Talent Pools

[Tevion539]

Hi all,

Does anyone have any experience with talent pools and how long you can be in them typically? I have just passed an interview and am now in a talent pool. I just hope I ain’t in it for a full 24 months. How much notice to TOC give you? Whats the medical like for a guard?

 

[jacey]

Im in 3 talent pools longest of which March 2020, im sure the pandemic did not help but it can be a long wait.
To be more positive others have been called after a few days.

I have now just passed a medical for a toc after joining the talent pool in March 2022.

It's so random and hard to know, i would advise you keep working away for other opportunities and hope the call or email one day comes.

 

[Tevion539]

Yeah, I mean. I applied for SWR in 2020, got accepted in 2021 and nothing. No news of a reinterview date. Nothing when I call or email them. However, other people who interviewed after me have jobs. So, don't know how that works. I've recently been offered a position with TFW.

What sort of stuff did the medical entail. Standard blood pressure, eyesight etc?

I think my main question then is, how long of a notice do they allow when telling you there was a course available?

 

[DM1994]

Yeah, I mean. I applied for SWR in 2020, got accepted in 2021 and nothing. No news of a reinterview date. Nothing when I call or email them. However, other people who interviewed after me have jobs. So, don't know how that works. I've recently been offered a position with TFW.

What sort of stuff did the medical entail. Standard blood pressure, eyesight etc?

I think my main question then is, how long of a notice do they allow when telling you there was a course available?

I've had a similar experience with DB, got put in the talent pool in June, I know of a few who entered the pool after me, but have had a final interview before me and one has even had a job offer. One even entered the pool about 5 months after I did and had an interview within 2 weeks. Can't really figure out how it works.

 

[Tevion539]

One would reasonably presume that it's a first come first served basis. I know TfW have said I can be in the talent pool for up to 24 months. SWR? Only 6 months before having to reinterview. My app is still technically open with them but I'm not sure if I should continue hoping for them to pull through in all honesty.

It's a job I've always wanted, and now having a young family on the way the extra money really could come in handy

Really hope I don't have to wait 24 months, but I've heard some good things here and there, I'm just proud that I continually prove myself and others wrong that I am capable of these things.

 

[RyanC87]

Medical is pretty straightforward. Height, weight, eye sight and hearing

Blood pressure, drugs and alcohol, ecg. Might be slightly less for guard/conductor role.

Lots of courses coming up within the next year, due to increase in services and metro etc so I don't think you'll be waiting long

 

[Davy17]

It seems to be apparent TP generally end after 12 months - is this correct?

I have noticed a couple of TOCs have advertised for TP roles, not take up employment and then re advertise these roles after 12-18 months. Those already in pools, would they be transferred to another pool, would they still be in a pool and this is a method to add candidates to that pool or would you generally say after that 12-18 months you would not be taken into consideration for that position so you would have to reapply and start fresh. Also are we in a positon within the rail industry where TOCs constantly have TP ongoing to provide them with flexability

I am generally curious with talent pools as it does not seem to be a set rule within TOCs and depending on that TOC the process seems to be various or flexible

 

[Tevion539]

It seems to be apparent TP generally end after 12 months - is this correct?

I have noticed a couple of TOCs have advertised for TP roles, not take up employment and then re advertise these roles after 12-18 months. Those already in pools, would they be transferred to another pool, would they still be in a pool and this is a method to add candidates to that pool or would you generally say after that 12-18 months you would not be taken into consideration for that position so you would have to reapply and start fresh. Also are we in a positon within the rail industry where TOCs constantly have TP ongoing to provide them with flexability

I am generally curious with talent pools as it does not seem to be a set rule within TOCs and depending on that TOC the process seems to be various or flexible

SWR seem to be a six month pool, Transport for Wales seem to be 24 month as per the email I got Thursday.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 16 Oct 2022 ==

Medical is pretty straightforward. Height, weight, eye sight and hearing

Blood pressure, drugs and alcohol, ecg. Might be slightly less for guard/conductor role.

Lots of courses coming up within the next year, due to increase in services and metro etc so I don't think you'll be waiting long

I just hope it's sooner than later, I hate waiting for stuff. Especially when it's something I really want to do. I want to move away from sitting down all day and actually have a career that my family can be proud of. I don't know what to expect in all honesty, I think that's why I'm more nervous.

 

[skyhigh]

One would reasonably presume that it's a first come first served basis.

Not necessarily.

At my company interview scores are taken into account. It also depends on depot - one location may have a more pressing need so candidates for that depot get dates first, even if they scored lower or applied later. Notice period is also taken into account - if a space on a course comes up at short notice, they might go for the candidate who stated they had a short notice period with their existing employer. There's lots of factors that are taken into account. It's not a simple first in first out thing.

 

[Tevion539]

Not necessarily.

At my company interview scores are taken into account. It also depends on depot - one location may have a more pressing need so candidates for that depot get dates first, even if they scored lower or applied later. Notice period is also taken into account - if a space on a course comes up at short notice, they might go for the candidate who stated they had a short notice period with their existing employer. There's lots of factors that are taken into account. It's not a simple first in first out thing.

I get that part, for sure. But I mean, date entered into the pool must come into it at some degree, surely?

 

[2857]

In my experience Talent Pools are a general railway term where the TOC and to an extent the local manager recruiting determine how long and who gets a role. I was once told by a senior manager that scores at interviews/OPC will definitely influence your position and time entered into the pool doesn't. I was once in a pool of 6 posts where in the end I was the only one taken on so the Talent Pool can expand or contract as required. You'll struggle to find anything definitive about any Talent Pool because they are used solely for the benefit of the TOC/FOC to have people ready and to use or not use them as and when required.

 

[Tevion539]

Interview was all relatively positive. Not sure on my OPC scores as I've had tests in 2021 and most recently in 22 that they've taken the results from. So hopefully I get picked out of the pool, honestly

 

[SCDR_WMR]

One would reasonably presume that it's a first come first served basis. I know TfW have said I can be in the talent pool for up to 24 months. SWR? Only 6 months before having to reinterview. My app is still technically open with them but I'm not sure if I should continue hoping for them to pull through in all honesty.

It's a job I've always wanted, and now having a young family on the way the extra money really could come in handy

Really hope I don't have to wait 24 months, but I've heard some good things here and there, I'm just proud that I continually prove myself and others wrong that I am capable of these things.

TfW do 24 months as they only accept your testing scores for 2 years so your scores would be out of date after that.

Some TOCs have a constant talent pool which is topped up periodically, so if you haven't heard anything in 6-9 months then apply elsewhere.

You can be stuck in talent pools until they close it and start a new one, XC do this every 2 years it seems.

One way to look at it is you are scored based on your assessments and interview, the top scores in the talent pool are the ones they will put into positions when they come up (depot dependant). Which is why you may not seem to move and later applicants proceed before you.

My advice is once you have your testing done, appy to all TOCs in your area and make sure to mention you already passed driver testing, will just be interview then and no issue with lives. It's frustrating but that's how it is across the railway it seems

 

[Tevion539]

TfW do 24 months as they only accept your testing scores for 2 years so your scores would be out of date after that.

Some TOCs have a constant talent pool which is topped up periodically, so if you haven't heard anything in 6-9 months then apply elsewhere.

You can be stuck in talent pools until they close it and start a new one, XC do this every 2 years it seems.

One way to look at it is you are scored based on your assessments and interview, the top scores in the talent pool are the ones they will put into positions when they come up (depot dependant). Which is why you may not seem to move and later applicants proceed before you.

My advice is once you have your testing done, appy to all TOCs in your area and make sure to mention you already passed driver testing, will just be interview then and no issue with lives. It's frustrating but that's how it is across the railway it seems

Yeah it is, I'm hopeful I get a start date honestly. As others have mentioned with the influx of work and the amount of interviews they're doing - hopefully I do. I know a driver personally so hopefully that's helped a bit to. Can only wait and see, but I like to hope my interview went well enough.

 

[ElisaHarkness]

I’ve been in Thameslink Brighton since February 2022, but I know most of the south coast as also waiting for this too, some months not hearing a peep, which is quite disheartening, carry on with life as normal & has been said previously just hope that call comes one day. I was told 18 months - 2 years.. but have heard people waiting for 5!

 

[L401CJF]

Yeah it is, I'm hopeful I get a start date honestly. As others have mentioned with the influx of work and the amount of interviews they're doing - hopefully I do. I know a driver personally so hopefully that's helped a bit to. Can only wait and see, but I like to hope my interview went well enough.

I work as a guard for TfW. I know people who have applied outside the workplace, and of course the people I work with. I've not met anybody yet who got a place in the Guards talent pool then was not offered a position so I'm certain you'll get called up. As and when however is pot luck!

I was in the pool for 2-3months if I remember rightly then got called and offered a position for a different depot to the one I applied for. I bit their hand off it, and got transferred to my preferred depot before I finished training which was a bonus!

 

[ValleyLine]

I work as a guard for TfW. I know people who have applied outside the workplace, and of course the people I work with. I've not met anybody yet who got a place in the Guards talent pool then was not offered a position so I'm certain you'll get called up. As and when however is pot luck!

I was in the pool for 2-3months if I remember rightly then got called and offered a position for a different depot to the one I applied for. I bit their hand off it, and got transferred to my preferred depot before I finished training which was a bonus!

I am also in the same boat so I find this quite reassuring.

Recently had an interview and was successfully added to the talent pool, so now just awaiting another email! Fingers crossed it's sooner rather than later as I can't wait to get started!

 

[L401CJF]

I am also in the same boat so I find this quite reassuring.

Recently had an interview and was successfully added to the talent pool, so now just awaiting another email! Fingers crossed it's sooner rather than later as I can't wait to get started!

Congratulations! Keep an eye on your phone, they tend to ring from a mobile number to offer a start date then email the details over. Don't worry about missing the call, I did and they left a voicemail.

 

[thematrix]

I work as a guard for TfW. I know people who have applied outside the workplace, and of course the people I work with. I've not met anybody yet who got a place in the Guards talent pool then was not offered a position so I'm certain you'll get called up. As and when however is pot luck!

I was in the pool for 2-3months if I remember rightly then got called and offered a position for a different depot to the one I applied for. I bit their hand off it, and got transferred to my preferred depot before I finished training which was a bonus!

Did you ask to transfer depots whilst in training or did they just offer it to you? Ive been pressing for Pwllheli which is only half an hour but told got told they only had Machynlleth available which is an hour away.

I heard in Pwllheli there are a few guards becoming drivers in the new year along with one guard retiring, leaving more positions available so im hoping Pwlleheli opens up to me whilst in training. Otherwise if I can get my foot in the door for Mach i can apply to transfer depot I imagine would be after working 1 to 2 years i guess?

 

[43066]

Yeah it is, I'm hopeful I get a start date honestly. As others have mentioned with the influx of work and the amount of interviews they're doing - hopefully I do. I know a driver personally so hopefully that's helped a bit to. Can only wait and see, but I like to hope my interview went well enough.

Not sure if the OP is still reading this thread but my advice would be to immediately remove both name and picture from his profile on here!

 

[L401CJF]

Did you ask to transfer depots whilst in training or did they just offer it to you? Ive been pressing for Pwllheli which is only half an hour but told got told they only had Machynlleth available which is an hour away.

I heard in Pwllheli there are a few guards becoming drivers in the new year along with one guard retiring, leaving more positions available so im hoping Pwlleheli opens up to me whilst in training. Otherwise if I can get my foot in the door for Mach i can apply to transfer depot I imagine would be after working 1 to 2 years i guess?

I didn't really mention it to be honest, my manager sorted it for me because they didn't see the point in me commuting an hour when they were still recruiting more trainees for my local depot!

 

[Tevion539]

Not sure if the OP is still reading this thread but my advice would be to immediately remove both name and picture from his profile on here!

I will remove my phot, can't do much about my name! I don't see an issue about asking what will happen, though. Surely that's not a bad thing?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 1 Nov 2022 ==

I work as a guard for TfW. I know people who have applied outside the workplace, and of course the people I work with. I've not met anybody yet who got a place in the Guards talent pool then was not offered a position so I'm certain you'll get called up. As and when however is pot luck!

I was in the pool for 2-3months if I remember rightly then got called and offered a position for a different depot to the one I applied for. I bit their hand off it, and got transferred to my preferred depot before I finished training which was a bonus!

As valley line has mentioned, this is incredibly reassuring!

 

[thematrix]

I didn't really mention it to be honest, my manager sorted it for me because they didn't see the point in me commuting an hour when they were still recruiting more trainees for my local depot!

Wowee, that was a good spot of luck there, well done. Handy having a better commute time for the depot you originally applied without having to mention it yourself. Happy days!

I heard quite a few people transfer depots whilst still in training. I didnt really fancy travelling an hour back and forth every day. If things go pear shaped it could easily be an hour and a half with roadworks or an accident on the road or seasonal flooding on the roads having to take an alternate route. Machynlleth is the original main depot I applied for so I imagine I might have to stay put there. I heard from a colleague they might be able to transfer my depot to Pwllheli whilst still in training as vacancies there are opening up in the new year so I might mention it to my manager to see if I can transfer as would only take me 25 minutes. Pwllheli is a nearby sister depot of Machynlleth anyway as the Pwllheli trains are stored in the Mach sheds and then placed back on the Pwllheli terminus in the mornings.

 

[43066]

I will remove my phot, can't do much about my name! I don't see an issue about asking what will happen, though. Surely that's not a bad thing?

Not a bad thing to ask at all. Just that you might find it better to remain anonymous as it’s a small world!

 

[thematrix]

Hi all,

Does anyone have any experience with talent pools and how long you can be in them typically? I have just passed an interview and am now in a talent pool. I just hope I ain’t in it for a full 24 months. How much notice to TOC give you? Whats the medical like for a guard?

Hiya yes tfw is typically 24 months now especially for smaller depots which have low turn over and slow movement of staff changes so opportunities take longer. Larger depots like Cardiff only take a few months.

I was placed in a 2 year talent pool for a small depot and had to wait 18 months to be called for my start date and medical. I was originally told 12 months and advised I might need to re-apply or be re-interviewed If I don’t get a placement. Luckily after sending some chaser emails they extended my talent pool period for another year. It seems tfw are now telling most people now 24 months talent pool after interview straight away to help set people’s expectations. The recruitment website now shows
more clearly to say when you apply you will be placed in a talent pool for 1 to 2 years so candidates can set realistic expectations when they apply and know what they are getting into.

 

[SCDR_WMR]

Hiya yes tfw is typically 24 months now especially for smaller depots which have low turn over and slow movement of staff changes so opportunities take longer. Larger depots like Cardiff only take a few months.

I was placed in a 2 year talent pool for a small depot and had to wait 18 months to be called for my start date and medical. I was originally told 12 months and advised I might need to re-apply or be re-interviewed If I don’t get a placement. Luckily after sending some chaser emails they extended my talent pool period for another year. It seems tfw are now telling most people now 24 months talent pool after interview straight away to help set people’s expectations. The recruitment website now shows
more clearly to say when you apply you will be placed in a talent pool for 1 to 2 years so candidates can set realistic expectations when they apply and know what they are getting into.

That and TfW only accept your testing scores for 2 years so really no point in them keeping you in a talent pool for longer given you would need to resit testing if offered an opportunity after the 2 years. All those going through testing are for roles starting in 2023 anyway so shouldn't be too much waiting, dependant on how many they can get through rules at a time

 

[thematrix]

That and TfW only accept your testing scores for 2 years so really no point in them keeping you in a talent pool for longer given you would need to resit testing if offered an opportunity after the 2 years. All those going through testing are for roles starting in 2023 anyway so shouldn't be too much waiting, dependant on how many they can get through rules at a time

That makes sense then they called me up after 18 months then which was coming up to my 2 year anniversary of my psychometric SCAAT test results as took 5 months waiting between tests and interview. Any later placements would mean id have to re take SCAAT tests and possibly be re-interviewed again which would have been annoying but not entirely unheard of.

 

[Tevion539]

That makes sense then they called me up after 18 months then which was coming up to my 2 year anniversary of my psychometric SCAAT test results as took 5 months waiting between tests and interview. Any later placements would mean id have to re take SCAAT tests and possibly be re-interviewed again which would have been annoying but not entirely unheard of.

I'm just happy I've had two psychometric passes in the past two years, so that should keep me topped up for a while!