Talent pools and other advice

[John1984]

Hi guys

I would appreciate it if you could answer some questions I have. Thanks in advance. I would like to save myself time and TOCs time.

1) Once accepted into talent pools for train drivers and conductors how long do TOCs keep you in the talent pool for? I have an application with GWR at the moment.
2) Do you have any advice for passing assessments for conductors? Are conductors a two strike rule too?
3) If I pass the train driver assessment in July is this pass valid with any TOC thereafter?

Thanks again

 

[Dynamonic]

Hi there John1984,

1. From a driving perspective, different TOCs will have different rules regarding their talent pools, but the length is possibly determined by their policy on assessment validity length. For example, EMT's assessment validity is currently two years, so you can be held in their talent pool for up to two years.

2. I don't believe the two strike rule applies for conductors.

3. Your Train Driver Assessment passes (The OPC Stage 1 and 2 assessments) are valid with any TOC, provided they meet that TOC's standard (Some will have differing 'Enhanced' standards). You may be asked to resit any tests if you haven't met their standard or if your test passes are close to expiring. Some TOCs have different policies on assessment length validity, with some accepting passes up to two years old, and some accepting passes as much as five years old.
You should also be aware that you must wait six months between sitting your assessments and applying for a different TOC.

Hope this helps!

 

[Cyclist]

You should also be aware that you must wait six months between sitting your assessments and applying for a different TOC.

Is this only if you’ve failed part of the assessment? Currently I have failed a CBI but not many TOC use them so not sure if I have to wait 6 months.

 

[Dynamonic]

Is this only if you’ve failed part of the assessment? Currently I have failed a CBI but not many TOC use them so not sure if I have to wait 6 months.

Hi Cyclist,

The six month rule only applies to the OPC Driver Assessment, including the Multi-Modal Interview. If you were unsuccessful at a Driver Manager Interview, you’re free to apply with another TOC, provided six months have elapsed since you sat your OPC tests, regardless of whether you passed or failed them.

Once six months has passed, you’re free to apply to as many TOCs and have as many Driver Manager Interviews as you need, provided your OPC passes are current and valid.

I believe this rule is in place to prevent people sitting assessments with one TOC, just to use their passes with another.

 

[baz962]

Hi Cyclist,

The six month rule only applies to the OPC Driver Assessment, including the Multi-Modal Interview. If you were unsuccessful at a Driver Manager Interview, you’re free to apply with another TOC, provided six months have elapsed since you sat your OPC tests, regardless of whether you passed or failed them.

Once six months has passed, you’re free to apply to as many TOCs and have as many Driver Manager Interviews as you need, provided your OPC passes are current and valid.

I believe this rule is in place to prevent people sitting assessments with one TOC, just to use their passes with another.

I don't think that is correct I was unsuccessful at my first dmi , straight after the psychometric tests , and was successful at my second . I applied for my current toc 3 months after first dmi , and had second dmi 5 months later .

 

[MuckyFingers]

Once you get passed stages 1 and 2 and MMi, you dont need to worry about losing 'lives'. of course if you are unsuccessful at a dmi they may say you have to wait 6 months to apply for them again, but you could go to another dmi the next day with another toc if your that lucky

 

[Dynamonic]

My mistake. I've just looked into it. You're unable to retake an OPC assessment again within six months, regardless of whether you passed or failed. Basically, if you need an enhanced score, then you won't be able to sit the assessments again until six months have elapsed. Sorry about the confusion.

 

[Driver2B]

3. Your Train Driver Assessment passes (The OPC Stage 1 and 2 assessments) are valid with any TOC, provided they meet that TOC's standard (Some will have differing 'Enhanced' standards). You may be asked to resit any tests if you haven't met their standard or if your test passes are close to expiring. Some TOCs have different policies on assessment length validity, with some accepting passes up to two years old, and some accepting passes as much as five years old.

Does anybody know which TOCs have 'Enhanced' standards.

In particular, I've applied to:
* Southeastern Railway
* GTR (Thameslink)
* GTR (Southern)
* Arriva Rail London
* Southwestern Railway

Many thanks in advance.

 

[Eggs&Bacon]

Hi,so say you have literally just passed the assessment stage and are now waiting for a MMI date.Are you free to apply to other TOC’S whilst waiting for a MMI date.?

 

[Cyclist]

CBI is part of the OPC process. It is an alternative to MMI. I failed one with Virgin in April but passed everything else. The whole thing is quite confusing. Basically I will just keep applying for things and let the TOCs work out whether I’m eligible.

Edit: based on the retake wording, I think I’m all clear to go for other driver roles because Virgin won’t be posting anything else in 6 months so I wouldn’t be retaking CBI