rtmason
-
Posts
60 -
Joined
-
Last visited
Content Type
Profiles
Forums
Gallery
Downloads
Events
Blogs
Everything posted by rtmason
-
I'm pullin' for ya, Republic. Good luck this time around.
-
That's a good heads up, Dre. When I last spoke to HR, they said the delay behind starting the next Phase I class was getting enough qualified candidates together. I just hope enough of them can get by the Signals and Definitions test so we can get this process moving again. Good luck to the new prospects. I wonder if this means my class won't start Phase I until March or April...?
-
LIRR 154, I really appreciate the content of your last two posts. The perspective of a veteran railroader is priceless, especially for newbies. I agree with you in so far as how outsiders look at the railroading and only see Conductors and Engineers. I was one of them. I kind of looked at railroading as similar to mining, to be honest. That is, until my brother started working for Amtrak. I had never even heard of his position (catenary lineman) before he informed about it, along with the value of overtime and home-time opportunities. The more I learned about the different crafts the more I wanted in. I ended up as a Freight Conductor for a Class I myself. I like the Engineer position because I believe it's a good match/fit for me. Yes, the lifestyle can be an acquired taste for some, but I know it's something I would enjoy. For others that want something closer to M-F and 9-5, there are other positions that may suit them better. To each his own, right? Working off an extra board isn't for everyone, especially family men, for instance. I'll tell you this much, working for LIRR, in any of the crafts, "would be simply huge!" (said in Trump voice). I consider myself very fortunate to have made it this far in this extensive hiring process. The one thing that all the vets that I've spoken with over the last few years seem to agree upon, and stress, is just get in. All of the positions pay well, and you can apply to other crafts "internally" which substantially improves your chances of being selected over external applicants. Thanks again, LIRR 154. Please keep dropping those jewels!
-
LIRR 154, I'm curious to know what other jobs pay better than the engineer position? Also, I was told by an employee that Car Inspector was the best job on the railroad due to the ease of physical exertion and the opportunities for overtime. Would you agree? If not, which position do you think is the best on the rails? Engineer is tops, in my opinion. I am still waiting on a call from HR as to whether I will be moving on to Phase I. I was hoping a class would start at the end of November, but I'm starting to doubt that notion. In the meantime, I will continue to review my signals and definitions, and wait patiently.
-
As soon as I hang up the phone, I will post about here. You can bank on that! I hope others in our class will do the same.
-
Jetfan, I'm still waiting myself. Dre and those guys had to wait like 2 months! Now it's our turn. I'm hoping they call sooner than later, though. I'm excited for the guys starting Phase II. Please check in when you can to let us know how you all are doing. Good luck!
-
I can only hope that my group is as tight as yours, Dre. There's a lot be said for the strength of a unified and supportive team.
-
Welcome aboard, JR! In this boat, the more the merrier! The guys ahead of us, like Dre, have hung in there and now they are about to be paid employees going into OJT. I find their experience inspirational as I wait. They have reached that light at the end of the "Tunnel of Patience." Let's me know it's do-able. We just have to hold tight. Or be held tightly. One or the other. Or both. LOL!
-
I appreciate correction, Jetfan. Thank you for pointing it out.
-
I am the one that stands corrected. I meant Phase 1. Apologies. I got the same kind of response from her. I had asked her too.
-
No. At the end of panel interview, I asked about when I would be notified that I was moving on to Phase II. I was told to keep an eye on my inbox, and that I could be notified at any time. That's when they went into how things are dependent on the number of qualified candidates and available seats. I heard a tentative start date was November.
-
Jetfan74, Any idea how many passed the S/D exam out of our group?
-
Yes, I did. We are in the same group/class. Panel review was last Monday. I asked about being notified about Phase 2 and was told that it could come at any time depending on available seats in the class. If not enough people passed/qualified, they will need to process more people to try and fill'er up with qualified candidates. Qualified candidates will just have to wait. I'm just happy to have made it this far. So Republic, keep an eye out for an invitation. They need engineers, so hope is still alive!
-
Jetfan, I'm right there with you. All we can do is wait and stay patient.
-
12 for 12 is a pretty hard act to follow! Excellent work, my dudes.
-
On another note, I had my panel interview last Monday. It was out HR Head and a Road Foreman. The questions were typical HR questions, along with some very basic workplace scenarios. It was laid back, without tension, and straight forward. Nothing at all to be worried about. Now I await word whether I can move on to Phase I, and the start date. I hope they start another within 30-60 days. One can only hope. Stay positive, all.
-
Tomorrow is the big day, Phase I Engineer Trainees! This is where all the studying and sacrificing pays off. I know you guys will pass your exams and move on to Phase II. I've met a few of you, and you guys seem tight and prepared. Nervous perhaps, but you seemed confident overall. I hope to be in the exact same state when its my turn to face the final exams. I wish you all well.
-
I hope you get some answers, man. Good luck.
-
All, I took my Signals and Definitions test this past Friday. I just hung up from HR and was informed that I passed! I will be moving on to the panel review, which should take place near the end of September. Got to keep studying. Read, write and recite. For you guys in Phase 1, how was class last Saturday?
-
Sounds exciting, Dre! I'm gassed up just thinking about it! I'm studying my butt off to get the invite to class! I agree with you. It would be a shame if one of the 12 doesn't put in the work and effort to seize this opportunity. I don't think that'll be the case though. If guys made it that far, it clearly indicates a strong desire to see things through. I wouldn't bet against anyone who had endured to this point. Stay strong and focused, fellas. I'm right behind you.
-
For those of us preparing to take the the Signals and Definitions exam next week, I asked HR about the exact date, time and place. I received this response via email: Friday, August 28 – 8:00 am at Hillside Facility. Here we go! See you there.
-
Congrats to all the Phase 1 students. You all must be fired up having made it this far! Have any of you gone into study groups? How many are in your class? How many of those invited to Phase 1 were no-shows? Compared to the studying required for the Signals and Definitions exam, is your new load even more challenging? I hope Saturday's class goes well for all of you.
-
Congrats to you (again) Dre on making it to Phase 1. It's always great, as well as inspirational, to see someone start at as an applicant and progress closer and closer to the ultimate goal. Well done, Dre.
-
Was it easier than you expected? Congrats on making it past another hurdle, btw.
-
That is correct, Dre and all. When we spoke to the guy presiding over the S&D Orientation, he told us that they were two people short of a full class for August, but they're going ahead with it anyway. And yes, he did mention that out of the twenty or so people that showed up for the S/D test day, only two made it through. They are possibly looking to fill a class for October. I know I'll be studying hard to be a part of it. Congratulations on making it this far, Dre and all. I'm looking to follow right behind you.