Chiltern Railways - Apprentice Train Drivers - Multiple Locations (26/01/23)

[mr_roggger]

Good evening all,

Long time lurker, first time poster…

When I saw the Chiltern apprentice roles advertised back in January I decided to take the plunge and apply to both Banbury and Aylesbury (both are within 45 minutes of me, but Banbury is much closer). After a little under three months, I am very pleased to say that I have been offered the role of apprentice / trainee train driver, starting at the end of August (pending medical, background checks etc.)

Below is my application timeline, for reference:

• Submitted applications 28/01/23 (Aylesbury & Banbury)
• First sift questionnaire received 10/02/23 (Aylesbury & Banbury). Completed a couple of days later.
• Rejection from Aylesbury 15/02/23
• Second sift questionnaire 16/02/23. Completed a couple of days later.
• VSE 08/03/23. Completed 13/03/23.
• Phone call from recruitment (XC, Birmingham) 17/03/23 to inform of passing VSE and arrange assessment day at OPC (Watford).
• OPC assessment day 04/04/23.
• Phone call from recruitment 05/04/23 to inform of passing OPC assessment day and arrange DMI (Banbury).
• DMI 14/04/23.
• Phone call from Lead DM to inform of passing DMI and to offer start date 18/04/23.

A few notes.

• I applied to both Banbury and Aylesbury as both are within 45 minutes commute for me. I sent the same application (CV, covering letter) to both depots and completed both first sift questionnaires the same, save for the additional question which popped-up for Aylesbury when selecting that it wasn’t my closest depot; I simply said that I wanted to apply to both, as both are reasonably close and I wanted to maximise my chances. Shortly after, as you can see from the timeline above, I was rejected from Aylesbury but progressed to the second sift at Banbury. I assume that either a) Aylesbury talked to Banbury and decided to progress with only the application for the closest depot, or b) Aylesbury being larger had more and higher quality applicants so I was eliminated.
• As an external applicant from a very different but equally safety-critical industry, the information on this forum has been invaluable at helping me prepare for both the OPC assessment day and the DMI. I am truly grateful to every contributor’s post I have read when researching assessment centres, MMI, DMI etc.
• I used the RSSB documentation emailed by recruitment to assist with the first half of the OPC assessment centre, but didn’t think it necessary to purchase additional practise material; the paper and computer phases are certainly difficult, but I am not at all convinced, once you have an idea what you are expected to do (gained from the forum and RSSB book), that you can successfully practise for these – you can either do it, or you can’t, and that’s the idea really – no point forcing something which won’t come naturally as I think you might well struggle in the training later on. I put many more hours into structuring and practising several good, relevant, real-life examples foreach of the MMI questions. This was equally good preparation for the DMI.
• Banbury is likely progressing faster than the other depots as they have new roles to fulfil relating to EWR, so I wouldn’t worry about not hearing back from the other depots yet. I understand and appreciate that my journey has been quicker than the norm. I shall not divulge the exact number of driver roles being recruited for at Banbury here as it is not my place to do so, but they are recruiting for a surprisingly large number over the next two years. Accordingly, they have several training course dates in place already, before the advertised September course.

Thanks again to everyone’s help so far. I really can’t wait to complete my medical, background checks, hand in my notice and start training in August!

 

[atruetennisfan]

Good evening all,

Long time lurker, first time poster…

When I saw the Chiltern apprentice roles advertised back in January I decided to take the plunge and apply to both Banbury and Aylesbury (both are within 45 minutes of me, but Banbury is much closer). After a little under three months, I am very pleased to say that I have been offered the role of apprentice / trainee train driver, starting at the end of August (pending medical, background checks etc.)

Below is my application timeline, for reference:

• Submitted applications 28/01/23 (Aylesbury & Banbury)
• First sift questionnaire received 10/02/23 (Aylesbury & Banbury). Completed a couple of days later.
• Rejection from Aylesbury 15/02/23
• Second sift questionnaire 16/02/23. Completed a couple of days later.
• VSE 08/03/23. Completed 13/03/23.
• Phone call from recruitment (XC, Birmingham) 17/03/23 to inform of passing VSE and arrange assessment day at OPC (Watford).
• OPC assessment day 04/04/23.
• Phone call from recruitment 05/04/23 to inform of passing OPC assessment day and arrange DMI (Banbury).
• DMI 14/04/23.
• Phone call from Lead DM to inform of passing DMI and to offer start date 18/04/23.

A few notes.

• I applied to both Banbury and Aylesbury as both are within 45 minutes commute for me. I sent the same application (CV, covering letter) to both depots and completed both first sift questionnaires the same, save for the additional question which popped-up for Aylesbury when selecting that it wasn’t my closest depot; I simply said that I wanted to apply to both, as both are reasonably close and I wanted to maximise my chances. Shortly after, as you can see from the timeline above, I was rejected from Aylesbury but progressed to the second sift at Banbury. I assume that either a) Aylesbury talked to Banbury and decided to progress with only the application for the closest depot, or b) Aylesbury being larger had more and higher quality applicants so I was eliminated.
• As an external applicant from a very different but equally safety-critical industry, the information on this forum has been invaluable at helping me prepare for both the OPC assessment day and the DMI. I am truly grateful to every contributor’s post I have read when researching assessment centres, MMI, DMI etc.
• I used the RSSB documentation emailed by recruitment to assist with the first half of the OPC assessment centre, but didn’t think it necessary to purchase additional practise material; the paper and computer phases are certainly difficult, but I am not at all convinced, once you have an idea what you are expected to do (gained from the forum and RSSB book), that you can successfully practise for these – you can either do it, or you can’t, and that’s the idea really – no point forcing something which won’t come naturally as I think you might well struggle in the training later on. I put many more hours into structuring and practising several good, relevant, real-life examples foreach of the MMI questions. This was equally good preparation for the DMI.
• Banbury is likely progressing faster than the other depots as they have new roles to fulfil relating to EWR, so I wouldn’t worry about not hearing back from the other depots yet. I understand and appreciate that my journey has been quicker than the norm. I shall not divulge the exact number of driver roles being recruited for at Banbury here as it is not my place to do so, but they are recruiting for a surprisingly large number over the next two years. Accordingly, they have several training course dates in place already, before the advertised September course.

Thanks again to everyone’s help so far. I really can’t wait to complete my medical, background checks, hand in my notice and start training in August!

Wonderful. Thank you for being so thorough. I was myself rejected for Aylesbury but am still in the hunt for Marylebone. However I've only every completed one questionnaire so far and am waiting for a follow up. The OPC team are not very big so they're clearly prioritising based on where there is greater need/urgency. All the best with the training!

 

[12LDA28C]

A few notes.

• I applied to both Banbury and Aylesbury as both are within 45 minutes commute for me. I sent the same application (CV, covering letter) to both depots and completed both first sift questionnaires the same, save for the additional question which popped-up for Aylesbury when selecting that it wasn’t my closest depot; I simply said that I wanted to apply to both, as both are reasonably close and I wanted to maximise my chances. Shortly after, as you can see from the timeline above, I was rejected from Aylesbury but progressed to the second sift at Banbury. I assume that either a) Aylesbury talked to Banbury and decided to progress with only the application for the closest depot, or b) Aylesbury being larger had more and higher quality applicants so I was eliminated.

Welcome to the forum.

If you rejected at the first stage (initial sift) for Aylesbury, that was purely done on distance (commute time from Aylesbury). You would be amazed at the locations some people gave as their home address, whilst still claiming to be within 45 minutes of the depot. Bear in mind that the distance involved for a 45-minute commute with an 0400 book on time is rather different than for an 0900 start.

 

[clarets2005]

Good evening all,

Long time lurker, first time poster…

When I saw the Chiltern apprentice roles advertised back in January I decided to take the plunge and apply to both Banbury and Aylesbury (both are within 45 minutes of me, but Banbury is much closer). After a little under three months, I am very pleased to say that I have been offered the role of apprentice / trainee train driver, starting at the end of August (pending medical, background checks etc.)

Below is my application timeline, for reference:

• Submitted applications 28/01/23 (Aylesbury & Banbury)
• First sift questionnaire received 10/02/23 (Aylesbury & Banbury). Completed a couple of days later.
• Rejection from Aylesbury 15/02/23
• Second sift questionnaire 16/02/23. Completed a couple of days later.
• VSE 08/03/23. Completed 13/03/23.
• Phone call from recruitment (XC, Birmingham) 17/03/23 to inform of passing VSE and arrange assessment day at OPC (Watford).
• OPC assessment day 04/04/23.
• Phone call from recruitment 05/04/23 to inform of passing OPC assessment day and arrange DMI (Banbury).
• DMI 14/04/23.
• Phone call from Lead DM to inform of passing DMI and to offer start date 18/04/23.

A few notes.

• I applied to both Banbury and Aylesbury as both are within 45 minutes commute for me. I sent the same application (CV, covering letter) to both depots and completed both first sift questionnaires the same, save for the additional question which popped-up for Aylesbury when selecting that it wasn’t my closest depot; I simply said that I wanted to apply to both, as both are reasonably close and I wanted to maximise my chances. Shortly after, as you can see from the timeline above, I was rejected from Aylesbury but progressed to the second sift at Banbury. I assume that either a) Aylesbury talked to Banbury and decided to progress with only the application for the closest depot, or b) Aylesbury being larger had more and higher quality applicants so I was eliminated.
• As an external applicant from a very different but equally safety-critical industry, the information on this forum has been invaluable at helping me prepare for both the OPC assessment day and the DMI. I am truly grateful to every contributor’s post I have read when researching assessment centres, MMI, DMI etc.
• I used the RSSB documentation emailed by recruitment to assist with the first half of the OPC assessment centre, but didn’t think it necessary to purchase additional practise material; the paper and computer phases are certainly difficult, but I am not at all convinced, once you have an idea what you are expected to do (gained from the forum and RSSB book), that you can successfully practise for these – you can either do it, or you can’t, and that’s the idea really – no point forcing something which won’t come naturally as I think you might well struggle in the training later on. I put many more hours into structuring and practising several good, relevant, real-life examples foreach of the MMI questions. This was equally good preparation for the DMI.
• Banbury is likely progressing faster than the other depots as they have new roles to fulfil relating to EWR, so I wouldn’t worry about not hearing back from the other depots yet. I understand and appreciate that my journey has been quicker than the norm. I shall not divulge the exact number of driver roles being recruited for at Banbury here as it is not my place to do so, but they are recruiting for a surprisingly large number over the next two years. Accordingly, they have several training course dates in place already, before the advertised September course.

Thanks again to everyone’s help so far. I really can’t wait to complete my medical, background checks, hand in my notice and start training in August!

Congratulations!

I'm due to be placed on the July course, just waiting for the all-important paperwork. Chased this for such a long time and can't wait to get started.

 

[mr_roggger]

Congratulations!

I'm due to be placed on the July course, just waiting for the all-important paperwork. Chased this for such a long time and can't wait to get started.

Congratulations to you too!
I have to give three months notice for my current employer and I believe it is a mid-July start date, so I just missed that one.

 

[clarets2005]

Congratulations to you too!
I have to give three months notice for my current employer and I believe it is a mid-July start date, so I just missed that one.

I'm in exactly the same boat with notice periods. Start date worked out just about perfectly with me and fitting in a holiday just before I go.

For anyone else waiting, hang in there!

 

[IAmGROOT]

Congratulations!

I'm due to be placed on the July course, just waiting for the all-important paperwork. Chased this for such a long time and can't wait to get started.

I'm also starting in July, congratulations to you.

Still waiting on paperwork also, need that before I hand my notice in (hope it hurrys up)

Do you know if its coming via email or post?

See you in July

Good evening all,

Long time lurker, first time poster…

When I saw the Chiltern apprentice roles advertised back in January I decided to take the plunge and apply to both Banbury and Aylesbury (both are within 45 minutes of me, but Banbury is much closer). After a little under three months, I am very pleased to say that I have been offered the role of apprentice / trainee train driver, starting at the end of August (pending medical, background checks etc.)

Below is my application timeline, for reference:

• Submitted applications 28/01/23 (Aylesbury & Banbury)
• First sift questionnaire received 10/02/23 (Aylesbury & Banbury). Completed a couple of days later.
• Rejection from Aylesbury 15/02/23
• Second sift questionnaire 16/02/23. Completed a couple of days later.
• VSE 08/03/23. Completed 13/03/23.
• Phone call from recruitment (XC, Birmingham) 17/03/23 to inform of passing VSE and arrange assessment day at OPC (Watford).
• OPC assessment day 04/04/23.
• Phone call from recruitment 05/04/23 to inform of passing OPC assessment day and arrange DMI (Banbury).
• DMI 14/04/23.
• Phone call from Lead DM to inform of passing DMI and to offer start date 18/04/23.

A few notes.

• I applied to both Banbury and Aylesbury as both are within 45 minutes commute for me. I sent the same application (CV, covering letter) to both depots and completed both first sift questionnaires the same, save for the additional question which popped-up for Aylesbury when selecting that it wasn’t my closest depot; I simply said that I wanted to apply to both, as both are reasonably close and I wanted to maximise my chances. Shortly after, as you can see from the timeline above, I was rejected from Aylesbury but progressed to the second sift at Banbury. I assume that either a) Aylesbury talked to Banbury and decided to progress with only the application for the closest depot, or b) Aylesbury being larger had more and higher quality applicants so I was eliminated.
• As an external applicant from a very different but equally safety-critical industry, the information on this forum has been invaluable at helping me prepare for both the OPC assessment day and the DMI. I am truly grateful to every contributor’s post I have read when researching assessment centres, MMI, DMI etc.
• I used the RSSB documentation emailed by recruitment to assist with the first half of the OPC assessment centre, but didn’t think it necessary to purchase additional practise material; the paper and computer phases are certainly difficult, but I am not at all convinced, once you have an idea what you are expected to do (gained from the forum and RSSB book), that you can successfully practise for these – you can either do it, or you can’t, and that’s the idea really – no point forcing something which won’t come naturally as I think you might well struggle in the training later on. I put many more hours into structuring and practising several good, relevant, real-life examples foreach of the MMI questions. This was equally good preparation for the DMI.
• Banbury is likely progressing faster than the other depots as they have new roles to fulfil relating to EWR, so I wouldn’t worry about not hearing back from the other depots yet. I understand and appreciate that my journey has been quicker than the norm. I shall not divulge the exact number of driver roles being recruited for at Banbury here as it is not my place to do so, but they are recruiting for a surprisingly large number over the next two years. Accordingly, they have several training course dates in place already, before the advertised September course.

Thanks again to everyone’s help so far. I really can’t wait to complete my medical, background checks, hand in my notice and start training in August!

Huge congratulations,

I think I no who you might be then as your OPC date was the same as mine. I'm starting in July. Cant wait for it all to get going now.

Really hope this paper work hurry up as waiting on the to hand notice in.

 

[Railway2023]

Hi all,

First time poster here.

I've applied for the Banbury train driver position, I had to complete an online VSE by the 20th of this month.

I completed the assessment a few days before, I've not had any feedback to suggest the result either way.

On logging into the DB careers website, it still shows as my application is in progress.

Two questions -
1) Is the DB site an accurate record of the application status?
2) Will I be notified either way of the result of the VSE?

Thanks all and congratulations to all those that made it through the process.

 

[gatters]

I'm also starting in July, congratulations to you.

Still waiting on paperwork also, need that before I hand my notice in (hope it hurrys up)

Do you know if its coming via email or post?

paperwork comes by email

 

[mr_roggger]

Hi all,

First time poster here.

I've applied for the Banbury train driver position, I had to complete an online VSE by the 20th of this month.

I completed the assessment a few days before, I've not had any feedback to suggest the result either way.

On logging into the DB careers website, it still shows as my application is in progress.

Two questions -
1) Is the DB site an accurate record of the application status?
2) Will I be notified either way of the result of the VSE?

Thanks all and congratulations to all those that made it through the process.

I think the DB careers website can lag behind what is happening by a few days.
It took a good few days from me completing the VSE to get a call from recruitment inviting me to the assessment centre, so don't lose hope yet. If it still says "Application in Progress" I would take this as positive. If you've been eliminated / failed etc. then it will say "End of Process".
Mine still says "Assessment" for Banbury despite completing the DMI and being offered the role nearly a week ago.

 

[Railway2023]

I think the DB careers website can lag behind what is happening by a few days.
It took a good few days from me completing the VSE to get a call from recruitment inviting me to the assessment centre, so don't lose hope yet. If it still says "Application in Progress" I would take this as positive. If you've been eliminated / failed etc. then it will say "End of Process".
Mine still says "Assessment" for Banbury despite completing the DMI and being offered the role nearly a week ago.

Thanks so much for your advice, I appreciate the swift reply.
I can only hope at this stage...

 

[IAmGROOT]

paperwork comes by email

Thanks for the response

Fingers crossed soon then

 

[clarets2005]

Thanks so much for your advice, I appreciate the swift reply.
I can only hope at this stage...

Can confirm mine still shows at that stage too on the DB site. No dramas.

 

[Railway2023]

Can confirm mine still shows at that stage too on the DB site. No dramas.

Hi,

Thanks for the reply.

I note you are far advanced along the process and have an offer, congratulations!

As for me, not having any contact after completing the online VSE is making me question whether it's a fail.

Still today, checked the DB account and still showing as in progress though.

 

[mr_roggger]

As for me, not having any contact after completing the online VSE is making me question whether it's a fail.

Still today, checked the DB account and still showing as in progress though.

The only advice I can offer is that it took a few days from completing the VSE to be notified, by phone, that I had passed. If you're worried, perhaps check the documents you uploaded at the initial application stage to check that they have the correct phone number?
Other than that, the fact that the application still says in progress is promising. When I was rejected from Aylesbury, it went to "end of process" and there was an accompanying rejection email at the same time. The fact that you have not had that should be seen as positive.

I've just had a date for my medical now. Things are progressing quickly for me Stay positive everyone who is still in the system!

 

[Ian82]

Good Afternoon all,
Anyone heard anything from Moor Street after the second sift questionnaire? From memory think the closing date was 9th March.

 

[silexa]

Good Afternoon all,
Anyone heard anything from Moor Street after the second sift questionnaire? From memory think the closing date was 9th March.

Fellow Moor Street applicant here, and not heard anything after the second sift questionnaire - however these things do take time

 

[SuperS16v]

Good Afternoon all,
Anyone heard anything from Moor Street after the second sift questionnaire? From memory think the closing date was 9th March.

Nope

 

[Scrambled Eggs]

Moor street - heard nothing also.

 

[Fatbob22]

Just passed my medical

Got a start date of 30th May

 

[IAmGROOT]

Just passed my medical

Got a start date of 30th May

Well done bud got mine tomorrow

Random question what tube station did you get off to get there?

 

[Fatbob22]

Well done bud got mine tomorrow

Random question what tube station did you get off to get there?

I went Marylebone to Oxford Circus on the bakerloo, then on to bank on the central line. Couple minutes walk from there.

 

[IAmGROOT]

I went Marylebone to Oxford Circus on the bakerloo, then on to bank on the central line. Couple minutes walk from there.

Top man thanks for that mate appreciate the reply.

 

[Cuppatea]

Just passed my medical

Got a start date of 30th May

Congrats How exciting

Congrats How exciting

 

[Fatbob22]

Top man thanks for that mate appreciate the reply.

No worries mate, best of luck for tomorrow

 

[mr_roggger]

Just passed my medical

Got a start date of 30th May

Congratulations!

Passed my medical today too. However mine was in Birmingham, and by the sounds of it, yours was in London ("Oxford Circus / Bakerloo...") despite us both applying to Banbury!

My start date will be 29th August.

 

[gatters]

Just passed my medical

Got a start date of 30th May

 

[Fatbob22]

nice one. I'm on the same course, at least I know I won't be on my own now

Nice, can’t wait to get started

Congratulations!

Passed my medical today too. However mine was in Birmingham, and by the sounds of it, yours was in London ("Oxford Circus / Bakerloo...") despite us both applying to Banbury!

My start date will be 29th August.

Congrats mate, wonder why you’re on august course???

 

[mr_roggger]

As mentioned earlier, I have to give 3 months notice to my current employer, otherwise I would have jumped at the opportunity to start sooner!

 

[Lushyavfc]

New poster here, I’ve read through the thread, I’ve also applied for Marylebone, I’ve passed the OPC tests with Greater Anglia back in August and currently in their talent pool after passing the interview, starting to lose hope which is why I applied for Chiltern back in January.

I’ve only done the first questionnaire, and not heard a peep since, has anyone for Marylebone heard anything back at all, even if it’s a flat out no?