Chiltern - Apprentice Train Driver - Marylebone, Aylesbury and Birmingham (20/09/24)

[adamheath]

Had the news i didn't pass the MMI unfortunately so i'm out Best of luck to all of you still in the process!

 

[Brum_AVFC]

Had the news i didn't pass the MMI unfortunately so i'm out Best of luck to all of you still in the process!

There’ll be plenty more recruitment drives and to only have the MMI left to do will be a plus.

How did you find it? Some say it’s horrible whilst others say it wasn’t bad.

 

[adamheath]

There’ll be plenty more recruitment drives and to only have the MMI left to do will be a plus.

How did you find it? Some say it’s horrible whilst others say it wasn’t bad.

Sadly that was my 2nd life so the dream of driving is over for me.

I found the MMI fine personally but I’ve sat behind a computer my whole career so suspect my examples for ‘safety critical’ example questions probably weren’t up to it really.

It’s crazy that you can prove mentally and physically you can do the job but some daft corporate questions can end it all but that’s just my opinion.

 

[Brum_AVFC]

Sadly that was my 2nd life so the dream of driving is over for me.

I found the MMI fine personally but I’ve sat behind a computer my whole career so suspect my examples for ‘safety critical’ example questions probably weren’t up to it really.

It’s crazy that you can prove mentally and physically you can do the job but some daft corporate questions can end it all but that’s just my opinion.

When was your first fail? You’ve got 5 years from your first fail to have a 3rd attempt as per new testing format that was recently changed, but you’ll have to go through it all again.

 

[adamheath]

When was your first fail? You’ve got 5 years from your first fail to have a 3rd attempt as per new testing format that was recently changed, but you’ll have to go through it all again.

First fail was April 2023 unfortunately. My understanding is that the new format only applies to people who haven’t been through the process before

 

[Brum_AVFC]

First fail was April 2023 unfortunately. My understanding is that the new format only applies to people who haven’t been through the process before

I hope you go again in 2028, 2020 my first fail was and the 4 years have flown by.

 

[adamheath]

I hope you go again in 2028, 2020 my first fail was and the 4 years have flown by.

Appreciate it mate

 

[Magnum21]

Had the news i didn't pass the MMI unfortunately so i'm out Best of luck to all of you still in the process!

Sry to hear that mate. Was that your last life? I would recommend other roles in Control, as a guard or revenue to start with to get some railway experience although its not required but gives you a good understanding of the railways and you can back your skills.There are diverse roles so I will be looking into those. Good luck.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 8 Jan 2025 ==

Sry to hear that mate. Was that your last life? I would recommend other roles in Control or as a guard to start with if it was your last life. Railways have diverse roles so I will be looking into those. Good luck.

According to the new rules that we were explained at Watford. If you are going for the OPC tests for the first time you have 3 lives. If you fail first time you have to wait for 1 year before you can apply again with any TOC. If you fail twice you have to wait 5 years.For those who been to the assessments before and failed, its the old criteria where you have 2 lives and wait for 6 months before you can apply again.

 

[Neatro]

When was your first fail? You’ve got 5 years from your first fail to have a 3rd attempt as per new testing format that was recently changed, but you’ll have to go through it all again.

That only applies to candidates who haven't gone through the process yet when the new guidelines came out.

If you've done it before then you only have 2 lives.

 

[Brum_AVFC]

That only applies to candidates who haven't gone through the process yet when the new guidelines came out.

If you've done it before then you only have 2 lives.

I stand corrected then.

 

[Pintman]

First fail was April 2023 unfortunately. My understanding is that the new format only applies to people who haven’t been through the process before

This is correct, unfortunately if your first fail was April 2023 and you've now failed again that's it.

 

[7819Hinton]

There’s always hope for you @adamheath if they change the testing process.
It’s long overdue for an overhaul, but some good advice offered by @Magnum21, to perhaps get more exposure to the NT skills they’re looking to see evidenced.
Good luck and keep your chin up.

 

[12LDA28C]

There’s always hope for you @adamheath if they change the testing process.
It’s long overdue for an overhaul, but some good advice offered by @Magnum21, to perhaps get more exposure to the NT skills they’re looking to see evidenced.
Good luck and keep your chin up.

Why is the testing process 'long overdue for an overhaul'? Do you not consider it fit for purpose? If so, on what basis?

 

[7819Hinton]

Why is the testing process 'long overdue for an overhaul'? Do you not consider it fit for purpose? If so, on what basis?

Cool your jets.
It has been a long time.. possibly 2013, though not sure without researching.
It’s just my opinion. I’m sure there are other tests and methods utilising more modern technology, that would better test the Non technical skills deemed important to the role by the RSSB.

 

[12LDA28C]

Cool your jets.
It has been a long time.. possibly 2013, though not sure without researching.
It’s just my opinion. I’m sure there are other tests and methods utilising more modern technology, that would better test the Non technical skills deemed important to the role by the RSSB.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. The current system seems to be working well enough as the majority of applicants who get through to interview stage and then onto the training course seem to be of a sufficiently high standard. If many unsuitable candidates were being employed then there might be an argument for changing the testing process, beyond 'the same system has been in use for over a decade' so it must be outdated. But that's not happening.

 

[7819Hinton]

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. The current system seems to be working well enough as the majority of applicants who get through to interview stage and then onto the training course seem to be of a sufficiently high standard. If many unsuitable candidates were being employed then there might be an argument for changing the testing process, beyond 'the same system has been in use for over a decade' so it must be outdated. But that's not happening.

Fair enough, that’s your opinion which you’re entitled to.

 

[12LDA28C]

Fair enough, that’s your opinion which you’re entitled to.

It's my opinion, based on evidence after having experience with recruitment of drivers. What evidence is your opinion based on, I'm intrigued.

 

[Pintman]

There’s always hope for you @adamheath if they change the testing process.
It’s long overdue for an overhaul, but some good advice offered by @Magnum21, to perhaps get more exposure to the NT skills they’re looking to see evidenced.
Good luck and keep your chin up.

Is it long overdue for an overhaul? It was updated barely a month ago!

 

[Horizon22]

Anyone wanting to discuss psychometric testing and relevant changes, can I please direct you to this thread - https://www.railforums.co.uk/thread...ic-testing-attempts-update-07-12-2024.278244/

Please keep this thread free for discussion around the actual vacancy and application process.

 

[Brum_AVFC]

Anyone wanting to discuss psychometric testing and relevant changes, can I please direct you to this thread - https://www.railforums.co.uk/thread...ic-testing-attempts-update-07-12-2024.278244/

Please keep this thread free for discussion around the actual vacancy and application process.

On this subject, had an email the other day from recruitment to say they’ve postponed testing now due to lack of availability from OPC, they’re now going to look at doing assessments in the summer for the September course, I won’t hold my breath.

 

[I_am_Nobody]

On this subject, had an email the other day from recruitment to say they’ve postponed testing now due to lack of availability from OPC, they’re now going to look at doing assessments in the summer for the September course, I won’t hold my breath.

That’s annoying, I’m sorry to hear that! Keep your hopes up though, at least the horse hasn’t entirely bolted the stable!

 

[HeelBurton]

On this subject, had an email the other day from recruitment to say they’ve postponed testing now due to lack of availability from OPC, they’re now going to look at doing assessments in the summer for the September course, I won’t hold my breath.

OPC are flat out at the moment and various TOCS appear to be hiring which is not unusual for this time of year. You are but one of many who have had to unfortunately be handed an unfortunate delay. Its frustrating I know but at least you are still on the horse and you can practice practice practice until then. It hasn't been dropped on you as a total surprise with no time to prepare for, which some have had short notice and have failed because the notice plus personal/professional commitments, as well as a bit of a poor attitude to the importance of dedicating time to practice and research means they have fallen at the hurdle. Have to look at the silver lining.

 

[Magnum21]

Hi everyone,

Anyone in the forum can share any insights or tips for DMI with Chiltern? I have a DMI coming up next week at Leamington.
What sort of questions are asked, not asking for specific ones but any curve ball questions that might through me out? I am preparing for competency based questions with different scenarios but your help will be really appreciated.
Thanks

 

[Brum_AVFC]

OPC are flat out at the moment and various TOCS appear to be hiring which is not unusual for this time of year. You are but one of many who have had to unfortunately be handed an unfortunate delay. Its frustrating I know but at least you are still on the horse and you can practice practice practice until then. It hasn't been dropped on you as a total surprise with no time to prepare for, which some have had short notice and have failed because the notice plus personal/professional commitments, as well as a bit of a poor attitude to the importance of dedicating time to practice and research means they have fallen at the hurdle. Have to look at the silver lining.

On a positive note your September course will certainly be going ahead.

Thanks for the encouragement, last time Chiltern did this to me they never got back in touch, where as others did, my account mysteriously disappeared, hoping lightning don’t strike twice. I’ve done OPC so I’m prepared as I was the last time, just struggling to get back there at the moment.

 

[PLY2AYS]

Hi everyone,

Anyone in the forum can share any insights or tips for DMI with Chiltern? I have a DMI coming up next week at Leamington.
What sort of questions are asked, not asking for specific ones but any curve ball questions that might through me out? I am preparing for competency based questions with different scenarios but your help will be really appreciated.
Thanks

As with any interview for any company, a good insight into ongoing projects and company structure and operations is something that’s always going to be asked.

Evergreen and green projects/initiatives, history of the company, its ethos/values and application to customer service.
Rolling stock/routes, your ability as an employee to prepare and get yourself to/from shift work.
The role itself and what it entails in depth is always good to speak about and likely to be asked.

They’re the general topics they’re likely to want to know about, on top of relevant experience and examples similar to those in the MMI of course.

I’m sure others will be able to add any topics I may have overlooked.

Hope that helps and best of luck!

 

[Rohmeric]

Marylebone depot ?anyone?

 

[I_am_Nobody]

Marylebone depot ?anyone?

What specifically are you asking about? There’s various folks at various stages.

 

[Rohmeric]

What specifically are you asking about? There’s various folks at various stages.

received this email. But haven't heard from them since. just wondered if there were others.

Good morning,

I hope you are well.

Thank you for your recent application for the Apprentice Train Driver MYB position with Chiltern Railways.

We can confirm, you have successfully passed VSE testing.

We are currently waiting for dates for you to complete OPC Stage 1 & 2 testing and will be in touch with you as soon as possible.

Kind regards,

 

[spellbound330]

I received that email too but haven’t heard anything since. I think they’re prioritising people based on distance to the depot.

 

[I_am_Nobody]

There’s also a handful of people who have proceeded straight to the Driver Manager Interview having previously completed the assessments, so this may be causing somewhat of a delay also.