Our application process is designed to help us get to know you, and for you to see what it’s like working with us. Below you’ll find a step-by-step guide on what to expect, along with some handy tips to help you shine!
Initial Questions
When you begin your online application, you’ll be asked a few straightforward questions about yourself. This is your chance to stand out, so give as much detail as you can. After we review and shortlist all applications, we’ll be in touch to let you know if you’re moving on to the next stage.
Top Tip: Make sure your CV (if required) is up to date, and don’t be afraid to include any relevant school projects, volunteer work or extra-curricular activities that show off your skills and interests.
Online Questionnaire
Once you’ve passed the first stage, you may be invited to complete an online questionnaire. This could be done from home, or you might be invited to one of our testing sessions. These questionnaires help us understand a bit more about your strengths, work style and problem-solving skills.
Assessment Days
If you’re successful in the earlier stages, you may be invited to an in-person assessment day. This will involve a range of activities and tests tailored to the role you’ve applied for. It’s also a fantastic way to find out more about what it’s like to work for Chiltern Railways. You’ll meet people from across the business, who can share insights into their roles and our culture.
During these sessions, we’ll be looking at how you work in a group as well as on your own. Don’t worry, everyone’s there to support you and we want you to feel relaxed and able to show us the best version of yourself.
Top Tips for Assessment Days
- Get involved: Be ready to share your ideas and interact with others.
- Keep an open mind: Show your willingness to learn and take on new challenges.
- Stay positive and enthusiastic: We love to see genuine interest in the role and in Chiltern Railways.
- Be yourself: Let your personality shine through!
Interview
If you’ve reached this stage, congratulations! This is usually the final step in the process. You’ll have an interview where we’ll explore how your working style matches our company values and behaviours. We want to ensure it’s a great fit for both you and us.
During the Interview:
- Be clear about your motivation for joining Chiltern Railways.
- Ask any questions you have about the role or the company.
- Relax and let us see your enthusiasm for learning and growing with our team.
Successful candidates will receive an offer to join our apprenticeship programme soon after. If you attend the assessment day and aren’t successful on this occasion, we’ll always provide constructive feedback to help you in your future applications.
A few extras to keep in mind
- Deadlines: Make sure you submit your application on time and keep an eye on your email for updates.
- Preparation: Research Chiltern Railways and the rail industry, knowing a bit about us and our values can really help you stand out.
- Support: If at any point you need assistance or have questions about accessibility or other requirements, please get in touch. We’re here to help!
We can’t wait to see what you bring to Chiltern Railways. Our apprenticeships are all about developing the next generation of talent, and we’re excited to support you every step of the way. Good luck, and we look forward to welcoming you aboard!