Train Dispatch Multi-Tasking Test

[Conor1992]

Hi
I have been told for a final assessment I have to do a Train Dispatch Multi Tasking Test for West Mid Trains and wondered what is involved and if there is any access to resources I could use prior to the test?
Thanks

 

[185143]

Assuming it's the same one I did, you'll be given a dispatch process to remember and then played a sequence a few times. If it's exactly as you were given you tick a sheet to say the train can depart. If not, then you tick no.

You'll then be given a sheet with some basic information on it (what time off peak starts, a section of a calling pattern and a few train times IIRC) and you'll then be asked the process again, around 50 times IIRC. You'll also be interrupted by a question relating to the information you were given. You have to tick the box to say the train can depart AND get the question right.

As for resources, pass on that one.

 

[duffman82]

Hi
I have been told for a final assessment I have to do a Train Dispatch Multi Tasking Test for West Mid Trains and wondered what is involved and if there is any access to resources I could use prior to the test?
Thanks

Congrats what station have you gone for?

Assuming it's the same one I did, you'll be given a dispatch process to remember and then played a sequence a few times. If it's exactly as you were given you tick a sheet to say the train can depart. If not, then you tick no.

You'll then be given a sheet with some basic information on it (what time off peak starts, a section of a calling pattern and a few train times IIRC) and you'll then be asked the process again, around 50 times IIRC. You'll also be interrupted by a question relating to the information you were given. You have to tick the box to say the train can depart AND get the question right.

As for resources, pass on that one.

To add to this, Getting the train dispatch part correct is more important than answering the question so focus on the dispatch first before answering the question if you can.

 

[NickCop1]

Congrats what station have you gone for?

To add to this, Getting the train dispatch part correct is more important than answering the question so focus on the dispatch first before answering the question if you can.

Hi.

I did the test last night - The first one was Ok. But the Dispatch One was terrible. It goes so quickly - I followed the tip of Answering the Dispatch pop ups and sure got most of them right but hardly answered the question. The first test of reading passages seemed quite easy - it said you have 30 mins to answer the questions but I didnt get 30 mins about 18 mins. Managed to read 5 or 6 passages and answered each question but it finished.???? Got an email back about an hour later saying Unfortunately we are not progressing with your application. Connor you mentioned it was final assessment - did you do something prior to this?

Hi
I have been told for a final assessment I have to do a Train Dispatch Multi Tasking Test for West Mid Trains and wondered what is involved and if there is any access to resources I could use prior to the test?
Thanks

Hi.

I did the test last night - The first one was Ok. But the Dispatch One was terrible. It goes so quickly - I followed the tip of Answering the Dispatch pop ups and sure got most of them right but hardly answered the question. The first test of reading passages seemed quite easy - it said you have 30 mins to answer the questions but I didnt get 30 mins about 18 mins. Managed to read 5 or 6 passages and answered each question but it finished.???? Got an email back about an hour later saying Unfortunately we are not progressing with your application. Connor you mentioned it was final assessment - did you do something prior to this?

 

[Conor1992]

Hi.

I did the test last night - The first one was Ok. But the Dispatch One was terrible. It goes so quickly - I followed the tip of Answering the Dispatch pop ups and sure got most of them right but hardly answered the question. The first test of reading passages seemed quite easy - it said you have 30 mins to answer the questions but I didnt get 30 mins about 18 mins. Managed to read 5 or 6 passages and answered each question but it finished.???? Got an email back about an hour later saying Unfortunately we are not progressing with your application. Connor you mentioned it was final assessment - did you do something prior to this?


Hi.

I did the test last night - The first one was Ok. But the Dispatch One was terrible. It goes so quickly - I followed the tip of Answering the Dispatch pop ups and sure got most of them right but hardly answered the question. The first test of reading passages seemed quite easy - it said you have 30 mins to answer the questions but I didnt get 30 mins about 18 mins. Managed to read 5 or 6 passages and answered each question but it finished.???? Got an email back about an hour later saying Unfortunately we are not progressing with your application. Connor you mentioned it was final assessment - did you do something prior to this?

Hi
Thanks for the information, I will bear all that in mind. I did a STVT test just over a month ago before recently being told I need to do a TDMT for my final assessment.

Congrats what station have you gone for?

To add to this, Getting the train dispatch part correct is more important than answering the question so focus on the dispatch first before answering the question if you can.

thanks for the information, the position I have applied for is based in Worcester, what about you?

Assuming it's the same one I did, you'll be given a dispatch process to remember and then played a sequence a few times. If it's exactly as you were given you tick a sheet to say the train can depart. If not, then you tick no.

You'll then be given a sheet with some basic information on it (what time off peak starts, a section of a calling pattern and a few train times IIRC) and you'll then be asked the process again, around 50 times IIRC. You'll also be interrupted by a question relating to the information you were given. You have to tick the box to say the train can depart AND get the question right.

As for resources, pass on that one.

Thanks, I have read up on the OPC website about the test but there was not much information, much appreciated for this information.

 

[NickCop1]

Hi
Thanks for the information, I will bear all that in mind. I did a STVT test just over a month ago before recently being told I need to do a TDMT for my final assessment.


thanks for the information, the position I have applied for is based in Worcester, what about you?


Thanks, I have read up on the OPC website about the test but there was not much information, much appreciated for this information.

You can't really prepare. I have a Degree in English but failed - they didn't say which test I failed on. With the STVT I only managed to read through about 5 passages and answered I think it was 5 questions per passage. It was no way 30 mins as I was watching the time on my computer and it just stopped after my last answer on that particular passage (Unless it is only 5 passages to read through). (Do you remember how many you had to do as you obviously passed that part)? Pretty sure all my answers to that point were all correct.
The other test just concentrate, no language skills required just need to be quick. (I'm sure you'll be Ok) I guess there is no way to practice it. As I mentioned I read in a few posts that best to concentrate on the dispatch part of the test. I did that to make sure that part was right - I only managed to answer a few questions alongside that test. I guess its a 50/50 chance of what to concentrate more on and exactly what they are looking for. Can't really advice further as I failed it. But Good Luck with yours and fingers crossed you will smash it.
I was surprised that the email came the same day to say I failed? Anyone here know if this is the norm?

Hi
Thanks for the information, I will bear all that in mind. I did a STVT test just over a month ago before recently being told I need to do a TDMT for my final assessment.


thanks for the information, the position I have applied for is based in Worcester, what about you?


Thanks, I have read up on the OPC website about the test but there was not much information, much appreciated for this information.

Hi - How did you get on with the test? Is it normal that if we don't meet the mark they email you straight back? I must have been terrible! Has anyone else on the forum failed and got a reply that same day or was it just me?

You can't really prepare. I have a Degree in English but failed - they didn't say which test I failed on. With the STVT I only managed to read through about 5 passages and answered I think it was 5 questions per passage. It was no way 30 mins as I was watching the time on my computer and it just stopped after my last answer on that particular passage (Unless it is only 5 passages to read through). (Do you remember how many you had to do as you obviously passed that part)? Pretty sure all my answers to that point were all correct.
The other test just concentrate, no language skills required just need to be quick. (I'm sure you'll be Ok) I guess there is no way to practice it. As I mentioned I read in a few posts that best to concentrate on the dispatch part of the test. I did that to make sure that part was right - I only managed to answer a few questions alongside that test. I guess its a 50/50 chance of what to concentrate more on and exactly what they are looking for. Can't really advice further as I failed it. But Good Luck with yours and fingers crossed you will smash it.
I was surprised that the email came the same day to say I failed? Anyone here know if this is the norm?

Hi
Thanks for the information, I will bear all that in mind. I did a STVT test just over a month ago before recently being told I need to do a TDMT for my final assessment.


thanks for the information, the position I have applied for is based in Worcester, what about you?


Thanks, I have read up on the OPC website about the test but there was not much information, much appreciated for this information.

How did you get on with the test?

Hi - How did you get on with the test? Is it normal that if we don't meet the mark they email you straight back? I must have been terrible! Has anyone else on the forum failed and got a reply that same day or was it just me?

 

[185143]

You can't really prepare. I have a Degree in English but failed - they didn't say which test I failed on. With the STVT I only managed to read through about 5 passages and answered I think it was 5 questions per passage. It was no way 30 mins as I was watching the time on my computer and it just stopped after my last answer on that particular passage (Unless it is only 5 passages to read through). (Do you remember how many you had to do as you obviously passed that part)? Pretty sure all my answers to that point were all correct.
The other test just concentrate, no language skills required just need to be quick. (I'm sure you'll be Ok) I guess there is no way to practice it. As I mentioned I read in a few posts that best to concentrate on the dispatch part of the test. I did that to make sure that part was right - I only managed to answer a few questions alongside that test. I guess its a 50/50 chance of what to concentrate more on and exactly what they are looking for. Can't really advice further as I failed it. But Good Luck with yours and fingers crossed you will smash it.
I was surprised that the email came the same day to say I failed? Anyone here know if this is the norm?


Hi - How did you get on with the test? Is it normal that if we don't meet the mark they email you straight back? I must have been terrible! Has anyone else on the forum failed and got a reply that same day or was it just me?

I did the test at the TOCs training facility, which I suspect is the norm outwith the restrictions of Covid. We got the results immediately and anyone who failed got sent home.

 

[Aictos]

There is one where you listen to a recording and you have to get the answers in a specific order, nothing too difficult as it's only three answers but the recording plays a distraction from a passenger which is done to test your concentration levels while dispatching.

I've done it three times for three different TOCs and each time, aced it with one being the highest score the HR team for one TOC had ever seen.

 

[NickCop1]

I did the test at the TOCs training facility, which I suspect is the norm outwith the restrictions of Covid. We got the results immediately and anyone who failed got sent home.

Thanks for reply. Did you pass? I did mine at home??? like I said I failed! For future reference for me - did you manage to answer the dispatch bit with the questions. Like I said previously from reading posts I concentrated on the Dispatch part and hardly answered the question alongside. I guess they look at you answering the questions? What was the position you applied for. Mine was for a Station Staff position?

There is one where you listen to a recording and you have to get the answers in a specific order, nothing too difficult as it's only three answers but the recording plays a distraction from a passenger which is done to test your concentration levels while dispatching.

I've done it three times for three different TOCs and each time, aced it with one being the highest score the HR team for one TOC had ever seen.

That's great. I would have preferred that way and would have been OK. But online you are looking at the screen constantly for the dispatch bit on the left hand side and the questions on the right. So by the time you have read the question what the customer has asked an view the map the dispatch part disappears. Had it been Audio then that would have been different because online you are reading and you need to be quick with the mouse.

 

[Aictos]

Thanks for reply. Did you pass? I did mine at home??? like I said I failed! For future reference for me - did you manage to answer the dispatch bit with the questions. Like I said previously from reading posts I concentrated on the Dispatch part and hardly answered the question alongside. I guess they look at you answering the questions? What was the position you applied for. Mine was for a Station Staff position?


That's great. I would have preferred that way and would have been OK. But online you are looking at the screen constantly for the dispatch bit on the left hand side and the questions on the right. So by the time you have read the question what the customer has asked an view the map the dispatch part disappears. Had it been Audio then that would have been different because online you are reading and you need to be quick with the mouse.

Up to 2017, it was always the audio now it may have changed but for some it was difficult because not only are they looking at how well you concentrate on the task at hand, they also want to see how well you do multi tasking.

I wish you all the best applying.

 

[NickCop1]

Up to 2017, it was always the audio now it may have changed but for some it was difficult because not only are they looking at how well you concentrate on the task at hand, they also want to see how well you do multi tasking.

I wish you all the best applying.

I will have to wait for next vacancies - 6 months. I failed got an email the same night. Im sure I did OK with the STVT test as I have a Degree in English. However, I listened to everyone regarding the Dispatch Test. I concentrated on that bit more. Online having to read the questions alongside looking at the dispatch images changing is very difficult to answer both. So I really concentrated on the dispatch - pretty sure that I got 22 out of the 23 Dispatch Images. I hardly answered any of the customer questions because by the time you read the question and looked at the map the next dispatch Image appeared. So that's why I know i got 22/23 dispatch but I guess I only answered 5 0r 6 / 23 for the customer questions. Audio would have been better. I was surprised that they failed me straight away before the closing date for the test emailed me a few hours later, But I guess there are hundreds of people invited to do the test, So any of you who have done the test this week and haven't heard anything then you might be in luck of shortlisting?

 

[Conor1992]

Hi Everyone thanks for the feedback and information. I did the test last Saturday, I found it difficult but tried to take all the advice said on here on board as there was no audio recording it was all based on looking at the dispatch and trying to answer customer service questions at the same time. As of yet I have not heard anything about whether I have got through to the next stage or not, so will see happens.

 

[NickCop1]

Hi Everyone thanks for the feedback and information. I did the test last Saturday, I found it difficult but tried to take all the advice said on here on board as there was no audio recording it was all based on looking at the dispatch and trying to answer customer service questions at the same time. As of yet I have not heard anything about whether I have got through to the next stage or not, so will see happens.

Exactly the same here my friend. But they emailed me unsuccessful - so if you you haven't heard anything you stand a good chance. Out of curiosity were you able to answer both the dispatch and the questions. its terrible that there was no audio because you had to read the question quickly. By the time you read and saw the answers it went straight onto the next one. You couldn't really work out how long you had before the next set. Doesn't seem fair that no audio available?

Hi Everyone thanks for the feedback and information. I did the test last Saturday, I found it difficult but tried to take all the advice said on here on board as there was no audio recording it was all based on looking at the dispatch and trying to answer customer service questions at the same time. As of yet I have not heard anything about whether I have got through to the next stage or not, so will see happens.

Did you hear back? Did you pass it?

 

[Conor1992]

Hi,
I have not heard anything as of yet but I am emailing today to see if there is any information regarding my test. I was unsure with the test beforehand how it would be and doing practice questions did help (a little) however, very much like yourself I found the test very difficult. After seeing other peoples replies on this forum regarding the changes to the test from audio to visual regarding train dispatch signals, I do agree it does seem unfair.

I will inform you whether I have got through or not.

 

[NickCop1]

Hi,
I have not heard anything as of yet but I am emailing today to see if there is any information regarding my test. I was unsure with the test beforehand how it would be and doing practice questions did help (a little) however, very much like yourself I found the test very difficult. After seeing other peoples replies on this forum regarding the changes to the test from audio to visual regarding train dispatch signals, I do agree it does seem unfair.

I will inform you whether I have got through or not.

Yes it was very difficult. Its probably good news if you haven't heard. The other test was easy but I can't believe that I failed the dispatch one. It would be nice to hear on how you got on and give me some tips for future applications. Apparently I can't apply for another 6 months. Guess they change the questions every 6 months?

 

[FastTrax]

i'd appreciate if someone can let me know if this test is for train drivers as well? thanks.

 

[Conor1992]

Yes it was very difficult. Its probably good news if you haven't heard. The other test was easy but I can't believe that I failed the dispatch one. It would be nice to hear on how you got on and give me some tips for future applications. Apparently I can't apply for another 6 months. Guess they change the questions every 6 months?

Hi,
Update I got told on Monday that I had not been successful and not got through to the next stage unfortunately so I am in the same position as you where I have been told I can;t apply for another 6 months which I presume is for all jobs or is it for jobs that have been applied for before such as in my case Customer Service Assistant? Frustrating as to get to this stage took me four months from when I first applied for the position.