A career as a signaller

[AirCon888]

Hi, long time lurker, first time poster here. Would like to add my thanks to the long list, for the invaluable information on the thread.
Prepping for my first interview, and I seem to have come across two different versions of the safety vision. Although, ultimately the same message, the wording is slightly different. I was hoping somebody would be able to help me out as to which is the one I need to know. One is from the code of conduct, downloaded right from the Network Rail site, the other is also off the network rail site, via a link in the safety section.

 

[LOM]

The one signed by Andy Haines is the current one.

 

[AirCon888]

The one signed by Andy Haines is the current one.

I thought so, I was just a little apprehensive to commit, as they were both taken from the official site.
Many thanks.

 

[Tom Quinne]

I have never understood, and I am not the only one, why they go for a strike staright away, it is sometimes counter productive, go for a not O/T call first, I would haved thought 1) More Effective amd 2) Non-Union can also take part with no recourse.

You get a voice on industrial action, that can be a strike or work for rule / rest day ban, it’s worded on the ballot form as action short of strike action.

You may have a 70% call for action short of strike with only 30% calling for strike.

Even if the ballot does come back as a majority for strike, just the mandate can and usually does focus minds in those who make the decisions.

Ive been on strike - actual picket line - twice in my 17 years on the railway, over DOO and Sunday working both achieved the desired effect, management back round the table and coming to a mutually acceptable deal.

 

[Defenestrate]

Not a chance I’m afraid, not enough Union membership...

I thought i heard some statistics that 95%+ of signallers are in the RMT?
Or maybe that is just my box/region?

 

[Tom Quinne]

Definitely not across the grade, 95% is more driver membership levels. I’d say a majority but certainly not 90%+

 

[Cumbo92]

Hi Guys,
I am, all being well starting Signalling school on the 14th September, if I pass medical and checks! Just wanted as much information about the course? I have heard it is an extremely intense course, I do have a railway background, and I am just wandering what are the chances of failure in a sense. I'd like too think I'm fairly smart? Probably debatable depending who you ask. I'm just curious really as that's my main fear going into it.

Thanks

 

[Tom Quinne]

If you put the work in, you will pass the course.
It’s designed, and taught for someone with zero background in any form of Railway work so I’m sure you’ll be fine. Go into it however with a blank sheet of paper as your mind set, it’s amazing how much you think you know but you don’t.

 

[Cumbo92]

If you put the work in, you will pass the course.
It’s designed, and taught for someone with zero background in any form of Railway work so I’m sure you’ll be fine. Go into it however with a blank sheet of paper as your mind set, it’s amazing how much you think you know but you don’t.

Thank You, yeah so with application and hard work, should be okay!

 

[High Dyke]

I have never understood, and I am not the only one, why they go for a strike staright away, it is sometimes counter productive, go for a not O/T call first, I would haved thought 1) More Effective amd 2) Non-Union can also take part with no recourse.

It makes for good sabre rattling in the media. Not that they ever reports the facts correctly. Anyroad, let's not put a dampener on it for the prospective signallers on here. Any industrial action really is a long way from the start of any negotiation. I'm already dealing with a couple of industrial issues regarding two different areas of signallers at the moment.

 

[Mills444]

Hello all just saw a position at Haselmere box yet I was under the impression it was sue to close in CP6. Any ideas?

 

[Tom Quinne]

Any projects which aren’t shovels in the ground now I think you can wave goodbye to for decades at least.
The firm will no doubt be told to cut costs over the coming years, so it’s steady as you go for a good while I think.

 

[Mills444]

Any projects which aren’t shovels in the ground now I think you can wave goodbye to for decades at least.
The firm will no doubt be told to cut costs over the coming years, so it’s steady as you go for a good while I think.

Thanks for that, it looks a nice box hope i'll get in.

 

[amanda08]

So, day 3 of my induction week under the belt Spent time in two different boxes the last few days and it was fantastic! I couldn't have been made to feel more welcome by the signallers and they were super patient with my 101 questions and very generous with their knowledge
Spending a couple of days in the boxes has really reinforced for me, how much the job appeals


The apprentice induction has been cancelled the next few days so it's more box visits for me instead, then starting in York on Monday

 

[Kraken]

I forgot to shout back on here but it got moved back to a face to face so went to the offices was really chilled sat and had a good conversation with another LOM and a graduate apprentice while I was waiting for another interview to finish I think the worst part is over now just the waiting game to see if I did enough they where chuffed I could recite all 10 life saving skills from memory!

Face-to-face interview?! Luxury! Never happened in my day

Sounds like it’s gone decently though, let us know when you have any news.

 

[Kraken]

So, day 3 of my induction week under the belt Spent time in two different boxes the last few days and it was fantastic! I couldn't have been made to feel more welcome by the signallers and they were super patient with my 101 questions and very generous with their knowledge
Spending a couple of days in the boxes has really reinforced for me, how much the job appeals


The apprentice induction has been cancelled the next few days so it's more box visits for me instead, then starting in York on Monday

Sounds like you’ve had a great few days, excellent news. It’s pleasing that getting that experience of the job has reinforced that you’ve made a good decision, lovely stuff. Excited to get my date now, medical out of the way so hopefully it will not be long now. Definitely managing my expectations on timings though!

 

[amanda08]

Sounds like you’ve had a great few days, excellent news. It’s pleasing that getting that experience of the job has reinforced that you’ve made a good decision, lovely stuff. Excited to get my date now, medical out of the way so hopefully it will not be long now. Definitely managing my expectations on timings though!

Hopefully you won't have to wait too long, they are pretty short staffed right now and so i bet LOM will be really pushing for dates for you. But yes, it has been a great start to things this week

 

[RailNoob]

Face-to-face interview?! Luxury! Never happened in my day

Sounds like it’s gone decently though, let us know when you have any news.

I know I was really glad off it when I heard back off HR because I feel you can sell yourself better in person! I will as soon as I know the LOMs said it would be next week some time probably!

 

[Horizon22]

We have been undertaking more and more work for the same money for years, with that work comes increasing stress and potential to mess up with loose of life as a result.

Compared to other industries we’re very low paid, circa £22,000 starting salary with the same pressures.

True, but again the same can be said for many other sectors such as in the NHS. Not dragging people down but when the railway is losing a hell of a lot of money I think withdrawing a bonus / suspending above-inflation pay rises is entirely reasonable. And I work in the industry. Additionally as you know, the starting salary is very dependent on grade and doesn't include the enhancements for unsociable hours.

Anyway this is veering a bit off-topic!

 

[Wanderer84]

Hey guys, quick question (hopefully LOM can give an insight into this).

In the last couple of weeks I've been getting a few rejection emails through.
I'm used to the RBI, "more suitable candidate found" letter, but recently I've been getting a "did not meet the required criteria" letter...

I currently have 5 applications sent to hiring managers (4 XKs, 1 signaller role).

Is this the limit of apps "under consideration for assessment 2" at one time, is it due to the high number of current applicants, is it a new RBI letter template, or a combination of these? (Or is it something I haven't considered)?

Any help is appreciated, as always.

 

[BigRob21]

Just had my interview, LOMs made me feel very welcome hopefully it was enough should know by next week!

Hope it went well for you buddy. I have mine next week and feeling a little nervous about it.... any tips

 

[RailNoob]

Hope it went well for you buddy. I have mine next week and feeling a little nervous about it.... any tips

Appreciate that! My advice would be really work on your examples for the non technical skills as the interview is mostly based around that and the safety vision if you get those nailed it should be a breeze hoping I did enough it was only today and the wait is already killing me!

 

[LOM]

Hey guys, quick question (hopefully LOM can give an insight into this).

In the last couple of weeks I've been getting a few rejection emails through.
I'm used to the RBI, "more suitable candidate found" letter, but recently I've been getting a "did not meet the required criteria" letter...

I currently have 5 applications sent to hiring managers (4 XKs, 1 signaller role).

Is this the limit of apps "under consideration for assessment 2" at one time, is it due to the high number of current applicants, is it a new RBI letter template, or a combination of these? (Or is it something I haven't considered)?

Any help is appreciated, as always.

The rejection reason is just picked off a drop down list by the hiring manager and is used to populate an automated email. The most straightforward, and usual, one is “more suitable candidate” but there are lots of options and you are supposed to pick the most appropriate one. Here is a screenshot from the system so you can see what the hiring manager can choose from:

View attachment 81108

As far as I know there is no limit on how many applications you can have under consideration at a time. However if the hiring manager is choosing “not met essential criteria” as a rejection reason then perhaps you might want to review your CV.

 

[Cumbo92]

I know there is some posts on here regarding shift patterns but I couldn't see many recent and things what is the normal shift pattern for a signaller either 8 hours or 12 hour shifts?

 

[Mills444]

yup 8 normally with some 12 or some 12 for Sundays only.

 

[Tom Quinne]

I know there is some posts on here regarding shift patterns but I couldn't see many recent and things what is the normal shift pattern for a signaller either 8 hours or 12 hour shifts?

It really depends on which route and location your at, no less than 8 and no more than 12 normally.

 

[High Dyke]

The rejection reason is just picked off a drop down list by the hiring manager and is used to populate an automated email. The most straightforward, and usual, one is “more suitable candidate” but there are lots of options and you are supposed to pick the most appropriate one.

As far as I know there is no limit on how many applications you can have under consideration at a time. However if the hiring manager is choosing “not met essential criteria” as a rejection reason then perhaps you might want to review your CV.

I must say the "REJECT - No Match Technically" amused me. It makes it sound more like a dating website than a job interview.

 

[High Dyke]

yup 8 normally with some 12 or some 12 for Sundays only.

And then you get the locations that aren't 24/7. These can throw up some weird and wonderful shift hours. Of the locations I cover they can vary from 8 hrs - 8h 47m, but also some 12 hour turns

 

[JB1234]

Hi Guys,
I am, all being well starting Signalling school on the 14th September, if I pass medical and checks! Just wanted as much information about the course? I have heard it is an extremely intense course, I do have a railway background, and I am just wandering what are the chances of failure in a sense. I'd like too think I'm fairly smart? Probably debatable depending who you ask. I'm just curious really as that's my main fear going into it.

Thanks

Having a good memory helps because there are a lot of lists to learn and also knowing which revision techniques work best for you. I 'put the work in' but failed the week 6 exam. It has been 20 years since I last sat a written exam, got myself all stressed out and ultimately got my revision all wrong. I've had a few months to reflect and hopefully will pass it next time

 

[MrsP2010]

Having a good memory helps because there are a lot of lists to learn and also knowing which revision techniques work best for you. I 'put the work in' but failed the week 6 exam. It has been 20 years since I last sat a written exam, got myself all stressed out and ultimately got my revision all wrong. I've had a few months to reflect and hopefully will pass it next time

Sorry to hear that. Did you fail and leave NR? Have you reapplied?