A career as a signaller

[LOM]

This Document is worth a read for aspiring signalers.

Personally I would not be worrying about it too much. It is pretty heavy stuff.

 

[Ducatist4]

Thats true but it does give some insight into the kind of things signalers can encounter on a day to day basis.

 

[High Dyke]

This Document is worth a read for aspiring signalers.

Ah, some reading material for work this afternoon. Looks like that will occupy my time between trains.

Personally I would not be worrying about it too much. It is pretty heavy stuff.

Absolutely. The header page does give an 'outsider' a taste of what we do everyday.

Simon French, Chief Inspector of Rail Accidents said:

“The decisions made by signallers have an immediate, vital impact on the safety of people using the railway. Whether giving a level crossing user permission to cross the line, or making sure that track workers are protected from the approach of trains, a good decision by the signaller is often the last line of defence against tragedy.

“It’s easy for an outsider to assume that on the modern railway, everything to do with signalling trains is automatic, fail-safe, and relies on the latest technology. While there is a huge amount of complex hardware and software out there, supported by thousands of engineers and technicians, many decisions about everyday operations are still down to the human beings who operate the system.

As the railway has got busier, so the demands on the signaller have increased. Much of what signallers deal with – mostly successfully – is down to experience and implicit knowledge, but current processes don’t recognise this.

All of this experience will come, but that is also down to comprehensive training that you receive, either in the training school or once you've passed.

 

[CGH86]

Can someone in the know clarify a detail around annual leave. Just reading through my offer, and it says 28 days leave for a week of 5 turns. And down to 22 days leave for week of 4 turns. I'm not sure what that means?

 

[Pugman]

Can anyone let me know what is going on with medicals at the moment?

 

[bouff34]

Can someone in the know clarify a detail around annual leave. Just reading through my offer, and it says 28 days leave for a week of 5 turns. And down to 22 days leave for week of 4 turns. I'm not sure what that means?

This has already been answered within the last month or so on this thread....

Basically, if you work Mon - Friday you would get 28 days but most signallers don't so the 28 days gets adjusted dependent on the shift pattern you work so that it is fair for everybody.

 

[CGH86]

This has already been answered within the last month or so on this thread....

Basically, if you work Mon - Friday you would get 28 days but most signallers don't so the 28 days gets adjusted dependent on the shift pattern you work so that it is fair for everybody.

Okay cheers will take a look back

 

[Allaboard78]

Can someone in the know clarify a detail around annual leave. Just reading through my offer, and it says 28 days leave for a week of 5 turns. And down to 22 days leave for week of 4 turns. I'm not sure what that means?

If you go back a couple of pages the answer is there

 

[Allaboard78]

If you go back a couple of pages the answer is there

Doh someone beat me to it

 

[MostlyHarmless]

Can anyone let me know what is going on with medicals at the moment? I have been told that as a Crossing Keeper (I got the job at Pantyffynnon!) it could be 3 weeks from formal offer to start date, but this could be held up by the medical due to coronavirus, etc... Has anyone on here had their start date delayed due to their medical being put back as yet? I am trying to work out when to hand in notice with my current employers....

Medicals are happening again. I have one tomorrow afternoon at Victoria, so hopefully you'll hear soon about yours.

 

[s1msimma]

Good evening, I just wanted to say I'm really thankful for all the contributors on this forum. Vast amounts of knowledge being passed on. On that note I applied for the Wokingham Signaller position. Would someone be able to shine more light on this work location. Many thanks

 

[godfreycomplex]

Good evening, I just wanted to say I'm really thankful for all the contributors on this forum. Vast amounts of knowledge being passed on. On that note I applied for the Wokingham Signaller position. Would someone be able to shine more light on this work location. Many thanks

Wokingham box covers Earley to Blackwater and Bracknell. Three level crossings, the one outside the signal box, one on Easthampsted Road (Star Lane crossing, controlled via CCTV from Wokingham box) and one on Waterloo Road (Waterloo AHB, works automatically but supervised by Wokingham box).
On the challenging side for a single crewed box (at least 10 trains per hour off peak) but a good starter box with plenty to keep you interested.

See above. 8 hour roster with 12 hour Sundays.

 

[s1msimma]

See above. 8 hour roster with 12 hour Sundays.

Thank you for your help

 

[MrsP2010]

Can anyone let me know what is going on with medicals at the moment? I have been told that as a Crossing Keeper (I got the job at Pantyffynnon!) it could be 3 weeks from formal offer to start date, but this could be held up by the medical due to coronavirus, etc... Has anyone on here had their start date delayed due to their medical being put back as yet? I am trying to work out when to hand in notice with my current employers....

I received a formal offer for a signalling role near Shrewsbury and all the background checks were completed on 28 April. I was then told it was just a date for the medical that would hold me back as Optima aren’t doing any medicals at the moment. Senior managers from NR are in discussions to work out how they can restart. I’ve heard nothing since

 

[MrsP2010]

Medicals are happening again. I have one tomorrow afternoon at Victoria, so hopefully you'll hear soon about yours.

How long ago did you get your offer? I’ve been waiting since the end of last month and haven’t heard anything yet

 

[MostlyHarmless]

How long ago did you get your offer? I’ve been waiting since the end of last month and haven’t heard anything yet

I got my offer on the 7th April and the call about the medical last weekend. I'm not sure but it looks like they are only doing them in London atm, as I know of someone coming down from the North East of England for his.

 

[Gallius]

I got my offer on the 7th April and the call about the medical last weekend. I'm not sure but it looks like they are only doing them in London atm, as I know of someone coming down from the North East of England for his.

I had my medical at the beginning of March and I'm still waiting for a start date. I last heard from my LOM 6 weeks ago who said they were trying to secure signalling school places. I've seen others on this forum who had offers after me are now at signalling school or have at least been given a school date so I'm not sure how it works in terms of priority.

 

[LOM]

I had my medical at the beginning of March and I'm still waiting for a start date. I last heard from my LOM 6 weeks ago who said they were trying to secure signalling school places. I've seen others on this forum who had offers after me are now at signalling school or have at least been given a school date so I'm not sure how it works in terms of priority.

It depends where you are in the country and what type of course you need.

 

[Allaboard78]

Does anyone know anything about the signaller school in newport?

 

[Gallius]

It depends where you are in the country and what type of course you need.

I'm not sure which course I'll be doing but I was told it'd either be York, Basingstoke, Coventry or held locally. Thankfully I'm still in a job so the delay isn't too much of an issue. I'll just need to be patient.

 

[Tom Quinne]

Does anyone know anything about the signaller school in newport?

Hope you get free parking or it’ll cost you a fortune in parking fines outside or fees inside.

I know they spent a lot of money converting the former electrification project buildings next to the car park access ramp.

Plenty of placea go get food if you need, very nice chippy 3 minutes from the door or a Tesco metro across the road.

No idea if they have any simulators in there or it’s just classrooms.

 

[headshot119]

Hope you get free parking or it’ll cost you a fortune in parking fines outside or fees inside.

I know they spent a lot of money converting the former electrification project buildings next to the car park access ramp.

Plenty of placea go get food if you need, very nice chippy 3 minutes from the door or a Tesco metro across the road.

No idea if they have any simulators in there or it’s just classrooms.

There's definitely a Gatestown simulator in there. Not sure if they managed to get a Hornby Junction as well.

 

[Signaller2020]

Until I sign a contract I'm not taking anything for granted.. But it sounds that way. Wondering if anybody on here could clarify that signaller pools work in this way? And if anybody has started their employment with NR via this route? Cheers

Looks like I was right to not take anything for granted..

It seems there was a bit of confusion and I have just cleared it up with the hiring manager. As it turns out I have not been offered a position of pool signaller after all and that I was told I could go on a reserve list if I wished.

As the pool signaller role was discussed, along with waiting for a space at IST and the 12 month FTC etc, I was under the impressions that I was being placed in the pool but obviously that wasn't the case.

I have been told that I would be kept on the books for 6 months and if something comes up they will be in touch.

I am absolutely gutted to say the least, and a bit embarrassed that I read into it that I was going into the pool but I will keep plugging away.

All the best to the other successful candidates moving forward.

 

[MrsP2010]

Looks like I was right to not take anything for granted..

It seems there was a bit of confusion and I have just cleared it up with the hiring manager. As it turns out I have not been offered a position of pool signaller after all and that I was told I could go on a reserve list if I wished.

As the pool signaller role was discussed, along with waiting for a space at IST and the 12 month FTC etc, I was under the impressions that I was being placed in the pool but obviously that wasn't the case.

I have been told that I would be kept on the books for 6 months and if something comes up they will be in touch.

I am absolutely gutted to say the least, and a bit embarrassed that I read into it that I was going into the pool but I will keep plugging away.

All the best to the other successful candidates moving forward.

So sorry to hear that. But take comfort in the fact that you now know you have what they’re looking for so hopefully, if you apply again, you’ll get there. Good luck

 

[Tom Quinne]

There's definitely a Gatestown simulator in there. Not sure if they managed to get a Hornby Junction as well.

Gatestown is the NX isn’t it?

 

[Danny Boy]

Gatestown is the NX isn’t it?

Yes Gatestown is the NX panel

 

[Mi&Li]

Looks like I was right to not take anything for granted..

It seems there was a bit of confusion and I have just cleared it up with the hiring manager. As it turns out I have not been offered a position of pool signaller after all and that I was told I could go on a reserve list if I wished.

As the pool signaller role was discussed, along with waiting for a space at IST and the 12 month FTC etc, I was under the impressions that I was being placed in the pool but obviously that wasn't the case.

I have been told that I would be kept on the books for 6 months and if something comes up they will be in touch.

I am absolutely gutted to say the least, and a bit embarrassed that I read into it that I was going into the pool but I will keep plugging away.

All the best to the other successful candidates moving forward.

Gutted for you, but as said, take some comfort knowing you have what it takes. Every unsuccessful interview is training for the next.

It might be worth, if you can, finding out which boxes/workstations the LOM covers so if you spot any vacancies come up, get in touch with recruitment and tell them you’re on a reserve list

 

[Allaboard78]

Looks like I was right to not take anything for granted..

It seems there was a bit of confusion and I have just cleared it up with the hiring manager. As it turns out I have not been offered a position of pool signaller after all and that I was told I could go on a reserve list if I wished.

As the pool signaller role was discussed, along with waiting for a space at IST and the 12 month FTC etc, I was under the impressions that I was being placed in the pool but obviously that wasn't the case.

I have been told that I would be kept on the books for 6 months and if something comes up they will be in touch.

I am absolutely gutted to say the least, and a bit embarrassed that I read into it that I was going into the pool but I will keep plugging away.

All the best to the other successful candidates moving forward.

I'm confused....if you were the reserve candidate how is the other chap on here going to signal school?

 

[leomc1627]

Does any one know what signal box.s are in and around clacton on sea cnt find any information cheers

 

[Signaller2020]

I'm confused....if you were the reserve candidate how is the other chap on here going to signal school?

I received an email from HR re the Abercynon position stating that as I met the benchmark at interview they would place my application on hold and should the offer to the successful candidate not commence they would like to consider me for the position so I assumed that meant I was a reserve candidate (but I may be wrong). That's not to say others were not being placed in reserve also and may have scored higher than me, hence they are off to signalling school.

Tough to take but I will keep at it and its experience moving forward for future applications. I am a determined type of person so I won't let a set back put me off.