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Chiltern Railways - Apprentice Train Drivers - Multiple Locations (26/01/23)

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RailUK Forums

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I’m sure once they do it will start appearing in here. I reckon a couple of weeks.
Cool. Thank you.

Same for me. Received an email as unsuccessful .
Sorry. The initial sifting process can be quite brutal sometimes just to get the numbers down to a manageable number of applicants. I think in a few years we'll have to live directly across the road to the station being applied for to be considered. :)

Keep going my friend, you'll get there. I don't know many people who get through quickly.
 

Archvile

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If you applied for more than one depot it's likely to be identical to the form you've already completed for that other depot.
 

SuperS16v

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its just odd it’s worded exactly the same as the previous email.

If it’s another questionnaire I find it strange they don’t just group the questions together to save on time, money and resources.
 

12LDA28C

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Keep your head up! I was declined many times so just keep on going.

I'm still waiting to hear back

Why were you declined many times? Were you told the reason? I assume you did actually live within 45 minutes travel of your chosen Depot, etc?

Cool. Thank you.


Sorry. The initial sifting process can be quite brutal sometimes just to get the numbers down to a manageable number of applicants. I think in a few years we'll have to live directly across the road to the station being applied for to be considered. :)

Keep going my friend, you'll get there. I don't know many people who get through quickly.

Do you have knowledge of how exactly the initial sift is carried out? Surely it's just people who don't meet the criteria as clearly stated in the job advert?
 

silexa

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Secondary sift through questionnaire is received and done, can confirm it’s not the same as the first questionnaire it just starts off the same. Was quite interesting to do.
 

Brum_AVFC

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Solihull
Secondary sift through questionnaire is received and done, can confirm it’s not the same as the first questionnaire it just starts off the same. Was quite interesting to do.
Guessing it’s situational questions? I remember doing one for WMT, relatively straight forward multi choice questions
 

PK96

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Why were you declined many times? Were you told the reason? I assume you did actually live within 45 minutes travel of your chosen Depot, etc?



Do you have knowledge of how exactly the initial sift is carried out? Surely it's just people who don't meet the criteria as clearly stated in the job advert?
I've been declined by pretty much every TOC/FOC. I don't understand exactly why.
I apply and live within the criteria. 1hr or 45min depending on the criteria.

I've even though it could be my CV and changed it up. I'm not really sure the reason behind it. I do a similar role with my current job. However, still get declined. I just keep on trying. Eventually I'll have some luck... Hopefully!

I managed to get past with a FOC and did the OPC exams. Passed everything at enchanted level including MMI. Just didn't get past the DMI unfortunately.

But I'll just keep going and trying until I get another chance elsewhere.

That's why I tell everyone to keep their head up.
 

Brum_AVFC

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I've been declined by pretty much every TOC/FOC. I don't understand exactly why.
I apply and live within the criteria. 1hr or 45min depending on the criteria.

I've even though it could be my CV and changed it up. I'm not really sure the reason behind it. I do a similar role with my current job. However, still get declined. I just keep on trying. Eventually I'll have some luck... Hopefully!

I managed to get past with a FOC and did the OPC exams. Passed everything at enchanted level including MMI. Just didn't get past the DMI unfortunately.

But I'll just keep going and trying until I get another chance elsewhere.

That's why I tell everyone to keep their head up.
That sounds like a nightmare, the OPC and MMI is the hardest part it seems, and yet you’ve proved yourself and can’t get over that last hurdle which is probably the easiest part? Good luck!
 

PK96

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That sounds like a nightmare, the OPC and MMI is the hardest part it seems, and yet you’ve proved yourself and can’t get over that last hurdle which is probably the easiest part? Good luck!
Thank you. I appreciate it.

Just want to let you and everyone know. It's not as scary as it seems. The OPC exams are hard BUT they aren't as hard as I've read on here. I just went in with a clear mind and the mindset of 'If it's meant to be, it will be' and it paid off massively as I wasn't nervous for any exam.

MMI is all about making sure you answer the question and explain what's necessary only. Don't muddle yourself around the question as then you move away from what is actually necessary.

Good luck to everyone!
 
Joined
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Why were you declined many times? Were you told the reason? I assume you did actually live within 45 minutes travel of your chosen Depot, etc?



Do you have knowledge of how exactly the initial sift is carried out? Surely it's just people who don't meet the criteria as clearly stated in the job advert?
Why were you declined many times? Were you told the reason? I assume you did actually live within 45 minutes travel of your chosen Depot, etc?



Do you have knowledge of how exactly the initial sift is carried out? Surely it's just people who don't meet the criteria as clearly stated in the job advert?
Yes, I was referring to the criteria. It seems that the restrictions seem to get tighter and tighter. Completely understandable given the number of applicants.

I've been declined by pretty much every TOC/FOC. I don't understand exactly why.
I apply and live within the criteria. 1hr or 45min depending on the criteria.

I've even though it could be my CV and changed it up. I'm not really sure the reason behind it. I do a similar role with my current job. However, still get declined. I just keep on trying. Eventually I'll have some luck... Hopefully!

I managed to get past with a FOC and did the OPC exams. Passed everything at enchanted level including MMI. Just didn't get past the DMI unfortunately.

But I'll just keep going and trying until I get another chance elsewhere.

That's why I tell everyone to keep their head up.
If you’ve passed the OPC tests already inc the MMI and are only dropping off at the DMI state then I would assume that is where the issue is (sorry for stating the obvious). It sounds like you just need to tidy up on your responses to to the DMI questions. Whilst the OPC is difficult - It’s only difficult to pass if you’re not suited to the role - Otherwise, someone like you who did pass it should be very much suited to the role of a train driver and if it’s just the DMI then it’s simply a case of continued practice and going over different possible scenarios for interview questions. The DMI can vary from between each TOC. Some are casual, others are more structured. Some last 30 mins others can be much longer. So they can sometimes be tricky to prepare for. Good luck, keep doing what you’re doing and I’m sure you’ll get there.
 
Last edited:
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Yes, I was referring to the criteria. It seems that the restrictions seem to get tighter and tighter. Completely understandable given the number of applicants.


If you’ve passed the OPC tests already inc the MMI and are only dropping off at the DMI state then I would assume that is where the issue is (sorry for stating the obvious). It sounds like you just need to tidy up on your responses to to the DMI questions. Whilst the OPC is difficult - It’s only difficult to pass if you’re not suited to the role - Otherwise, someone like you who did pass it should be very much suited to the role of a train driver and if it’s just the DMI then it’s simply a case of continued practice and going over different possible scenarios for interview questions. The DMI can vary from between each TOC. Some are casual, others are more structured. Some last 30 mins others can be much longer. So they can sometimes be tricky to prepare for. Good luck, keep doing what you’re doing and I’m sure you’ll get there.
Did you get the second questionnaire?
 
Joined
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Not yet. Waiting patiently with bated breath. :)

I assume you got yours through? I expect it's an SJE type questionnaire but maybe you can confirm.
Yes I got mine through. I plan to attempt it over the weekend with more time free. According to Silexa - they said it was quite interesting. I’m not sure how to take that. If logic prevails - it will be more detailed questions.
 

12LDA28C

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Yes, I was referring to the criteria. It seems that the restrictions seem to get tighter and tighter. Completely understandable given the number of applicants.

I don't believe this is the case. If you answer all the questions to the best of your ability and live within the required distance of your chosen Depot then you would not be rejected at the initial sift and would progress to the next stage, it's as simple as that.

I assume you've applied for Marylebone?
 
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I don't believe this is the case. If you answer all the questions to the best of your ability and live within the required distance of your chosen Depot then you would not be rejected at the initial sift and would progress to the next stage, it's as simple as that.

I assume you've applied for Marylebone?
Maybe it's just my perception.

Yes, and Aylesbury. No response yet but it's always a bit of a waiting game with TOC's. How's your application?
 

SuperS16v

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I don't believe this is the case. If you answer all the questions to the best of your ability and live within the required distance of your chosen Depot then you would not be rejected at the initial sift and would progress to the next stage, it's as simple as that.

I assume you've applied for Marylebone?
Agreed with this, I find it strange people have been told they are unsuccessful AFTER the first questionnaire. If I recall correctly It’s not like there were questions you could get wrong. The only thing I can see people getting rejected on is if you say you are over 45 mins from the chosen depot.
 

12LDA28C

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Maybe it's just my perception.

Yes, and Aylesbury. No response yet but it's always a bit of a waiting game with TOC's. How's your application?

I'm not applying myself.

The only thing I can see people getting rejected on is if you say you are over 45 mins from the chosen depot.

You'd think that would be quite straightforward, wouldn't you?
 

12LDA28C

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Ah, I see. Awesome. Happy with your career choice? Also, are you passenger or freight? I’m very much looking forward to becoming a driver some day. Hopefully I’ll get a role. Thank you for the support.

Been at Chiltern for many years. I wish you every success with your application, I believe you might hear something next week, potentially.
 
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Been at Chiltern for many years. I wish you every success with your application, I believe you might hear something next week, potentially.
Already at Chiltern - That sounds amazing.

I look forward to it. I’m sure they’re super busy so I’m comfortable with the process and I don’t mind the wait. Let’s see how things unfold in the coming weeks.

Already at Chiltern - That sounds amazing.

I look forward to it. I’m sure they’re super busy so I’m comfortable with the process and I don’t mind the wait. Let’s see how things unfold in the coming weeks.
And thanks again for the support.
 

d44nny

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31 Jan 2023
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Birmingham
Been at Chiltern for many years. I wish you every success with your application, I believe you might hear something next week, potentially.
Would you mind sharing an example rota? I understand if you don't want to
Also how is anual leave booked?
 

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