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GWR Train Driver talent pool

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Tommy222256

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28 Mar 2019
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150
Rob

As Pearo stated, forget about the company for now and put all of your efforts into swatting up on stage 1 and 2 assessments. All of the info you need are on threads on this forum, especially the link to the Group Bourdon test that is pinned at the top!!
I concur with this advice mate, do one stage at a time and concentrate on what you will be doing and not what you might be doing. That way you will be best prepared for that
 
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RobG

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9 Apr 2019
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Hi RobG
Timescales are at the bottom of my essay. Most (though not all)have found this process to be very long and drawn out.

If I was to offer any guidance at your stage I would be learning all about the Dot Concentration Test and practicing that. No point learning about GWR just yet as it could be 6 months before you even deal with anyone outside of the independent assessment team (The OPC).

Ok, thanks for that. As above, going to have a good read through the book I ordered and also now prowling this forum quite a bit. Will see what happens from here, fingers crossed it all goes ok. Been waiting long enough for a position to come up in my area as relocating isn’t really an option for me.

Rob

As Pearo stated, forget about the company for now and put all of your efforts into swatting up on stage 1 and 2 assessments. All of the info you need are on threads on this forum, especially the link to the Group Bourdon test that is pinned at the top!!

Thanks, I’ll take a look at the Bourdon test when I get home later.
 

PearoTheHero

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3 May 2019
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Ok, thanks for that. As above, going to have a good read through the book I ordered

Please just be aware. The books and series of YT videos from how2become are incredibly repetitive and I wouldn't look into them too deeply. If Richard McMunn was that good he would be driving trains himself and not just posting videos with the same stuff in them :) I found stage 1 the easiest, stage 2 the most difficult, and the interview the most nerve wracking so like others have said...one step at a time
 

John OSullivan

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Joined
17 Dec 2018
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Yesterday i got an email inviting me to an assessment centre in September for Bristol, excited is an understatement!
I've been waiting for that email since December last year, and by all accounts even if im successful at this stage there is still a long old wait ahead, but exciting times for sure!
 

Jaytrains

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Joined
20 Nov 2017
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485
Which tests are set for the second assessment? Because the email they sent me has names of tests that we done on stage one! -__-
 

Daydr3am3r

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7 Dec 2018
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408
Which tests are set for the second assessment? Because the email they sent me has names of tests that we done on stage one! -__-

I wouldn’t worry about that email. It will be the computerised tests and if you pass the tests MMI. The emails are generated as part of the online process so I presume it’s harder to amend as GWR no longer test everything on one day.
 

Mr Oli

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14 Nov 2018
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Hi everyone,

I have my DMI in a couple of weeks and I'm currently in the process of preparing.

I'm interested to know to what extent I'm expected to know about GWR and their history. Are we talking learning of rolling stock / main depots & routes covered? If anyone has any useful resources I would be keen to take a look. Obviously I want to be as well prepared as possible.

Regarding the questioning, am I correct in thinking the questions are kind of an extension of the MMI type questions, with some more general questions thrown in? E.g. why do you want to be a train driver?

Thanks,
 

Daydr3am3r

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7 Dec 2018
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408
Hi Oli if you search the threads linked to GWR you will find some really useful advice that has already been posted by others.

From me don’t focus too hard on what the company already has, focus on what you would bring to the company. Have some really good competency examples covering the key roles and responsibilities of a train driver - safety, concentration etc

Good luck!
 

Mr Oli

Member
Joined
14 Nov 2018
Messages
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Hi Oli if you search the threads linked to GWR you will find some really useful advice that has already been posted by others.

From me don’t focus too hard on what the company already has, focus on what you would bring to the company. Have some really good competency examples covering the key roles and responsibilities of a train driver - safety, concentration etc

Good luck!

Thanks dreamer!
 

Stigy

Established Member
Joined
6 Nov 2009
Messages
4,879
Please just be aware. The books and series of YT videos from how2become are incredibly repetitive and I wouldn't look into them too deeply. If Richard McMunn was that good he would be driving trains himself
He was a driver as far as I’m aware? I agree with what you say though. I found the book repetitive and outdated.
 

TheGoldfish

Member
Joined
28 May 2019
Messages
196
Hi everyone,

I have my DMI in a couple of weeks and I'm currently in the process of preparing.

I'm interested to know to what extent I'm expected to know about GWR and their history. Are we talking learning of rolling stock / main depots & routes covered? If anyone has any useful resources I would be keen to take a look. Obviously I want to be as well prepared as possible.

Regarding the questioning, am I correct in thinking the questions are kind of an extension of the MMI type questions, with some more general questions thrown in? E.g. why do you want to be a train driver?

Thanks,
go the the website and look at the latest Customer Report and Customer Charter stuff ... routes and services etc, and see what's coming up and what projects GWR are involved in ... Don't focus too much on types of trains and their specs ... you're not expected to know such technical stuff ... As already mentioned find some background on the parent company as well ...
 

RobG

Member
Joined
9 Apr 2019
Messages
26
I found the book repetitive and outdated.

What version of the book did/do you have? When I looked online for it, there was an older version and a revised version from 2017. I bought the 2017 book. Don’t know if that’ll make any difference, but thought I’d ask. Also, it may be repetitive, but bound to be some useful info in there for me?
 

Stigy

Established Member
Joined
6 Nov 2009
Messages
4,879
What version of the book did/do you have? When I looked online for it, there was an older version and a revised version from 2017. I bought the 2017 book. Don’t know if that’ll make any difference, but thought I’d ask. Also, it may be repetitive, but bound to be some useful info in there for me?
I think it said it was from 2017, but the content seemed to all be pre-2013 at least.
 

RobG

Member
Joined
9 Apr 2019
Messages
26
Anyone heard news about anymore courses get filled recently?!

I’m still waiting to hear anything. Did all the online stuff, but not received any feedback on the online assessment or anything about progressing further. Checking my emails and online account with first group careers every day, but not a peep so far. Given that they’re trying to get drivers in the pool, ready for next year, I thought they might have moved forward fairly quickly, being as the recruitment process is so long.
 

PearoTheHero

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Joined
3 May 2019
Messages
51
During my DMI a few weeks ago I was told the Aug and Oct course at Exeter St David's pool were full and that they had courses pencilled in for November and February
 

PearoTheHero

Member
Joined
3 May 2019
Messages
51
I'm sure I've just posted this but my entry seems to have disappeared. At Exeter I was told two weeks ago at my DMI that August and October courses were full and they had November and February courses to fill

Edit
And there it is
 

Daydr3am3r

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7 Dec 2018
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408
I know that they are prioritising the West with the other depots being progressed a little slower.
 
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