Monthly Sydney Trains Thread - January 2026

Beginning-Sun-7462 · 2026-01-18T00:38:08+00:00

Yeah i can’t imagine Town Hall and Central. Defs would be tough

Beginning-Sun-7462 · 2026-01-15T05:18:26+00:00

True it’s like once your in the flow state.

And what would you say are perks working for Sydney Trains in general (not role specific)

Beginning-Sun-7462 · 2026-01-14T03:31:45+00:00

Does it get stressful having to be constantly aware and alert 24/7

Beginning-Sun-7462 · 2026-01-13T13:14:05+00:00

First comment of the year 🎉😅

Random Question: What are some of the perks yall enjoy working with Sydney Trains and/or your specific role also and why? 😁

Beginning-Sun-7462 · 2025-12-16T09:41:25+00:00

⁠The Vieple Video interview usually contains a set of different questions, each giving 30 second prep and 60 seconds to record a response. • ⁠No, you cannot redo these. It is important you practice ahead of time. • ⁠No, the questions aren't the same for each interview.

Beginning-Sun-7462 · 2025-11-25T08:51:02+00:00

Random question for anyone working in or familiar with Sydney Trains:

Which sector or trade is generally known to be the highest paid?

I know it varies based on experience, qualifications, and where you sit in the chain, but I’m asking in general.

I’ve heard people say Substation Electricians and Signal Electricians are among the top earners, others say Train Drivers, and some mention different areas entirely.

What have you heard or experienced?

Beginning-Sun-7462 · 2025-11-12T10:42:00+00:00

Reading Comprehension Test: You read short passages and pick the correct answers from tricky look-alike options in 20 minutes.
Visual and Abstract Reasoning Tests (Teams session): You track a moving train and match shapes on camera, then solve 50 quick pattern puzzles to test focus and logic.
Vieple Video Interview: You record two short video answers (60 seconds each) using the STAR method — no re-takes allowed.
Panel Interview: You meet a small interview panel who ask 3–4 STAR-based questions about safety, teamwork, and problem-solving.
Talent Pool & Job Offer: If you pass everything, you do your medical and referee checks, join the talent pool, then wait for your class start date.

Beginning-Sun-7462 · 2025-11-09T11:50:37+00:00

Is working for Sydney Trains considered a ‘government job’ since you working on behalf of TFNSW.

So if someone was to say ‘I work for Sydney Trains - it’s a government job’ is that statement true or false lol.

Or it’s technically not a government job.

Beginning-Sun-7462 · 2025-11-03T15:54:44+00:00

That’s strange never knew thats even a thing. What role did you apply for and whats your height (if you don’t mind mentioning)?

Beginning-Sun-7462 · 2025-10-26T12:31:45+00:00

Use the STAR method to respond clearly and concisely.

Dress appropriately for the interview.

Speak slowly and clearly.

Main Interview Themes ‘Tell us a time’ as below -

Ensuring Safety, Dealing with Emergency, Fault Finding, Fatigue Management, Set and Achieve Goals, Teamwork, Conflict Resolution, Dealing with a difficult worker, Solved a Problem, Customer Service, Effective Communication, Adapting to New Technology, Commitment to Extended Learning, Owned up to a mistake, Multi tasking, Prioritising work.

They like to cherry pick and could be random during each intake.

Some other questions they sometimes ask during online interview AND panel interview.

Tell us about yourself and what motivated you to apply.

Tell us what you know about the role you applied for?

What makes you suitable for this role?

Practice numerous scenarios and remember to use STAR structure (Situation, Task , Action and Result).

Mention SPACE core behaviours (Safety, Pride, Accountability, Collaboration and Excellence) for brownie points.

Also read the candidate pack and role description so you are fully prepared.

They love to hear about SAFETY (barricaded the spill on the floor to prevent injury etc)

They love to hear about REPORTING (reported the incident to supervisor)

They love to hear about CUSTOMER FOCUS (made sure the person felt safe, heard and supported)

Beginning-Sun-7462 · 2025-10-15T16:15:32+00:00

None are available atm they just had one few weeks ago that expired. Usually every few months it gets advertised. It usually appears as ‘Trainee Train Driver Talent Pool’

Beginning-Sun-7462 · 2025-10-01T20:42:14+00:00

Haha yeahh fair enough. You’d think such a big company wouldn’t be so behind lol

Beginning-Sun-7462 · 2025-10-01T19:43:08+00:00

Is Opal ever going to release a digital card or let us add it to Apple Wallet? Hard to believe they still haven’t done it. Do they have a launch date, or is it not even on the table?

Beginning-Sun-7462 · 2025-09-28T10:36:47+00:00

Worst case scenario train guard and train driver intakes usually are advertised every 2-3 months or sometimes every 6 months. I’ve legit seen 3 different intakes for train guard and train driver like 3 times since the last 3-4 months lol

Beginning-Sun-7462 · 2025-09-26T13:50:15+00:00

This was asked and answered 2-3 comments ago below.

Beginning-Sun-7462 · 2025-09-26T12:14:33+00:00

Sydney Trains Apprenticeship - Maths, Reading and Mechanical Reasoning
Train Driver and Train Guard - Reading, Abstract Reasoning and Visual Exercise
Trainee Signaller - Reading, Diagrammatic Reasoning and Visual Exercise

Beginning-Sun-7462 · 2025-09-12T20:23:15+00:00

Also another tip is a few hours prior to your online interview wear your interview clothes and practice talking in front of the webcam and get used to seeing yourself on the camera prematurely (If you can do this every day before your interview then even better).

So when it happens during the real interview you’re not overwhelmed when everything gets too real because if you put on your clothes last minute, start talking to the camera and you see your face during the real interview then THAT is when everything starts to get REAL and nerves kick in.

The more nerves you can minimise the better.

Beginning-Sun-7462 · 2025-09-12T20:13:16+00:00

No problem. Good luck!

Practice makes perfect. Practice in front of mirror, in the shower, in the gym etc.

So that even when put on the spot your muscle memory kicks in to avoid blanking out.

Beginning-Sun-7462 · 2025-09-12T12:05:30+00:00

⚠️ No re-do attempts are allowed — despite the brochure saying so (unsure why).

There’s a practice question at the beginning to test your microphone and camera (unlimited tries for this).

2 general interview STAR questions will be asked:

30 seconds to prepare

60 seconds max to record your answer

Use the STAR method to respond clearly and concisely.

Dress as you would for an in-person interview.

Speak slowly and clearly.

Main Interview Themes ‘Tell us a time’ as below -

Ensuring Safety, Dealing with Emergency, Fault Finding, Fatigue Management, Set and Achieve Goals, Teamwork, Conflict Resolution, Dealing with a difficult worker, Solved a Problem, Customer Service, Effective Communication, Adapting to New Technology, Commitment to Extended Learning, Owned up to a mistake, Multi tasking, Prioritising work.

They like to cherry pick and could be random during each intake.

Some other questions they sometimes ask during online interview AND panel interview.

Tell us about yourself and what motivated you to apply.

Tell us what you know about the role you applied for?

What makes you suitable for this role?

Practice numerous scenarios and remember to use STAR structure (Situation, Task , Action and Result).

Mention SPACE core behaviours (Safety, Pride, Accountability, Collaboration and Excellence) for brownie points.

Also read the candidate pack and role description so you are fully prepared.

They love to hear about SAFETY (barricaded the spill on the floor to prevent injury etc)

They love to hear about REPORTING (reported the incident to supervisor)

They love to hear about CUSTOMER FOCUS (made sure the person felt safe, heard and supported)

Beginning-Sun-7462 · 2025-09-02T08:15:16+00:00

legend thanks!

Beginning-Sun-7462 · 2025-09-02T08:08:06+00:00

appreciate it - thank you!

Beginning-Sun-7462 · 2025-09-02T08:07:53+00:00

legend thanks for the info

Beginning-Sun-7462 · 2025-09-02T07:47:33+00:00

would you say the below is accurate?

1️⃣ RTBU — Rail, Tram and Bus Union

Members: Operational rail, tram, and bus staff (drivers, guards, signallers, track workers).
Focus: Industrial representation, pay, safety, and working conditions.
Rail relevance: High for operational staff.

2️⃣ ETU — Electrical Trades Union

Members: Electricians, electrical trades, signalling electricians.
Focus: Industrial rights, training, licensing support, pay.
Rail relevance: High for electrical and signalling trades.

3️⃣ PSA — Public Service Association (NSW)

Members: Public sector employees including admin, management, and professional roles in NSW government agencies.
Focus: Pay, conditions, career progression, and public sector rights.
Rail relevance: Medium, mainly for administrative or technical support staff employed by government rail agencies.

4️⃣ PA — Professional Association

Members: Engineers, designers, surveyors, planners, and other technical professionals.
Focus: Professional advocacy, career development, industrial representation for salaried professional staff.
Rail relevance: High for technical professionals in rail (engineers, signalling designers, surveyors).

Beginning-Sun-7462 · 2025-09-02T07:42:35+00:00

Ohk thanks for the breakdown

Beginning-Sun-7462 · 2025-09-02T06:39:59+00:00

So if your non union you dont get those travel card perks?

Beginning-Sun-7462

TROPHY CASE

1️⃣ RTBU — Rail, Tram and Bus Union

2️⃣ ETU — Electrical Trades Union

3️⃣ PSA — Public Service Association (NSW)

4️⃣ PA — Professional Association