Trainee conductor

[j1thu]

Hi,
It's my first ever post on here, so please go easy.

I've recently completed the application form and the online test for the role of trainee conductor, for southeastern railway.

I've now been invited to attend an assessment session.
The email is headed "future vacancies".

I have 2 questions, if I may:

1. What's involved in the assessment? Is there anything I need to study beforehand?
2. What do they mean by "future vacancies"? Have I not been successful this time round?

Your help in this matter would be greatly appreciated, as I'm very nervous!

Thanks guys

 

[MostlyHarmless]

I'm not sure what the assessment tests are for a conductor with SE but it's unlikely to be something you'll need to practise beforehand as they'll be wanting to see the real you.

Future vacancies simply means a talent pool - if you're familiar with that term. southeastern are also recruiting for a driver's talent pool atm. I think it's all to do with the current state of the franchise which is due for renewal any time soon

 

[j1thu]

Thank you for your reply MostlyHarmless.

Having come from an engineering and PSV background, my experience with the rail industry is none so I'm rather nervous about this new venture.

Just looking to see what I'm getting myself into.

 

[j1thu]

Also MostlyHarmless, I couldn't find the vacancy for train driver. I assume that I'm not qualified as I don't have a train license.

 

[MostlyHarmless]

Thank you for your reply MostlyHarmless.

Having come from an engineering and PSV background, my experience with the rail industry is none so I'm rather nervous about this new venture.

Just looking to see what I'm getting myself into.

My background is Engineering and IT and so like you it's a step into the unknown. However sometimes you have to make a leap of faith I think

 

[j1thu]

Thanks mate. I hope it works out.

 

[MostlyHarmless]

Thanks mate. I hope it works out.

Thanks and same to you!

 

[Feesh]

Hi,
It's my first ever post on here, so please go easy.

I've recently completed the application form and the online test for the role of trainee conductor, for southeastern railway.

I've now been invited to attend an assessment session.
The email is headed "future vacancies".

I have 2 questions, if I may:

1. What's involved in the assessment? Is there anything I need to study beforehand?
2. What do they mean by "future vacancies"? Have I not been successful this time round?

Your help in this matter would be greatly appreciated, as I'm very nervous!

Thanks guys

Hi J1thu,

Sorry I'm late to the thread, children at christmas etc

MostlyHarmless is correct, Future Vacancies just means sitting in talent pools, so your currently grouped with a lot of people who are awaiting the Assessment day, then (assuming you pass) you'll be grouped with those awaiting interview and then (if you pass the interview) you'll be grouped with those awaiting jobs to become available.

Like yourself I have a PSV background, and started my initial application mid 2017, I attended and passed the Conductor Assessment earlier in the year, and have since passed the interview and look to start early 2019. Hopefully you'll find a role quickly, but be prepared for a long process.

When I was invited to assessment by email (with the time and location), the email contained a ticket to travel and the assessment revision as 2 PDF documents attached.

Off the top of my head, make sure you practice the Group Bourdon (pinned within the Vacancies forum), Ticket checking & selling, Cash handling (able to sort change), Timetable Reading & Planning & a role play at the end.
Infact, I believe I still have the practice materials in an email, and will attach to this post.

Best of luck and if you need anything feel free to PM me.

 

[j1thu]

Hi J1thu,

Sorry I'm late to the thread, children at christmas etc

MostlyHarmless is correct, Future Vacancies just means sitting in talent pools, so your currently grouped with a lot of people who are awaiting the Assessment day, then (assuming you pass) you'll be grouped with those awaiting interview and then (if you pass the interview) you'll be grouped with those awaiting jobs to become available.

Like yourself I have a PSV background, and started my initial application mid 2017, I attended and passed the Conductor Assessment earlier in the year, and have since passed the interview and look to start early 2019. Hopefully you'll find a role quickly, but be prepared for a long process.

When I was invited to assessment by email (with the time and location), the email contained a ticket to travel and the assessment revision as 2 PDF documents attached.

Off the top of my head, make sure you practice the Group Bourdon (pinned within the Vacancies forum), Ticket checking & selling, Cash handling (able to sort change), Timetable Reading & Planning & a role play at the end.
Infact, I believe I still have the practice materials in an email, and will attach to this post.

Best of luck and if you need anything feel free to PM me.

Thanks for taking the time to reply and for your help Feesh. It's greatly appreciated.

I got the assessment email on Christmas Eve and when I tried to book a slot, there were none available. I emailed Southeastern to advise them of this and they replied saying that the assessment dates were fully booked and would let me know once more become available.
I don't know how long that'll be but in the meantime, I'll have a look at the attachment you've provided and also have a look at group bourdon.

Any issues, I'll ping you a PM.

Thanks again.

 

[mosesbrodin]

The Conductor also has safety critical responsibilities to undertake. Our aim is to connect people to opportunities by providing a reliable and friendly train...

 

[j1thu]

The Conductor also has safety critical responsibilities to undertake. Our aim is to connect people to opportunities by providing a reliable and friendly train...

Thanks for your reply.
I hope something turns up soon

 

[Sofia]

Hi J1thu,

Sorry I'm late to the thread, children at christmas etc

MostlyHarmless is correct, Future Vacancies just means sitting in talent pools, so your currently grouped with a lot of people who are awaiting the Assessment day, then (assuming you pass) you'll be grouped with those awaiting interview and then (if you pass the interview) you'll be grouped with those awaiting jobs to become available.

Like yourself I have a PSV background, and started my initial application mid 2017, I attended and passed the Conductor Assessment earlier in the year, and have since passed the interview and look to start early 2019. Hopefully you'll find a role quickly, but be prepared for a long process.

When I was invited to assessment by email (with the time and location), the email contained a ticket to travel and the assessment revision as 2 PDF documents attached.

Off the top of my head, make sure you practice the Group Bourdon (pinned within the Vacancies forum), Ticket checking & selling, Cash handling (able to sort change), Timetable Reading & Planning & a role play at the end.
Infact, I believe I still have the practice materials in an email, and will attach to this post.

Best of luck and if you need anything feel free to PM me.

Hi,
Is the actual ticket selling/ticket checking test on the assessment day anything like the practice test material or the online test??

Many thanks

 

[Feesh]

Hi,
Is the actual ticket selling/ticket checking test on the assessment day anything like the practice test material or the online test??

Many thanks

From what I remember.

A4 booklet, page has a diagram (line of route, date, time) on the left, 4 tickets to check / sell on the right. Additional bits of paper include a set of discount cards (with validity and discount) and a fare chart (to work out % discount based on aforementioned cards)

 

[Sofia]

Thank you so much this helped alot.