Northern BLACKBURN trainee drivers

[Dave1980]

Cheers for the info beavercreek, it's a new depot they are opening in Blackburn in December so it would be about 15-16months of training. Like you if they offered me the role of just apologise to my current employers and walk, they may dock my wages but then I'd be earning from the new job so c'est la vie.
Yeah sennaf15 that's what I heard 1900 applicants 17 took to interview today and about 25 jobs for trainee drivers, heard a few from Blackpool and Manchester have been put into the Blackburn Assesment too though. Still done well to get this far, fingers crossed!

 

[sennaf15]

3 didn't turn up for the interview today so only 14 interviewed from 1900 applications....that just blows my mind lol.

 

[Dave1980]

They didn't turn up? Flipping lunatics! Yeah gotta say I'm impressed with myself for making it this far 14 out of 1900, it's quite flattering and just hope it continues!

 

[tommo1097]

They didn't turn up? Flipping lunatics! Yeah gotta say I'm impressed with myself for making it this far 14 out of 1900, it's quite flattering and just hope it continues!

Hi dave,

any further info or pointers for interview?

what you got asked, how many on the panel?

Any info would help me a lot.

Thanks mate.

 

[verve76]

I had to decline my interview but was told that they were having more and that they would put me forward when they had the dates. Hope that was the case!

 

[Lankyline]

Interesting comments about interviews already being held, I applied 10 days ago, got an email response saying they would respond back within in 2-4 weeks.

 

[Dave1980]

I originally applied for the Blackpool post but as I lived closer to Blackburn they transferred my application which may be why I was interviewed today. Obviously I only have the info I was given today so can't really comment on any future interview dates, may be keeping some back just in case someone today didn't perform on interview but that's just a guess.

In terms of what I was asked in truth it was all kind of a blur but they were all loosely based on the competencies they listed in the email. I'd come up with an example for each one and just practice telling it in a structured manner. For me there were three on the panel, one asking the questions and directing the interview and two observing/ making notes. Was very relaxed for them but obviously for you it's quite an important day so you still feel the pressure but take a few deep breaths, pour a drink of water to stop getting a dry mouth and buy time to think of an answer. The three I had were genuinely nice people and friendly, easy to talk to so don't worry about that aspect.

Obviously I can't go into too much detail as it wouldn't be fair on the rest of the applicants, including me. Hope you understand but I do want this job and it would be shooting myself in the foot to give you all the answers and not very ethical of me towards the other candidates from today.

Good luck with your applications!

 

[tommo1097]

I originally applied for the Blackpool post but as I lived closer to Blackburn they transferred my application which may be why I was interviewed today. Obviously I only have the info I was given today so can't really comment on any future interview dates, may be keeping some back just in case someone today didn't perform on interview but that's just a guess.

In terms of what I was asked in truth it was all kind of a blur but they were all loosely based on the competencies they listed in the email. I'd come up with an example for each one and just practice telling it in a structured manner. For me there were three on the panel, one asking the questions and directing the interview and two observing/ making notes. Was very relaxed for them but obviously for you it's quite an important day so you still feel the pressure but take a few deep breaths, pour a drink of water to stop getting a dry mouth and buy time to think of an answer. The three I had were genuinely nice people and friendly, easy to talk to so don't worry about that aspect.

Obviously I can't go into too much detail as it wouldn't be fair on the rest of the applicants, including me. Hope you understand but I do want this job and it would be shooting myself in the foot to give you all the answers and not very ethical of me towards the other candidates from today.

Good luck with your applications!

Morning dave,

We arent going for the same job mate im going for trainee driver in Hull.

Thanks for the info provides all the same.

Tom

 

[cin88]

Begining to think that I might have been sifted out this time around.

 

[sennaf15]

Just got my email after my interview yesterday......I've been invited to the assessment day in Doncaster. I'm over the moon ??????

 

[Dave1980]

Sennaf15 congratulations!! Same here but in Manchester on 18th August, stunned and delighted in equal measure. Just had to ask my bosses for the day off work, I say "ask" it was more a case of "for your information I won't be in work on the 18th!"
Good luck.
Cin88 try emailing the HR team and get an update, I did and they were very helpful. They could be doing it in stages but for me they knew I was just on the border of the allowed distance from Blackpool which was my original application, they held it back as they knew Blackburn was coming up..... could be the same for you.

 

[sennaf15]

Well done Dave1980, can't believe how quick they have replied. I was lucky as I'm on leave for 2 weeks when my assessment day is on. Going to have to start practicing as best I can for the tests now.

 

[Dave1980]

I was lucky with the interview as it was my one day off this week. Had just emailed the bosses to warn them that I had applied for another job and then got the email through, they are being okay about it so far thankfully! Yeah well practise makes perfect I guess, who knows we may well soon be working together!

 

[maccalad]

It was two weeks ago on Thursday just gone (21st July) when I applied, and I have heard absolutely nothing, other than the initial email acknowledging receipt of my application - I am starting to think I have not been successful.

Saying that, they do say they will notify people within 2-4 weeks, so I suppose there is still 12 days left for me to receive that all-important email!

Just a quicky on the application form for everyone - how did you find it? I know there was space for 4000 words, but I felt as though I had to go into the most specific detail in order to get up towards the maximum amount, and I tried to focus my answers on the safety of others and myself, concentration, decision making and customer service.

Fingers crossed!!!

 

[sennaf15]

I didn't hear anything back from them for almost 2 months. Just be patient they will be I touch at some point. Regarding the application, I didn't hit the full amount they offered. You need to be clear and concise in your answer and not waffle. All the clues to what they want from you is in the job description and that goes for the interview aswell. Using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) format makes a huge difference in answering competency based questions.
Good luck.

 

[Lankyline]

As they say patience is a virtue in these cases, I'm still in the response in 2-4 weeks catagory, as much as I would love to get to the next stage I work on the basis that I'm not successful, so you don't end up getting totally depressed if you get rejected. I find it helps me get back into the job hunt quicker and more determined instead of wallowing in self pity.
sennarf15 makes an excellent point re the STAR principle it's something I have used for years in these type of applications and it does work. I would also add if you have a max number of words in a box to use, you do not have to use them all ! Waffle will kill your application!

 

[Dave1980]

I was the same as Sennaf15 think my original application was sent off in May and it was the end of July before I got a response. Once I did though everything has moved very fast so be prepared for that.
The STAR technique really helps to structure your responses, they are really keen on taking personal responsibility for things such as what YOU did and safety. Customer service and following procedure will be big things too in a public facing role.
Like the last post says I'm trying not to get too carried away as I'm expecting the cuts at Assessment Day to be fairly brutal possibly around 50%. First time I will have attended one and some of it does sound rather confusing, some are fairly similar to Police Assessments such as the memory test and Psychometric test which I'm quite used to.
There is a chance they are trying to fill the next available course with candidates in September and then will progress another group through the process. Think most courses have around 12 people from what I've read on here.
Good luck everyone.

 

[maccalad]

Thanks for the tips guys.........I haven't waffled, merely gone into every minute detail to evidence various skills, and yes, the STAR technique is a must as it tells the complete picture and the out come!

I'm happy to wait!

 

[tommo1097]

Thanks for the tips guys.........I haven't waffled, merely gone into every minute detail to evidence various skills, and yes, the STAR technique is a must as it tells the complete picture and the out come!

I'm happy to wait!

Hi mate.

was this you mentioned for your application or interview?

Thanks

 

[maccalad]

Tommo..........it was for application.

A single example of a competency, fully explained in detail using the STAR technique got me up to between 3,000 and 4,000 words.

I wanted to elaborate to fully explain each example.

 

[tommo1097]

Tommo..........it was for application.

A single example of a competency, fully explained in detail using the STAR technique got me up to between 3,000 and 4,000 words.

I wanted to elaborate to fully explain each example.

Right i see mate.

I had never heard of the star technique prior to coming to this forum, however the information i provided for each questions i practically laid out in the same format for each answer.

Interview this week so nerves are kicking in, trying to learn as much as possible about the TOC.

 

[Lucky63]

I applied for the Manchester batch in Feb and finally have a start date of 5th Sept. Not sure how likely but I would love to be assigned Blackburn on the off chance as I only live 9 miles away.

 

[Dave1980]

Well after a stressful couple of months this morning I was told I had passed the assessment day and have been given a verbal job offer pending my medical. They did want me to start training on 5th September but couldn't do that to my current employer so it's a course at the start of October and first four months training in Manchester for me.
Just waiting on an email with all the dates and times as the phone call was a bit of a blur in all honesty, they are also sending out a uniform form to fill in!
Quite shocked by it all but made up! Blackburn here I come!

 

[Lucky63]

Well after a stressful couple of months this morning I was told I had passed the assessment day and have been given a verbal job offer pending my medical. They did want me to start training on 5th September but couldn't do that to my current employer so it's a course at the start of October and first four months training in Manchester for me.
Just waiting on an email with all the dates and times as the phone call was a bit of a blur in all honesty, they are also sending out a uniform form to fill in!
Quite shocked by it all but made up! Blackburn here I come!

Congratulations Dave1980!

Joining Blackburn depot will be superb in my opinion.

Unfortunately for me I was refused my switch to Blackburn so Manchester Piccadilly it is.

I am starting on the 5th Sept and by the looks of things, this course is rather sparse...as I was told last week there were only 5 places out of 16 confirmed.

 

[Sapper]

Hi.
Well done on passing! I passed my assessment day around 5 weeks ago in Manchester. Since receiving the well done you passed email, I've heard nothing!
I've just e-mailed hr today for some more information, I've been trying to be patient, but seeing people are being allocated courses has me abit worried!
I wondered if anyone could give me HR's phone number, via PM is fine.
Thanks in advance.

 

[Dave1980]

That's a shame Lucky63 I'd probably be the same distance from either one, yeah they offered me that course but just too short notice and my bosses have been fairly good to me so can't leave them like that, plus I'm helping train some new starters.

 

[Sapper]

That's a shame Lucky63 I'd probably be the same distance from either one, yeah they offered me that course but just too short notice and my bosses have been fairly good to me so can't leave them like that, plus I'm helping train some new starters.

Thanks Dave i managed to get the number earlier and now i cant seem to access my PMs to reply? (maybe i don't have enough forum posts)
I spoke to HR, turns out i wasn't being considered for Blackburn after all! My original application was for Manchester.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Congratulations Dave1980!

Joining Blackburn depot will be superb in my opinion.

Unfortunately for me I was refused my switch to Blackburn so Manchester Piccadilly it is.

I am starting on the 5th Sept and by the looks of things, this course is rather sparse...as I was told last week there were only 5 places out of 16 confirmed.

Hi Lucky,

Could i ask when you applied and passed your assessments etc please? I've now asked to be considered for Blackburn, HR are getting back to me on Monday, hopefully.
I only need to give a weeks notice in my current role, but as the start date goes on interview date and score, i can only imagine my score must have been rubbish!
Cheers.

 

[gazcat]

Well after a stressful couple of months this morning I was told I had passed the assessment day and have been given a verbal job offer pending my medical. They did want me to start training on 5th September but couldn't do that to my current employer so it's a course at the start of October and first four months training in Manchester for me.
Just waiting on an email with all the dates and times as the phone call was a bit of a blur in all honesty, they are also sending out a uniform form to fill in!
Quite shocked by it all but made up! Blackburn here I come!

Congratulations Dave1980. Well done.

 

[Lucky63]

Thanks Dave i managed to get the number earlier and now i cant seem to access my PMs to reply? (maybe i don't have enough forum posts)
I spoke to HR, turns out i wasn't being considered for Blackburn after all! My original application was for Manchester.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---


Hi Lucky,

Could i ask when you applied and passed your assessments etc please? I've now asked to be considered for Blackburn, HR are getting back to me on Monday, hopefully.
I only need to give a weeks notice in my current role, but as the start date goes on interview date and score, i can only imagine my score must have been rubbish!
Cheers.

Hi.
I applied in Feb for Manchester Stns with assessment at the end of April. I was offered a place on the May course but couldn't commit to it so ended up with September.

 

[Sapper]

Hi.
I applied in Feb for Manchester Stns with assessment at the end of April. I was offered a place on the May course but couldn't commit to it so ended up with September.

Thanks. Looks like you've had quite a wait then after the initial course offer. Bet you'll be glad to get started.
All the best.