Yes, not long finished my training. The reason why I said that was because some of the tutors mentioned it. For example I had testing in the second week for a few days and then sign off of learning in the 5th week. By the time that came around it was no longer fresh in our heads. Considering this to be a major part of the job it would make sense these kind of things are rearranged. There was some talk of going out on buddying period followed by certain courses rather than 5 weeks of various courses then 3 weeks of buddying and then being let loose on your own.

How long have you been live and how are you finding it?
Any tips for the new starters as in kit to take etc?

I've finished my initial 5 weeks training and about to go out on my buddying period. The courses have mostly been good, apart from a couple which were death by powerpoint but they have only lasted a day. All the tutors I have had have been exceptional having all come engineer backgrounds. To be honest its a lot to take in but if you are lucky and get your testers in the second week, like we were meant to you will be able to have a play around familiarise yourself with the menus. You get given a great big folder containing all the information in the courses which you can read through also.

The things I would recommend you taking are thermals. When you are on your drop wiring course it can get really cold at the top of the poles. You tend to feel it more on your legs than your upper body as you are moving quite a bit. Also a pair of leather gloves for when you are putting on clamps (curly wurly) to dropwires. You'll be doing this a lot and the gloves you get given are not suitable for it as they catch and rip. Also your hands will be aching by the end of the week.

Good insight thanks!
luckily I have a permanent job at the moment, if I didnt I would really be on edge! does seem like it takes 2-3 months from finding out your successful to training. we all just have to play the waiting game!

I know what you mean luckily i am also in permanent employment but just want to get my training done and get out there, got a email back this morning saying there awaiting confirmation of role locations and training dates and they will be getting a update on this in the new year so I guess we all have a few weeks till we'll hear anything

2-3 months after being sucessful before they think about offering us a job is bad form. even then it only says in the new year... technically that can mean any time in 2017.

Edited by deleted (Mon 12-Dec-16 14:00:16)

Thanks for the info it really does help Dylan 79
Mc it said you had edited your comment was that to take out all the expletives?
As I'm starting to develop torrets!! Lol

Hi mate. I'm due to start my training on the 9th of January. Could you tell me what's involved in the first week at Yarnfield and what I should take with me? Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks mate

You don't need anything apart from some snacks incase you get hungry in the evening. They do have vending machines inside your blocks but I found they were out of order and the nearest shop is a bit of a mission to get to. You have a bar on-site with a pool table but if you get bored of that take a usb with some films on it as the TV's in your room have the capability to playback. Similarly with your accomodation afterwards do the same as they tend to be right out in the sticks.

First day is and introduction to the company, what they do and what is expected. You'll pick up your uniform on the first day and be expected to wear it the remainder if the week. You'll also meet the union and decide whether or not to sign up. You don't have to feel pressured you can always do this at a later date. You'll do customer service, moving and handling, driver theory and assessment towards the end of the week. You'll also pick up your mobile and laptop. The last day is a coach ride to Magna park to pick up your van, do a few checks and you are off home probably between 2 - 3pm. Most of your other days finish around 4.