TfW Conductor Talent Pool

[Tevion539]

For me i was supposed to do the tests at home, but I had already passed them all twice since 2021. I went straight to the interview. Was me and two interviewers, who asked situational questions about putting business before my needs, safety, customer service etc. Also asked what I knew of the services they operate. Got a response within a week and have been in the pool for about a month before getting the call.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 9 Nov 2022 ==

That's fair enough, thank you for the information.

This was in response to you, thought I pressed reply.

 

[GalaxyDog]

For me i was supposed to do the tests at home, but I had already passed them all twice since 2021. I went straight to the interview. Was me and two interviewers, who asked situational questions about putting business before my needs, safety, customer service etc. Also asked what I knew of the services they operate. Got a response within a week and have been in the pool for about a month before getting the call.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 9 Nov 2022 ==


This was in response to you, thought I pressed reply.

No worries, I got the message now, thanks for the information

 

[thematrix]

As @craigybagel says, yes you'd be put up in a hotel if you're over a certain distance. I had to commute it as it was under an hour although they did provide a letter to allow free travel on TfW services until my TOC passes arrived. Those on the course from further afield travelled down on a Monday and back home Friday, all meals etc included at the hotel.

Thats good to know thank you for the information. I will most likely look at the hotel option then. I will feel more settled studying all the material needed and revising for tests and exams in my own space and quiet environment rather than being distracted by life at home
and have to balance everything.

Like you said I will just do the long drive on Monday morning to get there and come back Friday night so I've got a least 3 nights at home. I spoke to my wife who said she will support me being away from home doing my training as long as I am back for the weekend. And give her all the money I will be earning lol.

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To a point yes, just because youre ex army or ex police doesnt mean they snatch you up. You could be ex police but answer the questions badly and not even pass the interview. I think the order people are picked for courses from the pool depend on various things. Distance is probably up there, the scores for your interview etc probably count.

My course had a mix of people from various backgrounds. Only one was ex police, others were a mix of retail, aviation, bus, finance, aerospace, cabin crew.. really varied.

If you make the pool you make the pool, chances are you'll get picked, eventually!

Its good they had a varied mix of people on your course from a mix of different backgrounds. I imagine my course will be the same as I used to be a security guard. You do tend to hear rumours that majority bias of selection leans more towards ex police/army people who have more desired skills. I imagine Army and Police are drawn to working in the rail industry as there is a sense of familiarity to be a number in a uniform with similar levels of responsibility. A lot of ex army tend to go to work in the police who in turn then go to work in the rail industry. But as you said would still need to be interviewed just the same as everyone else. I think the advantage is they would already be used to going through a rigorous selection process. I hope i get a good mix of people on my course lol.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 11 Nov 2022 ==

Only just noticed this thread so I'll chuck in my 50p!
I was successful at getting a place in the talent pool for a Conductor vacancy at Crewe around February 2018 (I think), back when it was Arriva Trains Wales. I enquired further and was told I was second in the queue.
During my waiting time I did apply, and succeed, at getting a job as a shunter/trainperson at DRS, and started there in June 2018. Round about September/October I got a call from ATW saying there was a course starting in November and was I still interested.
I told them that while I was, I had started with another operator and was on my probationary time. I asked if I could defer it to see if things worked out at DRS or not, and they said I could.
I never heard from them again, and would have been removed from the talent pool around February 2020.
Luckily things did work out at DRS - I'm about three weeks away from qualifying as a driver!
I'm assuming that the higher you place in the talent pool, the more likely you are to receive a call asking about potential start dates.

I think they stopped doing that a few years back when they placed people in order of priority over talent pool scores where someone with the highest interview and psychometric test scores would get first priory if a job opportunity came up. I think tocs were also tired of people constantly emailing in asking what position they are in the talent pool to get an indication of when they might get started.

As @L401CJF said in previous thread, there seems to be a good overall mix of candidates for training classes now. Being called up from a talent pool may be luck of the drawer as the recruiters will want to ensure each training course has a good overall balanced mix of genders/ethnic mixes with different backgrounds and previous occupations. Even if you are at the bottom you will still get called up eventually as they will want to empty out your talent pool group first before moving on. I thought I failed my interview but managed to scape through to talent pool. I live an hour from depot and my previous job was in a supermarket. I waited 18 months for a start date lol.

 

[GalaxyDog]

For me i was supposed to do the tests at home, but I had already passed them all twice since 2021. I went straight to the interview. Was me and two interviewers, who asked situational questions about putting business before my needs, safety, customer service etc. Also asked what I knew of the services they operate. Got a response within a week and have been in the pool for about a month before getting the call.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 9 Nov 2022 ==


This was in response to you, thought I pressed reply.

Hi mate, may I PM you please?

 

[thematrix]

Medical all passed in Chester. Looking forward to starting 9th January for Machynlleth. Anyone else on here starting 9th January?

 

[Tevion539]

Hi mate, may I PM you please?

Sure thing

 

[Bootle 63]

Medical all passed in Chester. Looking forward to starting 9th January for Machynlleth. Anyone else on here starting 9th January?

Just passed my medical will be on the January 9th course will be based in Chester

 

[thematrix]

Just passed my medical will be on the January 9th course will be based in Chester

Well done for passing your medical. Fantastic news. Looks like we will be training together then for the Northern areas. Will be nice to know some people I will be training with in advance as been feeling really nervous with a complete change of job and training away from home. Looking forward to being in a hotel lol. Just sent my contract off feeling more real now. Have they mentioned whether we will have classes in Chester, Crewe or Shrewsbury?

I honestly thought i was going to fail my medical as the hearing test was very confusing. Kept hearing noises outside the booth with the machine outside buzzing as well and wasn’t sure whether the press the button or not. Couldn't hear the beeps over my own heart beat and breathing being so loud as i was so nervous. Luckily managed to keep my nerves in check. He said my blood pressure was a little high but acceptable. Probably due to nerves being my first time and rushing to get to appointment on time after a long journey. Luckily we did the urine test first as was busting for a wee after a long drive lol.

 

[L401CJF]

I honestly thought i was going to fail my medical as the hearing test was very confusing. Kept hearing noises outside the booth with the machine outside buzzing as well and wasn’t sure whether the press the button or not. Couldn't hear the beeps over my own heart beat and breathing being so loud as i was so nervous.

This is how I found it too. Quite difficult sat in the booth in Chester station trying to listen for the tones whilst the announcements kept going off over the station tannoy!

 

[Bootle 63]

Well done for passing your medical. Fantastic news. Looks like we will be training together then for the Northern areas. Will be nice to know some people I will be training with in advance as been feeling really nervous with a complete change of job and training away from home. Looking forward to being in a hotel lol. Just sent my contract off feeling more real now. Have they mentioned whether we will have classes in Chester, Crewe or Shrewsbury?

I honestly thought i was going to fail my medical as the hearing test was very confusing. Kept hearing noises outside the booth with the machine outside buzzing as well and wasn’t sure whether the press the button or not. Couldn't hear the beeps over my own heart beat and breathing being so loud as i was so nervous. Luckily managed to keep my nerves in check. He said my blood pressure was a little high but acceptable. Probably due to nerves being my first time and rushing to get to appointment on time after a long journey. Luckily we did the urine test first as was busting for a wee after a long drive lol

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 17 Nov 2022 ==

Thanks
I was the same as you he said my blood pressure was a bit high
The hearing test was different to say the least !!!
Think the training is in Chester
They usually use the Queens hotel it’s right by the station it’s really nice
Can’t wait to get started
How long did you wait from passing your medical to getting your contract?

 

[L401CJF]

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 17 Nov 2022 ==

Thanks
I was the same as you he said my blood pressure was a bit high
The hearing test was different to say the least !!!
Think the training is in Chester
They usually use the Queens hotel it’s right by the station it’s really nice
Can’t wait to get started
How long did you wait from passing your medical to getting your contract?

I believe City Place is now open and training should take place in there on the top floor instead of hotels (in theory!)

 

[Bootle 63]

I believe City Place is now open and training should take place in there on the top floor instead of hotels (in theory!)

Didn’t know that
Thanks for the update

 

[Tevion539]

My

Well done for passing your medical. Fantastic news. Looks like we will be training together then for the Northern areas. Will be nice to know some people I will be training with in advance as been feeling really nervous with a complete change of job and training away from home. Looking forward to being in a hotel lol. Just sent my contract off feeling more real now. Have they mentioned whether we will have classes in Chester, Crewe or Shrewsbury?

I honestly thought i was going to fail my medical as the hearing test was very confusing. Kept hearing noises outside the booth with the machine outside buzzing as well and wasn’t sure whether the press the button or not. Couldn't hear the beeps over my own heart beat and breathing being so loud as i was so nervous. Luckily managed to keep my nerves in check. He said my blood pressure was a little high but acceptable. Probably due to nerves being my first time and rushing to get to appointment on time after a long journey. Luckily we did the urine test first as was busting for a wee after a long drive lol.

My concern is blood pressure because of the stress I've been under recently. I've done heading tests before having worked with power tools for a housing association. So I'm sure I'll be okay with that. I'm petrified. Did you find out straight away if you passed?

 

[Bootle 63]

My

My concern is blood pressure because of the stress I've been under recently. I've done heading tests before having worked with power tools for a housing association. So I'm sure I'll be okay with that. I'm petrified. Did you find out straight away if you passed?

Yes
Don’t worry it’s very relaxed
They send your urine sample off to be tested for alcohol and drugs but that will be a foregone conclusion
The guy that did my medical said that the parameters are quite wide for blood pressure etc so don’t worry too much
It happens to everyone that goes for a medical they get a bit stressed and your b/p goes up
You will be fine

 

[Tevion539]

Yes
Don’t worry it’s very relaxed
They send your urine sample off to be tested for alcohol and drugs but that will be a foregone conclusion
The guy that did my medical said that the parameters are quite wide for blood pressure etc so don’t worry too much
It happens to everyone that goes for a medical they get a bit stressed and your b/p goes up
You will be fine

Yeah, not really worried about urine honestly. Never touched a cigarette, let alone a drug in my life. Don't understand why people touch any of it, honestly. Not my scene for sure. So I know if I pass the ret if it Id pass it all. I think it's the unknown that makes it the most nerve-wracking

 

[thematrix]

My

My concern is blood pressure because of the stress I've been under recently. I've done heading tests before having worked with power tools for a housing association. So I'm sure I'll be okay with that. I'm petrified. Did you find out straight away if you passed?

The Occupational therapist I saw was really friendly and very relaxed putting me as ease. Made everything seem really relaxed and straight forward. He was so lovely and helped keep me calm as he appreciated I was a bit nervous. I told him to begin with I might have a little bit of white coat anxiety and asked him to take my blood pressure at the end when I know everything else is completed. He was happy to check it a few times throughout and take the lowest reading which was really nice.

After I did everything else and finished the sound test, he reassured me that I passed everything so far and told me to relax and chill for five minutes. He took another reading which was lower and used that one instead. He advised acceptable limits on Blood pressure is high for the railway but advised me to get a blood pressure monitor from my GP to monitor it throughout my career and seek GP advice. That would normally entail being advised to lower caffeine intake and alcohol and make sure sleeping ok and lower your stress levels and lose weight etc.

They will have a good chat with you to build some rapport and talk about your previous job and where you have come from etc. Its their job to put you at ease and keep you relaxed so should be ok.


== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 18 Nov 2022 ==

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 17 Nov 2022 ==

Thanks
I was the same as you he said my blood pressure was a bit high
The hearing test was different to say the least !!!
Think the training is in Chester
They usually use the Queens hotel it’s right by the station it’s really nice
Can’t wait to get started
How long did you wait from passing your medical to getting your contract?

I waited a week and got a phone call for confirmation of medical passed. She emailed me the contract the next day which I printed off, signed and scanned back on again to email it back.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 18 Nov 2022 ==

I believe City Place is now open and training should take place in there on the top floor instead of hotels (in theory!)

City place in Chester? Just seen some photos of it now. Looks amazing. Cant wait!

 

[MON 76]

Hi All ,
Ive an interview coming up for TFW soon, as Trainee Conductor, based in the north,
Has anyone thats been through the process recently that has any tips and advice on recent interview and the questions that were asked, Im going to shrewsbury for my interview in the next few weeks .
Ive seen a lot of questions that may be asked at interview but wondering if anyone has recently been through the process.
TIA

 

[thematrix]

Hi All ,
Ive an interview coming up for TFW soon, as Trainee Conductor, based in the north,
Has anyone thats been through the process recently that has any tips and advice on recent interview and the questions that were asked, Im going to shrewsbury for my interview in the next few weeks .
Ive seen a lot of questions that may be asked at interview but wondering if anyone has recently been through the process.
TIA

Competancy based interview with 2 conductor managers followed by some more personal questions about why you want to join. Think STAR method for Situation, Task, Action and Result.

First question will be what do you know about the job role? Make sure you are able to thoroughly revise and recite the job description. Part of the job is customer facing so good customer service is important. They will ask, give me an example of a time you have given excellent customer. Think about when you have gone the extra mile to really help someone.

The resilience part will ask you to give an example of a time when you have had to deal with a stressful situation. They will ask a follow up question of what would you do different next time? Hind sight on reflection for improvement and personal self development is important to answer this. I just said next time I will ask for help as I tried to do everything on my own but asking for help would make me work better as a team.

Working independently they will ask you give me an example of a time you had to make a decision. Think about a time you had to be decisive and stick to making a decision. I told them as a work first aider i made a decision to call an ambulance when i saw someone fall over with epilepsy seizure as wanted to rule out concussion. Again they may follow up with would you have stuck to that decision or in hindsight would you have done anything differently.

Next question will be give me an example of a time you have worked well as a team. They may also ask give me an example of a time you have imoroved somthing. I explained how I shared ideas woth my department to improve customer feedback.

Personal questions will be what made you want to apply for the job and what do you think you can bring to the role?

Closing questions will be are you within an hour to the depot and are you able to pass a medical?
They will offer you the chance to ask some questions of your own. Think about asking about route and traction cards to find out which routes you will be covering and traction units you will be working. If you are within an hours commute distance to Chester/Crewe, then offer to go into these talent pool locations as well to show you are flexible and willing. The more potential surrounding locations you can access the better so if a vacancy arises in either depot they can call you.

Whether you are doing your interview online via teams in in person, lean forward slightly, to look keen and enthusiastic and smile. Be more animated by using your hands to convey your points across.

Hope this helps. Message me if you need anything. Let us know how you get on

 

[Tevion539]

Competancy based interview with 2 conductor managers followed by some more personal questions about why you want to join. Think STAR method for Situation, Task, Action and Result.

First question will be what do you know about the job role? Make sure you are able to thoroughly revise and recite the job description. Part of the job is customer facing so good customer service is important. They will ask, give me an example of a time you have given excellent customer. Think about when you have gone the extra mile to really help someone.

The resilience part will ask you to give an example of a time when you have had to deal with a stressful situation. They will ask a follow up question of what would you do different next time? Hind sight on reflection for improvement and personal self development is important to answer this. I just said next time I will ask for help as I tried to do everything on my own but asking for help would make me work better as a team.

Working independently they will ask you give me an example of a time you had to make a decision. Think about a time you had to be decisive and stick to making a decision. I told them as a work first aider i made a decision to call an ambulance when i saw someone fall over with epilepsy seizure as wanted to rule out concussion. Again they may follow up with would you have stuck to that decision or in hindsight would you have done anything differently.

Next question will be give me an example of a time you have worked well as a team. They may also ask give me an example of a time you have imoroved somthing. I explained how I shared ideas woth my department to improve customer feedback.

Personal questions will be what made you want to apply for the job and what do you think you can bring to the role?

Closing questions will be are you within an hour to the depot and do
They will offer you the chance to ask some questions of your own. Think about asking about route and traction cards to find out which routes you will be covering and traction units you will be working. If you are within an hours commute distance to Chester/Crewe, then offer to go into these talent pool locations as well to show you are flexible and willing. The more potential surrounding locations you can access the better so if a vacancy arises in either depot they can call you.

Whether you are doing your interview online via teams in in person, lean forward slightly, to look keen and enthusiastic and smile. Be more animated by using your hands to convey your points across.

Hope this helps. Message me if you need anything. Let us know how you get on.

If it helps, in my interview they asked what I knew of the routes, what lines am I most familiar with and was also asked questions like name a time I've been resilient. Again, then there was the odd question you'd expect, times when demonstrated good customer service, safety, what does good customer service look like to you etc.

 

[thematrix]

If it helps, in my interview they asked what I knew of the routes, what lines am I most familiar with and was also asked questions like name a time I've been resilient. Again, then there was the odd question you'd expect, times when demonstrated good customer service, safety, what does good customer service look like to you etc.

Its good they asked you some technical stuff about what routes you know. I imagine it would be helpful to know the routes on the depot you are applying for to demonstrate route knowledge. They didnt ask me anything technical.

It looks like they have a bank of different questions to ask different candidates. They print off a list which are randomly drawn. They will always start with……Can you give me and example of a time you have done this that or the other. They will have different questions which cover topic areas of customer focus, Resilience working under pressure, showing initiative working independently, decision making and working as a team. The questions they ask may be phrased slightly different for these areas but should follow a similar format.

 

[Kenners]

Hi everyone ,
Can I ask if any of you will be based in Chester or Crewe once you start ? Also what month/ year did you get your successful emails?. I got told successful in Jan 22 and still waiting for a course . Thanks

 

[Tevion539]

Its good they asked you some technical stuff about what routes you know. I imagine it would be helpful to know the routes on the depot you are applying for to demonstrate route knowledge. They didnt ask me anything technical.

It looks like they have a bank of different questions to ask different candidates. They print off a list which are randomly drawn. They will always start with……Can you give me and example of a time you have done this that or the other. They will have different questions which cover topic areas of customer focus, Resilience working under pressure, showing initiative working independently, decision making and working as a team. The questions they ask may be phrased slightly different for these areas but should follow a similar format.

I think with my interview, it felt more like having a conversation with people I had known for a while more than an actual interview. It was incredibly laid back and honestly I think that's what went well. I had mentioned how my grandad used to work for the toc before arriva and how I always used to ride it growing up. Not sure if that's why they asked about what routes I know or what. But it certainly went well otherwise I wouldn't be having the medical!

 

[LiamHolloway]

Hope you’re enjoying it mate.. We were on the induction together but I’m on the North course Got our minders week next week too. Good luck with the rest of it

Did you have your ice today mate? We all had ours today and all passed, got one day tomorrow doing principles of route learning and then it’s some time off.

 

[Tevion539]

Did you have your ice today mate? We all had ours today and all passed, got one day tomorrow doing principles of route learning and then it’s some time off.

How is the training going so far? I'm not entirely sure what to expect with intensity, amount of information and test etc. Do they give you enough support? Would you say it's difficult at all? Can't wait for January

 

[LiamHolloway]

How is the training going so far? I'm not entirely sure what to expect with intensity, amount of information and test etc. Do they give you enough support? Would you say it's difficult at all? Can't wait for January

Training is finished for me now, week off then route learning begins.

Training is really good, tons of support. It is intense, so make sure you put the work in revising. There’s a lot of information especially when you get in to degraded working. But it’s manageable and long as you put the work in you’ll be okay. Some parts can be difficult but it’s different for everyone, I found retail the hardest but signalling the easiest. And some people in my group found signalling the hardest and retail the easiest so just depends what you find hard. If your anything like my group you’ll work yourself up towards an assessment thinking this is going to be the hardest thing ever and then after you’ll say to yourself “wasn’t that bad really” you’ll enjoy it it’s good fun, it’s a really good job and there’s tons of support each step of the way.

 

[thematrix]

Hi everyone ,
Can I ask if any of you will be based in Chester or Crewe once you start ? Also what month/ year did you get your successful emails?. I got told successful in Jan 22 and still waiting for a course . Thanks

Well done for passing your interview. Congratulations on making it this far. Just the waiting game now then.

It looks like you are in a talent pool awaiting a start date. Talent pools are normally 1 or 2 years depending on needs of the depot and the availability of training courses. A few years back people were told 12 months talent pool period. However more recently, people are being told 24 months talent pool period to help set more realistic expectations of waiting times. I waited 18 months to get my start date arranged. This was for Machynlleth but hopefully shouldnt take as long for yourself as Chester/crewe are larger. It will be beneficial if you are in the talent pool for both locations so if a vacancy arises in either place they can let you know. Your psychmetrics test results are valid for 2 years anyway so you can always use that as a baseline. 18 months waiting for me was when my psychometric test would of expired so managed to get called up just in time lol.

For reassurance, try sending a chaser email to the recruitment team or use an existing email from them to reply to so they have the history of where they are up to with you. Just let them know you are still keen and interested to start. They normally reply within 2 weeks to confirm you are still on file pending a start date and that they will be in touch. Hope this helps. Let us know if you hear anything.

 

[Tevion539]

Well done for passing your interview. Congratulations on making it this far. Just the waiting game now then.

It looks like you are in a talent pool awaiting a start date. Talent pools are normally 1 or 2 years depending on needs of the depot and the availability of training courses. A few years back people were told 12 months talent pool period. However more recently, people are being told 24 months talent pool period to help set more realistic expectations of waiting times. I waited 18 months to get my start date arranged. This was for Machynlleth but hopefully shouldnt take as long for yourself as Chester/crewe are larger. It will be beneficial if you are in the talent pool for both locations so if a vacancy arises in either place they can let you know. Your psychmetrics test results are valid for 2 years anyway so you can always use that as a baseline. 18 months waiting for me was when my psychometric test would of expired so managed to get called up just in time lol.

For reassurance, try sending a chaser email to the recruitment team or use an existing email from them to reply to so they have the history of where they are up to with you. Just let them know you are still keen and interested to start. They normally reply within 2 weeks to confirm you are still on file pending a start date and that they will be in touch. Hope this helps. Let us know if you hear anything.

Similar to me. I never done my psychometrics with TfW so depending on which tests they used mine would've expired in February

 

[thematrix]

I think with my interview, it felt more like having a conversation with people I had known for a while more than an actual interview. It was incredibly laid back and honestly I think that's what went well. I had mentioned how my grandad used to work for the toc before arriva and how I always used to ride it growing up. Not sure if that's why they asked about what routes I know or what. But it certainly went well otherwise I wouldn't be having the medical!

Its good they make you feel relaxed and at ease to have a more natural flowing conversation with your interview. Sometimes, this can also be a test as some people can fall into the trap of being too overly relaxed and not take the interview seriously deviating off on a tangent without being professional to whats being asked in the interview questions.

I imagine a lot of people might take it too relaxed if the interviewers are being very friendly. Ive known from experience with past interviews, Interviewers being too relaxed and informal to see if you let your guard down or if you are going to remain professional, alert and switched on. It looks like you nailed it all the same for yourself as ive spoken to people who didnt pass it. Well done mate. Looking forward to seeing you on Induction for January.

 

[Tevion539]

Its good they make you feel relaxed and at ease to have a more natural flowing conversation with your interview. Sometimes, this can also be a test as some people can fall into the trap of being too overly relaxed and not take the interview seriously deviating off on a tangent without being professional to whats being asked in the interview questions.

I imagine a lot of people might take it too relaxed if the interviewers are being very friendly. Ive known from experience with past interviews, Interviewers being too relaxed and informal to see if you let your guard down or if you are going to remain professional, alert and switched on. It looks like you nailed it all the same for yourself as ive spoken to people who didnt pass it. Well done mate. Looking forward to seeing you on Induction for January.

That's assuming we both have the induction in Cardiff! I will be trying to transfer to Carmarthen if the travel cost becomes too much as I've moved since applying. Obviously TfW know my new address. It's still within an hour, but only just. Can't wait to get started, believe they're waiting on one reference to get back as the email bounced. Found out the manager I was under in said company has left for the NHS, so I've told them they'll need to email HR instead. They also have my employment history from HMRC due to a four month gap in employment, so it shouldn't be an issue.

 

[ValleyLine]

Hi I am wondering if anyone / knows anyone who was put into a 12 month Talent Pool but never got a start date? It hasn't been that long for me (October) since I found out I was in the talent pool, but I am just worrying that I will never hear haha.

After some reassurance

I applied for Valleys and Cardiff.