NGDP

I'm on the Birmingham afternoon session - yeah mine says 1.30pm too, so slightly concerned as well. Will probably also aim for 12.30pm.
CP1705 - I applied for this last year and got to this stage - there really isn't anything you can do to prepare. Just try not to run out of time majorly like I did last year (spent to long reading the material, not enough time writing). I don't remember the numerical bit being to complex (and I hate maths too), and there isn't that much time for lots of calculations anyway.

On the link for directions, it says there is a free shuttle bus from Birmingham Int station, anyone know about this?... Or do people fancy clubbing together to get a taxi to the hotel (since £8 is kind of expensive!).

good luck!

xx

On the link for directions, it says there is a free shuttle bus from Birmingham Int station, anyone know about this?

I was wondering that too so I gave the hotel a call and they said that the shuttle runs each hour between 11 and 1. I think there might also be a bus you can get, although I just got a copy of the travel expenses form and it doesn't say anything about not being able to claim back for taxi journeys.

Timmy, the station looks like it could be a long walk from the venue so getting to the station by train is ok, it's the next bit that's the problem.

Does anyone know what sort of dress code the assessment centre will be? I don't know how smart it will be considering it's only a written exercise.

Oh okay, I guess I'll aim to get to the station just before 12 then, if the shuttle runs every hour, and seeing as registration opens 45 mins before. I'll probably get a bus/taxi back if the shuttle only runs till 1. Yes, hopefully we can claim taxi fairs back- never had a receipt from a taxi though so I don't know if that would work.

Timmy, the station looks like it could be a long walk from the venue so getting to the station by train is ok, it's the next bit that's the problem.

Oh okay, I guess I'll aim to get to the station just before 12 then, if the shuttle runs every hour, and seeing as registration opens 45 mins before. I'll probably get a bus/taxi back if the shuttle only runs till 1. Yes, hopefully we can claim taxi fairs back- never had a receipt from a taxi though so I don't know if that would work.

Well, from last year there were some people dressed smart, and some dressed more casual. So its up to you. I personally wouldn't feel right not going smart.

xx

Hi again guys, that's where the website I linked to comes in useful. For the trains use nationalrail.co.uk and then for the buses use traveline.info. Traveline has uptodate timetables for all public transport, but I find nationalrail easier to use for the train aspect. Oh and Rebecca most of the time if you ask the taxi driver they will give you a receipt. Though if you don't feel comfortable doing that using busses makes claiming the expenses a lot easier.

Hope those little side points help somewhat

Does anyone know what sort of dress code the assessment centre will be? I don't know how smart it will be considering it's only a written exercise.

London afternoon session, this Friday.

Dreading this. haha

Same! see you there!


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I applied for this last year and got to this stage - there really isn't anything you can do to prepare. Just try not to run out of time majorly like I did last year (spent to long reading the material, not enough time writing). I don't remember the numerical bit being to complex (and I hate maths too), and there isn't that much time for lots of calculations anyway.

I think everyone has run out of time, which (to be perfectly honest) is quite the relief! I assume that we are being assessed more on how we actually comprehend the data and then present it than actually doing a full report. I emailed them and they linked me to the website which gives the full timescales: http://www.local.gov.uk/web/ngdp/join-ngdp. So whilst I feel a little daft now emailing them about information that is easily found on the website at least I can share it with you guys and spare anyone else the same blushes!

Good luck everyone! Just to offer a little from my experience - last year I called my parents as soon as I got out, told them I'd blown it - hadn't even finished the exam and I can't believe I wasted a day in London so close to my dissertation hand in deadline! And now I'm on the scheme...

So try not to worry

That's reassuring! I called my mum in a bit of a panic afterwards too.

Fingers crossed. I just hate the waiting!

How's the scheme going so far? Hope you're enjoying!


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