They migget be moving some things around mate so keep the positive thoughts high. My start date has been moved to 5th of September now and they may be doing the same for others so might free up more spaces in future courses so hopefully you might not be waiting much longer now if they’ve freed up a bit of room.
Hi Liam, thanks for letting me know mate. Thats useful to know. Im still staying positive. Sorry to hear they delayed you slightly. Nothing ever runs on time in the rail industry. Thats annoying. 5th September is not that far away now then. Nearly there. Sounds like youve had quite the journey to get this far as well and done really well to get up to this point when most people would have easily of given up a long time ago its inspiring to hear you have remained strong throughout. I tip my hat to you good sir. Its all about the journey my friend on what it took to get us there. Although the destination is also pretty cushty.
I hear there have been delays in introducing the new train units and all the industrial strike action hasnt helped either. I think all the money from governement grants to train new trainess from their massive recruitment drive has ended up being used in these areas delaying things up leaving a massive backlog of new potential starters they dont know what to do with. I just keep hearing they've taken on way more conductors than they actually need.
It looks like they are recruiting a new Conductor manager for Machynlleth which is the depot i applied for and I was interviewed by this manager. I dont know if hes still around so who knows whats going on. (Shoulder shrug). Oh well.
Yeah, I was told 24 months. I don’t mind about waiting, I’m more concerned that there’s a chance after the 24 months I still may not receive a call. Was over the moon passing the interview, and really want to get into the rail industry, but what will be will be. I live about 30 mins or so away from the depot. Do they take the score of your tests and interview in to consideration do you know?
I’ve emailed the recruitment team, but unfortunately no updates as of yet, just going to remain hopeful, positive and patient. Thanks for the information, hopefully you’ll get the call soon, and then you can let us know how your getting on with the course. All the best
I know They used to keep track of your interview score to determine your place in the talent pool. They used to be able to tell you which position you are in to give a rough indication of where you stand and how likely you are to be called up. I think this has since changed as kept confidential and shrouded in mystery at the moment, due to the sheer number of emails people sending in asking what position they are in the talent pool.
I spoke to a conductor passing through Machynlleth who said 3 months after he was interviewed they did another round of interviews and someone from that round scored higher than him and was pushed ahead for a start date before he was and had to wait 8 months to hear of a start date himself. I think now interviews seem more binary as pass or fail. They seem to prioritise your location to the depot now. People who live closest to their depot are being called up first with the rest left in reserve if people drop out or fail medicals etc.
I wish they told me 24 months originally to help set my exceptions in order rather than panicking after 12 months and being told ive been extended. They said on the email i might need to re apply if I dont get a start date which is annoying. Can only keep trying really.
Nothing was made clear on my interview. They didnt even bother to mention what a talent pool was leaving me very confused and frustrated trying to figure out for myself what was going on. On the interview they seemed really keen and made it sound like they were going to get me up and running quite quickly mentioning talent pools for April/May making me think they were going to call me up in May to start. I was so happy and all fired up and ready to go and full of energy and ambition. Now, after 16 months I just feel really flat now. Im still trudging through trying to remain hopeful.
