Chiltern - Apprentice Train Driver - Marylebone, Aylesbury and Birmingham (20/09/24)

[12LDA28C]

received this email. But haven't heard from them since. just wondered if there were others.

Good morning,

I hope you are well.

Thank you for your recent application for the Apprentice Train Driver MYB position with Chiltern Railways.

We can confirm, you have successfully passed VSE testing.

We are currently waiting for dates for you to complete OPC Stage 1 & 2 testing and will be in touch with you as soon as possible.

Kind regards,

How long ago did you receive this email? As mentioned upthread, OPC are very busy at the moment and this could be causing a delay in the availability of appointments for Stage 1 and 2 testing. It might be worth you replying to this email to ask if there is any update although be aware that in general, driver recruitment is quite a long drawn-out process.

 

[Neatro]

Keep in mind that the OPC are also getting bombarded by most companies as they all seem to be advertising at the same time which is strange. So getting dates is going to be hard for them.

 

[Horizon22]

Keep in mind that the OPC are also getting bombarded by most companies as they all seem to be advertising at the same time which is strange. So getting dates is going to be hard for them.

Is it? I mean a bunch of drivers were all hired at the same time post-privatisation and also its the New Year so recruitment teams are back in action post the Christmas break.

 

[Neatro]

Is it? I mean a bunch of drivers were all hired at the same time post-privatisation and also its the New Year so recruitment teams are back in action post the Christmas break.

I've contacted them a few times as I'm still in the process and the response I got back were that there were no spaces currently with the amount of assessments that the OPC are currently doing booking is further ahead than normal.

 

[Jobey]

I had applied for the moor street depot and had my opc assessment 23rd December. I found out 3rd of January I was unsuccessful and I just got my feedback from the OPC. They mentioned it would be 6 months before I could apply again, but I’m sure on the day they said 1 year with the new regulations. I wish it was 6 months!

Annoyingly I failed the MMI on one topic, which was the first topic we discussed in the interview, and I was asked to give an alternative example as they believed the one I gave didn’t fit. At least I know specifically what to work on for next time (if there is a next time). I spent too much time practising the other tests and not enough on the MMI

 

[Horizon22]

I've contacted them a few times as I'm still in the process and the response I got back were that there were no spaces currently with the amount of assessments that the OPC are currently doing booking is further ahead than normal.

I meant more I don't think its strange this time of year for companies to be advertising at the same time.

 

[Akthar]

I done my DMI on Tuesday, having completed my OPC assessments with other TOCs. Got outcome of being unsuccessful. Not too bothered as I'd have to take a massive pay cut from my current role at TfL.

 

[Neatro]

I had applied for the moor street depot and had my opc assessment 23rd December. I found out 3rd of January I was unsuccessful and I just got my feedback from the OPC. They mentioned it would be 6 months before I could apply again, but I’m sure on the day they said 1 year with the new regulations. I wish it was 6 months!

Annoyingly I failed the MMI on one topic, which was the first topic we discussed in the interview, and I was asked to give an alternative example as they believed the one I gave didn’t fit. At least I know specifically what to work on for next time (if there is a next time). I spent too much time practising the other tests and not enough on the MMI

The new regulations only come into effect if you started the application/assessment progress after the rule got changed.

If you started it before you're still on the 6 months/2 lives rules.

I meant more I don't think its strange this time of year for companies to be advertising at the same time.

I didn't really mean the current period of the year, I just meant generally that there's a lot of operators all wanting assessments together and it's pushing potential dates further away.

I done my DMI on Tuesday, having completed my OPC assessments with other TOCs. Got outcome of being unsuccessful. Not too bothered as I'd have to take a massive pay cut from my current role at TfL.

Sorry to hear that, you're further ahead than me but I'm in a similar boat where it's a pay cut at the start but I'm not really in it for the wage.

 

[12LDA28C]

I done my DMI on Tuesday, having completed my OPC assessments with other TOCs. Got outcome of being unsuccessful. Not too bothered as I'd have to take a massive pay cut from my current role at TfL.

I assume you mean the salary whilst training, unless you’re on more than £75k in your current role?

 

[Akthar]

I assume you mean the salary whilst training, unless you’re on more than £75k in your current role?

That's correct, from the interview I was informed training pay is circa 30k for the first 3 months and then goes up by about 1.5-2k until you eventually qualify, which could take anywhere between 12-18months. They're also short on instructors, so looking more towards the latter

 

[MrsCake21]

That's correct, from the interview I was informed training pay is circa 30k for the first 3 months and then goes up by about 1.5-2k until you eventually qualify, which could take anywhere between 12-18months. They're also short on instructors, so looking more towards the latter

Hi, How do you know they are short on instructors? As in the people who will do the training? How often does it increase by 1.5-2k?

 

[Akthar]

Hi, How do you know they are short on instructors? As in the people who will do the training? How often does it increase by 1.5-2k?

Hi, from what I was told in the interview by the DMs, is that they are struggling to allocate current trainees to Instructor Drivers, due to shortage.
And salary increase is only once after the initial 3 months, and then next when you fully qualify.

 

[dotcomma]

I’ve done my DMI now on the Monday just passed. And I am happy to say i managed to pass it, so I’m buzzing

Do you have any advice on the DMI? I have one upcoming but its the hardest stage to find info on for preparation. Thanks

 

[dommo2606]

Do you have any advice on the DMI? I have one upcoming but its the hardest stage to find info on for preparation. Thanks

Would love some advise also

 

[Neatro]

My only piece of advice is to research the company, it's a common question that comes up "what do you know about X company"

My last DMI I found the questions very similar to my MMI questions but probed more personally on how I did it rather than the experience as a whole.

A common follow up is "how did that make you feel", "would you do anything differently".

 

[adrsanda]

Do you have any advice on the DMI? I have one upcoming but it’s the hardest stage to find info on for preparation. Thanks

Learn about the company as much as you can, including routes from your deport and major stations. Also they may ask you what you know about the training process.

Then they’ll be questions similar to the mmi, I recommend the STAR method. Also they’ll be questions like why you want to become a train driver and what it consists of.

 

[Magnum21]

Anyone at the DMI stage applied for Birmingham heard back anything after the interview?

 

[PaulRay]

Anyone at the DMI stage applied for Birmingham heard back anything after the interview?

I know a couple who have applied, one has heard they’ve been successful, one is still waiting.
I’d imagine they’ll be contacting people soon for the course starting March/April

 

[dotcomma]

Learn about the company as much as you can, including routes from your deport and major stations. Also they may ask you what you know about the training process.

Then they’ll be questions similar to the mmi, I recommend the STAR method. Also they’ll be questions like why you want to become a train driver and what it consists of.

Thank you!

My only piece of advice is to research the company, it's a common question that comes up "what do you know about X company"

My last DMI I found the questions very similar to my MMI questions but probed more personally on how I did it rather than the experience as a whole.

A common follow up is "how did that make you feel", "would you do anything differently".

Thank you, this eases my mind a little, I was worried as they sent NO info on the DMI as opposed to every other stage

 

[Neatro]

Thank you!



Thank you, this eases my mind a little, I was worried as they sent NO info on the DMI as opposed to every other stage

Theres not a lot they can send, it's just like a standard interview you'd have with any job really or at least it felt like it in my case.

Just know about the company, the station you applied for and then prepare to be questioned about experiences you'd had in your career/personal life.

 

[12LDA28C]

Thank you, this eases my mind a little, I was worried as they sent NO info on the DMI as opposed to every other stage

That's because every other stage is a standard OPC test whereas the DMI is carried out by a manager employed by the TOC, so does not form part of the OPC suite of testing.

 

[Magnum21]

Saw an Apprentice Train Driver’s advert for Moor street & Stourbridge with chiltern today. They must’ve not found enough candidates and looking for more people. Hope those waiting for their OPC tests get to hear soon

 

[MrsCake21]

I assume you mean the salary whilst training, unless you’re on more than £75k in your current role?

Hi, just wondering where the £75,000 figure comes from?

 

[Magnum21]

Hi, just wondering where the £75,000 figure comes from?

I think they were talking about TfL salary.

 

[12LDA28C]

Hi, just wondering where the £75,000 figure comes from?

Basic salary is around £65400 plus rostered Sundays add around £6,500 and a little overtime such as being rostered a longer turn off Spare will mean very few drivers earn less than £75k.

I think they were talking about TfL salary.

No. See above.

 

[dotcomma]

Theres not a lot they can send, it's just like a standard interview you'd have with any job really or at least it felt like it in my case.

Just know about the company, the station you applied for and then prepare to be questioned about experiences you'd had in your career/personal life.

I passed, Thank you!

 

[Neatro]

I passed, Thank you!

Congratulations

 

[MrsCake21]

I passed, Thank you!

Congratulations. Do you have the medical next? Have they given you a start date?

 

[Mizzmo]

Yeah. Done mine on the 16th Dec. Had an email to say I have passed MMI stage and waiting for DMI now.

Firstly congratulations , secondly can you remember the questions they asked you? I'm really bad at interviews and fear this section will be my downfall. I really need to get this job as my current job is giving me anxiety. So if you could help I would really appreciate it . I have passed the VSE in December but yet to get a date for further tests .

Thanks for the encouragement, last time Chiltern did this to me they never got back in touch, where as others did, my account mysteriously disappeared, hoping lightning don’t strike twice. I’ve done OPC so I’m prepared as I was the last time, just struggling to get back there at the moment.

This doesn't fill me up with confidence now ,as I have been told I have to wait due to no slots available. I got another email to state they will check my VSE is still valid before proceeding . I will be so gutted if it doesn't go through !

Had the news i didn't pass the MMI unfortunately so i'm out Best of luck to all of you still in the process!

Sorry to hear that , would you happen to remember the sort of questions they ask you. I'm trying to prepare the best I can and I know interviews is my weakest point !

received this email. But haven't heard from them since. just wondered if there were others.

Good morning,

I hope you are well.

Thank you for your recent application for the Apprentice Train Driver MYB position with Chiltern Railways.

We can confirm, you have successfully passed VSE testing.

We are currently waiting for dates for you to complete OPC Stage 1 & 2 testing and will be in touch with you as soon as possible.

Kind regards,

When did you pass your VSE I did mine in November -december time and I am yet to hear back from them regarding a date for further tests

I had applied for the moor street depot and had my opc assessment 23rd December. I found out 3rd of January I was unsuccessful and I just got my feedback from the OPC. They mentioned it would be 6 months before I could apply again, but I’m sure on the day they said 1 year with the new regulations. I wish it was 6 months!

Annoyingly I failed the MMI on one topic, which was the first topic we discussed in the interview, and I was asked to give an alternative example as they believed the one I gave didn’t fit. At least I know specifically what to work on for next time (if there is a next time). I spent too much time practising the other tests and not enough on the MMI

Are you able to give an example of the questions they asked ?

I passed, Thank you!

Well done...Would you be able to help me prepare for the mmi and dmi please? I am practicing everyday for the opc test so I am confident in them . But I fear the mmi and dmi will be my downfall. So if you can help with the sort of questions they ask I would highly appreciate it .

 

[dotcomma]

Firstly congratulations , secondly can you remember the questions they asked you? I'm really bad at interviews and fear this section will be my downfall. I really need to get this job as my current job is giving me anxiety. So if you could help I would really appreciate it . I have passed the VSE in December but yet to get a date for further tests .


This doesn't fill me up with confidence now ,as I have been told I have to wait due to no slots available. I got another email to state they will check my VSE is still valid before proceeding . I will be so gutted if it doesn't go through !


Sorry to hear that , would you happen to remember the sort of questions they ask you. I'm trying to prepare the best I can and I know interviews is my weakest point !


When did you pass your VSE I did mine in November -december time and I am yet to hear back from them regarding a date for further tests


Are you able to give an example of the questions they asked ?


Well done...Would you be able to help me prepare for the mmi and dmi please? I am practicing everyday for the opc test so I am confident in them . But I fear the mmi and dmi will be my downfall. So if you can help with the sort of questions they ask I would highly appreciate it .

MMI and DMI were pretty much the same questions, I used the same examples but the DMI is more highlighting how you FELT in those situations.

DMI is very similar to the MMI but more based around you as a person.

Learn about the company, what initiatives they have coming up/ done recently, how they plan to expand etc the usual company research you would do with any job interview.

Otherwise have 8-10 examples ready for questions such as 'Tell us about a time where you faced a difficult customer, Tell us about a time where you had to keep to strict timings, you had to go above and beyond, a situation where it was important to not make a mistake etc...the actual questions are throughout the forum just make sure you use the S.T.A.R system. Situation, Task, Action, Result.

PREP IS KEY.
PREP IS KEY.

Good luck!