A career as a signaller

[roker73]

Hi all,

I start signaller school in Bristol this week, the maths and English exam, are they PASS/FAIL or more to grade where you are at?
Really worried as I left school 40 years ago and wasn't aware this was coming up, be awful to lose the job because of this.

 

[Emz86]

Hi all,

I start signaller school in Bristol this week, the maths and English exam, are they PASS/FAIL or more to grade where you are at?
Really worried as I left school 40 years ago and wasn't aware this was coming up, be awful to lose the job because of this.

Following

 

[Seejwalker]

Hi all,

I start signaller school in Bristol this week, the maths and English exam, are they PASS/FAIL or more to grade where you are at?
Really worried as I left school 40 years ago and wasn't aware this was coming up, be awful to lose the job because of this.

To be honest with you mate. Now you’re in, there’s very little you could do to lose the job.
I joined 3 years ago and it was run as an “apprenticeship” which meant maths and English assessment to gauge my level.
I done pretty bad in my GCSE maths and Network Rail gave me the opportunity of doing Key skills level 1 (I already had level 2).

Or level 3, which ever was higher I can’t remember.

 

[Coppernob2014]

Just a quick thanks once again to those who responded to me. Was a massive help, I’ve done the assessment now. Despite there being technical issues where the platform said I didn’t have the right system/browser, I was able to finish and I think it went well!

 

[Emz86]

Just a quick thanks once again to those who responded to me. Was a massive help, I’ve done the assessment now. Despite there being technical issues where the platform said I didn’t have the right system/browser, I was able to finish and I think it went well!

When is your interview?x

 

[Lock31243]

Just a quick thanks once again to those who responded to me. Was a massive help, I’ve done the assessment now. Despite there being technical issues where the platform said I didn’t have the right system/browser, I was able to finish and I think it went well!

Hey mate

Im wishing you the best but just be aware that it’s been mention previously in this thread that you can be successful at the assessment stage and still not progress to the next stage.

One of my friends recently did the assessment for a grade 6 position in the West Midlands , passed the assessment but didn’t get an interview

Wishing you the best of luck

 

[y0rkie287]

Hi all, just joined up as I am hoping to also end up working in a box, have applied, done the first lot of psychometric tests, and have the video recording scenarios to complete tomorrow followed by a virtual interview on 13th july, never wanted a job so much in my life, hope i get on ok with the scenarios tomorrow

 

[Woody27]

Hi all, just joined up as I am hoping to also end up working in a box, have applied, done the first lot of psychometric tests, and have the video recording scenarios to complete tomorrow followed by a virtual interview on 13th july, never wanted a job so much in my life, hope i get on ok with the scenarios tomorrow

Hi yorkie, best of luck tomorrow, may I ask what area you’ve applied for?

 

[y0rkie287]

Hi yorkie, best of luck tomorrow, may I ask what area you’ve applied for?

skegness, boston, sleaford are the 3 advertised within the 60 mins commuting time

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 30 Jun 2022 ==

Hi yorkie, best of luck tomorrow, may I ask what area you’ve applied for?

and thank you for the luck you've sent

 

[Woody27]

skegness, boston, sleaford are the 3 advertised within the 60 mins commuting time

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 30 Jun 2022 ==


and thank you for the luck you've sent

No problem buddy, I’m still waiting to hear if I’ve made the next stage, for a couple of applications, it’s a long old process

 

[Seejwalker]

Hi all, just joined up as I am hoping to also end up working in a box, have applied, done the first lot of psychometric tests, and have the video recording scenarios to complete tomorrow followed by a virtual interview on 13th july, never wanted a job so much in my life, hope i get on ok with the scenarios tomorrow

Best of luck to you mate. I can only ever root for someone who truly wants it, I’ve seen too many come and go as it was just a convenience at the time.

It can be a real life changing job for some people.

 

[Coppernob2014]

When is your interview?x

Wednesday 6th, I'm actually in the Canary Islands but taking my laptop lol

Hey mate

Im wishing you the best but just be aware that it’s been mention previously in this thread that you can be successful at the assessment stage and still not progress to the next stage.

One of my friends recently did the assessment for a grade 6 position in the West Midlands , passed the assessment but didn’t get an interview

Wishing you the best of luck

It is what it is. I made sure that I put safety above everything else during the assessment, but also tried to think outside the box. Desperately want this job, Boston, Sleaford and Oakham all within commute time so just gotta hope and pray now.

 

[Emz86]

skegness, boston, sleaford are the 3 advertised within the 60 mins commuting time

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 30 Jun 2022 ==


and thank you for the luck you've sent

Good luck...fingers crossed.

 

[Signaller2be]

Hello everyone ,

I need some advise and was hoping one of you fine signallers can help.

I got interviewed for a position around 6 weeks ago. 4 week ago I received an email notifying me I was within the top candidates and that I will hear back within 4 weeks.

I was in contact with other individuals who Interviewed for the same position , and they’ve been called up offering them the position (multiple positions for multiple stations ).so the issue is , It’s been 4 weeks and I still haven’t heard back ! I’ve been emailing them and haven’t got a response.

Any one experienced a situation like this ? Should I just pack it up and call it a day

 

[Seejwalker]

Hello everyone ,

I need some advise and was hoping one of you fine signallers can help.

I got interviewed for a position around 6 weeks ago. 4 week ago I received an email notifying me I was within the top candidates and that I will hear back within 4 weeks.

I was in contact with other individuals who Interviewed for the same position , and they’ve been called up offering them the position (multiple positions for multiple stations ).so the issue is , It’s been 4 weeks and I still haven’t heard back ! I’ve been emailing them and haven’t got a response.

Any one experienced a situation like this ? Should I just pack it up and call it a day

Just be patient mate, different locations will be handled by their respective LOM (hiring manager) so it can take a little longer to get around to interviews.

You can get the HR number from the website and call through with the vacency number and your details, they can see where you’re at in the process.

 

[Signaller2be]

Just be patient mate, different locations will be handled by their respective LOM (hiring manager) so it can take a little longer to get around to interviews.

You can get the HR number from the website and call through with the vacency number and your details, they can see where you’re at in the process.

Appreciate the help lad. Have a good evening

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 1 Jul 2022 ==

It isn’t this any more. Now there is a series of 5 questions about being a signaller to which you have to record an answer using your webcam. Each is about a set ‘scenario’ which you have to deal with.

Pm me

 

[vinoboxer]

First Post here!

This thread is massive so my answer may or may not be here but...

Firstly, great advice on here. I just found put today I have my scenarios to be done for next week followed by an interview at end of July. This was for Scotland and the grades 3-5 roles at Stirling, Perth etc.

Few quick questions...

Was there not a 30 year plan to consolidate all signal boxes into 4 super control rooms (ie Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and Aberdeen) in which case, are signalling boxes like the ones I've applied for gonna have a short shelf life?

I understand the grades are dependent on how busy the routes are. If your box advertises a grade 3-5, I presume you start on 3 and work up ?

Do you get plenty of overtime and are you paid unsocial hours?

Dream job nut not without reservations!

Thanks.

 

[Seejwalker]

First Post here!

This thread is massive so my answer may or may not be here but...

Firstly, great advice on here. I just found put today I have my scenarios to be done for next week followed by an interview at end of July. This was for Scotland and the grades 3-5 roles at Stirling, Perth etc.

Few quick questions...

Was there not a 30 year plan to consolidate all signal boxes into 4 super control rooms (ie Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and Aberdeen) in which case, are signalling boxes like the ones I've applied for gonna have a short shelf life?

I understand the grades are dependent on how busy the routes are. If your box advertises a grade 3-5, I presume you start on 3 and work up ?

Do you get plenty of overtime and are you paid unsocial hours?

Dream job nut not without reservations!

Thanks.

Relocation of signalling cost money (a lot of money) and so it happens slowly. For example where I am based has started to migrate about 7 years later than previously planned.

Overtime, again that’s location depending, but yes, it’s always going to be there to some degree.

Yes you get a night allowance. I’m not overly sure if it’s set or if it’s grade depending if I’m honest.

As for grade, you can apply for and work any grade should you be successful, some people are comfortable working a lower grade as it’s less work, some like the workload of a higher grade like myself on grade 8.
Others don’t have access ti higher grade as it’s too far to commute.

 

[Woody27]

Hi all, I’ve got 2 more applications in, first set of tests done and passed! I’m currently half way through reading all 499 pages of this thread, the info within is gold, and I’d like to thank all of you for some fantastic guidance.
It’s very interesting seeing all the names going through their own journey, some more successful than others!! And I wish you all the best of luck going forward

 

[WoollyMammoth]

Hi all, I’ve got 2 more applications in, first set of tests done and passed! I’m currently half way through reading all 499 pages of this thread, the info within is gold, and I’d like to thank all of you for some fantastic guidance.
It’s very interesting seeing all the names going through their own journey, some more successful than others!! And I wish you all the best of luck going forward

Nice one mate, best of luck and keep us updated!

 

[bouff34]

Relocation of signalling cost money (a lot of money) and so it happens slowly. For example where I am based has started to migrate about 7 years later than previously planned.

Overtime, again that’s location depending, but yes, it’s always going to be there to some degree.

Yes you get a night allowance. I’m not overly sure if it’s set or if it’s grade depending if I’m honest.

As for grade, you can apply for and work any grade should you be successful, some people are comfortable working a lower grade as it’s less work, some like the workload of a higher grade like myself on grade 8.
Others don’t have access ti higher grade as it’s too far to commute.

Night allowance is and additional 10% of your basic hourly rate

 

[y0rkie287]

Just done the online signaller scenario tests where you have to give your response on video to a certain situation, i have to say that is by far the scariest and hard thing i've had to do for a looooong time, but then again i've been employed by my last employer for 17 years and that was all done by word of mouth back then, fingers crossed for the virtual interview on 13th now

 

[High Dyke]

Just done the online signaller scenario tests where you have to give your response on video to a certain situation, i have to say that is by far the scariest and hard thing i've had to do for a looooong time, but then again i've been employed by my last employer for 17 years and that was all done by word of mouth back then, fingers crossed for the virtual interview on 13th now

All the best.

That reminds of when I first started on the railway. I'd applied for promotion, but heard nothing. The roster clerk phones me one day and suggests "if we pay you 12-hrs tomorrow, will you complete your booked shift and then train at (x) location". I agreed, and when I arrived home I had received a letter stating "further to your interview ". I never had an interview for that role.

 

[KieranG110]

Just done the online signaller scenario tests where you have to give your response on video to a certain situation, i have to say that is by far the scariest and hard thing i've had to do for a looooong time, but then again i've been employed by my last employer for 17 years and that was all done by word of mouth back then, fingers crossed for the virtual interview on 13th now

I didn't find the scenario based assessment natural at all and took me until the 2/3rd question to start to get use to the formality. I have my interview Wednesday, my second one so I'm even more nervous this time round. Best of luck to your interview.

 

[CoachB]

Just done the online signaller scenario tests where you have to give your response on video to a certain situation, i have to say that is by far the scariest and hard thing i've had to do for a looooong time, but then again i've been employed by my last employer for 17 years and that was all done by word of mouth back then, fingers crossed for the virtual interview on 13th now

I didn't find the scenario tests natural at all. Took me a couple of questions to get use to it. Feel it might of been better as a role play (like I had for a previous internal interview with my current employer) rather than speaking to yourself but then they would have to assess you on the spot.

Got my interview next Wednesday while on holiday so will see how that goes, only my second interview since joining my current employer 15 years ago

All the best for your interview!

 

[Leeward]

Lots of new vacancies posted. I've sent off for both the Worcester (Grade 3) and Birmingham (Grade 6) posts and already been moved forward to assessment stage on the latter. Since I already live in the West Midlands, this one is a great opportunity.

 

[ollieplo1]

Just would like to ask anyone how they found the TCB conversion course compared to Absolute block training.

 

[Rian]

Hi, I'm wondering if anyone can help me. Currently waiting to start as a G9 signaller at Didcot. I was wondering if anyone could shed some light on shift patterns. I was aware that it's 12 hour patterns. Does anyone have an example of that please.
Also I've been advised by a friend that after you finish initial training you go on to a 7 hour Monday- Friday shift pattern consisting of earlies lates and nights can anyone advise on that?
Any help is appreciated.

@Howellj1989, I'm due to start there as well mate.

 

[Norfolklad]

Yes, there's myself and around 4 or 5 others on here who I know from speaking to were successful

Are you all new to network rail?

I currently work for them, but in a different department and have been told there are no signalling schools on until around September At the very earliest.

 

[nom de guerre]

Just would like to ask anyone how they found the TCB conversion course compared to Absolute block training.

My abiding memory of the TCB conversion course is thinking how simple and logical it all seemed in comparison to the previous however-many weeks