Gwr exeter talent pool 2020/2021

[Cowcow15]

I've just seen a similar thread so thought I would start one for the exeter talent pool where we can share any information in relation to timescales etc. If any one hears any news feel free to add it it here.

I got put in the talent pool a couple of weeks ago.

 

[Jaytrains]

Congrats

 

[Cowcow15]

Congrats

Thank you!

 

[Daydr3am3r]

I've just seen a similar thread so thought I would start one for the exeter talent pool where we can share any information in relation to timescales etc. If any one hears any news feel free to add it it here.

I got put in the talent pool a couple of weeks ago.

Congrats mate. I don’t think there are any planned intakes for Newton Abbot until at least the end of the year. Other courses will continue across the other training centres, but before anyone asks I have no idea on the other centres

 

[Cowcow15]

Congrats mate. I don’t think there are any planned intakes for Newton Abbot until at least the end of the year. Other courses will continue across the other training centres, but before anyone asks I have no idea on the other centres

Thanks, yeah the rumour I have heard is end of this year beginning of next. Long wait but worth it in the end!

 

[wmg75]

I had my DMI last week and was informed yesterday that I was unsuccessful on this occasion! to say that I'm disappointed would be a major understatement!!! But I was told at the interview that GWR had no more courses booked before spring 2021!

So now I have to wait another 6 months before trying again! just hope more vacancies will come up in 6 months time!!! best of luck to everyone else!

 

[Liam00086]

I had my DMI last week and was informed yesterday that I was unsuccessful on this occasion! to say that I'm disappointed would be a major understatement!!! But I was told at the interview that GWR had no more courses booked before spring 2021!

So now I have to wait another 6 months before trying again! just hope more vacancies will come up in 6 months time!!! best of luck to everyone else!

Sorry to hear this, I’m not sure if you know but you only have to wait 6months to apply for GWR, you can apply for other TOCs right away.

 

[wmg75]

Sorry to hear this, I’m not sure if you know but you only have to wait 6months to apply for GWR, you can apply for other TOCs right away.

Yes I was aware of this! However there isn't a lot of choice in Devon and Cornwall! I wish I had applied for the Plymouth depot now, as thats where I live!

I only applied to Exeter as I was told they have a greater turnover of drivers & you would have a better chance of getting in! Guess theres always next time!

 

[Coolseed]

I had my DMI last week and was informed yesterday that I was unsuccessful on this occasion! to say that I'm disappointed would be a major understatement!!! But I was told at the interview that GWR had no more courses booked before spring 2021!

So now I have to wait another 6 months before trying again! just hope more vacancies will come up in 6 months time!!! best of luck to everyone else!

Sorry to hear this, how would you rate the DMI? Easy or tough? How long was it? What kinds of question would one expect? Any general or specific advice?

 

[Cowcow15]

Sorry to hear this, how would you rate the DMI? Easy or tough? How long was it? What kinds of question would one expect? Any general or specific advice?

I found the dmi the easiest part of the whole process. The interviewers (2 of them) were great and made me feel relaxed from the start.
Usual interview questions, tell us what you know about the company, tell us a time when etc. Brush up on non technical skills (communication for example) and how you use these in your current job or in life. Be specific with your answers, use the star format and take your time. My dmi lasted around an hour and 15 minutes or so, but you have got as much time as you need to answer the questions.
Where have you applied for?

 

[Nonuts]

Yes I was aware of this! However there isn't a lot of choice in Devon and Cornwall! I wish I had applied for the Plymouth depot now, as thats where I live!

I only applied to Exeter as I was told they have a greater turnover of drivers & you would have a better chance of getting in! Guess theres always next time!

There is DC freight rail in your area. You could send them a speculative email/letter saying you've passed your assessments and could they notify you of any upcoming positions. Sadly in some areas you have to really chase and fight for train driver, in others it's easier. If it's what you really want it's worth the graft, and I don't mean that to sound condescending sonic it does I apologise

 

[Coolseed]

I found the dmi the easiest part of the whole process. The interviewers (2 of them) were great and made me feel relaxed from the start.
Usual interview questions, tell us what you know about the company, tell us a time when etc. Brush up on non technical skills (communication for example) and how you use these in your current job or in life. Be specific with your answers, use the star format and take your time. My dmi lasted around an hour and 15 minutes or so, but you have got as much time as you need to answer the questions.
Where have you applied for?

Thanks a bunch. i applied to Reading.

 

[Cowcow15]

Thanks a bunch. i applied to Reading.

Best of luck!

 

[Loons]

I've just seen a similar thread so thought I would start one for the exeter talent pool where we can share any information in relation to timescales etc. If any one hears any news feel free to add it it here.

I got put in the talent pool a couple of weeks ago.

when did you first apply can I ask? Just wondering how long it actually takes from application, to talent pool, to actually getting a role!

 

[Cowcow15]

when did you first apply can I ask? Just wondering how long it actually takes from application, to talent pool, to actually getting a role!

From memory (so dont quote me!)

Applied online June 2019
Stage one assessments september 2019
Stage two assessments november 2019
Dmi february 2020

Had an email a few days after dmi saying I was successful and am now in the talent pool. However was told at my dmi that there may not be any training sessions until next year! So I reckon from application to getting a start date could be close to 2 years!

How far along are you in the process?

 

[Nonuts]

when did you first apply can I ask? Just wondering how long it actually takes from application, to talent pool, to actually getting a role!

As a guide. I and a mate (both external) applied Dec 2018 and started our course Feb 2020. A few on our course applied Feb/March 2019. The managers don't always know what courses are planned as that's down to recruitment. We had 6 months notice that we'd be on our course, others had two months notice.

 

[Lee70]

I had my DMI in January, and am treding water in the talent pool. kinda hoped that I might get the call September/October 2020, I guess now with the whole Coronavirus thing, its not going to be until 2021. Any thoughts on this?
The cohort for this year must be on hold, right?

 

[Lee70]

As a guide. I and a mate (both external) applied Dec 2018 and started our course Feb 2020. A few on our course applied Feb/March 2019. The managers don't always know what courses are planned as that's down to recruitment. We had 6 months notice that we'd be on our course, others had two months notice.

Hi, is your intake sat at home now until told to go back or are you doing online or video lessons?? I was hoping to get the call after your group have completed.

 

[Nonuts]

Hi, is your intake sat at home now until told to go back or are you doing online or video lessons?? I was hoping to get the call after your group have completed.

We're at home doing video calls, waiting to be told we can go back to Bristol!

 

[Cowcow15]

Has any one had any further updates in relation to this talent pool or if anyone who is currently in training could provide an update as to where they are at, eg, are you back to training, still learning from home etc? I appreciate the current circumstances so not expecting much to have moved at all but would be great to have a bit of an update.

I hope everyone is keeping well in these strange times!

 

[Nonuts]

Has any one had any further updates in relation to this talent pool or if anyone who is currently in training could provide an update as to where they are at, eg, are you back to training, still learning from home etc? I appreciate the current circumstances so not expecting much to have moved at all but would be great to have a bit of an update.

I hope everyone is keeping well in these strange times!

We've been back doing rules for three weeks. Still unsorted with two in a driving cab for traction and driving hours but there's plans moving forward. There's a fair backlog with training for those already in the process so I'd guess they'll clear that before planning new courses

 

[Cowcow15]

We've been back doing rules for three weeks. Still unsorted with two in a driving cab for traction and driving hours but there's plans moving forward. There's a fair backlog with training for those already in the process so I'd guess they'll clear that before planning new courses

Thanks for the update nonuts! Will you be in the exeter depot?

 

[Nonuts]

Thanks for the update nonuts! Will you be in the exeter depot?

No, not Exeter.

 

[Daydr3am3r]

Has any one had any further updates in relation to this talent pool or if anyone who is currently in training could provide an update as to where they are at, eg, are you back to training, still learning from home etc? I appreciate the current circumstances so not expecting much to have moved at all but would be great to have a bit of an update.

I hope everyone is keeping well in these strange times!

Everyone that is further than rules is still sat at home, although there is a tiny light at the end of the tunnel that things may be starting to get moving again in the next couple of weeks.

 

[Cowcow15]

Everyone that is further than rules is still sat at home, although there is a tiny light at the end of the tunnel that things may be starting to get moving again in the next couple of weeks.

Thanks for the update daydr3am3r.

 

[Lee70]

We're at home doing video calls, waiting to be told we can go back to Bristol!

I’m in the pool for Exeter. How are you notified?By phone or email?

 

[Daydr3am3r]

I’m in the pool for Exeter. How are you notified?By phone or email?

If it was the same as mine then you will get an initial phone call that is then confirmed by email.

 

[Nonuts]

I’m in the pool for Exeter. How are you notified?By phone or email?

Mine was a phonecall around half 7 in the evening. Some people have been called on Sundays with a course date offer.

 

[Daydr3am3r]

Mine was a phonecall around half 7 in the evening. Some people have been called on Sundays with a course date offer.

My call was Sunday evening.

 

[Jaytrains]

I guess a dmi date should come soon