Trainee conductor Northern.

[Midge]

For those interested...

http://www.northern.engageats.co.uk...t9+0071L8DCGtHSvDjii1189+v7L7GtM7ud0/Z4dLdtkS

http://www.northern.engageats.co.uk...0gJyAhRl+oRg/NoH+NFJmwMt2n5uEb1qNTeRqIX1DOw==

Liverpool and Wigan.

Good luck

 

[302PS]

Actual start dates in the advert.. Blimey!

 

[JohnC]

Already got my app in for this. Fingers crossed.

What are the psychometric tests for conductor? The same as driver?

 

[Champo]

Done my app, fingers crossed. Time to search for some test info.
yeh 302 re start dates,

 

[387star]

Already got my app in for this. Fingers crossed.

What are the psychometric tests for conductor? The same as driver?

Different not sure you get two attempts?

The interview is only a managers and the tests are ticket checking and selling role play verbal comprehension and concentration the latter similar to the group bourdon test train drivers sit

Some companies may have more tests including group discussion and written communication

 

[Champo]

Nice one 'ml'.

 

[hughavinalaf]

No role play.

 

[BigLee]

Actual start dates in the advert.. Blimey!

I think this is a very good move, and I fear it may be my fault they now include it. As we all know things in rail recruitment have a reputation for taking a while, so when I was recently offered and amazing job with Northern, I had to turn it down as I was expecting an early 2015 start rather than early October. I was gutted in having to turn it down, but it also causes issues with the recruitment plans for the HR department, so it makes sense to advertise start dates. Got to say my whole experience and interaction with Northern Rails HR has been fabulous. Professional, courteous and understanding. It makes me even more determined to work for them. Good luck to everyone who has thrown their hat in this time around.

BigLee

 

[302PS]

Thought about applying myself as it definitely seems a good way To gain experience in the industry but don't want to give up my place in the drivers pool just yet

 

[Champo]

I'm also in 'talent pool' for depot driver so i was thinking the same, but I was told via email that any other applications would be welcome and if successful they'll talk to me about what I want to do then.

 

[Driver068]

Is there anyone on the inside and/or can provide any information on if/when Northern Rail will be recruiting from Newcastle, either for trainee drivers or guards??

Many thanks in advance

 

[JohnC]

Different not sure you get two attempts?

The interview is only a managers and the tests are ticket checking and selling role play verbal comprehension and concentration the latter similar to the group bourdon test train drivers sit

Some companies may have more tests including group discussion and written communication

Would practicing group bourdon be beneficial for this then?

 

[Withnailandi]

Would practicing group bourdon be beneficial for this then?

Learn the SCAAT test. That's what Northern have for guards.

 

[302PS]

I'm also in 'talent pool' for depot driver so i was thinking the same, but I was told via email that any other applications would be welcome and if successful they'll talk to me about what I want to do then.

I asked via mail and got told in no uncertain terms if you wish to apply for "other" roles your application for driver will be withdrawn as only allowed one live app......my drivers app has been "on hold" for nearly 9 months mind you

 

[bonelorry]

I am currently on week 11 of my Conductor training with Northern so only have a few more days with a Minder, Then learn my Core Route and my Final Rules exams.

It has been one hell of a journey and although the course has been tough I have thoroughly enjoyed it and I am looking forward to getting stuck in.

BUT

My point is that although Northern encourage development and are more than happy for established Conductors to apply internally for Trainee Driver roles they also want the RIGHT people in the Conductor/Guard role!

Applying for Conductor role just to get your foot in the door when really you want to become a Driver and you have no desire to be a Conductor is not what the company want.

Just my two penneth.

 

[302PS]

A sentiment I agree with and fully understand

However, this year the pool of external candidates has lightly been picked from and a lot of conductors have progressed so.........

 

[Louby]

considering Northern and FTPE are the only ones to recruit externally getting on as a guard or other role is the ONLY way to get your foot in the door.

 

[302PS]

And used to be in the older days, looks like maybe thats were the industry is headed back too,

 

[beavercreek]

considering Northern and FTPE are the only ones to recruit externally getting on as a guard or other role is the ONLY way to get your foot in the door.

Im not sure about Northern but at FTPE they recruited quite a few off the streets over the last Two years.

 

[Louby]

Im not sure about Northern but at FTPE they recruited quite a few off the streets over the last Two years.

So have Northern, but they are the only two tocs that I know of who do recruit drivers from the " outside" , that was my point

 

[302PS]

Northern last advertised in February was it? Still alot in the pool since then, I'm sure it'll all work out but the unions obviously disagree that becoming a conductor is not a stepping stone

 

[bonelorry]

Northern last advertised in February was it? Still alot in the pool since then, I'm sure it'll all work out but the unions obviously disagree that becoming a conductor is not a stepping stone

The way I was told it, Some of the best Drivers on the company have previously been Conductors and the company encourages progression. Being an experienced Conductor gives an excellent foundation for becoming a Driver but ultimately though only the right candidates will be selected for Trainee Driver roles though.

I know many current Conductors that have applied for Trainee Driver role and have not been selected, I also know of a young lad who has just completed his driver training and came off the street with no railway background whatsoever. He will be based at Leeds.

I think if you got to the interview stage and was asked what made you apply for Conductor role and you answered that you simply wanted to become a Driver and see being a Conductor as a stepping stone you would not get any further in the Recruitment process!

I was very lucky, I came off the street and applied for Conductor role in May this year. I went through the whole process and started training on 4th of August.

I can see how it will be frustrating for others that did well on the Psychometric and have been placed in the Talent pool though. Must be many questions and doubts floating around in their heads so I feel for you guys.

 

[Louby]

The way I was told it, Some of the best Drivers on the company have previously been Conductors and the company encourages progression. Being an experienced Conductor gives an excellent foundation for becoming a Driver but ultimately though only the right candidates will be selected for Trainee Driver roles though.

I know many current Conductors that have applied for Trainee Driver role and have not been selected, I also know of a young lad who has just completed his driver training and came off the street with no railway background whatsoever. He will be based at Leeds.

I think if you got to the interview stage and was asked what made you apply for Conductor role and you answered that you simply wanted to become a Driver and see being a Conductor as a stepping stone you would not get any further in the Recruitment process!

I was very lucky, I came off the street and applied for Conductor role in May this year. I went through the whole process and started training on 4th of August.

I can see how it will be frustrating for others that did well on the Psychometric and have been placed in the Talent pool though. Must be many questions and doubts floating around in their heads so I feel for you guys.

As if you would say that at an interview??
But we can't apply or if we do we sacrifice our place in the pool and as that's the job I want im not prepared to do that.

 

[bonelorry]

As if you would say that at an interview??
But we can't apply or if we do we sacrifice our place in the pool and as that's the job I want im not prepared to do that.

People have said just that in interviews!

 

[Louby]

People have said just that in interviews!

Really!! Lol

 

[185]

My point is that although Northern encourage development and are more than happy for established Conductors to apply internally for Trainee Driver roles they also want the RIGHT people in the Conductor/Guard role!

Applying for Conductor role just to get your foot in the door when really you want to become a Driver and you have no desire to be a Conductor is not what the company want.

I agree to some extent, I too am not keen on those who view the guard role as a 'mere' stepping stone to driving, but ultimately, the desires and wishes of Company & HR are, in my opinion unimportant.... any candidate who wants to go on and progress should certainly be allowed to, and encouraged to climb the ladder.

Where Northern's HR annoys me most is their recruitment of external candidates to senior management positions ....most with no understanding of running a railway company at all - these people last about six months then leave Northern for a better salary outside the railway. Gives a whole feeling of a temporary situation.

Their HR director used to manage HR at a dairy. Moo.

 

[Tenfoot]

Anyone heard back from there application for this yet??
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Did anyone apply for this and has anyone heard back? Its been about 5-6 weeks since it closed.

 

[hughavinalaf]

Anyone heard back from there application for this yet??
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Did anyone apply for this and has anyone heard back? Its been about 5-6 weeks since it closed.

I heard on Friday someone had been given a place on the January course,i think it was from this application.

 

[JBM 37404]

Know quite a few who have applied for this and heard nothing as yet with applications showing as new submitted application.

 

[387star]

The way I was told it, Some of the best Drivers on the company have previously been Conductors and the company encourages progression. Being an experienced Conductor gives an excellent foundation for becoming a Driver but ultimately though only the right candidates will be selected for Trainee Driver roles though.

I know many current Conductors that have applied for Trainee Driver role and have not been selected, I also know of a young lad who has just completed his driver training and came off the street with no railway background whatsoever. He will be based at Leeds.

I think if you got to the interview stage and was asked what made you apply for Conductor role and you answered that you simply wanted to become a Driver and see being a Conductor as a stepping stone you would not get any further in the Recruitment process!

I was very lucky, I came off the street and applied for Conductor role in May this year. I went through the whole process and started training on 4th of August.

I can see how it will be frustrating for others that did well on the Psychometric and have been placed in the Talent pool though. Must be many questions and doubts floating around in their heads so I feel for you guys.

When I did my conductor assessments a candidate told the assessor she only wanted to be a conductor to become a driver and he repeatedly told her to change her outlook but she didn't get the hint

She didn't make it very far
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Learn the SCAAT test. That's what Northern have for guards.

In some ways harder than the dots