SWR Trainee Drivers at Staines, Woking and Waterloo

[Johnny Depot]

Yes it was the email and the day I messaged with no option for dates just stating I will have assessment on 8th nov at 10am.

Thanks for the response and best of luck - do you feel like they have given you a sufficient outline of the day and enough practice material?

 

[WA_Driver]

Waterloo for me!!!

Least you will have the option of all :!! Hopefully means more of a chance getting shortlisted for you!!

What’s the shift pattern like anyone know??

Earliest start is 0405
Latest finish is 0057

For all links it’s a average 35hr week.

The lower link which you’ll start after becoming productive is 9 saturdays Out of 14 & 6 Sunday’s out of 14. 1x 4 rest days. Otherwise it’s 2/3 days off....

 

[MrT]

I applied a few weeks ago, didn't hear anything, so I contacted HR. They said they have had problems and not been reviving applications- I'm assuming that's why it was open for so long. They sent me a link to complete the application again, however that went to my junk. I saw it the day before it expired, unfortunately it expired at the stroke of 00:01 thatmorning rather than 00:00 that night. Anyone else have the same?

 

[HeelBurton]

Waterloo for me!!!

Least you will have the option of all :!! Hopefully means more of a chance getting shortlisted for you!!

What’s the shift pattern like anyone know??

If you scroll back a few pages the shift patterns for waterloo have been explained

 

[Johnny Depot]

Earliest start is 0405
Latest finish is 0057

For all links it’s a average 35hr week.

The lower link which you’ll start after becoming productive is 9 saturdays Out of 14 & 6 Sunday’s out of 14. 1x 4 rest days. Otherwise it’s 2/3 days off....

Thanks for this. In relation to those starting and ending times - can you start at any time within those hours the TOC desires? For example, you say latest finish 0057, does the mean if you are on a late that will always working to that time or could you be on a late and maybe wrap up at say 11? Hope that makes sense.

Would I be right to think by lower link you routes the new drivers do? I personally don't mind working weekends but it would be interesting to know and to give my partner a realistic idea.

Does the amount of Saturday/Sundays eventually vary once you are a more experienced driver? I imagine you will always work to business needs but wondered if newer drivers have a more Saturday/Sunday heavy rota?

 

[Trackboy]

Thanks for the response and best of luck - do you feel like they have given you a sufficient outline of the day and enough practice material?

Yes I do feel its enough notice.. but I am not free on the 8th so I requested them for another date nk response so far.

 

[theironroad]

Thanks for this. In relation to those starting and ending times - can you start at any time within those hours the TOC desires? For example, you say latest finish 0057, does the mean if you are on a late that will always working to that time or could you be on a late and maybe wrap up at say 11? Hope that makes sense.

Would I be right to think by lower link you routes the new drivers do? I personally don't mind working weekends but it would be interesting to know and to give my partner a realistic idea.

Does the amount of Saturday/Sundays eventually vary once you are a more experienced driver? I imagine you will always work to business needs but wondered if newer drivers have a more Saturday/Sunday heavy rota?

The hint was in the wording 'earliest/latest'..... Yes lates turn can finish at anytime. The times that have been given will be earlier and latest starts in the base roster. Amended duties, usually during engineering works may lead to earlier starts or later finsihes, but that is less common. Yes newer drivers will start in the lowest link and move up through the links. Everyone works weekends, though I'm not sure if there are more in lower links. There won't be much in it as roster links should be fair for everyone. The main difference in Waterloo links I think is routes covered. There is a night link, which is self explanatory.....

 

[Johnny Depot]

The hint was in the wording 'earliest/latest'..... Yes lates turn can finish at anytime. The times that have been given will be earlier and latest starts in the base roster. Amended duties, usually during engineering works may lead to earlier starts or later finsihes, but that is less common. Yes newer drivers will start in the lowest link and move up through the links. Everyone works weekends, though I'm not sure if there are more in lower links. There won't be much in it as roster links should be fair for everyone. The main difference in Waterloo links I think is routes covered. There is a night link, which is self explanatory.....

Thanks for answering.

 

[OneLowban]

Does anyone have the email for HR or whoever I would email to ask how my application was doing or an update please? It's just someone said above they hadn't been getting or reviving some applications so I just want to double check, am a bit worried now.

I did get a confirmation email but still could have been lost I guess. Thanks.

 

[Johnny Depot]

Does anyone have the email for HR or whoever I would email to ask how my application was doing or an update please? It's just someone said above they hadn't been getting or reviving some applications so I just want to double check, am a bit worried now.

I did get a confirmation email but still could have been lost I guess. Thanks.

I e-mailed the recruitment address that gives you the application confirmation. I didn't chase them up about progress but had a query about location. They did respond - let us know how you get on.

 

[Saracen_83]

Yea would be nice to know however the fact they had 1300 applications and the closing date wasn’t for another 10 days would make me think that no news is good news to be honest!!!

And if you have had a confirmation email along with a application number then I would also assume that your application is ok and is going through the sifting progress!!!!

However like you I would love to know what is going on!!!! Just a waiting game now.... a very long waiting game!!!!!

 

[OneLowban]

I e-mailed the recruitment address that gives you the application confirmation. I didn't chase them up about progress but had a query about location. They did respond - let us know how you get on.

Ah right yeah didn't think of that. Will email them now and update here when I get a reply. Cheers.

Yea would be nice to know however the fact they had 1300 applications and the closing date wasn’t for another 10 days would make me think that no news is good news to be honest!!!

And if you have had a confirmation email along with a application number then I would also assume that your application is ok and is going through the sifting progress!!!!

However like you I would love to know what is going on!!!! Just a waiting game now.... a very long waiting game!!!!!

Yeah fingers crossed that's the case. Will let you know the reply I get, going to email now.

 

[Johnny Depot]

Ah right yeah didn't think of that. Will email them now and update here when I get a reply. Cheers.
.

No worries - it is not obvious and I find most of the time - the e-mails thanking you for applications do not receive e-mails but hopefully this should work.

Judging by HeelBurton's comments earlier in the thread - I think we will not hear anything until a week or so before the next assessment date if we have been selected. I think a weekl because that is what someone else got a few messages up and it would seem unfair to give one person a week's notice and then another person a month. So I reckon it will be silent until the next asssessment date is approaching.

 

[OneLowban]

No worries - it is not obvious and I find most of the time - the e-mails thanking you for applications do not receive e-mails but hopefully this should work.

Judging by HeelBurton's comments earlier in the thread - I think we will not hear anything until a week or so before the next assessment date if we have been selected. I think a weekl because that is what someone else got a few messages up and it would seem unfair to give one person a week's notice and then another person a month. So I reckon it will be silent until the next asssessment date is approaching.

Definately agree with all points in this post and yes it's true they are usually no-reply emails.

Well I emailed and got this short reply:

The role closed on the 31st, and we are now in the process of screening the applications. We will be in touch in due course to discuss any relevant next steps.

 

[Teddyward]

Definately agree with all points in this post and yes it's true they are usually no-reply emails.

Well I emailed and got this short reply:

Tense times. Best of luck to all who applied.

 

[SimonFFC]

Hi All,

I managed to pass my assessment on Wednesday having applied for Staines. It was pretty tough, much as anticipated though.

Does anyone have advice on good research areas for the interviews? I do not have a date yet but I guess it should be within the next couple of weeks and I would like to get plenty of prep done.

Any advice much appreciated.

 

[OneLowban]

Hi All,

I managed to pass my assessment on Wednesday having applied for Staines. It was pretty tough, much as anticipated though.

Does anyone have advice on good research areas for the interviews? I do not have a date yet but I guess it should be within the next couple of weeks and I would like to get plenty of prep done.

Any advice much appreciated.

Sorry mate no advice just good luck!

 

[WA_Driver]

Hi All,

I managed to pass my assessment on Wednesday having applied for Staines. It was pretty tough, much as anticipated though.

Does anyone have advice on good research areas for the interviews? I do not have a date yet but I guess it should be within the next couple of weeks and I would like to get plenty of prep done.

Any advice much appreciated.

If I remember from my interviews (don’t know of much as changed) but
Research the company.....
Research the job.....
Make sure you have good examples of...
being able to concentrate for long periods of time

How to you’ve dealt with emergencies

How to deal with learning and retaining information

How to deal with something/someone that is/doing something wrong

Other do feel free to add or tell me I’m wrong only going by when I did my interviews 4 years ago...

 

[SimonFFC]

If I remember from my interviews (don’t know of much as changed) but
Research the company.....
Research the job.....
Make sure you have good examples of...
being able to concentrate for long periods of time

How to you’ve dealt with emergencies

How to deal with learning and retaining information

How to deal with something/someone that is/doing something wrong

Other do feel free to add or tell me I’m wrong only going by when I did my interviews 4 years ago...

That is terrific many thanks. I should have plenty of time to work on good examples

 

[Trackboy]

Hi All,

I managed to pass my assessment on Wednesday having applied for Staines. It was pretty tough, much as anticipated though.

Does anyone have advice on good research areas for the interviews? I do not have a date yet but I guess it should be within the next couple of weeks and I would like to get plenty of prep done.

Any advice much appreciated.

Hi mate first of all congrats for getting through.. just wanted to know do they require national standard pass or enhanced?

Thank you in advance.

 

[Al8oy]

just wanted to know do they require national standard pass or enhanced?

Thank you in advance.

National standard for SWR

 

[Al8oy]

If I remember from my interviews (don’t know of much as changed) but
Research the company.....
Research the job.....
Make sure you have good examples of...
being able to concentrate for long periods of time

How to you’ve dealt with emergencies

How to deal with learning and retaining information

How to deal with something/someone that is/doing something wrong

Other do feel free to add or tell me I’m wrong only going by when I did my interviews 4 years ago...

As above, had my interviews earlier this year and I would agree with what WA_Driver has said.
When researching the company make sure you know the name of the CEO and key dates, routes, number of stations called at/operated by SWR and types of rolling stock. They really drilled me on this info.

 

[Trackboy]

National standard for SWR

Thanks mate.

 

[BallaBoy]

I submitted two applications, a week before advert closed for both Staines and Woking depots as I live equal distance in between.
I have my assessments next week for Woking - I am over 50 years old and looking for a new and different job. I am very pleased and encouraged that SWR consider training applications seriously from individuals over 50 years of age.

A light hearted throwback for the older drivers out there..... www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-hQ6-biWoo

Might hopefully be me singing that one day...

 

[GMT]

I submitted two applications, a week before advert closed for both Staines and Woking depots as I live equal distance in between.
I have my assessments next week for Woking - I am over 50 years old and looking for a new and different job. I am very pleased and encouraged that SWR consider training applications seriously from individuals over 50 years of age.

A light hearted throwback for the older drivers out there..... www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-hQ6-biWoo

Might hopefully be me singing that one day...

Congratulations BallaBoy.

However, it's not only SWR who takes into consideration over 50s. My appliication was successful with both Southeastern (2015) and Thameslink (2016), and I'm over 50, of course. From what I read on this forum, over 50s are very welcome amongst all TOCs.

Changing subject, has anyone on this forum received a rejection for any of the adverts of wave 1? I've read only about invitations to assessments, which is great news, but I haven't heard of any rejection and I'm wondering whether they have already started the sifting or not.

 

[baz962]

Congratulations BallaBoy.

However, it's not only SWR who takes into consideration over 50s. My appliication was successful with both Southeastern (2015) and Thameslink (2016), and I'm over 50, of course. From what I read on this forum, over 50s are very welcome amongst all TOCs.

Changing subject, has anyone on this forum received a rejection for any of the adverts of wave 1? I've read only about invitations to assessments, which is great news, but I haven't heard of any rejection and I'm wondering whether they have already started the sifting or not.

I got rejected within two day's although I am pretty sure it was location reason's, do you now drive gmt.

 

[GMT]

I got rejected within two day's although I am pretty sure it was location reason's, do you now drive gmt.

Oh yes, I drive my Class 2003 Nissan Micra.

Jokes apart, no, I don't drive. My 2015 application for shunter driver is still open; they kindly keep sending me emails (7 in total so far) saying that once they have a date for the assessment they will get back to me. Fair enough, I appreciate it. But in 2016 I passed the assessment and the DMI with Thameslink, then unfortunately I didn't pass the MMI. So close yet so far. Anyway, I was very disappointed, but the MMI failure was only my fault, nothing I did knowingly though. Since then I carried on with my life, no much drama. It wasn't meant to be at that time. Perhaps it will be soon, who knows.

I was asking about rejections because I applied on 27/10/17 and so far I haven't received one. I suppose no news good news.

 

[baz962]

Oh yes, I drive my Class 2003 Nissan Micra.

Jokes apart, no, I don't drive. My 2015 application for shunter driver is still open; they kindly keep sending me emails (7 in total so far) saying that once they have a date for the assessment they will get back to me. Fair enough, I appreciate it. But in 2016 I passed the assessment and the DMI with Thameslink, then unfortunately I didn't pass the MMI. So close yet so far. Anyway, I was very disappointed, but the MMI failure was only my fault, nothing I did knowingly though. Since then I carried on with my life, no much drama. It wasn't meant to be at that time. Perhaps it will be soon, who knows.

I was asking about rejections because I applied on 27/10/17 and so far I haven't received one. I suppose no news good news.

Ah I see I passed all test's and mmi I failed dmi with Govia, I had applied great northern but at dmi was told I would be Thameslink and since then I can't seem to get further than first sift with anyone. I applied east midland's depot driver, Arriva wales and south western. I also applied gwr and got sent the online test's and now just waiting to hear back from them. 2015 and still awaiting assessment dates that's a long wait mate.

 

[theironroad]

To add to all the good replies about swr interviews. Don't forget this is a new franchise and first have laid out a number of promises and goals regarding new services,trains, extra capacity and other franchise committments. It would be good to revise this stuff as part of the company details. I wouldn't start raising the issue of doo /2nd staff member etc in interviews unless asked specifically asked.

 

[theironroad]

I submitted two applications, a week before advert closed for both Staines and Woking depots as I live equal distance in between.
I have my assessments next week for Woking - I am over 50 years old and looking for a new and different job. I am very pleased and encouraged that SWR consider training applications seriously from individuals over 50 years of age.

A light hearted throwback for the older drivers out there..... www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-hQ6-biWoo

Might hopefully be me singing that one day...

Make sure you're singing those original words not the half man half biscuit alternatives.. ☺

Best of luck in the assessments.