xenomorth45
Member
Gutted for you, hopefully you won’t have to wait too long for Stourbridge again. On the plus side less competition .
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Chiltern - Apprentice Train Driver - Marylebone, Stourbridge and Birmingham - Talent Pool (18/02/25)
- Thread starter NSEWonderer
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HeelBurton
Member
Maybe worth contacting them and explaining your situation. You never know. nothing to lose and everything to gain.
New York Giant
Member
Ahh, that might be it. I assumed the VSE was the sole enhanced element.
Ridetherails
Member
Will say seems like everyone and his dog has gone for Stourbridge lol
xenomorth45
Member
Was having a think about the email from Chiltern saying the course starts in June. Does anyone think this could be a typo or next June? The assessment end on the 30th April, which doesn’t seem a lot of time to get interviews, medicals and references done plus peoples notice periods.
Ridetherails
Member
I think they already have a course running, probably not filled it and trying to fast track a few onto it.
Who knows could be June 30th it starts
Hrav1656
Member
Chiltern have not set any start dates yet I confirmed with them earlier today due to a holiday I have booked
ttofatrain
Member
Mine says June course aswell
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Ridetherails
Member
Yep mine too. Would be very odd to say for a course start in June and not have anything already booked in infrastructure wise. Otherwise would be no point in saying about June
Hrav1656
Member
How strange it was Kaya that replied to me
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xenomorth45
Member
What depot have you applied for? I kinda hope that is the case I am going Florida in August.
Ridetherails
Member
Hope for you guys it’s not happening in June :/ that would suck
Hrav1656
Member
Stourbridge like everyone else lol
Everything. Think because I'd just like to attempt the VSE now and know where I stand- especially when the other depots seem to be making progress.
ttofatrain
Member
What depot are you for ?
Does it look like all the testing will be done on the same day then? I've heard of other TOCs splitting the testing over two days. Stage 1 does sound like it will be split - stage 1 then stage 2 but musn't be. Others also mentioned having the MMI on the same day if you pass the tests so make sure you dress smartly.
Marylebone. Heard others mentioning there was a recruitment drive last September and then it was cancelled but they put it up again in February. Apparently Marylebone won't be until nearer the end of the year? However, this is all hear-say on the forum and people seem to be receiving different messages about the goings on so who knows at this point?
ttofatrain
Member
I'm not sure how it works with Chiltern I've already passed stage 1 to national standard and passed VSE, I have been invited to opc on the 17th April for Stourbridge depot this is.
I did email and they said it should be just stage 2 for me to complete.
xenomorth45
Member
It makes out like thats the case as it says you may or may not be there all day. But honestly the information they have sent is really lacking. As you said other people have received different messages.
ttofatrain
Member
Oh that's good to know cheers pal
Ridetherails
Member
Tbh when I saw the email I assumed it was everything in 1 day due to the 85 page booklet that lists all the tests and practice material etc.
That’s a brutally gruelling day, topped off with an interview!
That’s a brutally gruelling day, topped off with an interview!
ttofatrain
Member
You get the full booklet with wmr but they do it in 2 stages tbf rather do it all in one anyway less travelling lol
The recruitment process:
Application review/ postcode check
Safety and rules testing
Interview
Medical evaluation
This was at the bottom of the job description- doesn't clear up if the MMI is also part of the 'safety and rules' and then a DMI? Lots of guess work- if only we had a crystal ball lol
HeelBurton
Member
OPC full day is Safety and rules testing which will include the MMI as the final part of the day
DMI (Driver Manager Interview) is done at a later date
Medical another date after DMI
Your application review and postcode check have already been completed if you have been invited to OPC
I may not be a crystal ball, but I hope this helps
TobyAleAsp
New Member
Does anyone know whether a passed SJT which was completed online with a link from OPC for WMT would count towards the assessment centre with Chiltern? Sure there’s also others in the same boat who might be able to focus on revising other tests if this is the case?
TR68
Member
My advice for anyone who is going to test day, is that OPC will confirm on the day what you need to do. I was in a similar position (I was part of the September recruitment for Chiltern). I had tests from another TOC but they did CBI not MMI. TOCs and FOCs have (allegedly) different pass rates (national/enhanced) for seemingly most tests, so even if you have passed with one, you may need to retake with someone else.
I tried to clarify that I only needed to do the MMI when I got to Watford (although had invite for all tests) and had to wait until the day. OPC put my name through the system and confirmed that all passes were to standard required for Chiltern and that only the MMI was needed.
The rest of the group cracked on with the tests and I did my MMI and left.
If you get there and don’t need to do the SJT they’ll tell you. My advice would be to prepare for it regardless. I believe the SJT is only valid for a short time anyway and that shelf life varies as to whether it’s a test done at home or a test done at OPC so your pass may have expired anyway.
jamespowell05
Member
Any advice on what to wear for the OPC ? Smart casual for comfort or full shirt and tie to impress ? Thanks
Thank you. You’re a legend- so calming to have these nuggets of information.
I second this but for ladies? A dress and decent shoes? Although I only wear casual stuff to work so only have trainers or heels for when I’m a bit dressier. Neither seem very appropriate.
I saw other people on the forum asking and the response was usually smart trousers and a shirt but not a tie/suit. Although one person seemed to do that as they wanted to dress up
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HeelBurton
Member
With the second part of the day involving an interview, smart casual would be fine. I smart trousers and a shirt.
Ladies, heels would be fine to be fair or plain black or white trainers.
Usually over the years this is the dress code I’ve known and the feedback of what people have worn to OPC when I’ve spoken to them
xenomorth45
Member
I am going shirt, black trousers and waist coat. Taking a tie with me for if I get to mmi.