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WMT Driver Pool - 2021/22

Joined
24 Apr 2020
Messages
223
Location
Wolverhampton
Appreciate this is the 2021 thread but I received this at the start of this month:

"I hope this email finds you well.

Your application is still being processed for vacancies in 2022 and I will be in contact in due course once your application has been sifted and send you details regarding the next stage"

I've read on these forums that the training backlog is immense. This has to be a positive sign though, surely.
 
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se99db

Member
Joined
5 Feb 2021
Messages
27
Location
Midlands
It is a positive sign, means you have passed the 'sift' stage....well done! Now is just a waiting game am afraid.
 
Joined
24 Apr 2020
Messages
223
Location
Wolverhampton
It is a positive sign, means you have passed the 'sift' stage....well done! Now is just a waiting game am afraid.
I'll settle for that. I actually meant for WMT recruitment and training in general. Some on here were concerned that trainees may not see the inside of a cab for months so the fact they're eyeing up next year inspires confidence.
 

Prottey

Member
Joined
10 May 2021
Messages
10
Location
Birmingham
I had my DMI yesterday, and passed, so happy and excited! Can anyone advise on what the next stages are? I'm waiting for a date for the medical. I'm guessing the medical will be quite intense, ECG, blood tests etc. I read earlier in the thread about onboarding and referencing, not sure what onboarding means. Also, with the referencing, is this just the standard contacting previous employer, or will I need to provide personal referees as well? Thanks for any advice you can give!
Hi Liam, I was wondering if you’d mind sending me a private message. We were at the OPC together and I just have a couple of questions I’d like to ask you about your DMI. Thanks a lot.
 

@liam

Member
Joined
6 Aug 2011
Messages
7
Hi Liam, I was wondering if you’d mind sending me a private message. We were at the OPC together and I just have a couple of questions I’d like to ask you about your DMI. Thanks a lot.
Yeah no problem!
 

se99db

Member
Joined
5 Feb 2021
Messages
27
Location
Midlands
Am just in the process of ordering uniform, can any current driver's say what's best to order in terms of shirt (long/short) and polo's, as well as which tie? Are there any real pro's/cons against certain items?

What are the sizings like in general...as in I get we measure and use the size guide but do they tend to be bigger/smaller fitting then the actual measurements? Let's just say lockdown hasn't been my friend and I want to be comfortable! Haha finally, how quickly into the course do you usually get the uniform given to you to wear? (Considering induction is all online now)
 

RS400

Member
Joined
26 Apr 2021
Messages
5
Location
West Midlands
Hi Prottey, I am new here to and I have my Interview Monday 1St June. Did you get the information needed about what information they expect? I can find loads but don't want to waste their time rambling on about unnecessary information.
Hi - worth checking your information as 1st June is a Tuesday, not Monday. Good luck with you interview! All the best.
 

JLX5

Member
Joined
4 Jun 2020
Messages
38
Location
West Midlands
Am just in the process of ordering uniform, can any current driver's say what's best to order in terms of shirt (long/short) and polo's, as well as which tie? Are there any real pro's/cons against certain items?

What are the sizings like in general...as in I get we measure and use the size guide but do they tend to be bigger/smaller fitting then the actual measurements? Let's just say lockdown hasn't been my friend and I want to be comfortable! Haha finally, how quickly into the course do you usually get the uniform given to you to wear? (Considering induction is all online now)
I'd be interested in responses to this as well as I will be doing this shortly. How do you actually order the uniform? Did you receive an email with a link?
 

Withoutabix

Member
Joined
6 Mar 2019
Messages
57
Am just in the process of ordering uniform, can any current driver's say what's best to order in terms of shirt (long/short) and polo's, as well as which tie? Are there any real pro's/cons against certain items?

What are the sizings like in general...as in I get we measure and use the size guide but do they tend to be bigger/smaller fitting then the actual measurements? Let's just say lockdown hasn't been my friend and I want to be comfortable! Haha finally, how quickly into the course do you usually get the uniform given to you to wear? (Considering induction is all online now)

I had a mixture of shirts and polos some in my group had all Polos it’s just a preference really as for the ties I have no idea just pretty much order one of everything your not expected to wear it anyway so I wouldn’t worry too much.

sizes are a different matter I followed the guidance on the instructions and they were way too big so I’d say just go for your usual high street sizes that’s what most of us did on the replacement order and seems to fit a lot better, we are changing supplier I believe so things maybe different in the future going forward but it’s abit hit and miss atm

as for timescale again it’s abit up in the air you’ll likely get part of the uniform quite quickly some bits will be missing etc I’ve been there nearly 6 months and still no polos have arrived for me so like I said it’s hit and miss.
 

Dan61

Member
Joined
30 Jan 2018
Messages
92
Any news from WMT when those waiting for an instructor are returning back to work?
 

Coach Carter

Member
Joined
21 Sep 2018
Messages
227
Any news from WMT when those waiting for an instructor are returning back to work?
To many of us waiting to go back to give everyone return dates bud. People being contacted as DI’s become available, although some have been advised that this in unlikely to be before the end of this year.
 

Wba0986

Member
Joined
21 Feb 2019
Messages
148
To many of us waiting to go back to give everyone return dates bud. People being contacted as DI’s become available, although some have been advised that this in unlikely to be before the end of this year.
Wow that long. I'm doing front ending this month then back for rules part 1 next month. We've been told to expect a 12 month wait before being able to get a DI. Must be hard keeping up with the professional knowledge from home
 

159147

Member
Joined
9 Apr 2021
Messages
29
Location
west midlands
Wow that long. I'm doing front ending this month then back for rules part 1 next month. We've been told to expect a 12 month wait before being able to get a DI. Must be hard keeping up with the professional knowledge from home
This sounds totally bonkers. two questions:

1. are they still paying you to stay at home?
2. why on earth are they still recruiting if they have so many.
 

Jon1930

Member
Joined
15 Jun 2019
Messages
93
This sounds totally bonkers. two questions:

1. are they still paying you to stay at home?
2. why on earth are they still recruiting if they have so many.
Yes everyone getting paid and I have no clue why they keep recruiting drivers when they have backlog from summer of 2019!
 

se99db

Member
Joined
5 Feb 2021
Messages
27
Location
Midlands
I guess the thing is although there is a backlog in getting drivers trained up, the natural attrition (aka, normal retirement of drivers at depots etc) continues. Either way they will need a certain number of drivers at the end of all of this once demand returns to normal, seeing how long the process takes means they have to be quite 'long sighted' in terms of recruitment.
 

RS400

Member
Joined
26 Apr 2021
Messages
5
Location
West Midlands
I guess the thing is although there is a backlog in getting drivers trained up, the natural attrition (aka, normal retirement of drivers at depots etc) continues. Either way they will need a certain number of drivers at the end of all of this once demand returns to normal, seeing how long the process takes means they have to be quite 'long sighted' in terms of recruitment.
I think you're spot on here. WMT must have done their sums when it comes to succession planning, and the expectation of a double whammy of leavers and increased demand for services would mean there's going to be a need to take the longer-term view on this. They are already rolling some candidates over to the 2022 intake, I believe from earlier threads.
 

Wba0986

Member
Joined
21 Feb 2019
Messages
148
I guess the thing is although there is a backlog in getting drivers trained up, the natural attrition (aka, normal retirement of drivers at depots etc) continues. Either way they will need a certain number of drivers at the end of all of this once demand returns to normal, seeing how long the process takes means they have to be quite 'long sighted' in terms of recruitment.
This, but also the fact that due to the franchise conditions they have to have a certain amount of drivers on their books. It is cheaper to hire and send home than pay the fine they would receive.
 

Gavp1990

New Member
Joined
18 Jun 2021
Messages
1
Location
Dudley
Hi all, I’ve just been invited to take the online video interview. My understanding is that it shows you a question and gives you a certain time to answer it. I’ve searched on here but I can’t seem to see what sort of questions are used, can anybody help advise what’s asked? It’s come out of the blue as applied 12 months ago and was told that they were now full after intake this year.
Many thanks in advance
 

Adamhowells

Member
Joined
22 Jul 2020
Messages
17
Location
Birmingham
Hi all, I’ve just been invited to take the online video interview. My understanding is that it shows you a question and gives you a certain time to answer it. I’ve searched on here but I can’t seem to see what sort of questions are used, can anybody help advise what’s asked? It’s come out of the blue as applied 12 months ago and was told that they were now full after intake this year.
Many thanks in advance
Hi Gav,

I am in exactly the same situation, which is fantastic! I’m going to do it tomorrow. I have no idea what they ask to be honest so was looking for some more info too
 

Prottey

Member
Joined
10 May 2021
Messages
10
Location
Birmingham
Hi all, I’ve just been invited to take the online video interview. My understanding is that it shows you a question and gives you a certain time to answer it. I’ve searched on here but I can’t seem to see what sort of questions are used, can anybody help advise what’s asked? It’s come out of the blue as applied 12 months ago and was told that they were now full after intake this year.
Many thanks in advance
I would assume it will be things like…
What qualities do you think a train driver needs?
What qualities do you have which would make you a good train driver?
Why do you want to be a train driver?
Then probably a curve ball question about yourself or your current job.
 

MUS7724581

Member
Joined
3 Aug 2016
Messages
12
Hi Gav,

I am in exactly the same situation, which is fantastic! I’m going to do it tomorrow. I have no idea what they ask to be honest so was looking for some more info too
Hi adam,

Did you do this interview via shortlist.me? What kind of questions did they ask you and how was the process?

I would love some help as well.

Cheers

Hi all, I’ve just been invited to take the online video interview. My understanding is that it shows you a question and gives you a certain time to answer it. I’ve searched on here but I can’t seem to see what sort of questions are used, can anybody help advise what’s asked? It’s come out of the blue as applied 12 months ago and was told that they were now full after intake this year.
Many thanks in advance
Hi Gav,

Did you do this interview? What kind of questions did you get and what was the process?

Thanks
 
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BAZ7369

Member
Joined
22 Jun 2021
Messages
35
Location
West Mids
Hi adam,

Did you do this interview via shortlist.me? What kind of questions did they ask you and how was the process?

I would love some help as well.

Cheers


Hi Gav,

Did you do this interview? What kind of questions did you get and what was the process?

Thanks
Hi all,

Likewise, I’ve yet to submit my shortlister interview, hope to complete it tomorrow. I’ve only recently found this forum and thread so shall be interested to see what support it offers in the future.

Best of luck to everyone.
 

MUS7724581

Member
Joined
3 Aug 2016
Messages
12
Hi all,

Likewise, I’ve yet to submit my shortlister interview, hope to complete it tomorrow. I’ve only recently found this forum and thread so shall be interested to see what support it offers in the future.

Best of luck to everyone.
Has anyone else done this? How long before they let you know how you've done? Im so anxious to know, best of luck everyone.
 

Alex95

Member
Joined
5 Oct 2019
Messages
12
Location
UK
Hello everyone,

I applied for 2021 intake like everyone here, however I wasn't successful in moving forward this year.

I have been receiving an email/text every now and then saying my application is being considered for 2022.

How many people are in the same boat, here? And is there any information to share about this process? Are we on some sort of "reserve list" or is it a case that they're just not going to open applications for a while and we don't need to reapply? When logging into the Abellio portal, my application is still under consideration.

Thanks all!
 
Joined
24 Apr 2020
Messages
223
Location
Wolverhampton
Hi @Alex95

I'm in a very similar position to you my friend. Applied May last year within 2 days of the advert going live. I got a response, informing me that WMT had sufficient applicants to progress with the 2021 intake, around October last year. They also said I would be in consideration for the 2022 intake. I then heard nothing until May this year, where they asked me to confirm that my personal details had not changed since my initial application. Although I've not heard anything from them since, it gives me renewed hope after I'd initially wrote my prospects, with WMT, off.

A colleague, at my present employer, did many of the tests before Xmas and told she would be contacted for a DMI "soon". She hasn't heard 'owt since.
 

Alex95

Member
Joined
5 Oct 2019
Messages
12
Location
UK
Hi @Alex95

I'm in a very similar position to you my friend. Applied May last year within 2 days of the advert going live. I got a response, informing me that WMT had sufficient applicants to progress with the 2021 intake, around October last year. They also said I would be in consideration for the 2022 intake. I then heard nothing until May this year, where they asked me to confirm that my personal details had not changed since my initial application. Although I've not heard anything from them since, it gives me renewed hope after I'd initially wrote my prospects, with WMT, off.

A colleague, at my present employer, did many of the tests before Xmas and told she would be contacted for a DMI "soon". She hasn't heard 'owt since.

Hello,

I had the same email to update my personal contacts and not heard anything else since.

I've disliked not knowing whether my application was good, and I'm in under genuine consideration or if this response has been extremely common (how many other people are in the same situation, hundreds, thousands?)

Who knows? :lol:
 

Birmingham36

Member
Joined
4 Aug 2021
Messages
336
Location
Birmingham
Hi everyone I’m new to this forum, I am interested in becoming a train driver with West Midlands Trains as I live in Birmingham in the West Midlands, just wanted to ask how long did it take from application to job offer?

Kind Regards
 

crt-crt

Member
Joined
13 Aug 2021
Messages
22
Location
Birmingham
Hi all,

Likewise, I’ve yet to submit my shortlister interview, hope to complete it tomorrow. I’ve only recently found this forum and thread so shall be interested to see what support it offers in the future.

Best of luck to everyone.
Hey Baz. Just seen you would have done the Shortlister interview. Can I ask what questions do you get and how many? Will be doing my soon. Thanks.
 

BAZ7369

Member
Joined
22 Jun 2021
Messages
35
Location
West Mids
Hey Baz. Just seen you would have done the Shortlister interview. Can I ask what questions do you get and how many? Will be doing my soon. Thanks.
Hi. The shortlister was a very brief experience, covering the position you’ve applied for, what you’re currently doing and giving more detail of yourself. Can’t really help with the last two as they’re different for each of us. As for the first, if you’ve done your research into what it is to be a train driver you can’t go far wrong. Good luck.


Hi. The shortlister was a very brief experience, covering the position you’ve applied for, what you’re currently doing and giving more detail of yourself. Can’t really help with the last two as they’re different for each of us. As for the first, if you’ve done your research into what it is to be a train driver you can’t go far wrong. Good luck.
Just curious as to how many people apply for more than one position at a time, and what the various rail companies think of that? If you’re part way through an application process with one company, can that read across to another application elsewhere inside/outside of the original company?
 
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