What are the chances?

[BigChip90]

Probably a “how long is a piece of string question?” But what are the chances of getting to assessment stage and ultimately trainee driver if you are an external so to speak

I currently work in construction, have done for around 10 years, carpenter by trade and have done pretty much everything you can do carpentry wise, I’m now a site supervisor specialising in passive fire protection and have all the standard quals you would expect like first aid and SSSTS etc.

The railway industry has always been an interest for me but I have never looked at careers as I sort of fell into joinery and worked my way through construction but have now decided to give it a crack as I have some life/work experience.

Currently applied for the DB Cargo talent pool and hoping I hear something back and will continue to apply for roles as and when they come up.

What other industries have people come from?

Cheers everyone!

 

[GG96LFC]

To be honest mate I think there’s a trainee driver somewhere out there from almost every single different industry. Of course there are many trainee drivers who started off in other train roles (conductor, guard, station staff, platform staff etc) however I come from an NHS background and am soon starting as a trainee driver.
Over the years I’ve heard stories of people starting as drivers having previously worked as junior doctors, nurses, coach drivers, taxi drivers, retail, bankers, car mechanics, teachers, police, paramedics to name but a few.
It sounds like you have lots of experience in your career that could translate well to train driving (or any other train roles that may interest you). The main thing to do for each job you apply for, is have a good think about different work experiences you have had that you can use in interviews. For example: a time you’ve dealt with an emergency, a time you’ve had to learn new information, a time you’ve had to strictly follow rules, a time you’ve had to deliver customer service etc.
If you need any advice with anything, feel free to drop me a message and I’ll try to help as best I can

 

[BigChip90]

To be honest mate I think there’s a trainee driver somewhere out there from almost every single different industry. Of course there are many trainee drivers who started off in other train roles (conductor, guard, station staff, platform staff etc) however I come from an NHS background and am soon starting as a trainee driver.
Over the years I’ve heard stories of people starting as drivers having previously worked as junior doctors, nurses, coach drivers, taxi drivers, retail, bankers, car mechanics, teachers, police, paramedics to name but a few.
It sounds like you have lots of experience in your career that could translate well to train driving (or any other train roles that may interest you). The main thing to do for each job you apply for, is have a good think about different work experiences you have had that you can use in interviews. For example: a time you’ve dealt with an emergency, a time you’ve had to learn new information, a time you’ve had to strictly follow rules, a time you’ve had to deliver customer service etc.
If you need any advice with anything, feel free to drop me a message and I’ll try to help as best I can

Thanks mate, I’ve been reading quite a lot on here and the MMI is what is the most daunting for me.
Here’s hoping I can make it through the paper sift.

 

[Driver2B]

Probably a “how long is a piece of string question?” But what are the chances of getting to assessment stage and ultimately trainee driver if you are an external so to speak

I currently work in construction, have done for around 10 years, carpenter by trade and have done pretty much everything you can do carpentry wise, I’m now a site supervisor specialising in passive fire protection and have all the standard quals you would expect like first aid and SSSTS etc.

The railway industry has always been an interest for me but I have never looked at careers as I sort of fell into joinery and worked my way through construction but have now decided to give it a crack as I have some life/work experience.

Currently applied for the DB Cargo talent pool and hoping I hear something back and will continue to apply for roles as and when they come up.

What other industries have people come from?

Cheers everyone!

By this point, you will already know that trainee driver positions many, many people apply for each trainee driver position. I've heard from 300 applicants to each role to 1,200 applicants for each role. I understand a spokesperson for a TOC claimed they get over 900 applicants for each role. From this, you will be able to deduce for yourself, that statistically you are very unlikely to be successful.

I think that it's very important that you understand this. In my opinion, you would be foolish to count on a trainee driver application you have submitted, and you would be foolish to put all your eggs in one basket.

However, I started as a trainee driver a few years ago from outside the industry, and I was accepted - now qualified and driving alone! There are many other people on this forum who are also trainee drivers from outside of the industry, so don't give up, but it would probably be prudent to aim at being a driver as a goal, while also considering a 'plan B'.

However, although the statistics I referred to in my first paragraph sound daunting, I would add that they might not be quite as daunting as they appear.

Firstly, many people who apply for positions might be looking for a new job at that time. Railway recruitment is notoriously slow, and can take well over a couple of years between initial application and start date. This would likely weed out people who were looking for a job at time of their application and then, later, lose interest once they've found another position.

Secondly, many people might not be well prepared for what is coming. Look at the job requirements on any advert and it will talk about a commitment to safety, following rules and procedures, being a good communicator, able to handle urgent/emergency situations, ability to work on your own, etc. The online application portal will probably ask you questions, which is your opportunity to tell the prospective employer that you can, and have experience of doing, all of the above. That will make you more likely to get through the sifting stage. Prepare for the psychometric assessments (especially Group Bourdon), which will make you more likely to pass. Read through what people on here have said about the DMI and MMI.

So ultimately, there's a much better chance than you might have thought after reading my first two paragraphs. But it is tough, and with so many applicants, there will always be an element of luck. Any trainee driver must have had a bit of luck to have been successful, and that includes me. But you can stack the odds in your favour.

Do plan well, and do put effort into applying for any relevant job for you. Don't give up, but also don't put all your eggs in one basket.

This forum is a great place for advice. First of all search threads to see if your question has already been answered (most have!) and if not, do post and you'll get plenty of help!

Good luck with your application!

 

[BigChip90]

By this point, you will already know that trainee driver positions many, many people apply for each trainee driver position. I've heard from 300 applicants to each role to 1,200 applicants for each role. I understand a spokesperson for a TOC claimed they get over 900 applicants for each role. From this, you will be able to deduce for yourself, that statistically you are very unlikely to be successful.

I think that it's very important that you understand this. In my opinion, you would be foolish to count on a trainee driver application you have submitted, and you would be foolish to put all your eggs in one basket.

However, I started as a trainee driver a few years ago from outside the industry, and I was accepted - now qualified and driving alone! There are many other people on this forum who are also trainee drivers from outside of the industry, so don't give up, but it would probably be prudent to aim at being a driver as a goal, while also considering a 'plan B'.

However, although the statistics I referred to in my first paragraph sound daunting, I would add that they might not be quite as daunting as they appear.

Firstly, many people who apply for positions might be looking for a new job at that time. Railway recruitment is notoriously slow, and can take well over a couple of years between initial application and start date. This would likely weed out people who were looking for a job at time of their application and then, later, lose interest once they've found another position.

Secondly, many people might not be well prepared for what is coming. Look at the job requirements on any advert and it will talk about a commitment to safety, following rules and procedures, being a good communicator, able to handle urgent/emergency situations, ability to work on your own, etc. The online application portal will probably ask you questions, which is your opportunity to tell the prospective employer that you can, and have experience of doing, all of the above. That will make you more likely to get through the sifting stage. Prepare for the psychometric assessments (especially Group Bourdon), which will make you more likely to pass. Read through what people on here have said about the DMI and MMI.

So ultimately, there's a much better chance than you might have thought after reading my first two paragraphs. But it is tough, and with so many applicants, there will always be an element of luck. Any trainee driver must have had a bit of luck to have been successful, and that includes me. But you can stack the odds in your favour.

Do plan well, and do put effort into applying for any relevant job for you. Don't give up, but also don't put all your eggs in one basket.

This forum is a great place for advice. First of all search threads to see if your question has already been answered (most have!) and if not, do post and you'll get plenty of help!

Good luck with your application!

Thanks for the reply!

I’ve done quite a bit of reading up on the assessments etc so I can get some practise in for when the time comes.

The odds do seem stacked up against anyone that applies but with a bit of luck and perseverance hopefully it will see the legit ones through. I’m currently looking for both tocs and focs that are based in the East Mids (Nottingham for myself) and will apply to as many as possible.

Appreciate the reply and here’s to what may be a very long journey.

 

[Driver2B]

Thanks for the reply!

You're welcome!

I’ve done quite a bit of reading up on the assessments etc so I can get some practise in for when the time comes.

The odds do seem stacked up against anyone that applies but with a bit of luck and perseverance hopefully it will see the legit ones through. I’m currently looking for both tocs and focs that are based in the East Mids (Nottingham for myself) and will apply to as many as possible.

That's good!

Yes, it does seem as if the odds are stacked against you - but you're right: with luck and perseverence you will make it! Many do! That's the benefit of recruitment being so slow - so many will drop out, and you'll have time to prepare for the next stage!

Appreciate the reply and here’s to what may be a very long journey.

a very long, BUT SUCCESSFUL, journey, I hope!

Good luck!

 

[richfoz84]

I’m from outside the railway.
My first application I secured & passed an interview, but failed the assessment centre on the bourdon test.
Three more applications later I secured another interview which I passed, then passed the psychometrics assessment on the 2nd try. From first application to start date, it was a few days short of 2 years!

I think it’s all about having transferable skills, and not being a train spotter! Saying you love trains and it’s a childhood dream, won’t get you a job (in my opinion & from what I’ve heard).

Also, expect it to take a long time.. but don’t give up if you really want it!

 

[BigChip90]

To be fair Rich the whole assessment process seems daunting! I’m making sure I get the revision and practise in though.

I’m not a train spotter by any way, it’s just one of them industries I’ve always been interested in so I’m itching the scratch.

I’m in a good position at the moment where I enjoy my current job enough to apply to any roles that come up and kind of forget about them for a while until something hopefully happens.

 

[CreamNCookies]

I'm not a trainee driver just yet, but I have made it into a talent pool recently.

I come mainly from a hospitality based background (concierge in Knightsbridge and a reception supervisor up North).

You can tailor more than you may think to the initial application questions and DMI side of things, from working in a team and following rules and procedure to even dealing with unexpected emergency (first aid / fire marshall) incidents. So as for working on a building site I'm sure you will have covered alot of this in your own work history.

Then comes the psychometrics - to be blunt either you can do them or you can't. You'll find plenty of practice materials out there and this forum is a godsend for everything you need.

You don't need to be a member of the emergency services or part of the railway family to get the job, you just need to be able to demonstrate you have the skills and qualities needed to succeed. Tailor you application to putting safety first, at least thats what I did.

It's worth noting that it's taken me several applications to make it this far, so if you do happen to not make it past the sift first time. Don't let it get you down, dust your self off and try again when it's readvertised.

I always jot the questions down asked at the applications / interviews on a separate document and keep at it.

 

[Horizon22]

Depends entirely on your expertise, personality & job application. If you've got the right skillset and are what the TOC are looking for and are better than the other applicants, you'll get the job.

By all means, do your own research and understand the pyschometrics, but ultimately it is as clear as that.

 

[BigChip90]

Thanks everyone for the info, I’ve been doing plenty of research and practise, fully aware it could get years but I’m willing to wait.

I know a bloke who works for DB Cargo so may go and have a chat with him and see what it’s like etc.

 

[CreamNCookies]

Good luck bud!

 

[CabbiePaul]

I’m also interested in driving. Currently a London cabbie and while I love my job it’s getting harder and harder to do with road closures and a multitude of other things. Train driving was the only thing I ever thought I would like to do whilst at school. It seems like one of them things that everyone says is impossible to get into.

 

[skyhigh]

I’m also interested in driving. Currently a London cabbie and while I love my job it’s getting harder and harder to do with road closures and a multitude of other things. Train driving was the only thing I ever thought I would like to do whilst at school. It seems like one of them things that everyone says is impossible to get into.

It's obviously possible to get into, as people do But, as mentioned above - there can be hundreds or even thousands of applicants per position. While some will be immediately ruled out for various reasons, it's still a very competitive process. If your application is good enough and you have the required skills, it is definitely possible to get into the role.

 

[BigChip90]

I’m also interested in driving. Currently a London cabbie and while I love my job it’s getting harder and harder to do with road closures and a multitude of other things. Train driving was the only thing I ever thought I would like to do whilst at school. It seems like one of them things that everyone says is impossible to get into.

We are in the same position, being London way you will most likely have more opportunity. Honestly just keep applying to every position you can!

Good luck and keep me posted.

 

[class373]

Anything is possible mate, I came from a ****ty sales position! Took me a few tries to get in and once I did 1 year and 6 months later I became a driver.

 

[16.19]

Probably a “how long is a piece of string question?” But what are the chances of getting to assessment stage and ultimately trainee driver if you are an external so to speak

I currently work in construction, have done for around 10 years, carpenter by trade and have done pretty much everything you can do carpentry wise, I’m now a site supervisor specialising in passive fire protection and have all the standard quals you would expect like first aid and SSSTS etc.

The railway industry has always been an interest for me but I have never looked at careers as I sort of fell into joinery and worked my way through construction but have now decided to give it a crack as I have some life/work experience.

Currently applied for the DB Cargo talent pool and hoping I hear something back and will continue to apply for roles as and when they come up.

What other industries have people come from?

Cheers everyone!

I was a printer for 13 years before joining the railway as a trainee driver. Been qualified 5 years this summer.

If you have the qualities that they’re looking for it doesn’t matter what you’ve done in the past.

 

[Stigy]

I was within the railway already, but an external candidate when I applied for Trainee Driver with my current TOC. Perseverance is key here, as others have said. Take each rejection as a positive step to up your game for next time (the more interviews you do, the more experienced you become at them).

The ONLY thing limiting how many times you can apply, are the psychometric assessments (and that’s only if you fail more than once). Every step you pass will be a boost for you, but be prepared for what feels like falling at the last hurdle (I say “feels like” because when you get the job, you’ll realise those hurdles were the least of your worries).

Good luck!

 

[ninhog]

I applied as an external in the August and was starting a course at the beginning of December after successfully passing each stage.

Personally, I’m of the opinion that you can’t practice the psychometric skills required; the purpose of these tests is to check for a natural ability required in processing information and ultimately ticking all the boxes to becoming a train driver.

I think that practicing is counter-productive, but people have passed the tests after lots of practicing so my opinion is probably moot.

Good luck to you in any application which you submit. If I can do it, anyone can do it.

 

[CreamNCookies]

I applied as an external in the August and was starting a course at the beginning of December after successfully passing each stage.

Personally, I’m of the opinion that you can’t practice the psychometric skills required; the purpose of these tests is to check for a natural ability required in processing information and ultimately ticking all the boxes to becoming a train driver.

I think that practicing is counter-productive, but people have passed the tests after lots of practicing so my opinion is probably moot.

Good luck to you in any application which you submit. If I can do it, anyone can do it.

It definitely is beneficial to get a bit of practice in. #if only to take away the fear of the unknown so you can get an understanding of what to expect.

But you're right, you have to have the natural ability to pass the tests, you cannot fake it.

 

[BigChip90]

I applied as an external in the August and was starting a course at the beginning of December after successfully passing each stage.

Personally, I’m of the opinion that you can’t practice the psychometric skills required; the purpose of these tests is to check for a natural ability required in processing information and ultimately ticking all the boxes to becoming a train driver.

I think that practicing is counter-productive, but people have passed the tests after lots of practicing so my opinion is probably moot.

Good luck to you in any application which you submit. If I can do it, anyone can do it.

I think it’s one of them where you either have it or you don’t. You can practise until the cows come home and still not be able to pass the assessments. For me it’s more knowing what’s coming up and the type of assessments there will be. They wouldn’t send you practise material if they didn’t want you to know.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 24 May 2021 ==

I was a printer for 13 years before joining the railway as a trainee driver. Been qualified 5 years this summer.

If you have the qualities that they’re looking for it doesn’t matter what you’ve done in the past.

From the responses it looks like it doesn’t matter where you’re from as long as you have the qualities and some luck you can make it through.

 

[ninhog]

I think it’s one of them where you either have it or you don’t. You can practise until the cows come home and still not be able to pass the assessments. For me it’s more knowing what’s coming up and the type of assessments there will be. They wouldn’t send you practise material if they didn’t want you to know.

Exactly that. They give you the practice material so you get an idea of what to expect.

People risk putting too much pressure upon themselves by over-thinking it all. I suspect those are the people who are likely to trip over during the MMI.

 

[387star]

Gaining a foot in the door especially outside London raises your chances considerably

Many many internal 'Railway Family ' staff become Drivers. Indeed it seems nearly every second person I worked with on the Railway has ended up Driving. That said waits are long but you're often on a good wage in the meantime.

 

[Stigy]

I think that practicing is counter-productive, but people have passed the tests after lots of practicing so my opinion is probably moot.

Good luck to you in any application which you submit. If I can do it, anyone can do it.

My view has always been that whilst it’s right that you can’t really affectively practice for the psychometric assessments, as they are intended to assess the natural ability, it’s a good idea to be aware of what to expect, even if that means having a couple of runs at practice material.