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GWR Train Driver talent pool

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Busandrail

Member
Joined
30 May 2018
Messages
94
More than an hour and 30 from home Depot I was told for accommodation

How strict are they on this? According to Google maps Par (depending on route) to Newton abbot varies from 1hr 35 mins to 1hr 22 mins
 
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1494

Member
Joined
5 Dec 2018
Messages
53
Location
Weymouth, Dorset
Hey buddy, just seen your reply on the thread and that you’ve not had a reply. I’m in the same boat, having applied and passed all the online assessments at the end of June. Just like you, all my online profile says is “submitted”. I did email them a little while ago and all I got back was a generic response saying that they have my application, are working on it and will contact me in due course. Initially I was checking my online account and emails every day, but that started to taper off. Now I check occasionally and I’m just lurking on here every so often to see if anyone else that applied at the same time has heard anything to get an indication of wether to expect an email any time soon, but starting to think it won’t be this year. From reading posts from other users, the scenario we’re currently in doesn’t seem to be uncommon, so sadly it seems that we’ve just got to keep waiting.

Seems quite random really. I applied in November last year, and it’s taken me twelve months to get to where I am. Just awaiting results of my MMI and hopefully a date for DMI. I couldn’t make the first round of stage 1 assessments so my whole process would appear to have been delayed by 3-4 months.
 

RobG

Member
Joined
9 Apr 2019
Messages
26
Well after 5 months of absolutely nothing, I’ve finally heard back today. Email read like so:

“Unfortunately this vacancy has now been either closed or filled and so we are unable to progress your application any further on this occasion. We'd be delighted however, if you would like to consider other opportunities within Great Western Railway.”

How has the vacancy been closed or filled without any movement in the application process for the people who applied around the same time as me.

Once again, back to square 1. Not going to lie, disappointed and pissed off.
 
Joined
1 Mar 2018
Messages
988
Well after 5 months of absolutely nothing, I’ve finally heard back today. Email read like so:

“Unfortunately this vacancy has now been either closed or filled and so we are unable to progress your application any further on this occasion. We'd be delighted however, if you would like to consider other opportunities within Great Western Railway.”

How has the vacancy been closed or filled without any movement in the application process for the people who applied around the same time as me.

Once again, back to square 1. Not going to lie, disappointed and pissed off.

I'm sorry to hear that you've got that email - what depot was it for as that will probably have a bearing on the reason they have closed the vacancy? Did you do any of the assessments?

I applied in December for Paddington and I'm still waiting for a DMI
 

Daydr3am3r

Member
Joined
7 Dec 2018
Messages
408
Well after 5 months of absolutely nothing, I’ve finally heard back today. Email read like so:

“Unfortunately this vacancy has now been either closed or filled and so we are unable to progress your application any further on this occasion. We'd be delighted however, if you would like to consider other opportunities within Great Western Railway.”

How has the vacancy been closed or filled without any movement in the application process for the people who applied around the same time as me.

Once again, back to square 1. Not going to lie, disappointed and pissed off.

I’m sorry to hear your news. However it’s not the first time that a TOC has been ruthless and cut candidates and it won’t be the last.
Obviously something has changed in the planning phase around finances or numbers.
Was this the most recent recruitment campaign for Exeter & BTM?
 

Stigy

Established Member
Joined
6 Nov 2009
Messages
4,879
Well after 5 months of absolutely nothing, I’ve finally heard back today. Email read like so:

“Unfortunately this vacancy has now been either closed or filled and so we are unable to progress your application any further on this occasion. We'd be delighted however, if you would like to consider other opportunities within Great Western Railway.”

How has the vacancy been closed or filled without any movement in the application process for the people who applied around the same time as me.

Once again, back to square 1. Not going to lie, disappointed and pissed off.
Sorry to hear this. So was this after being placed in a pool for that length of time?
 

RobG

Member
Joined
9 Apr 2019
Messages
26
Rather than quoting all three posts, I’ll just answer in one go. It was for the relatively recent BTM post that was advertised in June. I did the application, personality profile and the online alphanumerical test and then was told I’d passed those and to wait for the next stage. Then nothing until today. Not likely to see any other trainee roles come up for a while now as I’ve only got GWR and Freightliner within 60 mins of me, with GWR now saying they’ve filled the posts and Freightliner having already done a trainee recruitment drive in April.
 

Anon87

Member
Joined
17 Jul 2019
Messages
208
Rather than quoting all three posts, I’ll just answer in one go. It was for the relatively recent BTM post that was advertised in June. I did the application, personality profile and the online alphanumerical test and then was told I’d passed those and to wait for the next stage. Then nothing until today. Not likely to see any other trainee roles come up for a while now as I’ve only got GWR and Freightliner within 60 mins of me, with GWR now saying they’ve filled the posts and Freightliner having already done a trainee recruitment drive in April.

I got the same email mate - applied for BTM in June/July and been waiting since having passed the first two initial tests!
 

Daydr3am3r

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Joined
7 Dec 2018
Messages
408
Feels a little insensitive on the back of the last couple of posts but received my contract offer today.
 

Anon87

Member
Joined
17 Jul 2019
Messages
208
Feels a little insensitive on the back of the last couple of posts but received my contract offer today.

Congrats mate. And don’t worry, I know you have to be in the right place at the right time amongst other stars needing to align to get in first time. I’ll keep trying! I’m 32 so as long as I’m in before I’m 40, that’s still a good 25 years service.. prob 30 by the time my generation retire lol!
 

Daydr3am3r

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Joined
7 Dec 2018
Messages
408
Congrats mate. And don’t worry, I know you have to be in the right place at the right time amongst other stars needing to align to get in first time. I’ll keep trying! I’m 32 so as long as I’m in before I’m 40, that’s still a good 25 years service.. prob 30 by the time my generation retire lol!

Great attitude Pete and that’s the way you have to view. Your positive attitude will pay off I’ve no doubt. Hopefully GWR will reopen at some stage for externals. Failing that is the option of applying for conductors/train managers with a view to then having the internal opportunities for train driver recruitment.
 

Anon87

Member
Joined
17 Jul 2019
Messages
208
Great attitude Pete and that’s the way you have to view. Your positive attitude will pay off I’ve no doubt. Hopefully GWR will reopen at some stage for externals. Failing that is the option of applying for conductors/train managers with a view to then having the internal opportunities for train driver recruitment.

That’s exactly what I’m going to do - already signed up for the alerts on train manager and conductor roles. Happy to play the long game if required.

My main concern when I got the email earlier was that I’m 32 and I won’t get a chance again as there may be an age limit for trainee drivers.
 
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Eggs&Bacon

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Joined
3 May 2017
Messages
101
That’s exactly what I’m going to do - already signed up for the alerts on train manager and conductor roles. Happy to play the long game if required.

My main concern when I got the email earlier was that I’m 32 and I won’t get a chance again as there may be an age limit for trainee drivers.

Mate, I’m 42 and been in the Talent Pool since March 2019. I first applied for Trainee Train Driver with GWR in October 2017, passed paper and computer tests in May 2018, then got told now no jobs available a few months later. Roll on to February 2019 and get asked to attend MMI, passed that stage then passed DMI in March. Hang in there and be patient ( yes I know that’s hard ) :lol:... Also don’t think theres an age limit as you mention. If you got it you got it.!;)
 

Tommy222256

Member
Joined
28 Mar 2019
Messages
150
To be honest mate you have still got time, I’m 40 and just got my contract so be patient and I’m sure it will all work out for you in the end!
 
Joined
5 Sep 2018
Messages
36
Ah phew. Was dreading a ungodly long commute. Thanks for the reply TTT

So i'm still unsure are they using the distance from your base of work station to classroom, or from you home address Station to the classroom. Would there be a travel pass as i'm looking at about 4 hours a day commute train or car every day.
 

Stigy

Established Member
Joined
6 Nov 2009
Messages
4,879
So i'm still unsure are they using the distance from your base of work station to classroom, or from you home address Station to the classroom. Would there be a travel pass as i'm looking at about 4 hours a day commute train or car every day.
It’ll be your work location to the training academy. This could work out well, or if you have to travel an hour to get to work in the first place in the wrong direction, but the academy is only an hour from where you’ll be based, you won’t be eligible for accommodation. Hope that makes sense.
 
Joined
5 Sep 2018
Messages
36
Yes, not so good for me then, i'm an hour the other way to work then the 40 minutes from Plymouth to Newton Abbot. Do you think is possible to get some kind of train pass or reduced ticket price?
 

Stigy

Established Member
Joined
6 Nov 2009
Messages
4,879
Yes, not so good for me then, i'm an hour the other way to work then the 40 minutes from Plymouth to Newton Abbot. Do you think is possible to get some kind of train pass or reduced ticket price?
You’ll get your GWR passes quite quickly, and will be issued temporary ones until the permanent ones arrive. You should be given instructions on how to order these before your even get your contract, which sets the ball rolling quite early on.

If you have to use another TOC’s service to get to the school, you’ll either have to pay full price, get a PRIV rate ticket or speak to the crew (the latter usually works out quite well and I’ve never had any issues). Regarding PRIVs; technically you shouldn’t purchase these for work travel...plus, unless you’re railway already, it’s unlikely you will get your PRIV card until you’ve actually started.
 
Joined
5 Sep 2018
Messages
36
You’ll get your GWR passes quite quickly, and will be issued temporary ones until the permanent ones arrive. You should be given instructions on how to order these before your even get your contract, which sets the ball rolling quite early on.

mid you have to use another TOC’s service to get to the school, you’ll either have to pay full price, get a PRIV rate ticket or speak to the crew (the latter usually works out quite well and I’ve never had any issues). Regarding PRIVs; technically you shouldn’t purchase these for work travel...plus, unless you’re railway already, it’s unlikely you will get your PRIV card until you’ve actually started.

Thanks for that i will contact HR and see what my options are, i would rather be on the train than drive the car, it gives me some time to relax and do some extra revision as well.
 

Mr Oli

Member
Joined
14 Nov 2018
Messages
37
“Unfortunately this vacancy has now been either closed or filled and so we are unable to progress your application any further on this occasion. We'd be delighted however, if you would like to consider other opportunities within Great Western Railway.”

Slightly worrying that recent applicants are receiving this email for BTM. I've been in the talent pool for BTM since 21st August.

Anyone aware of any reason why they may not be continuing their recruitment drive?
 

baz962

Established Member
Joined
8 Jun 2017
Messages
3,279
That’s exactly what I’m going to do - already signed up for the alerts on train manager and conductor roles. Happy to play the long game if required.

My main concern when I got the email earlier was that I’m 32 and I won’t get a chance again as there may be an age limit for trainee drivers.
I started training last year one month before my 48th , although with a different toc. Before I started with my toc I had applied with gwr and they offered me an interview at 48 . Turned it down as I was about to pass out with my company. Also got offered an interview with c2c at the time I got offered my current role. Age wise you should be ok.
 

Daydr3am3r

Member
Joined
7 Dec 2018
Messages
408
Congrats.. nice to know they are starting to come out. Did you get an email or was it posted?

Thanks :)
Came through via email to then sign online. Hard copy is apparently on its way!
Just looking forward to starting now.
 

Daydr3am3r

Member
Joined
7 Dec 2018
Messages
408
“Unfortunately this vacancy has now been either closed or filled and so we are unable to progress your application any further on this occasion. We'd be delighted however, if you would like to consider other opportunities within Great Western Railway.”

Slightly worrying that recent applicants are receiving this email for BTM. I've been in the talent pool for BTM since 21st August.

Anyone aware of any reason why they may not be continuing their recruitment drive?

A friend of mine has just completed his stage 1, and has a date of 23 October for stage 2, so they se still progressing candidates if that reassures you?
 
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