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Transport for Wales - Trainee Train Drivers

Toby1

New Member
Joined
5 Sep 2023
Messages
1
Location
Wales
Hi all,

To those that applied for the most recent Trainee Driver roles (Cardiff).. Is anyone still waiting to hear back? I’ve heard of people having both successful and rejection emails already, but I’m still yet to have a reply. Fully appreciate that some have waited months for a yes/no as I’ve read through nearly all of this thread in the last few weeks. I’ve accepted that it could take a long time but I’m annoying myself refreshing emails pretty much hourly . Trying to work out, if possible, how they process applications and how many have had replies.
 
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kie1an

Member
Joined
5 Sep 2023
Messages
7
Location
Cardiff
Hi all,

To those that applied for the most recent Trainee Driver roles (Cardiff).. Is anyone still waiting to hear back? I’ve heard of people having both successful and rejection emails already, but I’m still yet to have a reply. Fully appreciate that some have waited months for a yes/no as I’ve read through nearly all of this thread in the last few weeks. I’ve accepted that it could take a long time but I’m annoying myself refreshing emails pretty much hourly . Trying to work out, if possible, how they process applications and how many have had replies.
Hi, I’m the same as you in terms of refreshing my emails has become a new hobby :) but no still waiting for a response either way.

Hoping no news is good news! Good luck
 

deanboy7

Member
Joined
14 Feb 2023
Messages
17
Location
Cardiff
Evening all, got my 2nd attempt coming up after failing on Atavt (traffic images) last time around. Still not 100% sure how far off I was due to the non feedback policy. Can anyone offer advice / tips to pass this test please?
 

badger85

Member
Joined
7 Feb 2023
Messages
46
Location
North
Evening all, got my 2nd attempt coming up after failing on Atavt (traffic images) last time around. Still not 100% sure how far off I was due to the non feedback policy. Can anyone offer advice / tips to pass this test please?
I can only say what worked for me which was not to over think it or second guess and just click what I definitely saw, even if I knew I'd missed something. Good luck!
 

JLyons

Member
Joined
27 Nov 2019
Messages
87
Location
Shrewsbury
Evening all, got my 2nd attempt coming up after failing on Atavt (traffic images) last time around. Still not 100% sure how far off I was due to the non feedback policy. Can anyone offer advice / tips to pass this test please?

The only advice I could offer is not to guess and only say what you see 100% as it sounds like this test is heavily marked down for wrong answers (rather than missed answers)

There is also software you can buy where you can practise the same test (just with different but similar traffic scenes) from traindriver info
 

Armourer79

Member
Joined
19 Jun 2023
Messages
43
Location
Shropshire
Shrewsbury people...

I won't start there until end of Jan but trying to figure the parking arrangement out ahead of time!

Where do people tend to park? Is there a secret gem out there? Do we get discounted rates?

Any hints / tips much appreciated!
 

craigybagel

Established Member
Joined
25 Oct 2012
Messages
5,106
Shrewsbury people...

I won't start there until end of Jan but trying to figure the parking arrangement out ahead of time!

Where do people tend to park? Is there a secret gem out there? Do we get discounted rates?

Any hints / tips much appreciated!
New starters at Shrewsbury have to use public car parks. Only discount is to buy a season ticket rather than pay the daily rate.
 

craigybagel

Established Member
Joined
25 Oct 2012
Messages
5,106
Thanks mate,

I'm assuming the way you phrased it that there is a depot car park?

At what point can we use that, once signed off?
There is indeed, but it's owned by WMR and full to capacity and new TfW staff at Shrewsbury haven't been able to use it for years. Existing staff were allowed to continue using it after the cut off point - I'm not sure if when they retire or otherwise leave the depot their spaces go to TfW staff on a waiting list or if the plan is just to eventually phase out all TfW staff from there entirely.
 

Armourer79

Member
Joined
19 Jun 2023
Messages
43
Location
Shropshire
There is indeed, but it's owned by WMR and full to capacity and new TfW staff at Shrewsbury haven't been able to use it for years. Existing staff were allowed to continue using it after the cut off point - I'm not sure if when they retire or otherwise leave the depot their spaces go to TfW staff on a waiting list or if the plan is just to eventually phase out all TfW staff from there entirely.
Ok gotcha! Appreciate the info as always! I'll look into parking on someone's drive via the app or it seems tbf that the annual season ticket is even cheaper than that @ £480
 

Goosey

Member
Joined
25 Sep 2023
Messages
20
Location
Swansea
Cardiff one is a talent pool but still worth applying
Hi new on here applied on the 30th Aug and received an email saying on the 21st Sep saying I’ve been shortlisted what’s usually the lead time from here on? (Cardiff depot) thanks in advance

Hi all,

To those that applied for the most recent Trainee Driver roles (Cardiff).. Is anyone still waiting to hear back? I’ve heard of people having both successful and rejection emails already, but I’m still yet to have a reply. Fully appreciate that some have waited months for a yes/no as I’ve read through nearly all of this thread in the last few weeks. I’ve accepted that it could take a long time but I’m annoying myself refreshing emails pretty much hourly . Trying to work out, if possible, how they process applications and how many have had replies.
Hi new on here applied on the 30th Aug and received an email saying on the 21st Sep saying I’ve been shortlisted what’s usually the lead time from here on? (Cardiff depot) thanks in advance
 
Last edited:

Samzino

Member
Joined
5 Dec 2020
Messages
1,179
Location
London
Hi new on here applied on the 30th Aug and received an email saying on the 21st Sep saying I’ve been shortlisted what’s usually the lead time from here on? (Cardiff depot) thanks in advance


Hi new on here applied on the 30th Aug and received an email saying on the 21st Sep saying I’ve been shortlisted what’s usually the lead time from here on? (Cardiff depot) thanks in advance
Wouldn't know mate but I wouldn't try put a time frame on it as it basically can be anytime from now till infinity as when they're ready they'll contact and things will move at a quicker pace. Railway is notoriously know for the lag times.
 

RyanC87

Member
Joined
26 Jul 2022
Messages
185
Location
Holyhead
Hi new on here applied on the 30th Aug and received an email saying on the 21st Sep saying I’ve been shortlisted what’s usually the lead time from here on? (Cardiff depot) thanks in advance


Hi new on here applied on the 30th Aug and received an email saying on the 21st Sep saying I’ve been shortlisted what’s usually the lead time from here on? (Cardiff depot) thanks in advance
Can be anything mate. They've just started a round of tests, so next email inviting you to an assessment day will be soon. However you have to be quick as they go very fast.
 

Goosey

Member
Joined
25 Sep 2023
Messages
20
Location
Swansea
Thank you for the heads up

Wouldn't know mate but I wouldn't try put a time frame on it as it basically can be anytime from now till infinity as when they're ready they'll contact and things will move at a quicker pace. Railway is notoriously know for the lag times.
Thank you for the response
 

deanboy7

Member
Joined
14 Feb 2023
Messages
17
Location
Cardiff
As mentioned above, could be any time from now but rest assured they'll get back to you
 
Last edited:

Louishunt

New Member
Joined
5 Jul 2023
Messages
4
Location
Llandudno
Hi, I’ve been looking on TFW’s vacancy site now for the last 6 months and I’ve not seen any adverts for trainee driver jobs. Is it on the main vacancy site? Or do they advertise somewhere else? Thanks
 

RyanC87

Member
Joined
26 Jul 2022
Messages
185
Location
Holyhead
Hi, I’ve been looking on TFW’s vacancy site now for the last 6 months and I’ve not seen any adverts for trainee driver jobs. Is it on the main vacancy site? Or do they advertise somewhere else? Thanks
Main page. You just missed the last lot. Keep an eye on here as people usually post when up.
You can also sign up for alerts, however they are hit and miss on when it alerts you.
Probably March or April next lot
 

Louishunt

New Member
Joined
5 Jul 2023
Messages
4
Location
Llandudno
Main page. You just missed the last lot. Keep an eye on here as people usually post when up.
You can also sign up for alerts, however they are hit and miss on when it alerts you.
Probably March or April next lot
Thanks, no way gutted. Do they advertise for all depots at the same time?
 

Goosey

Member
Joined
25 Sep 2023
Messages
20
Location
Swansea
I’ve just passed stage 1 and 2 and the mmi (within the last 3 months)

What you listed is what it is on the day.

If successful in applying for an assessment (reply to the email within 5 minutes- as they fill up within 10 max) then you will be given a practice booklet.

As for the group bourdon test. The practice paper you are provided is all letters. The test itself utilises the dots. A quick search online and you can get copies of these easily.

Honestly I found it all quite comfortable. I practiced the group bourdon and then I found some videos on YouTube about the stage 2 and practiced those probably for 30 minutes in total. It isn’t difficult and if you can concentrate and pay attention then you will pass. -
How long after you’ve emailed back do they usually let you know of the confirmation date?
 

kie1an

Member
Joined
5 Sep 2023
Messages
7
Location
Cardiff
I’ve just passed stage 1 and 2 and the mmi (within the last 3 months)

What you listed is what it is on the day.

If successful in applying for an assessment (reply to the email within 5 minutes- as they fill up within 10 max) then you will be given a practice booklet.

As for the group bourdon test. The practice paper you are provided is all letters. The test itself utilises the dots. A quick search online and you can get copies of these easily.

Honestly I found it all quite comfortable. I practiced the group bourdon and then I found some videos on YouTube about the stage 2 and practiced those probably for 30 minutes in total. It isn’t difficult and if you can concentrate and pay attention then you will pass. -
You were pretty spot on with the comment about replying quickly to the assessment slots. I replied just 20 minutes after receiving an email yesterday which I thought was quick however got an email today to say that I was too late and they had already been taken up!

Now awaiting the next slot dates that are available.
 

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