Irish Rail Jobs Discussion

sovereign121 · 25-11-2019 1:07am

As a Train Driver also, I'd be very interested to know what has attracted people to the job?

BlackandGreen · 25-11-2019 1:47pm

Can't speak for Irish rail specifically, but I've seen this in several public sectors that have had long term recruitment bans or no recruitment other than internal/nepotism or years.
Lack of new staff and positive work attitudes leads to large build up of poor morale and negativity.

Don't expect a warm welcome from the current long term staff. You're fresh meat off the street and will be treated with contempt in many cases.
You might be viewed as "stealing overtime, taking jobs that should have gone internally, too enthusiastic, willing to do everything management tells you to do."
Expect insane amounts of internal drama and pisspoor work ethic and incompetent management on levels you've never thought possible..

Maybe thats not the case for Irish Rail but it's what I see in so many public sectors including transport ones, So just be prepared lads & ladies.

MrBumBum · 25-11-2019 2:18pm

BlackandGreen wrote: »

Can't speak for Irish rail specifically, but I've seen this in several public sectors that have had long term recruitment bans or no recruitment other than internal/nepotism or years.
Lack of new staff and positive work attitudes leads to large build up of poor morale and negativity.

Don't expect a warm welcome from the current long term staff. You're fresh meat off the street and will be treated with contempt in many cases.
You might be viewed as "stealing overtime, taking jobs that should have gone internally, too enthusiastic, willing to do everything management tells you to do."
Expect insane amounts of internal drama and pisspoor work ethic and incompetent management on levels you've never thought possible..

Maybe thats not the case for Irish Rail but it's what I see in so many public sectors including transport ones, So just be prepared lads & ladies.

I can only say the opposite.
Everyone I've encountered has been welcoming and new drivers on the roster means the existing ones have a better chance of getting holidays they want, so they seem happy enough about us coming in.

Rootsblower · 25-11-2019 2:41pm

BlackandGreen wrote: »

Can't speak for Irish rail specifically, but I've seen this in several public sectors that have had long term recruitment bans or no recruitment other than internal/nepotism or years.
Lack of new staff and positive work attitudes leads to large build up of poor morale and negativity.

Don't expect a warm welcome from the current long term staff. You're fresh meat off the street and will be treated with contempt in many cases.
You might be viewed as "stealing overtime, taking jobs that should have gone internally, too enthusiastic, willing to do everything management tells you to do."
Expect insane amounts of internal drama and pisspoor work ethic and incompetent management on levels you've never thought possible..

Maybe thats not the case for Irish Rail but it's what I see in so many public sectors including transport ones, So just be prepared lads & ladies.

I’ve never heard such bull**** in my whole life. You must be a ray of sunshine for your colleagues every day

BlackandGreen · 25-11-2019 2:55pm

MrBumBum wrote: »

I can only say the opposite.
Everyone I've encountered has been welcoming and new drivers on the roster means the existing ones have a better chance of getting holidays they want, so they seem happy enough about us coming in.

I'm glad thats the case.

Rootsblower wrote: »

I’ve never heard such bull**** in my whole life. You must be a ray of sunshine for your colleagues every day

You've never heard it, because you've never experienced it. It happens and I was thinking the same might be the case for IR.

Rootsblower · 25-11-2019 3:01pm

I’m over 25 years in IR and I’ve never once encountered this type of attitude.
I was an outsider once too and I was welcomed with open arms.

happyoutscan · 25-11-2019 4:39pm

Out of curiosity, whst qualifications are needed for drivers?

Jamie2k9 · 25-11-2019 5:32pm

Hiring Revenue Protection staff nationwide now. 40k very generous for such a job...

https://www.irishrail.ie/About-Us/Company-Information/Career-Opportunities-at-Iarnrod-Eireann/revenue-protection-officers

JustJoe7240 · 25-11-2019 5:34pm

Jamie2k9 wrote: »

Hiring Revenue Protection staff nationwide now. 40k very generous for such a job...

https://www.irishrail.ie/About-Us/Company-Information/Career-Opportunities-at-Iarnrod-Eireann/revenue-protection-officers

Greater Dublin Area not nationwide.

Working class heroes · 25-11-2019 5:51pm

BlackandGreen wrote: »

I'm glad thats the case.

You've never heard it, because you've never experienced it. It happens and I was thinking the same might be the case for IR.

It’s not.

Working class heroes · 25-11-2019 5:52pm

Jamie2k9 wrote: »

Hiring Revenue Protection staff nationwide now. 40k very generous for such a job...

https://www.irishrail.ie/About-Us/Company-Information/Career-Opportunities-at-Iarnrod-Eireann/revenue-protection-officers

No harm.

Jamie2k9 · 25-11-2019 6:07pm

Working class heroes wrote: »

No harm.

A guard starts on about 31k and max is about 52k so there is no real cost difference so IE should be making a stronger case for transport police which should including funding it. They must have about 40 RPU staff. If half were guards they would be far more affective.

I don't think RPU would have had such a good night without guards here.

https://extra.ie/2019/11/16/news/irish-news/one-person-arrested-for-drug-misuse-and-fare-dodgers-found-on-kildare-train

whisky_galore · 25-11-2019 6:21pm

Jamie2k9 wrote: »

Hiring Revenue Protection staff nationwide now. 40k very generous for such a job...

https://www.irishrail.ie/About-Us/Company-Information/Career-Opportunities-at-Iarnrod-Eireann/revenue-protection-officers

Danger money.

Working class heroes · 25-11-2019 6:40pm

Jamie2k9 wrote: »

A guard starts on about 31k and max is about 52k so there is no real cost difference so IE should be making a stronger case for transport police which should including funding it. They must have about 40 RPU staff. If half were guards they would be far more affective.

I don't think RPU would have had such a good night without guards here.

https://extra.ie/2019/11/16/news/irish-news/one-person-arrested-for-drug-misuse-and-fare-dodgers-found-on-kildare-train

Maybe their priority is protecting Revenue.
Maybe it’s two different debates.
Maybe they could do both.
Who knows.....

Just to add it’s the same pay scale as the current staff are on. Can’t be discriminating against the new recruits now, can we.
Also if there is a job in Irish Rail which deserves a good salary it’s that one.

Jamie2k9 · 27-11-2019 12:22am

Working class heroes wrote: »

Maybe their priority is protecting Revenue.
Maybe it’s two different debates.
Maybe they could do both.
Who knows.....

Just to add it’s the same pay scale as the current staff are on. Can’t be discriminating against the new recruits now, can we.
Also if there is a job in Irish Rail which deserves a good salary it’s that one.

They could do both and one guard and a revenue inspector is far more effective than 2, 3 or 4 inspectors.

I well aware you shouldn't discriminate however transport unions (SIPTU) have demonstrated they are happy to do it to protect existing members in the past. New drivers on the Luas were cut pay to pay the older ones more.

Danger money.

They would have to go after the dangerous ones in the first place to justify that.

dashcamdanny · 27-11-2019 3:10am

whisky_galore wrote: »

Danger money.

Should double it it for that job.

Some of the weapon's on the trains these days are mentality unstable.

Working class heroes · 27-11-2019 8:32am

Jamie2k9 wrote: »

They could do both and one guard and a revenue inspector is far more effective than 2, 3 or 4 inspectors.

I well aware you shouldn't discriminate however transport unions (SIPTU) have demonstrated they are happy to do it to protect existing members in the past. New drivers on the Luas were cut pay to pay the older ones more.

They would have to go after the dangerous ones in the first place to justify that.

Sorry don’t get your first point. When guards were on trains they were almost invisible.

Agreed on your second point. SIPTU, and unions in general do not practice what they say is on the tin. And that’s putting it politely.

Respectively your last point I find strange to say the least. I would consider that job the most dangerous within IE. They don’t have to go looking for danger, it normally finds them.

Deedsie · 27-11-2019 12:38pm

Recieved an email from Irish Rail this morning confirming I am still in the running. I was unable to make the phase 1 assessment I was invited to a few months ago. End of September. Good to be back in with a shout. Presume they will probably not do any more this side of Christmas?

Moshman · 27-11-2019 2:43pm

Deedsie wrote: »

Recieved an email from Irish Rail this morning confirming I am still in the running. I was unable to make the phase 1 assessment I was invited to a few months ago. End of September. Good to be back in with a shout. Presume they will probably not do any more this side of Christmas?

Nice one, best of luck

Jamie2k9 · 29-11-2019 12:04am

Working class heroes wrote: »

Sorry don’t get your first point. When guards were on trains they were almost invisible.

Agreed on your second point. SIPTU, and unions in general do not practice what they say is on the tin. And that’s putting it politely.

Respectively your last point I find strange to say the least. I would consider that job the most dangerous within IE. They don’t have to go looking for danger, it normally finds them.

You don't need to tell me about invisible staff on trains. Only the driver does any work. I was referring to a Garda.

The job has dangers however most staff steer away from most trouble (rightly so) and target well shall we say the easier picking for fines.

The current revenue protection policy is ineffective. Groups of 5-6 working maybe 4-5 days a week for a shift is completely pointless.

Hence why transport police with one inspector would be far more effective to protect revenue.

Should double it it for that job.

Some of the weapon's on the trains these days are mentality unstable.

Cost v Benefit and I think the case for doubling would not make sense. Saving by scrapping RPU all together.

tbarry31 · 04-12-2019 7:44pm

I have applied for a Gatekeepers position in the Waterford/Tipperary area.

Would anybody have any info on how long they will take to get back to me ?
what the job itself is like ?
what the wages might be ?
if its full time work ?

What kind of people do they usually go for ?

thanks in advance

md323 · 04-12-2019 10:32pm

tbarry31 wrote: »

I have applied for a Gatekeepers position in the Waterford/Tipperary area.

Would anybody have any info on how long they will take to get back to me ?
what the job itself is like ?
what the wages might be ?
if its full time work ?

What kind of people do they usually go for ?

thanks in advance

Where did you see it advertised?

Jamie2k9 · 04-12-2019 10:43pm

tbarry31 wrote: »

I have applied for a Gatekeepers position in the Waterford/Tipperary area.

Would anybody have any info on how long they will take to get back to me ?
what the job itself is like ?
what the wages might be ?
if its full time work ?

What kind of people do they usually go for ?

thanks in advance

https://www.irishrail.ie/About-Us/Company-Information/Career-Opportunities-at-Iarnrod-Eireann/gatekeeper-maynooth-waterford-tipperary

Its starts around 25k up to max of 34k. On more rural lines its probably not a bad earner but those on Maynooth are kept busy.

tbarry31 · 05-12-2019 10:57am

I'm guessing that if there advertising now that there is a position available now or very near in the future. Was thinking about this and wondering if whoever gets this position does the company pay for fuel for travelling between gates ?

Jamie2k9 · 05-12-2019 5:03pm

tbarry31 wrote: »

I'm guessing that if there advertising now that there is a position available now or very near in the future. Was thinking about this and wondering if whoever gets this position does the company pay for fuel for travelling between gates ?

I don't know how it works exactly but you will likely be stationed at one crossing full time and only be required to move for eg to cover as needed.

Working class heroes · 05-12-2019 5:35pm

tbarry31 wrote: »

I'm guessing that if there advertising now that there is a position available now or very near in the future. Was thinking about this and wondering if whoever gets this position does the company pay for fuel for travelling between gates ?

Yes. Two positions available at present. More to come online next Spring.
They are relief positions covering crossings on the Waterford limerick junction line as far as a couple of gates past Clonmel.
39 hr contract but always plenty of overtime available.
Expenses are paid at approximately €7.00 per day.
It’s basically an entry level job with good opportunities to progress.

Gus Ivey · 07-12-2019 1:38am

Can anyone shed light on the stages of the recruitment process?

I done online assessments back in January which I passed.
Today, I was in Inchicore doing assessments. We were told that those who passed would be back in mid-January for the next stage. I felt I done pretty good in the assessments today.

What happens after that?
More assessments?
Interview & Medicals?

Could the successful applicant be offered a role as early as say March or April 2020?

Also, the testing documents from today had the heading Locomotive Driver. Does that I couldn't be selected for the DART if I was successful?

Thanks

Still Ill · 07-12-2019 4:17am

Gus Ivey wrote: »

Can anyone shed light on the stages of the recruitment process?

I done online assessments back in January which I passed.
Today, I was in Inchicore doing assessments. We were told that those who passed would be back in mid-January for the next stage. I felt I done pretty good in the assessments today.

What happens after that?
More assessments?
Interview & Medicals?

Could the successful applicant be offered a role as early as say March or April 2020?

Also, the testing documents from today had the heading Locomotive Driver. Does that I couldn't be selected for the DART if I was successful?

Thanks

I'm in next week.. Just had a look over the test samples there now. Did they do everything in those samples today, including the face to face interview with examples of certain situations you've been in etc, or is that at a later date?

Good luck with the call back!

prinzeugen · 08-12-2019 7:40am

Still Ill wrote: »

I'm in next week.. Just had a look over the test samples there now. Did they do everything in those samples today, including the face to face interview with examples of certain situations you've been in etc, or is that at a later date?

Good luck with the call back!

Harder and faster. Time!

Gus Ivey · 08-12-2019 2:30pm

Still Ill wrote: »

I'm in next week.. Just had a look over the test samples there now. Did they do everything in those samples today, including the face to face interview with examples of certain situations you've been in etc, or is that at a later date?

Good luck with the call back!

I did 3 tests. Read the email they sent you, they should have said what tests you will be taking.

1st test was reading a passage for 10mins, then answering 30 questions without the reading material. Basically trying to remember rules & regulations.

2nd test was answering 40 questions about cables/dials as you might see in the drivers cabin. You don't need prior experience, you are basically reading the diagram and determining what cable takes priority and in what order. It will all be explained to you on the day

3rd test was an audio of a driver reporting an incident. You hear it twice and take notes. Then write a report on it (with notes in front of you)

There was no face to face interview or anything. That must be at a later date if you are successful at testing

Still Ill · 08-12-2019 2:52pm

Gus Ivey wrote: »

I did 3 tests. Read the email they sent you, they should have said what tests you will be taking.

1st test was reading a passage for 10mins, then answering 30 questions without the reading material. Basically trying to remember rules & regulations.

2nd test was answering 40 questions about cables/dials as you might see in the drivers cabin. You don't need prior experience, you are basically reading the diagram and determining what cable takes priority and in what order. It will all be explained to you on the day

3rd test was an audio of a driver reporting an incident. You hear it twice and take notes. Then write a report on it (with notes in front of you)

There was no face to face interview or anything. That must be at a later date if you are successful at testing

Ah, cool.. Cheers.. I read they email, but it mentioned a lot of other stuff too. Must be at a later date alright

TheShepard · 09-12-2019 3:48pm

Gus Ivey wrote: »

Can anyone shed light on the stages of the recruitment process?

I done online assessments back in January which I passed.
Today, I was in Inchicore doing assessments. We were told that those who passed would be back in mid-January for the next stage. I felt I done pretty good in the assessments today.

What happens after that?
More assessments?
Interview & Medicals?

Could the successful applicant be offered a role as early as say March or April 2020?

Also, the testing documents from today had the heading Locomotive Driver. Does that I couldn't be selected for the DART if I was successful?

Thanks

Pretty much exactly the way you asked. I Think the next class starts in June for regional candidates, not sure for Dublin applicants!

prinzeugen · 11-12-2019 6:32pm

Got the email there inviting me onto the stage 2 tests!

Hope that those of you that did stage 1 last week get the same!

Gus Ivey · 11-12-2019 6:37pm

prinzeugen wrote: »

Got the email there inviting me onto the stage 2 tests!

Hope that those of you that did stage 1 last week get the same!

Got the same email. Best of luck in the next stage.

Deedsie · 12-01-2020 10:40am

Thread went very quiet over Christmas. Understandably. Anyone any updates on whats happening?

Gus Ivey · 12-01-2020 3:58pm

Phase 2 testing started taking place this week and goes on for the next couple of weeks.

Has anyone done the Phase 2 testing ? Is it harder/easier than Phase 1? Was there any surprises?

prinzeugen · 13-01-2020 11:31am

Gus Ivey wrote: »

Phase 2 testing started taking place this week and goes on for the next couple of weeks.

Has anyone done the Phase 2 testing ? Is it harder/easier than Phase 1? Was there any surprises?

The last part of the VSE is a total bollox! Everyone in my group said they struggled with it afterwards. Its not that it was hard but it is very, very easy to click on the wrong thing and answer incorrectly then.

That is the one part that I know I did not do well in and I will be surprised if I get called back.

Deedsie · 13-01-2020 11:56am

Gus Ivey wrote: »

Phase 2 testing started taking place this week and goes on for the next couple of weeks.

Has anyone done the Phase 2 testing ? Is it harder/easier than Phase 1? Was there any surprises?

I was invited to Phase 1 assessment back in September (23rd to 25th). I let them know I couldnt attend at the time, was outside of the country. I contacted them to see if I would be invited again down the line and they said that I was still on thier list etc and would be called in due course.

Was Phase 1 assessment difficult?

Phase 1 Paper & Pencil Assessment

Working class heroes · 13-01-2020 4:29pm

prinzeugen wrote: »

The last part of the VSE is a total bollox! Everyone in my group said they struggled with it afterwards. Its not that it was hard but it is very, very easy to click on the wrong thing and answer incorrectly then.

That is the one part that I know I did not do well in and I will be surprised if I get called back.

All part of the test!

prinzeugen · 13-01-2020 5:57pm

Got an email this afternoon inviting me to a medical at the end of the month although they did warn us at the assessment that medical appointments could be sent out before our results from phase 2 are known...

Gus Ivey · 13-01-2020 6:20pm

prinzeugen wrote: »

The last part of the VSE is a total bollox! Everyone in my group said they struggled with it afterwards. Its not that it was hard but it is very, very easy to click on the wrong thing and answer incorrectly then.

That's a pity. Maybe if others had the same problem maybe you're score will be good enough to pass?

Is the VSE test similar to the examples in the practice book?

Gus Ivey · 13-01-2020 6:26pm

prinzeugen wrote: »

Got an email this afternoon inviting me to a medical at the end of the month although they did warn us at the assessment that medical appointments could be sent out before our results from phase 2 are known...

Did the email say what the medical would be like?
Is it blood/urine test looking for drugs?
Or is it a more complete medical testing all sorts of things?

Deedsie · 13-01-2020 6:30pm

Gus Ivey wrote: »

Did the email say what the medical would be like?
Is it blood/urine test looking for drugs?
Or is it a more complete medical testing all sorts of things?

I was wondering about this too. Does anyone know the vision requirements of the medical?

prinzeugen · 13-01-2020 6:35pm

Gus Ivey wrote: »

That's a pity. Maybe if others had the same problem maybe you're score will be good enough to pass?

Is the VSE test similar to the examples in the practice book?

Its not that different. Its like a "live" version of what is in the book but with more to watch for and do. Although as I said it is so easy to click on the wrong button on the screen during the last part.

Gus Ivey wrote: »

Did the email say what the medical would be like?
Is it blood/urine test looking for drugs?
Or is it a more complete medical testing all sorts of things?

It did not say although someone posted here ages ago what was involved.

I think they said it was quick enough.

Batman51 · 14-01-2020 1:37pm

Eye tests were heavily focused on coloublindness. Urine was tested for drugs.

Anyone on here waiting on a panel? Cork Waterford or Limerick....wondering when the next regional class starts?

BertieBlue · 14-01-2020 6:20pm

Did anyone here go for the Revenue Protection jobs?

rebellad 1970 · 15-01-2020 2:49pm

I went for revenue protection officer job ,have an interview friday,but if their only hiring for dublin I wont be able to do it as I cant move from cork to dublin it wouldn't be feasible

BertieBlue · 15-01-2020 4:28pm

rebellad 1970 wrote: »

I went for revenue protection officer job ,have an interview friday,but if their only hiring for dublin I wont be able to do it as I cant move from cork to dublin it wouldn't be feasible

I have an interview Friday as well. Not entirely sure it's for me yet but going anyway to see how it goes.

Pretty sure it is just for the Dublin area though.

dashcamdanny · 15-01-2020 10:56pm

BertieBlue wrote: »

I have an interview Friday as well. Not entirely sure it's for me yet but going anyway to see how it goes.

Pretty sure it is just for the Dublin area though.

Sounds like a scary sort of job. Like being a clamper.

Hilly Bill · 16-01-2020 6:17pm

dashcamdanny wrote: »

Sounds like a scary sort of job. Like being a clamper.

Go for it and just take the few quid until something else comes up.

Irish Rail Jobs Discussion

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