Northern - trainee vacancies at Blackpool

[Dave1980]

The MMI was a bit odd you answer 6 questions a bit like on the application form where it asks "give us a time you planned something in detail" they want a short one sentence answer there and then a full answer in the interview. STAR comes into play but explain how the end result made you feel too.
Glad to say I've passed and have a verbal job offer pending medical. They wanted me to start on 5th Sept but was too short notice so it's about then I'm having the medical and hopefully start my training course at the beginning of October in Manchester!
Made up and can't quite believe it! Thanks to everyone for the support and info!

 

[Bean123]

Congratulations Dave, looks like we may be on the same course in October if all goes to plan. Just had my medical today, all clear pending the results from the drugs test; I'm confident nothing will come back from it though!

 

[Dave1980]

Seems like it Bean123, pleasure to meet you! Haha yeah think they are sending me for a medical first few days in Sept but forgot the actual day as I was still a bit stunned by the phone call! Haha
Yeah pretty sure I'll be fine with the medical, no real issues health wise and already checked what I could, blood pressure, blood sugars, eyesight, hearing, hardly drink and certainly don't do drugs.

 

[sennaf15]

Fantastic news Dave well done. I'm getting really nervous by it all and starting to put to much pressure on myself now. Damn them for making me wait 3 weeks to do the assessments lol.

 

[trainee11]

would anyone have any info on where training takes place for blackpool trainee drivers?

also if made to decide, would blackpool or blackburn depot be more favourable once qualified?

 

[Dave1980]

Think the training takes place in Manchester city centre for Blackpool trainees but it may well be based on where you live. Blackburn will be the newer depot which has its good points and bad. For me Blackburn works better simply because it's closer to where I live.

 

[gazcat]

would anyone have any info on where training takes place for blackpool trainee drivers?

also if made to decide, would blackpool or blackburn depot be more favourable once qualified?

I'd also like to know similar.
As in, if there would be a big difference between a new depot & an established one?
Are the routes better - once qualified - at one compared to the other?
Especially for newly qualified drivers.
Is training at the same place for both depots?

 

[Lucky63]

I'd also like to know similar.
As in, if there would be a big difference between a new depot & an established one?
Are the routes better - once qualified - at one compared to the other?
Especially for newly qualified drivers.
Is training at the same place for both depots?

It is anyone's guess as to whether Blackburn will be better due to being a brand new depot. My personal opinion is that it will be miles better, as they create new links, they 'could' do away with seniority for the best jobs.

The facilities will be brand new, so you won't have this issue of being based at a depot which has poor standards (as a lot of Northerns are, any Picc drivers want to vouch for this for example?!)
Not sure what Blackpool's are like now, I haven't been in their facilities for about 8 years and all they had then was a poor kitchen and a fruit machine.

As for better routes, who knows. I know Blackpool drivers have some cushty jobs like the Ormskirk branch. They also work to Colne, Manchester Vic, Oxford Rd, Lime Street, York (guards do, not sure about drivers), Morecambe plus some diversionary routes.

As for training, the classroom based stuff will be at Boulton House in Manchester City Centre, but depot work, couldn't say, although they have to have a proper plan in place for this. My guess is Blackpool DTM's will be in charge of the Blackburn drivers for the time being.

 

[gazcat]

It is anyone's guess as to whether Blackburn will be better due to being a brand new depot. My personal opinion is that it will be miles better, as they create new links, they 'could' do away with seniority for the best jobs.

The facilities will be brand new, so you won't have this issue of being based at a depot which has poor standards (as a lot of Northerns are, any Picc drivers want to vouch for this for example?!)
Not sure what Blackpool's are like now, I haven't been in their facilities for about 8 years and all they had then was a poor kitchen and a fruit machine.

As for better routes, who knows. I know Blackpool drivers have some cushty jobs like the Ormskirk branch. They also work to Colne, Manchester Vic, Oxford Rd, Lime Street, York (guards do, not sure about drivers), Morecambe plus some diversionary routes.

As for training, the classroom based stuff will be at Boulton House in Manchester City Centre, but depot work, couldn't say, although they have to have a proper plan in place for this. My guess is Blackpool DTM's will be in charge of the Blackburn drivers for the time being.

thanks for the info/insight Lucky63

 

[Louby]

Vic don't have seniority links anymore , can't speak for pic

 

[Bert and Ernie]

Vic don't have seniority links anymore , can't speak for pic

Nor does blackpool

 

[8ball]

Congratulations to everyone on this thread that's made it through. Finally got the OK today after a slight medical hiccup and start course on 5th Sept. Absolute dream come true, can still barely believe it.

 

[Bean123]

Good news 8ball, I'm due to start 3rd October as my current employers are pretty strict with a 4 week notice period! Has anyone received any sort of confirmation offer of employment or contract. I've passed the medical etc but still waiting for something a bit more concrete before giving notice.

 

[8ball]

Good news 8ball, I'm due to start 3rd October as my current employers are pretty strict with a 4 week notice period! Has anyone received any sort of confirmation offer of employment or contract. I've passed the medical etc but still waiting for something a bit more concrete before giving notice.

Had the contract through this week. If you've passed medical the course place is yours so don't worry. You could always give HR a nudge to get it sent out asap because of your notice period.

 

[Louby]

Congratulations to everyone on this thread that's made it through. Finally got the OK today after a slight medical hiccup and start course on 5th Sept. Absolute dream come true, can still barely believe it.

Been a long slog! You were in for Blackpool few yrs back weren't you ?

 

[8ball]

Been a long slog! You were in for Blackpool few yrs back weren't you ?

Yeah that's right. I was in the pool for depot driver a few years back. Glad it's finally come good.

 

[Louby]

Yeah that's right. I was in the pool for depot driver a few years back. Glad it's finally come good.

I know they say patience etc but it's been a long hard wait, I'm out on the road next week with my instructor

 

[gazcat]

Just an update in case others are in for Blackpool.
My initial application was for Blackpool, but they mentioned Blackburn in my interview.
After passing assessments they gave me a choice so I requested Blackburn as it's slightly nearer to home.
I've just had confirmation I'm booked on a course and it's for Blackburn, so that's me out of the Blackpool process.

Thanks again to everyone on this forum for advice and information - it's been invaluable.