Iwetoddit

48 minutes ago, TripleZ said:

On the signals, there are some, for example: Begin ASC, and the aspect is literally “begin ASC”. On the test, do they really show the signal, with the BEGIN ASC on it? I feel like it’s too easy if it’s like that 

The way the have it in the packet is how they will show it on the test.  Cause how you see them on paper is how you will see them in the field.  They want you to recognize and identify the aspect.  So some are pretty simple while other you will have to study more to learn them.  

Congrats to those moving on to phase 2.  Life changer.  I’m sure Dre has said this, but keep up on what you have already learned.  They are only going to add to it and you don’t want to be play catch up.  I’m going on 2 years qualified and I still think of the definitions and indications as I operate.  It all matters and plays a role on day to day operations.  See you out there. 

3 hours ago, NYYankee said:

Good evening all. About the second phase of the lirr locomotive engineer training program, they say it's a minimum of 14 months.  But I also heard that you go at your own pace. Is this true?

It’s 14 months long and it’s structured with time frames.  The conductors have a little more flexibility to go at their own pace but are expected to qualify around the 3yr mark.  
 

As for engineer training, you are given the material and how you learn it is up to you.  But they will monitor your progress and get on your ass if they think you aren’t keeping up with everything.  It can feel like boot camp at times but it’s worth it.  

1 hour ago, 2ride said:

To have people go through the whole process and put hours and hours of studying into passing the verbatim exam just to not get hired after the second interview is ridiculously a waste of time. Idk if HR understands that this is an issue. 

I’m sorry if you were passed over.  I cannot speak for HR as to why, but if you aren’t sure don’t give up just yet they could still come around.  The S&D is just the beginning of the hours you need to study to get all the information.   It’s a vetting process from start to finish and if you struggled with S&D the likelihood of you making it through the program is that much less likely cause it’s only the beginning and a small sample of what you actually need to know.  So let’s say you did make it pass the interview, you need to be ready mentally for what’s to come cause it’s no walk in the park afterwards.  And the S&D is a test to that fortitude and dedication along with the actual knowledge.  

31 minutes ago, drenyce311 said:

Just got wind. The last S&D. No one passed. 

😳

26 minutes ago, drenyce311 said:

I just heard for the signals and Definitions test only 7 people showed up. It’s getting very competitive now. Or people aren’t putting the time to study or it isn’t worth the time. Idk. 

Very sad to hear.  You have to put the time to reap the benefits.  Look at the long term, don’t be short sighted.  

On 8/26/2022 at 12:40 AM, Liline11 said:

How much rules? 

Phase 1 is build up from what you learned for S&D.  So do not put that down or stop studying that.  You will be behind if you are not keeping up.  The number of rules is inconsequential but just be aware, like @drenyce311 said, you need to learn them verbatim.  They used to send a packet with a snippet of which rules to begin studying before you start phase 1.  If they still do, begin learning them along with keeping up with S&D.  
 

Congrats to all who have begun the process.  Study, study, study.  Learn the habits that work for you to retain the information.  It’s ok to take a day off here and there. The mind needs to relax to absorb what you are giving it.  But key to remember I said here and there, not like a whole week.  And as hard as it is to think of it but you will be missing out on a lot of social events.  Small sacrifice for the huge opportunity.  In this case, the end justifies the means.

Those trying to find employment within MTA, just keep trying.  It’s worth it.

13 hours ago, Liline11 said:

Hello everyone, I just took the S & D exam on May 7, 2022. The grading process for the S & D exam is a little bit different now. It’s broken up into two parts/sections, first the signal exam, then the definitions. You must past the signals with a 100 in order to take the indications/definitions part. If you fail the signals, you will be sent home and will not have the chance to do the second part of the exam. I pass the first part (signals) but I have to wait to get my final grade through email. How long does it normally take to get your passing confirmation? It’s only been 3 -4 days and I’ve been checking my email non-stop. Lol

They won’t notify you until they are ready to move to the next process.  They build up a class first and then contact all that have been selected.  I know of a class that will be starting soon, if it hasn’t already, and they usually wait about 13 weeks before starting a new one.  Don’t hold me to that because they go at how they feel necessary. 

On 4/2/2022 at 3:32 PM, Justwanted said:

Hello I'm taking the S&D test next week. I'm 99% sure that the instructor at the overview said that punctuation was not important. Does anyone remember if it is or not?

Punctuation is not a requirement.  Although it helped me with learning the longer definitions.  

On 4/4/2022 at 6:33 PM, Stay On Track Kev said:

does anyone that previously passed the locomotive engineer trainee S&D exam have any tips on how to memorize the signals?

Flash cards were a a great way to learn and practice the signals.  Easy to carry around.  I would begin with a set and as I got comfortable with it, I would add more to the set.  Practice the set multiple times in a day. Mix them up.  Once you have learned all of them, do not put them down.  At least once a day you want to go through the signals.  Have someone test you.  That breaks up the monotony.  Signals are critical in all steps of testing.  One wrong is an automatic failure.  Never put down the signals.  Indications are important as well along with definitions but more flexible in terms of grading.  

Good morning!

I have heard some news about one new Phase 2 class probably being hired this year.  I don’t know details of when and who or if it’s a definite thing.  If so, I just heard of one class, there are no details about the future after that or if there are going to be any postings for applications.

As I have said before, keep your head up and don’t totally put the material down cause you never know.  If you get the opportunity, you better make the most of it and study your ass off.  There are no do overs if you fail Phase 2.  This is a great opportunity and if given the chance one must take the bull by the horns.

Have a good day! 

On 4/16/2021 at 10:18 AM, BrotherOne said:

It has now been 10 months since I passed my Phase 1 exam. There is no information to be found anywhere about the start of the next Phase 2 class. The response from LIRR HR is deafening silence. The test results expire in 60 days. What happens after that? Do I start at the beginning? Resume, Open House, Signals and Definitions?

Unfortunately there are no immediate plans to begin another Phase 2 class.  And there isn’t a timeline for when they expect to start the next one.  The last two classes are nearing their end with one class taking qualifying exams now.  
 

I don’t think HR can give you an answer because there isn’t one to give.  With so many changes going on here I don’t know how long they can extend your exams results.  For example, they recently added another rule, two signals and modified a definition.  All in all it’s up to the powers that be.  
 

Like I said before, they will need to begin hiring again as retirements do not stop and East Side Access continues along with other projects associated with it.  If you were to have to do it again, you have an advantage and should make the best of it.  Hope this helps and doesn’t discourage anyone.  This pandemic was unforeseen and it put a lot of things on hold.  I do see postings for Car and Station Maintainers if anyone wants to get their foot inside the door.  You can always apply later when an Engineer posting appears.  
 

Keep safe everyone!

Good afternoon,

The situation has not changed and the hiring freeze is still in effect.  There isn’t a timeframe and unfortunately ridership has not returned to even half of what it was.  I know it’s hard to keep up hope, but they will have to hire again as retirements continue and East Side access has not be delayed.  Just can’t put a date on it.

1 hour ago, Haimike said:

Thanks you too. May be a dumb question but what is phase 1 like, I understand it will be a lot of studying but does the class help ease the stress of things, do we work with one another, does the instructor help us understand or are we hit with questions pertaining to the signals and their indications and definitions verbatim, to be able to recite verbally on top of the new material. I apologize but I am just nervous 

Phase one you get the rules book and begin to learn them.  You will go over them in portions.  As you go through the portions you will be tested on it.  You will still be responsible for signals, indications and definitions also.  This is why it suggested to keep up with the material.  
 

You can study with others if possible but sometimes with everyone juggling jobs and this, it makes it harder.

Classroom setting gives you the ability to gauge how you are progressing with learning the material.  Unlike the S&D where you are on your own, here you get to ask questions.  Being nervous is normal cause it’s going to feel like a lot.  Just keep up with it.  It’s more memorization but the brain is an amazing muscle when you put it to work.

5 hours ago, Plantain-Papi said:

Ah okay thank you. I had my interview on Oct 21, still haven’t heard back yet. Obviously the pandemic has delayed things so Ill remain patient. 

As should everyone.  Phase two is continuing just no classroom settings and tests are on hold at the moment.  We are working jobs until further notice.  
 

Be safe out there.

3 hours ago, BCDubs said:

Good morning folks.  I found an attachment in the download section to this forum.  - "LIRR Rules of the Operating Department" - Are those the signals that need to be memorize to verbatim for the s&d overview?

I have also found the definitions handbook from an unknown website.  It gave definitions, duties & responsibilities, terminology, authorized abbreviations, general rules. Altogether 127 pages. Bottom of the booklet states GO202.  Do I need to memorize the entire book for the S&D?

Any advice will be helpful.  I'm still waiting from HR on when I can go in for the s&d overview due to Covid-19.

Thanks!

Afternoon,

I wouldn’t use anything you found on the website.  To give you an idea, we are on GO 506 so what you have there is severely outdated.  I know it’s hard to hear being your eagerness to learn the material, but you should wait till you are given the material.  What they hand to you will be what you are responsible to learn.  Unfortunately, from now until you are given the overview things may change.  That is the harsh reality.  You may study a bunch of information that may become useless in the future.

From when I took S&D to now in Phase 2, one definition has been deleted, another added and a couple of them have changed.  Not to mention the addition of a whole new section of rules with others edited, revised or eliminated   It’s constantly changing and evolving.  Even the maps we draw are changing at least once a month.

Patience is key in this process, especially in the current time of uncertainty around us.  
 

Be safe out there!

Next phase 1 is scheduled to begin around the end of April.  Those that are waiting should gear up and begin reviewing if you haven’t done so already.

On 2/27/2020 at 11:42 AM, BrotherOne said:

Does anyone know when the next Phase One will start? 

Also, how much time is there between passing Phase One and starting Phase Two?

The last phase 1 class just took their exam.  Shouldn’t be too long before they organize the next class.

7 hours ago, Richkdr said:

I'm feeling pretty good as well about studying. I've studied just definitions so far going page by page. I made flashcards then wrote each definition down until I essentially had it memorized. I've completed the definitions and this week is strictly review of all definitions in every way possible. Next week I'll tackle signals. Weeks 4-5 will be for review.   

Whatever works for you.  Just don’t put it down.  One thing you will learn is how your own mind works.  It’s an amazing muscle that can retain a lot of information.  

Good luck!

10 hours ago, Zander88 said:

Are some of the Zone "A" signals no longer used? I noticed while on quizlet that some of the signals others had on there weren't in my study guide. I read on previous pages that definitions sometimes change. That was evident at the overview where the instructor had one thing up on the projector and the study guide had something else for one of the definitions. 

Anything can change from one class to the next.  As for Quizlet, make your own study set.  Do not go by what was previously entered.  
 

Go by what the instructor gave you at the overview.  That is what you will be graded on.

The only thing I can think of with Zone A signals is that they used position light signals before changing them to color signals.  Like I said before, go by what you have in the packet.  
 

The packet is your “bible” don’t let outside information sway you.  

On 1/24/2020 at 9:19 AM, Plantain-Papi said:

How does the retirement work for Locomotive Engineer? I’ve heard two and three pensions but still unclear as to the exact amount and % of best years, etc etc. Any insight is greatly appreciated? 
 

Also, what can one expect to earn average throughout ones career?

There is a whole formula to calculate a pension but it varies on earnings.  Don’t get caught up on that yet.  All I can say is the benefits are good and you can earn a very decent living.  Focus on getting through S&D and/or Phase 1 and then Phase 2.  Plenty to wrap your head around before worrying about pension(s), lol.  Good luck to all.

On 1/19/2020 at 12:32 AM, Alberto said:

Yea man! I’m beyond friggin pissed off. You guys know I hard we studied for that test. Very few people from my class even showed up to take the test, let alone people actually passing it. It’s not easy. Then the panel interview is basically your average work experience questions. It’s a piece of cake compared to that test. They make it seem like, you pass the test, meet with the interviewers and on to phase one, so this definitely threw me off guard. And they could’ve told me right away and not 3 months later. Only thing I can think of was that they age discriminated cause I’m 42. Meanwhile I’m in the best shape of my life and out hustle any 20 something on my job. I appreciate the support fellas. It’s all good. Just disappointed and venting. One day it’ll all make sense.

There was a guy older than you in my Phase 1 class.  And in the current one there is one that is in his 50s also.  So I don’t think it was your age.

I wouldn’t look into it too much as you can drive yourself crazy with all the possibilities.  

58 minutes ago, Alberto said:

Yea, we’ll what they don’t tell you is that even if you pass the exam, there’s a chance you still won’t get excepted into phase 1. And they’ll make you wait 3 months just to tell you that.

Sorry to hear what happened to you @Alberto.  I think you may be the first that I hear was rejected.

But I will say that at any step in this process they may choose not to go with someone.  Not sure what makes them decide this but passing the tests is not a guarantee.  
 

But don’t fret, you can reapply and you at least have a leg up on everyone else.  Take it as a learning and how to do better next time.

54 minutes ago, mpalacino said:

ok, thank you! Just curious, what is the schedule like during phase 2?

For us is has been M-F 6:30-2:30 but subject to change depending on the material to be covered.  You aren’t in class too long and will be given a schedule to work with engineers on different branches.  

6 hours ago, mpalacino said:

hi all! I have 2 questions:

What time and how long are the hours for phase 1 on Saturdays?

What is the schedule like for phase 2 and are we allowed to take off?

Thanks!!

Phase 1 is Wed 5:30-9:30 (usually at Hillside)

                   Sat 6:30-2:30 (usually out East-Babylon most likely.)
 

Phase 2 don’t plan on getting any time off.  If you are planning anything get the insurance in case you get the call.  

On 12/7/2019 at 2:21 PM, BrotherOne said:

So far in my experience:

June 3 - Open House

July 13 - S&D Overview

August 17 - S&D Exam

September 19 - Notification that I passed and interview scheduled

October 2 - Interview

December 7 - still waiting for any official word on the next step of the process...

Great timeline, I didn’t think I remembered all the dates but when you put your mind to it, it comes lol.

My open house was in April and my interview in June (S&D was in between those months lol).  Phase 1 began at the end of September and just took the exam on November 2.  Beginning Phase 2 this Wednesday December 11th.

Not sure how many classes in the coming year, mostly likely 4 but it depends on the need, but if you passed your S&D, a phase 1 invite should be near.  Good luck guys!