First Group Trainee Train Drivers

[tiptoptaff]

I’m already in the Talent Pool for Reading since April but they’re advertising again. Would I have to go through a full application process again to be considered for the Heathrow Express, Oxford or Paddington? If I do and am not successful will my current status still stand?

You can ask to have your depot transferred. They will gladly but you will have to have a new DMI and you lose your place in the Reading pool. If for wherever reason you fail your DMI at Paddington or Oxford you are then out completely

 

[Derv Dooville]

I’m already in the Talent Pool for Reading since April but they’re advertising again. Would I have to go through a full application process again to be considered for the Heathrow Express, Oxford or Paddington? If I do and am not successful will my current status still stand?

What a nightmare! I just want to drive a train and earn a decent living. Don’t want to risk jumping out of fat in to fire though so to speak.

 

[Termy]

Good spot! Applying myself now that I am living in London, even though I am quite happy with my new Apprenticeship at TfL...

 

[utternoob]

I can't remember when i failed with arriva but applied anyways

 

[Fiesta89]

Anyone know if someone fails online tests will it count as part of two strikes rule? Then cant apply anywhere in 6 months or if its TOC specific in regards to online tests?

 

[Stigy]

Anyone know if someone fails online tests will it count as part of two strikes rule? Then cant apply anywhere in 6 months or if its TOC specific in regards to online tests?

Only the Visual Search Exercise (VSE) tests I believe, even then I didn’t think they counted, but the OPC state they do indeed count. The online tests you take immediately after the application process with First Group DO NOT count. I don’t think they use VSE tests?

 

[Fiesta89]

Only the Visual Search Exercise (VSE) tests I believe, even then I didn’t think they counted, but the OPC state they do indeed count. The online tests you take immediately after the application process with First Group DO NOT count. I don’t think they use VSE tests?

Cheers Stigy.. its an SJT online then a numerical test online

 

[Eggs&Bacon]

Passed all the stage 1 assessments in May this year. Only to be told there wasn’t any predicated jobs a few months later. Would I need to apply again or send a email stating the above.?

 

[utternoob]

Whats the numerical test like im abit spesh when it comes to maths

 

[Stigy]

Whats the numerical test like im abit spesh when it comes to maths

If it’s anything like SWR’s, it’s a doddle. I’m terrible at numerical reasoning, but even I found there’s a piece of wee. It was a pleasant surprise because historically they’re a nightmare!

 

[Stigy]

Cheers Stigy.. its an SJT online then a numerical test online

That won’t count towards your two strikes as it is part of the initial sift.

 

[Lmc1976]

Whats the numerical test like im abit spesh when it comes to maths

Having done the test this morning, it isn’t a maths test as such but more of an accuracy and speed test involving letters and numbers. No degree in Maths required!

 

[Stigy]

Having done the test this morning, it isn’t a maths test as such but more of an accuracy and speed test involving letters and numbers. No degree in Maths required!

Is it the one where you match the letters/numbers on the left with those on the right?

That’s what I was referring to. That or the basic arithmetic (literally like 25+32 etc).

 

[SA91]

Sounds like it might be the SCAAT test

 

[Lmc1976]

Is it the one where you match the letters/numbers on the left with those on the right?

That’s the one.

Definitely not a SCAAT (which I’ve done before) although could possibly be described as a less difficult version of.

 

[Omar]

That’s the one.

Definitely not a SCAAT (which I’ve done before) although could possibly be described as a less difficult version of.

Hello,

How long does the test take? Does it give practice questions before the actual test?

 

[Lmc1976]

Hello,

How long does the test take? Does it give practice questions before the actual test?

No practice straight into it.

Regarding time it depends on how fast you are but I would say somewhere around 5 minutes to complete.

 

[Unknockable]

I would apply for this but I don’t think I should as my nearest GWT station from where I live is Paddington. It would take me 55 minutes minimum to get to and from there. I think my location would put me at an disadvantage regardless of how well I would do in the application process plus wouldn’t want to apply and be rejected and have to wait 6 months which during that time a more local TOC could be hiring trainees.

 

[Omar]

No practice straight into it.

Regarding time it depends on how fast you are but I would say somewhere around 5 minutes to complete.

Thank you. Planning on doing it tomorrow.

 

[Johnson]

That’s the one.

Definitely not a SCAAT (which I’ve done before) although could possibly be described as a less difficult version of.

Do you have any tips or advice for taking this test?

Cheers

 

[Lmc1976]

Do you have any tips or advice for taking this test?

Cheers

I don’t think I can really, it’s a short test of 40 questions that’s not particularly taxing but is designed to test your speed and accuracy so the only real tip I can give is make sure you answer the questions with that in mind, once you’ve given your answer you can’t go back.

 

[PaulBusDriver]

Do you have any tips or advice for taking this test?

Cheers

I just had my go at it, have to say, considering past online VSE tests experience I wasn't sure how this test would be but found it quite simple. Nothing to worry about.

 

[C.T.P.]

Hello,

How long does the test take? Does it give practice questions before the actual test?

You have no practice before the test and you get approx 5 minutes to complete, which is more than enough; you are able to do it in half the time, so don't stress too much about it. However, considering that there are more than 400 candidates for 1 train driver position (or so they say)..... no pressure )

 

[Firestarter]

I would apply for this but I don’t think I should as my nearest GWT station from where I live is Paddington. It would take me 55 minutes minimum to get to and from there. I think my location would put me at an disadvantage regardless of how well I would do in the application process plus wouldn’t want to apply and be rejected and have to wait 6 months which during that time a more local TOC could be hiring trainees.

Being rejected wouldn't affect your ability to apply for another TOC

 

[Omar]

You have no practice before the test and you get approx 5 minutes to complete, which is more than enough; you are able to do it in half the time, so don't stress too much about it. However, considering that there are more than 400 candidates for 1 train driver position (or so they say)..... no pressure )

40 questions in 5 minutes? Seems like you’re trying get me worried, from your reply I sense a lot of unnecessary sarcasm.

 

[Ebee]

I'm planning on doing mine tomorrow. Will a laptop touch pad be ok or is better to use a mouse? I literally went out and bought one today just incase for this test haha

 

[Stigy]

40 questions in 5 minutes? Seems like you’re trying get me worried, from your reply I sense a lot of unnecessary sarcasm.

I saw how long they give just before doing this a month or so ago and was worried as it doesn't seem like long.....But trust me, it's that easy

 

[Stigy]

I would apply for this but I don’t think I should as my nearest GWT station from where I live is Paddington. It would take me 55 minutes minimum to get to and from there. I think my location would put me at an disadvantage regardless of how well I would do in the application process plus wouldn’t want to apply and be rejected and have to wait 6 months which during that time a more local TOC could be hiring trainees.

If you're rejected at the application stage it's only that TOC you'd have to wait 6-months to reapply to. You can also have several applications running side by side, however bear in mind that you'll only be able to take Psychometric testing with one at a time.

 

[jad]

Hey all!

Was wondering if anyone knows how GWR (or, really, any TOC) determines the 60-minute distance rule. I live part way between two depots (classed as different regions with GWR, sadly) so I applied to the one I prefer most, but it also happens to be the farther one. Google maps puts me at around 50 minutes driving time, but I am not sure what they mean by "typical traffic conditions;" Factor in rush hour and I'm most definitely outside the 60-minute range.

Hoping to not be disqualified on something minor like this; in which case perhaps it might be best to withdraw my application and apply to the closer depot? (unless there is reason to believe it leaves a poor mark if I withdraw an application).

Thanks for any help/advice on this!

 

[martin2345uk]

Pretty sure they don't take rush hour into account - after all, it's unlikely all that many shifts will be 9-5.