Ah ok! That’s interesting thank you for sharing! The reason I applied is because even though I don’t mind Dental Nursing, I’m a massive introvert and the constant interaction/chatting with patients all day every day just seems to be getting more draining on me/my mental health, even 7 years on, so I can feel a change needing to happen soon, plus the very low pay is not feasible for me much longer (age 26 and still living at home). I’ve applied to the trainee driver in the past as I’d read it’s quite a “lonely” job (which sounds ideal for what my brain needs) but also the wage seems good too. I know wage shouldn’t be the priority, but unfortunately being on minimum wage it is a big priority when making a decision to change jobs. I think I’m just worried because I wouldn’t consider myself a train enthusiast at all, it feels as though most on here are and that’s why they enjoy the job, so I wonder if I shouldn’t really be going into the industry.. Thanks again for your input!
You sound just like me! The solo aspect of the job seems like the best bit. I've always said, my idea of the perfect job is - give me a task and then leave me alone to get on with it. I took the psychometrics last year and really enjoyed the which I know sounds completely mad. Even the one I failed, I enjoyed and was desperate to have another go. I think since you've made it so far, which in itself is fantastic, and that fact you are putting a lot of thought and effort into the process shows you'd be a great candidate. The money is a huge factor for most people and that's ok as long as it isn't the only factor, and from what you've written, it's clear that it isn't. Oh, and I know nothing about trains really, I just researched them for my interview.
For the assessment
Paper tests come first - you do get time between tests to relax for a minute while they get collected but you can't leave the room. Once you've finished a test, forget about it and focus on the next one. You can't change the result and even if you think you've done badly it might not be the case.
Group Bourdon - Practice as much as you can. I thought it was much easier on the day than the practice material but everyone is different.
TEAOCC 1, 2 and 3 - Part 1 count the tones, part 2 circle matching symbols, part 3 both together. Count the tones on your fingers and circle the matching symbols in the breaks in between the tones. That's all you need to do. Don't overthink it.
TRP1 - There's no trick to this one, you just need to memorise the passage and answer questions. Once you've read it/listened to it, you'll get a feel for the kind of questions they will ask so I wrote as many notes as possible. The passage I had was about a train breaking system.
TRP2 - Cables and dials. This one is pretty much impossible to finish so don't worry about getting anywhere near the end, you'll get to practice and the examiner will explain why you got it wrong if you do. The examiner I had was really nice to the guy taking the tests with me, he really struggled with this and she explained what he was doing wrong.
Break and results for paper tests. Some will be asked to leave here.
Computer tests next - these are back to back with no breaks.
WAFV - Stare at a grey box for 30 mins and press the button when it changes to black. Again, not much you can do to prepare, you just need to concentrate. I moved about in my chair to stop me from drifting off. Whatever works for you. I did this on my own so not sure how distracting it is having other people in the room, but ignore what everyone else is doing.
ATAVT - Traffic scenes flashing up on the screen for one second and then you are asked to say what you see. Pedestrians, vehicles, bikes, traffic lights and traffic signs. Only select the ones you definitely saw, don't guess.
2 hand coordination test - Move the ball around the track on the screen using two joysticks. Right hand goes up and down, left hand goes right to left. I messed this one up as I went too quickly and went outside the lines too many times. It's a real balance between speed and accuracy (all the tests are really). I found it weird as I'm used to a PS5 controller which moves 360 on both sides. You get to practice so really use the time to get a feel for the movement. I rushed it.
Then its another break (lunch) - I got kicked out at this time but if you stay you'll be asked to do the MMI.
MMI - You'll be asked to complete some competency based questions and then in the interview will be asked to expand on the answers. Use the STAR method. I don't have much to offer on this as I haven't done it myself but from what I've read people's experiences differ. Some found straightforward, some found it tough and felt they were being grilled. I suppose it depends on your personality but if you're used to remaining calm while dealing with difficult patients then I'm sure you'll be fine.
That's it! It's a big day so try to get a good nights sleep before. I stayed over in Leeds so I could be well rested, but still found it hard to sleep. Too much excitement/nerves. I found Northerns prep helpful, but got the best advice on here. I've found it to be a really supportive environment. The whole process is so tough, they only person you are competing against is yourself so most people on here will be genuinely thrilled if you get through.
Best of luck with the assessments, I'm sure you'll smash it! Then it's into the talent pool to wait for a course date and have a medical. From what I've heard on the grapevine Northern will be heavily recruiting again next year, so hopefully I won't be too far behind you in getting place in the pool, if I can just get another go on those bloody joysticks!
You'll be made welcome even if you know nothing at all about them.
