interview. But in the letter they gave me the leaflet about structured interviews. I just wanted to know how your interview went, and was it a managers interview?

 

[455/8]

hi 455/8, i am about to start my rules and procedures on the 23rd. could you tell me how intense it is and whats the dress code is like please? thanks

Hi armin99, so far I've not found the course that difficult but it really depends on how much you already know about Railways. I've worked as Guard for 3 years previous to becoming a Driver and I have an interest in the railway which gave me a good Idea of how things work and what you see out on track, so for me it's not been that intense, however as from tomorrow we are only 9 days into our course so we have only covered Personal Track Safety (PTS) and Basic Rail and not got to the actual rules yet which will be intense. The dress code is South West Trains Drivers uniform which you'll get when you start.

If your coming from the "outside" you will start on a monday to have a Company Introduction, Tuesday will be with the HR folks and sorting out paperwork, Wenesday will be meet you manager at yourr depot and pickup your uniform with Thursday being the first day at the Training school.

I hope thats answered you question.

Alan

 

[armin99]

hi alan,

thanks very much for the info, that helps alot. was debating to buy new trousers and shirts etc, but a uniform is good for me. looking forward to starting

 

[ghost]

Hi i have an interview for driver, if there is anyone out there who remembers any question from their managers interview it will be appreciated.

 

[Drewy]

hi everyone..
wondered if i could have any advice..as ive just recieved a letter 20th may for a structured interview for fri 27th may at basingstoke for drivers job based at fratton!
i applied back in sept 2010 and was quite supprised to hear out of the blue!..and with quite short notice!

 

[387star]

I take it you took the assessment back then? That really is a long time to wait gives everyone hope I'd imagine. Good luck!!!

 

[Drewy]

can anyone tell me the pay structure whilst training?
thanks

 

[Shrub Hill]

how did the interview go?

 

[Drewy]

interview was successful...but need to do an RVCE test which was missed!!...can anyone enlighten me as to what this is?...would be much appreciated..cheers

 

[GB]

interview was successful...but need to do an RVCE test which was missed!!...can anyone enlighten me as to what this is?...would be much appreciated..cheers

From the Watford OPC website....

Railway Verbal Communication Exercise - rVce

This exercise provides assessors with evidence of a candidate’s 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 applicant’s 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.

This exercise compliments the rWce. Both exercises include the same audio of the safety incident. In the rVce the candidate is assessed on his/her verbal communication. In the rWce the candidate is assessed on his/her written communication. Candidates are assessed on the quality and accuracy of the verbal communication.

Materials include an audio recording, candidate reference sheet, and assessor rating guide.

 

[Miss N]

Hi guys,

I have an assessment for southwest trains this coming Thursday for the postion of guard. I have been going through the test booklet they sent me and am pretty confident. I went for another assessment a couple of weeks ago for another position with Southwest and passed awaiting date for interview. Has anyone been to one recently? The booklet mentions a role play exercise. Did anyone have that? Also if anyone has been for an interview, can you please tell me what kind of questions they ask? I wish the assessment day and interview were on seperate days. Any help would be greatly appreciated =)

Miss N

 

[9K43]

Working on the railway is not role play its up front and in your face.
I went to a Rail Enquiry regarding a derailed locomotive at Rotherham.
On the table was a good 30 yards download from Sheffield PSB after this derailment.
Also when we were out shunting managers has scanners so the could listen in on safety critical radio communications.
Just learn the phonetic alphabet, be clear and concise when talking to signalmen about safety critical conversations.
Sometimes things said in jest have a nasty habit of raising its ugly head.
Operate by the rule book to the letter and do not take chances that might drop you in it.

 

[m2ka]

Hey guys,

Is anyone else still in the recruitment process for trainee drivers positions after applying in November(ish)? Just wondering thats all - or also, anyone due to start on a course in October or November?

Cheers!

 

[Drewy]

hi mate
passed my medical this week..been told im on course starting on 31 oct!!..just waiting for paperwork to come through now!
yourself?

 

[m2ka]

Had the managers interview just over 2 weeks ago but it then took me 2 weeks to get my documents to them (i.e. the proof of address and proof of NI number) HR has been very good.

Now i'm waiting for an answer on whether I can proceed to the medical or not. I sent an email today but if there's no response I shall call tomorrow.

They gave me a provisional estimated start date of November - same as you I guess.

What depot will you be based at? also when did you do the managers interview?

 

[alsealey]

Hi I had my Managers interview on the 15th Aug and was told that I would hear within 10 days, I had to chase South West Trains a couple of times but today got told my medical is on the 29th Sep and if passed course 31Oct !

Very chuffed right now but need to pass the medical first, anyone know what I should expect and if they tell you there and then if you have passed?

 

[m2ka]

I got a phone call today for an invitation to a medical for either the 8th sept or 29th sept - chose the earlier one just so its out the way quicker.

I have also been given a provisional start date 31st oct.

I do have one question about the medical in particular.

I do not need to wear glasses for driving (cars) but should do for trains - but I dont have any glasses. will this be a problem?

 

[MrC]

I got a phone call today for an invitation to a medical for either the 8th sept or 29th sept - chose the earlier one just so its out the way quicker.

I have also been given a provisional start date 31st oct.

I do have one question about the medical in particular.

I do not need to wear glasses for driving (cars) but should do for trains - but I dont have any glasses. will this be a problem?

The standard medical tests your eyesight with and without the glasses you will normally wear for driving trains. You will need to carry a second pair although most companies have schemes to fund a certain amount to pay for the first or second pairs

Personally I'd ring them back, tell them your circumstances and ask for their advice. They may refer you directly or indirectly to the occupational health dept. Be prepared to change your medical date to allow you enough time to get glasses, get used to wearing them and to sort out any issues.

 

[m2ka]

thanks for the reply - i'll get onto them first thing monday