DB Cargo

Overview

DB Cargo provide freight, infrastructure and passenger charter trains throughout the UK, and freight services to and from mainland Europe via the Channel Tunnel. We also provide traction and train crew for scheduled passenger operators.

Our Approach

Ford & Stanley were appointed in 2022 to pick up some of the short comings by there current suppliers. There was a headcount gap of 60 heads across their major depot of Toton.

We were bought in as a specialist within the rail sector to close the gap. In 18 months we recruited over 91 people across the following areas:

    • Locomotive Maintainers x 67
    • Wagon Maintainers x 8
    • Welders x 6
    • Modifications Techs x 3
    • Semi Skilled Fitters x 7 

Outcomes

This contract required us to supply across four different depot locations. Specifically, for this contact and in conjunction with parameters set by the client they were looking for the supplier to achieve an ‘inclusive’ campaign. The following criteria had to followed:

  • Recruitment from the local area
  • Considered approach to a variety of ethnic backgrounds
  • How the supplier will capture the data and present back to Northern 
  • How to avoid positive discrimination 
  • Unbiased solution

From contract award, we had two weeks to complete the first recruitment phase of 30 people, which was achieved with 100% success. The second intake we achieved with 100% success in a further two weeks. Commercially, we were able to achieve a cost reduction of 25% on standard rates for this exclusive project. 

Issues faced and Solutions

Salaries were below market rate. By providing benchmarking and industry feedback to the client and we were to increase the rates and salaries.

We changed the message to market as there was an engineering shift allowance that candidates were not aware previously. 

Other organisations were hiring or similar skill sets within the midlands. However, we developed an individual EVP for the depots that saw the candidate traffic to Ford & Stanley and DB Cargo. With a completing message to market.

Delivery

We provided DB Cargo with bi monthly assessment centres. In total interviewing over 178 individuals. We delivered a mix of Perm and Contract solutions to close the gap. We also introduced a training provide to support the volume through the business that Ford & Stanley managed.

 

We have a very reputable business and advised that with dual branded would gather the traction we needed. We also ran CTP events locally in the midlands for attraction. 

Assessment Centres

Ford & Stanley managed bit size Assessment Centres to control candidate flow and ensure quality of interaction time. Often in the morning and afternoon was a 30 min 121 face to face interview.

 

We also facilitated food and drinks on arrival. A Presentation by Ford & Stanley and site tour with DB Cargo. 

Outcome

Within 18 months we had successfully completed the original assignment. The other sites of Stoke and Crewe caught wind of the achievement and they came onboard, requesting our support. 

Therefore within the 18 month period we successfully appointed and retained over 91 candidates.