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GWR Train Driver talent pool

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Fair mo

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I'm applying for the post Depot, but there's not much info anywhere that I can find. Anything I should be looking for?
 
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Busandrail

Busandrail

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Can someone in the know answer a question for me?

So I handed my notice into my current employer (first bus) yesterday and today I get a call from my staff manager going on about how I don't need to resign because I can internally transfer? I know I affectively work for the same parent company but it's a completely different subsidery. Is what he says correct or is this nonsense?

Iv signed contracts and references are in etc so I'm all good to go. This doesn't seem correct to me.
 
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baz962

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8 Jun 2017
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3,308
Busandrail said:
Can someone in the know answer a question for me?

So I handed my notice into my current employer (first bus) yesterday and today I get a call from my staff manager going on about how I don't need to resign because I can internally transfer? I know I affectively work for the same parent company but it's a completely different subsidery. Is what he says correct or is this nonsense?

Iv signed contracts and references are in etc so I'm all good to go. This doesn't seem correct to me.
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I'm sure with Arriva , some of the ex Arriva bus driver's did resign to come over to rail . Not sure with First , but why not just go to HR .
 
Busandrail

Busandrail

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baz962 said:
I'm sure with Arriva , some of the ex Arriva bus driver's did resign to come over to rail . Not sure with First , but why not just go to HR .
Click to expand...

I'm going to give HR an email in a min, thought it'd be worth an ask for a quick response on here as I know HR can take a few days to respond
 
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Indy3995

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4 Jul 2018
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60
Busandrail said:
Can someone in the know answer a question for me?

So I handed my notice into my current employer (first bus) yesterday and today I get a call from my staff manager going on about how I don't need to resign because I can internally transfer? I know I affectively work for the same parent company but it's a completely different subsidery. Is what he says correct or is this nonsense?

Iv signed contracts and references are in etc so I'm all good to go. This doesn't seem correct to me.
Click to expand...
Hi Pal, I had a 2 week break in service between First Bus and GWR. My Bus manager was under the impression that I could carry length of service over like yours is saying. But I think they are incorrect as everything is different: Pension, leave etc. I also lost my first rewards access for just the 2 week gap.
 
Busandrail

Busandrail

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Indy3995 said:
Hi Pal, I had a 2 week break in service between First Bus and GWR. My Bus manager was under the impression that I could carry length of service over like yours is saying. But I think they are incorrect as everything is different: Pension, leave etc. I also lost my first rewards access for just the 2 week gap.
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Just got an email back from GWR. They said to resign from my role as a bus driver but not to resign from the company. They sent me a form for an internal transfer for my staff manager to fill out. This apparently then transfers my 10 year service across. I don't know what effect that actually has in practical terms in gwr?

Just to add I will also be looking at about 2 week gap between leaving the buses to starting with gwr in Jan.
 
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Indy3995

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Busandrail said:
Just got an email back from GWR. They said to resign from my role as a bus driver but not to resign from the company. They sent me a form for an internal transfer for my staff manager to fill out. This apparently then transfers my 10 year service across. I don't know what effect that actually has in practical terms in gwr?

Just to add I will also be looking at about 2 week gap between leaving the buses to starting with gwr in Jan.
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Ah right, maybe with your transfer form you wont lose access to the rewards like I did then. Fingers crossed!
 
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Stigy

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Must be different from FirstBus then to other FirstGroup TOCs? I had to resign from SWR. It seems strange that it would be any different as I applied via the online portal but have always been external as far as seniority etc goes. I assume at FirstBus you’re still external, but they have an agreement with carrying over your length of service? I have also had my pension swapped between schemes from SWR to GWR, although I’m hoping I can transfer my contributions up until now and not freeze the ones from SWR.
 
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Kae

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Liam00086 said:
Congratulations on getting this far,
I found the DMI was a mixture of what you know about the company(Try and research some things about the depot you have applied too), MMI questions (but didn’t go in as much detail as MMI) And competence based questions.
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Thanks Liam that was very helpful. dreading it tbh
 
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PearoTheHero

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Kae just remember you've done really well to get this far. Looking back, my DMI was probably the most enjoyable part because you're dealing with humans at this point and not computer screens or pieces of paper. Dont get me wrong I was nervous beforehand but if you do your homework you will be fine. Good luck!!
 
Liam00086

Liam00086

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Kae said:
Thanks Liam that was very helpful. dreading it tbh
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Lewis H said:
Having received lots of messages asking for tips on DMI etc following my successful one, I’ve decided that I would put up the list of questions I made up of literally everything I thought I could be asked. Everything I was asked, was on this list, others feel free to add, it’s just a guideline to help others prepare.


- Why do you want to join the company?
- Why do you think you are suitable for the job?
- What does the company do?
- What does a Train Driver do?
- What is the geographical range of the companies services?
- Describe a time you have dealt with a problem
- Describe a time you have dealt with a problem with a superior
- Describe a time you have dealt with an emergency situation
- Describe your biggest achievement
- Describe a time you have had to persevere to achieve something
- Describe a time you have worked alone for long periods of time
- Give an example of staying calm under pressure
- Describe a time you have had to follow strict rules and regulations
- Describe a time you have used organisational skills
- How do you maintain concentration for long periods and stop yourself getting bored
- Example of a time you have assisted a member of the public/gone above and beyond
- Example of a stressful experience and how you dealt with it
- How do you manage fatigue
- Describe a time you have had to study
- What would you expect to say over a tannoy
- Describe a time you have made a mistake and how it was resolved
- Describe a time you have had to motivate a colleague
- Describe a time you have noticed a colleagues standards or techniques slipping and what you did about it
- Describe a time you took on a task with incomplete instructions
- What are your views on Trade Unions?
- Why do you want to be a Train Driver?
- What are the qualities of a Train Driver?
- Do you think a Train Driver should wear a uniform?
- Describe a time you have worked unsocial hours/shift work
- What are the aims of the TOC?
- What challenges are the TOC facing
Click to expand...

as Pearo said you have done really well getting this far, this is some of the questions you may be asked. I found on another thred.
 
AJSWEY

AJSWEY

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Messages
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Hi, I have passed Stage 2 this week, and awaiting the DMI now. Any ideas on when and where it will be guys?
 
Busandrail

Busandrail

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Messages
94
Stigy said:
Must be different from FirstBus then to other FirstGroup TOCs? I had to resign from SWR. It seems strange that it would be any different as I applied via the online portal but have always been external as far as seniority etc goes. I assume at FirstBus you’re still external, but they have an agreement with carrying over your length of service? I have also had my pension swapped between schemes from SWR to GWR, although I’m hoping I can transfer my contributions up until now and not freeze the ones from SWR.
Click to expand...

I assumed like you said, because I was treated throughout as an external that I'd just leave first bus and be treated as brand new.

It wasn't until my staff manager rang me the other day to tell me I could do an internal transfer. The email from GWR HR said all it does is move over your continuous service. Doesn't seem to make any real difference to anything. Hey ho
 
AJSWEY

AJSWEY

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Busandrail said:
I assumed like you said, because I was treated throughout as an external that I'd just leave first bus and be treated as brand new.

It wasn't until my staff manager rang me the other day to tell me I could do an internal transfer. The email from GWR HR said all it does is move over your continuous service. Doesn't seem to make any real difference to anything. Hey ho
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That's interesting to know, as I have 17 years at First Bus!
 
K

Kae

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Location
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Liam00086 said:
as Pearo said you have done really well getting this far, this is some of the questions you may be asked. I found on another thred.
Click to expand...

PearoTheHero said:
Kae just remember you've done really well to get this far. Looking back, my DMI was probably the most enjoyable part because you're dealing with humans at this point and not computer screens or pieces of paper. Dont get me wrong I was nervous beforehand but if you do your homework you will be fine. Good luck!!
Click to expand...
Liam00086 said:
as Pearo said you have done really well getting this far, this is some of the questions you may be asked. I found on another thred.
Click to expand...
Thank you Pearo and Liam your words of encouragement helps alot! The question list is a fantastic piece of information which will help me so much so thanks again Liam. My MMI lasted for nearly 2 hours so hoping the DMI wont take as long as that.... heres to wishful thinking lol
 
K

Kae

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Location
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PearoTheHero said:
Kae just remember you've done really well to get this far. Looking back, my DMI was probably the most enjoyable part because you're dealing with humans at this point and not computer screens or pieces of paper. Dont get me wrong I was nervous beforehand but if you do your homework you will be fine. Good luck!!
Click to expand...
Pearo, apart from working on the questions on the list that Liam kindly provided and researching on the company, is there any other homework I could do that would help me during the DMI? Thanks in advance.
 
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PearoTheHero

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3 May 2019
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Kae it's mostly all on here mate. I'm pretty sure I could talk someone through how to pass a DMI having had a successful one but obviously that's not the name of the game. Go in with confidence, have some answers prepared, and if you're not sure about your answer dont be afraid to take a moment to think about it, before delivering your answer in a precise manner. The two people who interviewed me were absolutely lovely, putting my nerves at rest almost instantly. The interview was over so quickly, you'll be in the pool before you know it ;)
 
K

Kae

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14 Nov 2019
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Location
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PearoTheHero said:
Kae it's mostly all on here mate. I'm pretty sure I could talk someone through how to pass a DMI having had a successful one but obviously that's not the name of the game. Go in with confidence, have some answers prepared, and if you're not sure about your answer dont be afraid to take a moment to think about it, before delivering your answer in a precise manner. The two people who interviewed me were absolutely lovely, putting my nerves at rest almost instantly. The interview was over so quickly, you'll be in the pool before you know it ;)
Click to expand...
Thanks again that was very helpful. Much appreciated.
 
T

Tommy222256

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28 Mar 2019
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150
Has anyone on the 2nd December course had the training itinerary come through yet?, I’ve had my first day info about going to depot but n thing else!
 
D

Daydr3am3r

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7 Dec 2018
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408
Tommy222256 said:
Has anyone on the 2nd December course had the training itinerary come through yet?, I’ve had my first day info about going to depot but n thing else!
Click to expand...

No mate. On the last course, that I couldn’t make in the end, it was sent to me in error one day inside two weeks before the start date. Today is that day so I reckon today or tomorrow.
 
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Tommy222256

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Daydr3am3r said:
No mate. On the last course, that I couldn’t make in the end, it was sent to me in error one day inside two weeks before the start date. Today is that day so I reckon today or tomorrow.
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Cheers, and the rail pass they mention is that different to the GWR one we were sent with our contract?!
 
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Purple77

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27 Oct 2019
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Hi All.

Just a HUGE piece of advise, based on my recent experience I would strongly suggest that you avoid Train Assessments carried out by the OPC themselves and not the TOC. I recently failed my MMI on 1 question, when i asked for feedback for the OPC I realised that the assessor had in fact not asked me the question that I was told I failed on. The member of staff i spoke to acknowledged that the question asked and the question which should have been asked can yield 2 completely different responses. I was referred to the director Jo Lawerence who's response was of the most ridiculous nature. While she openly admits to not being present (obviously), that the assessor can't remember how she asked the question, and that the interviews aren't recorded, her stance is that it doesn't really matter how the question was phrased???!!!! That the assessors verbal instructions can differ from the questions that are written on the pre interview form.??
Each and everyone of us on here puts a lot of time and effort and maybe even finance into preparing for these assessments and I truly believe that the OPC only care about the money they are paid by the TOC to carry out these assessments. This was a very costly mistake not of my making, oh the OPC apparently have no complaints procedure. (I wonder why). Please don't write this off as sour grapes. I would just strongly suggest that any applying avoids TOC's that use the OPC, at least the TOC has a vested interested in carrying out these tests, it's a costly process for them so carrying them out correctly is in there interest. The OPC get paid regardless of pass or failure.
I am attempting to log a formal complaint with the RSSB against the OCP so that this doesn't happen again.

If you have failed any OPC carried out assessments I would also suggest contacting them and getting full feedback of what it is you failed on.
 
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