WestJet Mainline/Encore Hiring pool

[youflyboyscrackmeup]

That is where I am at Bebe. I don't think I am alone.

I can't see leaving my six figure 703\604 job for a chance to maybe get to fly for a major airline.

I did my time in the north (Arctic North) accumulated a lot of multi turbine PIC which lead me back to a major city and a very good left seat job where I have accumulated a lot more PIC.

When I started my journey 10 years ago everyone said "go north get lots of PIC that's what will get you to a major"...so I did.

It simply isn't in the cards for me to take less money 10 years into my career then what I made in my first year.

I am thinking the 703\704\604 world may feel the pressure more than the airlines with keeping experienced personnel. Supply and demand might push salaries and benefits up on this side of aviation. If this was 6-7 years ago I would have been all over Encore or Jazz but not now. I am mid 30's married and own a house have a wife and want to finally start a family (which I have been putting off for my career).

I actually feel like a weight on my shoulders has been lifted. I have lived my life based on having to take a pay cut at some point but now that I don't have to I can have a little more fun. The airline executives have structured these deals and made it not worth the jump. I am going to make the most of what I have and see where this path leads.

All the best to those willing to take what is being offered...

Old Fella: The industry isn't all bad. If his dream is to fly all the contract BS wont matter. I still love to fly regardless anything...and I wouldn't trade my career for anything

[Bede]

^ seems like you've got it figured out.

I ran into a guy last year when I was on a ski vacation. He makes $80k/yr, works 15 days/month, days only, lives in his home town (really nice place in BC), and flies a nicely equipped aircraft doing rewarding flying. He asked me what his chances were to get on with Encore. I asked him if he was nuts.

[DaveP]

I don't know where you guys are getting the 50% flow from. Flow is at 25%. That's it. That's all.

Hi BE,
My next class in May will have 50% flow. In fact there are strong rumblings of a second class being added in May. If so there is a good chance 50 will be in that one too.
I’ve mentioned this before it’s really tough to pull guys during a large growth spurt at Encore - but we are managing to increase it. When WJ Encore stabilizes with growth it should be really easy to pull 100% flow.

Take care,
Dave

[mmm..bacon]

^Heh, this is where the coolaid millionaires pipe in that "you've got to make sacrifices to get ahead in this industry."
Or the self-help gurus with: "you can have anything if you want it badly enough."

I hear you - frustrating isn't it...read Bede's earlier comments, though. Lifestyle, lifestyle, lifestyle...

[rdane042]

Hi Dave,

Sorry if this is going to be a redundant question, just wondering if you happen to know how long it would normally take for candidates in the pool (Encore) to get a call for the ground school?

Many thanks,

[loopa]

how long it would normally take for candidates in the pool (Encore) to get a call for the ground school?

My 2 cents...

I honestly believe it varies. Some people have spent a week in the pool, some people not even a day. Other's are still waiting. It is also my understanding that you don't get selected based on the date of going into the pool. They review everyone in the pool for each grsc, and will pick the candidates that they feel are best suitable for the class being put together. I believe there was a post explaining why people are in the pool for various times. Interview scores, total experience, etc...

If I could venture to guess, they will have classes that vary from Experienced, to Not as experienced to perhaps a diverse group of both experienced and not experienced. I would imagine the demand at Encore is what determined who gets called from the pool. If they imagine they need you to upgrade in 6 months, maybe a more experienced class would be put together etc.

[DaveP]

Hi rdane and what'sitdoing,

The way I see it playing out in the next year for us is: Westjet will hire a few more direct entry guys but not many.
If I had a crystal ball - I would expect to see the bulk of Westjet growth only in the first half of 2016 due to the 67 fleet coming online.
By then WJ Encore will likely be taking the flexed options. Depending on those aircraft delivery (spacing) dates - that will determine the flow rates.
The other wild cards are -1) what's the economy going to do?2) the new rules pertaining to rest and duty - that will likely induce hiring 3) retirements and 4) potential widebody expansion

I understand it's not the best news for guys holding out for a direct entry spot. It's going to be competitive.

As for the time in the pool - essentially after you are admitted to the pool and a class has to be selected (usually 30 days out) - myself or the cp from encore will go through the interview packages.
We try and select a diverse class (regardless of when you interviewed) review scoring and references etc.
In Encore's case we pick again diversity, upgrade potential and balance less experience with more experience.
So basically it's all over the map on how long someone waits. We don't like anyone waiting too long though. We understand it's tough sitting in there and we try to respect that.
I should have mentioned too, that if I see that someone lives out east for example, we try and match the base whenever possible. I'm just trying to not disrupt their lives as much as I can.
Loop is pretty accurate in his assumptions
Dave

[CanadianEh]

Hi rdane and what'sitdoing,

The way I see it playing out in the next year for us is: Westjet will hire a few more direct entry guys but not many.
If I had a crystal ball - I would expect to see the bulk of Westjet growth only in the first half of 2016 due to the 67 fleet coming online.
By then WJ Encore will likely be taking the flexed options. Depending on those aircraft delivery (spacing) dates - that will determine the flow rates.
The other wild cards are -1) what's the economy going to do?2) the new rules pertaining to rest and duty - that will likely induce hiring 3) retirements and 4) potential widebody expansion

I understand it's not the best news for guys holding out for a direct entry spot. It's going to be competitive.

As for the time in the pool - essentially after you are admitted to the pool and a class has to be selected (usually 30 days out) - myself or the cp from encore will go through the interview packages.
We try and select a diverse class (regardless of when you interviewed) review scoring and references etc.
In Encore's case we pick again diversity, upgrade potential and balance less experience with more experience.
So basically it's all over the map on how long someone waits. We don't like anyone waiting too long though. We understand it's tough sitting in there and we try to respect that.
I should have mentioned too, that if I see that someone lives out east for example, we try and match the base whenever possible. I'm just trying to not disrupt their lives as much as I can.
Loop is pretty accurate in his assumptions
Dave

Wow, a company that takes into account that pilots are HUMANS and have LIVES. Good on you DaveP and WJ!

[rdane042]

Dave, thank you very much for your reply.
I am far more excited, than ever, to join a company with such culture that values and cares for its prospective employees

[loopa]

Dave, thank you very much for your reply.
I am far more excited, than ever, to join a company with such culture that values and cares for its prospective employees

It truly is a breath of fresh air isn't it? I share your excitement

And it's a statement like the above that leads me to believe the WJ management will continue improving Encore as it matures. It's the only natural direction for a corporate culture like them.

Best of luck and I hope you get the call soon

[rdane042]

Thank you very much Loopa - Really appreciate it

[loopa]

[condor1]

I totally agree with loopa & rdane042.
Thank you Dave for all the info. We all appreciate it.
Hope to be interviewed soon and good luck to all of you!

[loopa]

Condor1, biggest piece of advice for your interview - just be yourself. Seriously the way they ask questions is very very very very (x 1000000) smart. If you aren't yourself it will shine within a matter of a few minutes. Answer questions the way you think it should be answered, because that's what they are looking for in my opinion. Also try not being too nervous. Remember, they need to trust you operating a 65000lb aircraft up there. If you're nervous it can impede your display of confidence which is never good.

Most importantly, have fun with it. There will be hard questions. If you come out of there saying "I aced it" something probably went seriously wrong. If you come out of there with a big question mark hanging over your head, chances are you did well I've heard this many times and can definitely relate to the feeling.

Best of luck dude/girl!

[condor1]

Condor1, biggest piece of advice for your interview - just be yourself. Seriously the way they ask questions is very very very very (x 1000000) smart. If you aren't yourself it will shine within a matter of a few minutes. Answer questions the way you think it should be answered, because that's what they are looking for in my opinion. Also try not being too nervous. Remember, they need to trust you operating a 65000lb aircraft up there. If you're nervous it can impede your display of confidence which is never good.

Most importantly, have fun with it. There will be hard questions. If you come out of there saying "I aced it" something probably went seriously wrong. If you come out of there with a big question mark hanging over your head, chances are you did well I've heard this many times and can definitely relate to the feeling.

Best of luck dude/girl!

Thanks loopa!!

Will do!!

[loopa]

[BE20 Driver]

Hi BE,
My next class in May will have 50% flow. In fact there are strong rumblings of a second class being added in May. If so there is a good chance 50 will be in that one too.
I’ve mentioned this before it’s really tough to pull guys during a large growth spurt at Encore - but we are managing to increase it. When WJ Encore stabilizes with growth it should be really easy to pull 100% flow.

Take care,
Dave

Dave

Thanks for this. We are hearing Encore management say that flow is at 25% and after May, it will go back to 25%. Unfortunately, that will make 50% the exception, not the rule.

Hopefully, we are able to sustain a higher flow. There are only seven deliveries this year and a course per month so that should hopefully keep us ahead on the hiring front.

[flaps1]

Hi guys, can anyone comment on how long it is taking these days to be notified of the results of your interview and whether you are accepted into the pool at Encore?

Thanks

[lostaviator]

I was told in my interview to call them if I didn't hear within 14 days. I heard on day 13, with 5 minutes left to the week. From what I hear, the pfos come much faster so the wait may be a good sign.

[flaps1]

Thanks! I was told 3-4 weeks. I've heard it can take even longer these days with all the interviews going on.

[Johnny#5]

Even Encore has a hiring pool now?? So you don't start working if you're hired, you just go into a waiting list?

[KK7]

Even Encore has a hiring pool now?? So you don't start working if you're hired, you just go into a waiting list?

Encore has had a pool for quite some time now. Being put in the pool is not being hired, nor is it a guarantee of being hired. They make this quite clear in the interview and when put in the pool. There is no seniority in the pool either, they pick a groundschool from the pool based on a mix of different types of candidates.

This being said, I think most people's time in the pool is pretty short. Mine was about a week, some have had days.

[rdane042]

My friend has been in the pool for approx. 2 months now

[tr12]

I know a guy who expired out of the pool after being in it for a year. Whereas i got a call within a week of being in the pool...

[Mooseontheloose]

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