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SWR Guards Recruitment 2021

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C00k1e

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Thank you for your insight and for taking the time to post it. I've decided to wait it out with SWR, not only because of the 10k less with GWR, but mainly not being sure that if I failed the OPC with GWR it would negate my successful application with SWR. Thanks again
I think opportunities at Fratton with SWR may be few and far between for both guards and drivers. I was told by SWR HR that a lot of people relocate to Fratton as it’s a good location so most job advertisements seem to be talent pools. I have been waiting for a trainee driver role for 18 months or so, and have been told that there will be nothing this year at least as other depots are taking priority for manpower and resources.
 
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I think opportunities at Fratton with SWR may be few and far between for both guards and drivers. I was told by SWR HR that a lot of people relocate to Fratton as it’s a good location so most job advertisements seem to be talent pools. I have been waiting for a trainee driver role for 18 months or so, and have been told that there will be nothing this year at least as other depots are taking priority for manpower and resources.
At least four trainees were taken on there not long ago. Two were guards from GWR at Fratton
 

Horizon22

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I have changed the title of this thread to SWR Guards Recruitment as the topic was getting confused.

For those interested about outstanding driver applications, please see here:


 
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Does anyone on here have a number for GWR recruitment or HR please, just want to find out if my OPC and successful pass with SWR will be negatively effected if I fail the the OPC with GWR. Thanks
 

Stigy

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@Fratton Guard? Just to add to this, the reason Conductors at GWR are on less than Commercial Guards at SWR is that GWR have Train Managers and Conductors, the same way SWR have non commercial and commercial guards. It’s just that Fratton doesn’t have Train Managers, and their conductors sell tickets. I believe GWR conductors work fewer hours in their week though, and Sundays are outside still. Swings and roundabouts. My advice would be to take what you can get. Also, GWR will pay for accommodation during training :D.
 

wegotitback

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Email received today from SWR, looking like a start date of early 2022. Not entirely happy but at least I can get on with my life and have a start date in mind.
Does anyone know how long assessments/interview last for before having to re sit? I've heard 2/3 years for assessments but unsure on interview.
I passed both mine in early 2021 so just wondering where I stand on that front?
 
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Email received today from SWR, looking like a start date of early 2022. Not entirely happy but at least I can get on with my life and have a start date in mind.
Does anyone know how long assessments/interview last for before having to re sit? I've heard 2/3 years for assessments but unsure on interview.
I passed both mine in early 2021 so just wondering where I stand on that front?
Did you actually get a start date?

I Got a generic e mail myself today, "sorry for the delay, thank you for your patience, courses starting next year, new T&C's for C Guards and metro guards" etc. I really hope its "early" next year as you've stated but I didnt necessarily read that into it, just next year. I passed in Dec 19 so sooner the better.

Assessments last 3 years, interviews pre covid were a year, I was told by HR it had been extended once and may be again but also that if you needed to interview again that as youd already passed it would most likely just be over the phone, asking if you still wanted the job and telling you t+c's. Also, hope so

It was reassuring finally getting some form of communication from SWR, other than phone calls that I've made to them so it was good(ish) news as far as I'm concerned
 

Guardian

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I also received the same generic email. Hope i don’t have to do the interview or assessments again. Was offered role in December 2020.
 

Fahim

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I was told that all recruitment is on hold till 2022- applies both for guards and drivers.
There's currently a massive backlog on guards that have completed training school but need to complete traction and route learning
 

swr444

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I was told that all recruitment is on hold till 2022- applies both for guards and drivers.
There's currently a massive backlog on guards that have completed training school but need to complete traction and route learning
Not that big anymore, just one course currently waiting to do traction. They are not doing any more training until the 701's come into service as far as I'm aware
 

WombleGuard

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Not that big anymore, just one course currently waiting to do traction. They are not doing any more training until the 701's come into service as far as I'm aware
Makes sense as all future 'guards' courses will be 'metro guards' and trained on 701 only. Unless of course its a direct entry commercial guard depot.
 

Simon B Guard

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Had the same emails today. I had 2 as I have applications for 2 depots and passed interviews for both. My assessments were in in September 2020 and I passed the interview in November 2020.

The depots are Salisbury and Yeovil which are both commercial and obviously no chance of 701 operation.

Is anyone replying to the emails with a positive response as it appears they only want to hear if we are no longer interested?
 
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Had the same emails today. I had 2 as I have applications for 2 depots and passed interviews for both. My assessments were in in September 2020 and I passed the interview in November 2020.

The depots are Salisbury and Yeovil which are both commercial and obviously no chance of 701 operation.

Is anyone replying to the emails with a positive response as it appears they only want to hear if we are no longer interested?
Thought about a reply but decided to leave it for that reason
 

djack123son

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Makes sense as all future 'guards' courses will be 'metro guards' and trained on 701 only. Unless of course its a direct entry commercial guard depot.
definitely incorrect.. 444/450 and 458s + diesel are going nowhere.. still operating doors on this traction.. 701s starting Windsor and working way across
 

MatthewLdn

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Should I be concerned that I haven’t received an update email? I was successful in my guard application early last year and also currently waiting for an mmi date for trainee driver.
 

WombleGuard

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definitely incorrect.. 444/450 and 458s + diesel are going nowhere.. still operating doors on this traction.. 701s starting Windsor and working way across
Not incorrect at all. It's clearly stated in the new agreement that Metro Guards will eventually only sign 701's
 
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Should I be concerned that I haven’t received an update email? I was successful in my guard application early last year and also currently waiting for an mmi date for trainee driver.
I wouldn't be too concerned, it may be due to having two application in progress at different stages for different roles. But in the end, what do I know, I suggest you call Recruitment or HR if you need to put your mind rest.
 

Realdeal

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Got my email from swr yesterday to say the job I'd applied for has been changed from guard to metro guard..not sure if it's going to be better for a new entrant or worse as my experience in other jobs means a re evaluation of a job usually means more work and less pay ...I still have to have an interview though
 

ian94

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Got my email from swr yesterday to say the job I'd applied for has been changed from guard to metro guard..not sure if it's going to be better for a new entrant or worse as my experience in other jobs means a re evaluation of a job usually means more work and less pay ...I still have to have an interview though
not true in this case, you’ll be doing less hours weekly than currently but you’ll be paid the same, so a technical pay rise. Plus you’ll lose dispatch so there’s less safety critical work on your behalf.
 

Lalzo

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Courses are coming, the schedules for training school have been planned for the DCO areas of the course as commercial and Metro guards are on the same course.

Commercial then go on to do their commercial course afterwards, the email is so they don't get bombarded with calls or emails by suppling a generic timeframe.

Don't worry Ive been waiting 3 years to move through the process for Salisbury; now waiting for a course but Yeovil and other depots have been priority :(
 

Realdeal

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not true in this case, you’ll be doing less hours weekly than currently but you’ll be paid the same, so a technical pay rise. Plus you’ll lose dispatch so there’s less safety critical work on your behalf.
Seems as if they are shifting focus more on the customer now

Anyone know the kind of shift times they work and days on and off patterns ?
 
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chandra

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Had the same emails today. I had 2 as I have applications for 2 depots and passed interviews for both. My assessments were in in September 2020 and I passed the interview in November 2020.

The depots are Salisbury and Yeovil which are both commercial and obviously no chance of 701 operation.

Is anyone replying to the emails with a positive response as it appears they only want to hear if we are no longer interested?
I am in same page as you are mate. It's like going fishing but without the rod or the bait...so not sure how to catch it. Seems like 701 introduction will be the game changer here and yes the generic email is in no way moral booster as the HR is least interested in answering any queries but yes will definitely respond if we say 'I am out'. Lets hope for the best...
 

Lauraanne88

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25 Jun 2021
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Woking
Hi all,

I wondered if anyone had heard anything more about when training might restart for train guards? I'm waiting for Woking. Any inside information?
 

T-Karmel

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I've just met a guard who started in February, completed classes in June and now finishing their stock and route learning. But I don't know anything else, not even where they're based at (definitely not Woking though, more towards London that's for sure).
 

djack123son

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woking-specific - 7 new ones just finished/finishing training including myself.. I'm leaving to go drive, and there's a number retiring soon, so there is the potential for some vacancies to arise.. but I personally wouldn't expect much movement for several months.. await the intro of 701s
 

Guardian

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21 Apr 2021
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Surrey
Hi all,

I wondered if anyone had heard anything more about when training might restart for train guards? I'm waiting for Woking. Any inside information?
Still nothing since the last generic email. I am also waiting for a Woking start. When were you initially offered the position?
 
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