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Transport for Wales - Trainee Train Drivers

RachelT

Member
Joined
22 Jul 2020
Messages
31
Location
Cardiff
Not necessarily, they could put the first x amount of people in for assessments, 90% of them could fail, so then they'll have to work through other candidates . Doubt they'll send the rejection emails until the positions are filled
This does make sense.
I suppose there are a number of ways they could be whittling the thousands down so I'm going to stick Kevin Bridges on and not think into it any further!
It is what it is and it isn't what it isn't! :)
 
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Octopus28

Member
Joined
12 Sep 2018
Messages
165
Theres a thread all about TOCs and the depots route knowledge etc which is really useful, Chester is TFWs biggest train crew depot outside Cardiff, with a unit depot close to the station so it's a 24hr depot.
Plenty of varied shifts & routes plus a good variety of traction which is beneficial to keep you busy.
As you mentioned each qualified driver will have there own training package, learning initially core routes plus traction. plus it's a very busy time around Chester this year with a huge recruitment drive. So the staff in the training centre & the instructors will be kept very busy keeping up with the workload !
Covids impact has been huge especially on the training side, they are just starting to get back to work with trainees on covid trials 1 on 1 in a few depots one being Chester.
Good luck to your friend they are moving to a good depot
Thank you so much! They’ll no doubt be very busy!! Very helpful information :)
 

sharpy

New Member
Joined
19 Aug 2020
Messages
3
Location
Merseyside
With regard to the below,

** If you have been through the interview or assessment process for a Trainee Train Driver role (in any location) within the last six months and were unsuccessful, then please do not re-apply as we're sorry to say that we will not reconsider your application **

....does this just refer to other locations applied for with Transport for Wales? Or does it include other locations with other operators too? I made an application with First Group within the last 6 months, with a short online test which I failed. I'm not even sure if that short test would count as an 'assessment' anyway (I'd assume that assessments in this sense, refers more to full day assessment).
 

Mr Rottweiler

Member
Joined
23 Oct 2018
Messages
19
With regard to the below,

** If you have been through the interview or assessment process for a Trainee Train Driver role (in any location) within the last six months and were unsuccessful, then please do not re-apply as we're sorry to say that we will not reconsider your application **

....does this just refer to other locations applied for with Transport for Wales? Or does it include other locations with other operators too? I made an application with First Group within the last 6 months, with a short online test which I failed. I'm not even sure if that short test would count as an 'assessment' anyway (I'd assume that assessments in this sense, refers more to full day assessment).

You'd be fine applying with TfW then. It basically means if you failed an application with TfW for Crewe four months ago and then positions were advertised with TfW for Shrewsbury you wouldn't be able to apply for Shrewsbury.
 

Trevormax

Member
Joined
26 Jul 2020
Messages
6
Location
South Wales
Yes it is from the newest recruitment drive. I am actually on annual leave next week so Wednesday or Thursday is good for me. Just waiting for confirmation of which day. assume they will send more of what the day will entail in the next email.

I applied in the March application and I think my application was lost as I did not get a link to the online questionnaire. Applied in July for a position in Cardiff, did the questionnaire a day or so later, and had an email today inviting me to S1 assessment day next week. I replied right away saying which day I am available and I am awaiting a reply to confirm if I am booked on the assessment. Have you had confirmation yet that you are booked on to the assessment?

My brother-in-law also applied in July but has not yet had an invitation. He has massive customer service and public transport experience and would be ideal for the job in my opinion. I am guessing they have limited slots each day/week for the assessment and need to do them gradually, which is why some have received invitations and others have not.
 

TeaTrain

Member
Joined
13 Aug 2014
Messages
443
correct me if Im wrong here But TFW don't do pre assessments For Drivers, Guards do need to pass online assessments witch are filtered , unless you know of any forthcoming changes, This was the case 12 months ago anyhow.


Hi, we'll Done so far, what did you have to do to be passed on phase 1,

Of course your right each TOC has their own way of doing things.

I was talking as a generalisation as to there being so many applicants for a train driver role. I did mention 'depending on the TOC'.
 

Carli

Member
Joined
20 Aug 2020
Messages
18
Location
Wales
Morning ladies and gents, I applied in July and received an email yesterday inviting me to an assessment day in Cardiff next week. I replied within 2 hours, however the spaces had already been filled. TFW will be calling me with another date soon. Excited isn’t the word! Anyone else in my position? I’m practicing online tests :)
 

Trogladyte

Member
Joined
2 Feb 2020
Messages
69
I've already passed the psychometrics and have been invited to skip these straight to the interview in a couple of months time :)
 

Bazzale

Member
Joined
20 Aug 2020
Messages
23
Location
Cardiff
Carli what date did you apply for the position

Morning ladies and gents, I applied in July and received an email yesterday inviting me to an assessment day in Cardiff next week. I replied within 2 hours, however the spaces had already been filled. TFW will be calling me with another date soon. Excited isn’t the word! Anyone else in my position? I’m practicing online tests :)
What date did you apply for the position

Yes it is from the newest recruitment drive. I am actually on annual leave next week so Wednesday or Thursday is good for me. Just waiting for confirmation of which day. assume they will send more of what the day will entail in the next email.
What date did you apply for the position
 
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Carli

Member
Joined
20 Aug 2020
Messages
18
Location
Wales
Well done so what sort of background do you come from


So hopefully I’ll hear back soon then I done mine the 29th I’m starting to wonder if I got bad news coming my way
Well done so what sort of background do you come from


So hopefully I’ll hear back soon then I done mine the 29th I’m starting to wonder if I got bad news coming my way

I’m currently a postwoman. Fingers crossed for you!
 

Ghost_rider

Member
Joined
28 Mar 2020
Messages
51
Location
Merseyside
It's really kicking on now with how quickly they're moving people on.

It's interesting that they're using both interviews or assessments to progress people through to the next stage after the initial sift.

Perhaps it's more efficient for them to use both methods at the same time, especially when you consider the colossal amount of applications received so far.

Well done to the most recent applicants who have been successful getting through to the next stage!
 

Ghost_rider

Member
Joined
28 Mar 2020
Messages
51
Location
Merseyside
Morning ladies and gents, I applied in July and received an email yesterday inviting me to an assessment day in Cardiff next week. I replied within 2 hours, however the spaces had already been filled. TFW will be calling me with another date soon. Excited isn’t the word! Anyone else in my position? I’m practicing online tests :)



I was literally on my phone when the email came through to say I'd been moved onto the next stage so booked on straight away.

She said there was only one day left next week, so I was quite fortunate I was on my phone at the precise time it was sent through.
 

chmt

Member
Joined
25 Sep 2019
Messages
45
Location
Bridgend
is there an interview at the stage 1 assessment day? I have been sent the test practice material via email
 

Carli

Member
Joined
20 Aug 2020
Messages
18
Location
Wales
I was literally on my phone when the email came through to say I'd been moved onto the next stage so booked on straight away.

She said there was only one day left next week, so I was quite fortunate I was on my phone at the precise time it was sent through.

That was fortunate! I’ve booked onto the following week, exciting times :)
 

Mr Rottweiler

Member
Joined
23 Oct 2018
Messages
19
Has anybody heard from Chester/Crewe? I only applied last week so am obviously not expecting anything, just intrigued.

I applied for Crewe & Shrewsbury and so far nothing (I applied within a week of the ad going live) with the exception of the automated emails advising that applications are still being looked in to. From what I've gathered reading this thread (and I may be wrong) it looks like the only people who have had something further regardng assessments are people who have applied for Cardiff.
 

Bazzale

Member
Joined
20 Aug 2020
Messages
23
Location
Cardiff
I applied for Crewe & Shrewsbury and so far nothing (I applied within a week of the ad going live) with the exception of the automated emails advising that applications are still being looked in to. From what I've gathered reading this thread (and I may be wrong) it looks like the only people who have had something further regardng assessments are people who have applied for Cardiff.
I applied for Cardiff and still only getting the automated emails I think the ones who have progress
I applied for Crewe & Shrewsbury and so far nothing (I applied within a week of the ad going live) with the exception of the automated emails advising that applications are still being looked in to. From what I've gathered reading this thread (and I may be wrong) it looks like the only people who have had something further regardng assessments are people who have applied for Cardiff.
I applied for Cardiff end of July still at the automated email stage it seems to me the people who have progressed further are ones that have done the psychometrics in the past
 

jezzer34

Member
Joined
10 Sep 2019
Messages
72
Location
uk
I applied for Cardiff and still only getting the automated emails I think the ones who have progress
I applied for Cardiff end of July still at the automated email stage it seems to me the people who have progressed further are ones that have done the psychometrics in the past
i have passed all assessments and live within range mate, applied well can't remember when tbh probably early July. still getting automated emails i guess they're just going through gradually.
 

Yamyam

New Member
Joined
22 Aug 2020
Messages
1
Location
West midlands
Hi I've just applied for a trainee driver with TFW based at Shrewsbury, just wanted to know if anyone else has applied for this and heard anything back
 

ILoveLamp

Member
Joined
22 Nov 2019
Messages
215
Location
North Uk
Hi I've just applied for a trainee driver with TFW based at Shrewsbury, just wanted to know if anyone else has applied for this and heard anything back
Hi
just have a read over the last nine pages of this thread and look at the other many Transport for Wales threads that have popped up lately, should tell you pretty much all that has happened during recent recruitment.
 

BrokenSam

Member
Joined
18 May 2020
Messages
231
Location
North Wales
Think people need to chill a bit. Your chances are slim so just forget you ever applied until you hear is my philosophy. The disappointment won't hit as hard.
 

dan_156

Member
Joined
5 May 2009
Messages
27
Location
United Kingdom
Think people need to chill a bit. Your chances are slim so just forget you ever applied until you hear is my philosophy. The disappointment won't hit as hard.



This is the best advice anyone can give on a rail application, listen take note, go about your daily lives instead of refreshing an email 100 times a day. At the end of the day it’ll probably go to a ex forces, policemen or one of their other favoured backgrounds anyway.
 

Stigy

Established Member
Joined
6 Nov 2009
Messages
4,881
This is the best advice anyone can give on a rail application, listen take note, go about your daily lives instead of refreshing an email 100 times a day. At the end of the day it’ll probably go to a ex forces, policemen or one of their other favoured backgrounds anyway.
You’re being negative again :D

It was all good until you said, “it’ll probably go to ex-forces or ex-policeman or another of their favoured backgrounds anyway”

The TOC will likely only take in to account someone’s background later in the process, and at the Initial application stage, it’s unlikely this will be looked at at all. It’s far better to advise applicants to make sure they get their CV and application right, and really sell themselves, on paper, for when the real selection starts.

It’s true that TOCs/FOCs like ex-Emergency Service staff etc, but that’s only based on the strength of their application and at interview. If someone from an office background has similar experiences to draw upon and some great skills, they’re no worse off when it comes to selection. On my course all were internal apart from me.

You’re right in that at the end of the day, even the best candidates on paper won’t all get a shot at this, and it is a game of luck half the time. They will probably have several thousand decent candidates, with only a handful of jobs.
 
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MA8141

Member
Joined
23 Jun 2019
Messages
92
I’m ex forces and didn’t get a sniff at any TfW jobs from the bottom of the ladder to the top, believe me it’s not all biased towards people with the backgrounds listed.
 

Daydr3am3r

Member
Joined
7 Dec 2018
Messages
408
This is the best advice anyone can give on a rail application, listen take note, go about your daily lives instead of refreshing an email 100 times a day. At the end of the day it’ll probably go to a ex forces, policemen or one of their other favoured backgrounds anyway.

Come on Dan that sort of attitude is not going to help your cause.
There are indeed professions out there that will give you some of the skills/experience to assist in the recruitment process.
However if you look at some of the backgrounds of new trainees, it really is from all walks of life.

Did I feel my previous career helped my preparation? In certain areas yes. Did I still have to complete the full recruitment process? Yes I did

The tests provide no bias on previous careers, they are looking for particular skills and aptitude relevant to driving a train.

I know of former colleagues who have been unsuccessful, it’s not a given.

That said I do agree with the rest of your post, the recruitment process can be painfully slow.
 

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