A career as a signaller

[Ducatist4]

Good news - just don't do anything till you have that letter in your hand!

 

[9tfrizzco]

Just got a call from recruitment and got a start date for signalling school in September. I asked if the date given would be a definite as training courses could be cancelled etc and can I certainly give my notice in to my current employer. I was told that NR will honour this start date even if training is cancelled or later than that date. I was told that I will receive this in writing and my employment with NR will commence on the date given to me. I am over the moon to say the least, the training school is in my local city which is another bonus. I just wanted to let people know this good news as it seems NR are honouring start dates and not withdrawing them.

So you are starting employment in September? Did you think an earlier start date was on the cards, or were you always looking at starting around then?

 

[Ducatist4]

Starting dates often seem to be quite a long way in the future - usually due to availability of places in signalling school.

 

[Signaller2020]

Just got a call from recruitment and got a start date for signalling school in September. I asked if the date given would be a definite as training courses could be cancelled etc and can I certainly give my notice in to my current employer. I was told that NR will honour this start date even if training is cancelled or later than that date. I was told that I will receive this in writing and my employment with NR will commence on the date given to me. I am over the moon to say the least, the training school is in my local city which is another bonus. I just wanted to let people know this good news as it seems NR are honouring start dates and not withdrawing them.

Congratulations. Where will you be based?

 

[Gallius]

Just got a call from recruitment and got a start date for signalling school in September. I asked if the date given would be a definite as training courses could be cancelled etc and can I certainly give my notice in to my current employer. I was told that NR will honour this start date even if training is cancelled or later than that date. I was told that I will receive this in writing and my employment with NR will commence on the date given to me. I am over the moon to say the least, the training school is in my local city which is another bonus. I just wanted to let people know this good news as it seems NR are honouring start dates and not withdrawing them.

That's good news! Where is your signalling training taking place? I'm still waiting on a start date but hoping I will hear something soon.

 

[Midlands_lad]

So you are starting employment in September? Did you think an earlier start date was on the cards, or were you always looking at starting around then?

It wasn’t ever going to be earlier as I was going on a family holiday in July and there can’t be any break during training.

 

[Midlands_lad]

Congratulations. Where will you be based?

West Midlands Signalling Centre.

 

[Midlands_lad]

That's good news! Where is your signalling training taking place? I'm still waiting on a start date but hoping I will hear something soon.

Birmingham.

 

[9tfrizzco]

It wasn’t ever going to be earlier as I was going on a family holiday in July and there can’t be any break during training.

Oh I see. This is promising. Hope the same applies for all vacancies.
Congrats.

 

[Javagem]

Oh I see. This is promising. Hope the same applies for all vacancies.
Congrats.

Fingers crossed, are you on the 27/4 York Future Opportunities intake?

 

[Javagem]

Just got a call from recruitment and got a start date for signalling school in September. I asked if the date given would be a definite as training courses could be cancelled etc and can I certainly give my notice in to my current employer. I was told that NR will honour this start date even if training is cancelled or later than that date. I was told that I will receive this in writing and my employment with NR will commence on the date given to me. I am over the moon to say the least, the training school is in my local city which is another bonus. I just wanted to let people know this good news as it seems NR are honouring start dates and not withdrawing them.

That’s great news, congrats. Thanks for updating us.

 

[SignallerJohn]

An interesting conversation this morning about whether or not Hidden will be suspended for the time being, currently a 50/50 for and against the idea. Anyone heard anything about this on the grapevine?

 

[9tfrizzco]

Fingers crossed, are you on the 27/4 York Future Opportunities intake?

Yeah I am

 

[WoollyMammoth]

Just got a call from recruitment and got a start date for signalling school in September. I asked if the date given would be a definite as training courses could be cancelled etc and can I certainly give my notice in to my current employer. I was told that NR will honour this start date even if training is cancelled or later than that date. I was told that I will receive this in writing and my employment with NR will commence on the date given to me. I am over the moon to say the least, the training school is in my local city which is another bonus. I just wanted to let people know this good news as it seems NR are honouring start dates and not withdrawing them.

Well done mate! Thanks for letting us know!

 

[railwanabe]

Failed my online SJT verbal and numerical reasoning for Marylebone. Was taken by surprise really i thought I scored high marks. Maybe I failed the SJT.

 

[Ducatist4]

Failed my online SJT verbal and numerical reasoning for Marylebone. Was taken by surprise really i thought I scored high marks. Maybe I failed the SJT.

Sadly thats you stuffed for the next twelve months.

 

[Midlands_lad]

Can anyone tell me what signallers usually wear to work, is there a uniform or is it just smart casual dress? Also when at signaller school is the train fare paid for, I will be commuting each day as it is local to me, many thanks.

 

[9tfrizzco]

Failed my online SJT verbal and numerical reasoning for Marylebone. Was taken by surprise really i thought I scored high marks. Maybe I failed the SJT.

Maybe you thought you did well on the verbal reasoning but didn't practise enough and get to grips with it properly. Next time spend a good amount of time practising and becoming accustomed to the answer they are looking for

 

[LOM]

An interesting conversation this morning about whether or not Hidden will be suspended for the time being, currently a 50/50 for and against the idea. Anyone heard anything about this on the grapevine?

No not heard anything about that. There have been several TNCs granted against various bits of the NOPs for the next 8 weeks but control of working hours is not one of them.

Can anyone tell me what signallers usually wear to work, is there a uniform or is it just smart casual dress? Also when at signaller school is the train fare paid for, I will be commuting each day as it is local to me, many thanks.

There is a uniform but it is not mandatory so generally just wear what you like. Train travel to school is paid for by the company.

 

[Midlands_lad]

No not heard anything about that. There have been several TNCs granted against various bits of the NOPs for the next 8 weeks but control of working hours is not one of them.



There is a uniform but it is not mandatory so generally just wear what you like. Train travel to school is paid for by the company.

Thank you

 

[Midlands_lad]

Thank you

Just out of curiosity what is the uniform and do people actually wear it?

 

[HelixUK]

Just out of curiosity what is the uniform and do people actually wear it?

When I started I was issued with 5 polo's, 2 work trousers, a fleece jacket and safety boots.

Also got high vis trousers and jacket in case barriers fail and I have to go out to operate them.

I wear the polo shirts and fleece jacket, not so much the work trousers. Usually wear my own trousers or shorts.

Obviously if you work in a ROC/sig centre there's no need for safety boots.

 

[Qball]

Just out of curiosity what is the uniform and do people actually wear it?

For signalling school smart ( I wore t-shirts and jeans) and when you become a signaller depends on your signal box could be in full Hi-Vis or company t-shirts and jeans

 

[LOM]

Just out of curiosity what is the uniform and do people actually wear it?

There are lots of different items available -

navy blue tee shirt / sky blue polo shirt / navy blue vee neck jumper / navy blue sweatshirt / navy blue cargo trousers / navy blue fleece / navy blue body warmer / navy blue softshell jacket / navy blue beanie hat

You would be issued with a mixture of the above depending on the generosity of your LOM and the state of their budget. People who join the team at the end of the financial year may find themselves considerably better clad that those who join at the start. I am not a stickler for uniform (I do not care what my guys wear as long as they are comfortable) but some managers are. PPE is not counted as uniform.

 

[Sunset route]

An interesting conversation this morning about whether or not Hidden will be suspended for the time being, currently a 50/50 for and against the idea. Anyone heard anything about this on the grapevine?

Hidden recommendation 18 which everybody quotes is not really that in depth. But a whole host of new working practices agreed between union and BR/Private companies of which some were because of the Working Time Directive, other employments and heath & safety laws/guidelines are what we actually work to.

 

[Allaboard78]

Just got a call from recruitment and got a start date for signalling school in September. I asked if the date given would be a definite as training courses could be cancelled etc and can I certainly give my notice in to my current employer. I was told that NR will honour this start date even if training is cancelled or later than that date. I was told that I will receive this in writing and my employment with NR will commence on the date given to me. I am over the moon to say the least, the training school is in my local city which is another bonus. I just wanted to let people know this good news as it seems NR are honouring start dates and not withdrawing them.

Congratulations!!! Can I ask what grade this us on?

 

[Midlands_lad]

Grade 6.

 

[railwanabe]

Most definitely a mistake I didn’t pass verbal and numerical reasoning. I aced the tests according to me.

 

[9tfrizzco]

No doubt

 

[nom de guerre]

Just out of curiosity what is the uniform and do people actually wear it?

Around here, it tends to be the polos, tees and sweatshirts, if anything.

The trousers are universally shunned!