Potato_Peeler
Member
Does anyone know when SW are going to start training guards again? I interviewed and passed in March just a week before lockdown and have been waiting ever since, been told there's a large back log but nothing else.
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SW Rail Guard Training - Covid
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Which depot please ?.
MatthewLdn
Member
I passed my interview for Train Guard in February and still waiting for a medical and start date for Waterloo along with an MMI for Trainee Train Driver (Waterloo). I really hope that they don’t withdraw the position. I emailed the recruitment team back in May and was told that everything is still on hold. Haven’t spoken to them since as I guess the situation is still the same. Fingers crossed we hear some good news soon.
J3053B
Member
I personally know a few of the people who take the guards course training at Basingstoke and Guards courses resumed about a month ago, obviously there is a backlog like you say.
But 100% training has resumed - I know it must be frustrating but your time will come, the only thing you can do is wait now.
But 100% training has resumed - I know it must be frustrating but your time will come, the only thing you can do is wait now.
Potato_Peeler
Member
Waterloo
I was meant to start at the end of May and i've still not been giving a new start date, still waiting patiently...
magicmcone
Member
Same boat here...
Do you know if those people had already started the courses before lockdown or if they started last month from scratch?
Thanks
What day were you meant to start?
Any idea if they're still taking 12 weeks to complete or is it longer now?
WombleGuard
Member
Much longer. I started end of March and still training with no fixed end on sight.
WombleGuard
Member
Three guard courses started after lockdown. But others after those were postponed mainly due to capacity issues in training school. There is a backlog of folk now needing to get out on trains to complete the practical traction learning and /or route learning.
Seems to differ between TOC. LNER are sending their trainees out on the trains but from what you've said it seems that SWR haven't been able to do so yet
WombleGuard
Member
They are. In the last couple weeks it's started but social distancing means less trainees per inspector so it's taking a while to get everyone through.
Fingers crossed you get to start yours soon, unless you already have?
magicmcone
Member
I was meant to start on the 11th of May. Honestly, I would obviously love to start as soon as possible, but as long as it goes ahead, I’m already very happy considering everything that is going on.
magicmcone
Member
Glad to hear that. Many thanks for the info and best luck for the remaining of your training.
WombleGuard
Member
Pleasure. Be reassured that the HR team at SWR is terrific. They are on the ball and very organised. You Will start ASAP as there is a huge need for guards to fill gaps.
Let us all know when you get the call.
Potato_Peeler
Member
Nothing as of yet other than that training is starting again but no set dates for prospective guards.
Potato_Peeler
Member
Thought I'd provide an update: nothing my end yet, still being told to wait. However, other I interviewed with for Waterloo have received their dates for training etc so I'm now beginning to think I've been forgotten about!
DorkingMain
Member
The process of crew training has been very slow for a number of reasons. Particularly on the driver's side there were major concerns about drivers and instructors sharing cabs.
The pause in training means there's been no replacement for the natural flow of people leaving, so it's very much unlikely your position will disappear - quite the opposite, you'll be very much relied upon. Waterloo in particular is a depot very much run on overtime.
The pause in training means there's been no replacement for the natural flow of people leaving, so it's very much unlikely your position will disappear - quite the opposite, you'll be very much relied upon. Waterloo in particular is a depot very much run on overtime.
MatthewLdn
Member
Hi Potato_Peeler, I recently contacted the recruitment team and was told that they are slowly starting back up with guard recruitment, but in smaller class sizes and working through candidates in date order. It does seem strange though, considering you and the other person were interviewed in March, while I interviewed in February. I can only assume that it is because I still have a live application for trainee train driver with them. I honestly don’t know...
I was due to have my interview with SWR the week we went into lockdown. Do you reckon that those still waiting for interviews will have them rebooked soon? Have been tempted to give them another call to see what they say (or in case I’ve somehow been forgotten about!)
That's strange, I had my interview in February and start date in May, so would think I'd be contacted before the people you interviewed with in March
WombleGuard
Member
Hi, just to let you know they do not course people in order of recruitment. Numbers are looked at for each depot in terms of more urgent need and courses built around that.
The last 'live' guard course, number 9, are scheduled to complete training sometime in late October so I would expect new courses to start around that time tbh
The last 'live' guard course, number 9, are scheduled to complete training sometime in late October so I would expect new courses to start around that time tbh
It never hurts to stay in touch with recruitment, although I'm sure you have nothing to worry about. I found them to be really on top of things, friendly and efficient when I was going through the process
Potato_Peeler
Member
Think the person I spoke to who said he had been given a date may have been telling porkies. Spoke to recruitment today and they said none of the Guards at Waterloo who interviewed with me or near me had been offered a place yet as they're still working through the backlog. I think it's likely to be closer to the end of the day that we get offers.
MatthewLdn
Member
I think we just have to be patient, although understandably it can be quite frustrating at times, especially when you’re looking forward to cracking on. But like others have said, our time will come.
WombleGuard
Member
I hear 70 trainee guards at WAT waiting to go through traction training and route learning. Might be a while for that depot..... Is another depot an option for you? You might get in faster.
MatthewLdn
Member
I live in Southwark, so would ideally like to be at Waterloo, as it’s only a 10 minute bike ride from where I live. I think I’ll just have to wait a little while. Maybe I’ll get a date for my MMI in the meantime, which would be nice. But understand that side of recruitment is still currently on hold.
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