Metrolink Drivers

[LRV3004]

Also, Stooey, Kezbian or anybody else, how far down the SCAAT sheets did you get on each of the 3 sub sections. Guessing you got more on section 1 than 2 or 3. Cheers.

I actually got further on the third one than the second one! Bizarre I know!
With the first one I got around two thirds of the way down, maybe a little further. I was actually hoping I'd clear the page at one point and was a little disappointed when I didn't ha ha!!!

 

[Kezbian1804]

I think if you just go in and be as accurate and as fast as you can then you can't go wrong. It's all down to ability with these tests and if it's not meant to be, it's not meant to be.

 

[BOULDER]

Just seen a job on the First website for train driver at nearly 50k! I have read that a many Metrolink drivers move on to this after getting experience. Any idea how many do this anyone.

 

[martin2345uk]

https://www.manchestereveningnews.c...-feral-teenagers-organised-criminals-14245729

This kind of thing concerns me as a maybe possibly one day hope to be tram driver.

Is this scaremongering? Or accurate..?

 

[BOULDER]

Martin, just read this article and it doesn't look very good does it. All forms of public transport have there share of problems I'm sure. Did you get to your Metrolink assessment by the way.

 

[Kezbian1804]

https://www.manchestereveningnews.c...-feral-teenagers-organised-criminals-14245729

This kind of thing concerns me as a maybe possibly one day hope to be tram driver.

Is this scaremongering? Or accurate..?

I think it's probably an accurate account. I think what is more important is that KeolisAmey and TfGM are addressing the issue accordingly and combating it rather than turning a blind eye to it in the hope that it'll resolve itself. I'm due to start in three weeks and I must admit, the anti-social element of the job is one that worries me but I'm thick skinned and I'm sure over time the situation will improve and I'll 'get used to it' I guess. Doesn't take the excitement away from me starting in the role.

 

[Stooey]

You all ready for starting kez??? Have you been told dress code for your training?? Im asuming shirt and pants... 4weeks to wait yet for me. ..

 

[LRV3004]

You all ready for starting kez??? Have you been told dress code for your training?? Im asuming shirt and pants... 4weeks to wait yet for me. ..

Smart casual is best for your first few days Stooey, you should hopefully receive your uniform within the first week or two. I know you've got another 4 weeks yet but hang on in there, it will be worth the wait!

 

[Kezbian1804]

You all ready for starting kez??? Have you been told dress code for your training?? Im asuming shirt and pants... 4weeks to wait yet for me. ..

What LRV said mate, smart casual for the first few days. They've said they're going to be in touch this week with more details regarding Monday at some point this week so I'm awaiting that.

Starting to get anxious now because it's a totally different industry for me considering I've been working in technology for the past 8 years.

4 weeks will fly, it only seems two minutes ago since I gave my employer my notice, that was 4 and a bit weeks ago.

 

[Franqui62]

Hi and welcome to all the newcomers. I don't come on here that often, but I've been on trams for over 2.5yrs now, and friend of LRV3004 and Beeks. I've come from buses. See you all around.

 

[Stooey]

Hello franqui62.... you still loving it after 2.5yrs?? How does it compare to buses?? Sent my signed contract back now and putting my notice in tomoz, roll on the 26th march

 

[Kezbian1804]

I get started tomorrow. Had a last minute fright as I came down with a sore throat on Friday, thought nothing of it, went to the football yesterday and got worse as time went on. Was in bed with a fever last night and was panicking that I wasn't going to be fit for tomorrow. Luckily I've been all over the flu tabs and rest and have recovered enough.

 

[Stooey]

How was your 1st day kez??

 

[Kezbian1804]

How was your 1st day kez??

Sorry for the delay in responding. It's been great so far. First week is really intense, all about rules and regs but don't be daunted by it.
All I'm going to say is you need to put the work in, otherwise you'll not get anything out. As the saying goes, you'll only get out what you put in.

Second weekend has been much better, learning about the vehicles and even driving one down a stretch of QRD on Tuesday!

 

[Stooey]

Sounds great 2weeks to go before i start and tbh they told me at my interview if you dont put the work in you will get nothing out of it...
Glad your enjoying it as you were a bit sceptical going from your previous office type job

 

[Kezbian1804]

I'll be honest. At the end of my first week I was like 'What have I gotten myself into!?' but as time has gone on I've realised I'm not alone and I'm slowly getting more and more comfortable. I'm quite an anxious person so I've had to keep that in check but all in all it has been a good experience. You'll get to meet the MD Aline Frantzen on your first week and my group will be in there as well giving feedback .

 

[Kezbian1804]

Sounds great 2weeks to go before i start and tbh they told me at my interview if you dont put the work in you will get nothing out of it...
Glad your enjoying it as you were a bit sceptical going from your previous office type job

How was your first day mate?

 

[Stooey]

Yea pretty good, nice easy day to break us in before hard work starts tomoz, ready for test next weds, just hope i pass as unemployed if not ...... been told we are on bury altrincham line too, looks a tough one .....

 

[Kezbian1804]

They'll help you through. My group fretted over the test but in all seriousness they aren't going to set you up to fail. You need to ensure you're doing a little bit of revision each evening to back yourself up for the test.

Only difference between what we learnt and what you'll learn is block signalling. We don't have that on Ashton/Eccles so no need to learn it until i am upskilled on to the Bury/Alty line. Off down the East Didsbury line tomorrow for my first bit of mainline driving. Got my Final Exam next week.

 

[Ryan_evans2]

Good evening all,

I had my assessment day earlier today and passed everything and have been invited on a medical Monday 23rd.

I was just wondering if anyone could shed some light on what the eyesight requirements are and what the medical process is.

Thanks

 

[Stooey]

Well done, saw your group earlier today, not many left at the end.... medical straight forward, drug alcohol pee test, blood pressure, hearing and eye test...

 

[Ryan_evans2]

Well done, saw your group earlier today, not many left at the end.... medical straight forward, drug alcohol pee test, blood pressure, hearing and eye test...

There was only two of us that made it to interview stage the scatt test caught people out.
The medical sounds straightforward enough cheers.

 

[Kezbian1804]

There was only two of us that made it to interview stage the scatt test caught people out.
The medical sounds straightforward enough cheers.

Hi Ryan, welcome to ML! The eye test is absolutely straight forward. You stand at the back of a room and read from a letter chart whilst covering either eye. You've also got the colour blindness test as well.

 

[Ryan_evans2]

Thanks kezbian, as you all said the medical really straight forward. Had the phone call back yesterday to say everything had come back ok and had my start date confirmed for the 21st of May.

 

[Kezbian1804]

Thanks kezbian, as you all said the medical really straight forward. Had the phone call back yesterday to say everything had come back ok and had my start date confirmed for the 21st of May.

Nice one Ryan. Any idea which line you're learning first? My lot which started in Feb learnt Ashton-Eccles and the current lot are learning Altrincham-Bury. All I can say is the more you put in the more you'll get out of it. There are 3 exams (Rules and Regs, Vehicle and Final Exam) and then of course a driving test. The training team are really helpful and good at what they do. I'm approximately 2 weeks away from my driving test.

A lot to learn but so far it's been a super experience.

 

[Ryan_evans2]

Nice one Ryan. Any idea which line you're learning first? My lot which started in Feb learnt Ashton-Eccles and the current lot are learning Altrincham-Bury. All I can say is the more you put in the more you'll get out of it. There are 3 exams (Rules and Regs, Vehicle and Final Exam) and then of course a driving test. The training team are really helpful and good at what they do. I'm approximately 2 weeks away from my driving test.

A lot to learn but so far it's been a super experience.

No there hasn’t been any mention of which lines first or anything.
I’m guessing the first few months are very full on and intense.
I what have the working hours been like while your doing your training.
What’s your thoughts on the job so far.

 

[garryyy]

Good evening all,

I had my assessment day earlier today and passed everything and have been invited on a medical Monday 23rd.

I was just wondering if anyone could shed some light on what the eyesight requirements are and what the medical process is.

Thanks

Hi Ryan,
I have my assesment day tuesday 1st may. Looks that you recently pass the assessment.
Can you please confirm that the tests are the same and they haven't been changed
How was the interview?

 

[Kezbian1804]

No there hasn’t been any mention of which lines first or anything.
I’m guessing the first few months are very full on and intense.
I what have the working hours been like while your doing your training.
What’s your thoughts on the job so far.

The training hours to start with are 0800-1600 Monday - Friday. First week you'll do the Rules and Regulations stuff. Second week you move onto vehicle knowledge and then it gets easier from there on in. We did a week of lates when we were doing out of service driving but to be honest they were a trial so not sure whether you will have to do the same.

The first 7 weeks should be 0800-1600 Monday to Friday with Weeks 5-7 being out of service and in service driving. Week 8 is where you head out in service with your minder. I'm currently on Week 10 as of tomorrow.

If you need any help feel free to send me a DM.

 

[Kezbian1804]

Oh and to answer the question on my thoughts on the job. It's definitely a career for life. I've come from a retail background which has been my whole working life. It's not easy at all, there is a lot to take in but ultimately if you apply yourself and do a bit of revision each evening for the relevant tests then you'll do fine.

Personally I'm really enjoying it and any doubts I had have subsided. I'm yet to get that work dread feeling of having to go to work but I am still new to the role.

 

[Ryan_evans2]

Hi Ryan,
I have my assesment day tuesday 1st may. Looks that you recently pass the assessment.
Can you please confirm that the tests are the same and they haven't been changed
How was the interview?

The tests are still dials then shapes and the interview is relatively straightforward just competency based questions.