A career as a signaller

[Milesylv]

Sorry for potential daft question
Hi guys, in an AB box do people always communicate via bell code or is this for emergency/if phones unavailable?

 

[Open_G]

Sorry for potential daft question
Hi guys, in an AB box do people always communicate via bell code or is this for emergency/if phones unavailable?

Short explanation: Bells are your first method of comms. Primarily for offering/accepting trains on a day to day basis but also for emergencies/obstructions, non routine forms of working, blocking lines for engineering work. The phones are for the general comms related to this eg where the blockage will be, the nature of an obstruction, issues with equipment.

 

[Signal_Box]

If you drop me a line I might be able to assist you….

 

[SecretKiwi]

Hi all,

I’ve been invited for an interview for G9 position at Three bridges. Can anyone tell me more about the location / work culture? I always see G9 at Three bridges advertised externally.

Is it a less desirable roc to be at compared to others?
How much can I realistically expect to tack onto my basic?
What’s the shift like and times. I.e start and finish times and days off (I know it’s 12 hours a shift)

Does anyone work there or know about the location that’ll be happy for me to pm them?

Three Bridges ASC or ROC?

 

[Jordan4321]

A lot of the early stuff has been written into e-learning packages I think. I’ve been told that it is to be able to fit in more courses as IST is oversubscribed with long waiting lists.

Ohh right makes sense

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 20 Sep 2023 ==

As above, the first two weeks before you start the course is now self-directed structured online learning which theoretically should get everyone up to the same basic foundation level of knowledge ready to start the IST course running. Whether or not this is a good idea remains to be seen.

Makes sense now

 

[2BeNot2Be]

Three Bridges ASC or ROC?

ROC

 

[Pugman]

Hi all. Has anyone known of a relief for more than one box to be on a 10 hour roster if one of the boxes is on 12s? I'm not sure if it seems right as they would be relying on me doing overtime to cover my standard shifts? Thanks in advance.

 

[LuckyTaffy]

If you drop me a line I might be able to assist you….

Thanks bud, unsure how to PM on here though!

 

[Llanigraham]

Thanks bud, unsure how to PM on here though!

Hover over the big coloured square S on the left where Signal Box's name comes and then click on the "Start Conversation" in the box that appears.

 

[SecretKiwi]

ROC

Sorry, I'm at the ASC so can't help. Hope you get the information you need.

 

[2BeNot2Be]

Sorry, I'm at the ASC so can't help. Hope you get the information you need.

Forgive my ignorance but what’s the difference between the two? I know ASC stands for area signalling centre and ROC stands for rail operating centre and (I assume) there’s different routes signed between the two. Apart from that what else is there? Are ASC relief? Do they cover a broad area as opposed to ROC who are resident signallers?

 

[rj_signals]

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 21 Sep 2023 ==

Hover over the big coloured square S on the left where Signal Box's name comes and then click on the "Start Conversation" in the box that appears.

I believe you need to have sent a minimum number of messages in the forum before PM's become accessible. Maybe 10? I might be wrong...

In other news... Anyone out there applied for the G6 trainee roles at WMSC? Closing date was 07/09 so has been 2 weeks today. Interview offer/decline email is hopefully imminent. Wondering if anyone else has received anything as yet?

 

[SecretKiwi]

Forgive my ignorance but what’s the difference between the two? I know ASC stands for area signalling centre and ROC stands for rail operating centre and (I assume) there’s different routes signed between the two. Apart from that what else is there? Are ASC relief? Do they cover a broad area as opposed to ROC who are resident signallers?

We're resident signallers covering an area, broadly, of Anerley down to Brighton along with various routes off the Brighton Main Line.

 

[chrislfc]

Almost 3 weeks between being invited to interview and my interview coming up next week, and time seems to be going ridiculously slowly!

First application and it’s driving me mad, so hats off to those of you who have gone through this more than once!

I actually visited a couple of boxes with a MOM earlier this week after requesting via HR. As an external candidate with no railway knowledge, I wanted to get a feel for the job to see if it’s right for me as much as NR rail need to see if I’m right for them. Last thing I’d want is for them to spend thousands training me for me to turn round months into the role and say it’s not for me.

Was a great experience and whether it’s seen as proactive, pushy or just outright cheeky, one I’m definitely glad I asked for!

 

[75A]

I actually visited a couple of boxes with a MOM earlier this week after requesting via HR. As an external candidate with no railway knowledge, I wanted to get a feel for the job to see if it’s right for me as much as NR rail need to see if I’m right for them. Last thing I’d want is for them to spend thousands training me for me to turn round months into the role and say it’s not for me.

Was a great experience and whether it’s seen as proactive, pushy or just outright cheeky, one I’m definitely glad I asked for!

What a cracking idea, well done.
Before I went on the footplate I was already working for B.R. (1979), so had a good idea what went on, it's a very different lifestyle to a 'normal' job so as well to find out as much as you can in advance.

 

[Jordan4321]

Hi all, this might seem like a really stupid question but I can’t find any information online, obviously with the higher grades the busier the box but how is the grade of a box/ section of track determined, I’m assuming me going into a grade 2 box would be quieter compared to a grade 5/6+?

 

[Goggins]

Almost 3 weeks between being invited to interview and my interview coming up next week, and time seems to be going ridiculously slowly!

First application and it’s driving me mad, so hats off to those of you who have gone through this more than once!

I actually visited a couple of boxes with a MOM earlier this week after requesting via HR. As an external candidate with no railway knowledge, I wanted to get a feel for the job to see if it’s right for me as much as NR rail need to see if I’m right for them. Last thing I’d want is for them to spend thousands training me for me to turn round months into the role and say it’s not for me.

Was a great experience and whether it’s seen as proactive, pushy or just outright cheeky, one I’m definitely glad I asked for!

I did the same mate.. Visited a box before and after my interview, have been numerous times while completing the 2 week online training.

Seeing things happen in real time and speaking to experienced signallers is a game changer, and same reason as you.. Wanted to know it was right for me before putting myself through it all, and no regrets.

I start IST on the 9th of October, slightly daunting but also excited.. This page/group has been a game changer.

Good Luck with your interview and let us know how you get on

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 22 Sep 2023 ==

Hi all, this might seem like a really stupid question but I can’t find any information online, obviously with the higher grades the busier the box but how is the grade of a box/ section of track determined, I’m assuming me going into a grade 2 box would be quieter compared to a grade 5/6+?

No expert.. But from what I've seen, it goes off the volume of trains that travel through your section, and also whether there is level crossings to deal with etc. Then you've got the ROC positions or Signal Boxes.

 

[chrislfc]

I did the same mate.. Visited a box before and after my interview, have been numerous times while completing the 2 week online training.

Seeing things happen in real time and speaking to experienced signallers is a game changer, and same reason as you.. Wanted to know it was right for me before putting myself through it all, and no regrets.

I start IST on the 9th of October, slightly daunting but also excited.. This page/group has been a game changer.

Good Luck with your interview and let us know how you get on

Hope it goes well mate!

I visited a box and a PSB, was supposed to just be an hour being shown around but was there for nearly 3, MOM was a cracking fella.

The takeaway was that every single person I came across only had positive things to say about the job and NR, I’ve never experienced that in any workplace!

All willing to have a chat (when safe to do so!), pass on their knowledge, and pretty much everyone had come from a non-railway background into their roles.

I’ve driven my other half mad since Monday, she told me she’s never seen me this excited, and that includes the birth of our children

I’m confident I’ve got many transferable skills and that I’d be a great fit, just need to get that across in the interview next week!

 

[Jordan4321]

I did the same mate.. Visited a box before and after my interview, have been numerous times while completing the 2 week online training.

Seeing things happen in real time and speaking to experienced signallers is a game changer, and same reason as you.. Wanted to know it was right for me before putting myself through it all, and no regrets.

I start IST on the 9th of October, slightly daunting but also excited.. This page/group has been a game changer.

Good Luck with your interview and let us know how you get on

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 22 Sep 2023 ==


No expert.. But from what I've seen, it goes off the volume of trains that travel through your section, and also whether there is level crossings to deal with etc. Then you've got the ROC positions or Signal Boxes.

Great to know cheers should be a relatively low volume box then to get the hang of things

 

[Goggins]

Hope it goes well mate!

I visited a box and a PSB, was supposed to just be an hour being shown around but was there for nearly 3, MOM was a cracking fella.

The takeaway was that every single person I came across only had positive things to say about the job and NR, I’ve never experienced that in any workplace!

All willing to have a chat (when safe to do so!), pass on their knowledge, and pretty much everyone had come from a non-railway background into their roles.

I’ve driven my other half mad since Monday, she told me she’s never seen me this excited, and that includes the birth of our children .

I’m confident I’ve got many transferable skills and that I’d be a great fit, just need to get that across in the interview next week!

I was the same, its an extremely rewarding career if you manage to get in.

Also from a non rail background, i worked in a safety critical job for 12 years so i think that's transferable for this role.. I wont be naive and think everyone is happy in the company, because you get the minority who dont like change etc, but you will find that anywhere you work, but on the whole yes it's been positive feedback here as well.

Sound like you're what they're looking for.. Great attitude to have.

 

[chrislfc]

I was the same, its an extremely rewarding career if you manage to get in.

Also from a non rail background, i worked in a safety critical job for 12 years so i think that's transferable for this role.. I wont be naive and think everyone is happy in the company, because you get the minority who dont like change etc, but you will find that anywhere you work, but on the whole yes it's been positive feedback here as well.

Sound like you're what they're looking for.. Great attitude to have.

I’m in a similar position, been in safety critical roles for 13 of the last 17 years. Had to react to sudden (sometimes dangerous) changes, stay alert for long periods, communicate with god knows how many different people about the same subject etc… I applied for the job based on me believing I’m a good fit for the role.

I won’t lie and say I haven’t seen the salary, but I’m not motivated by money. If I’m comfortable and can look after my family, that’s all I need. Granted I’d be in a great position if I got the job, but job satisfaction comes above the money for me.

I’ve been fairly lucky over the years, but I’ve been in the odd role where I’ve hated getting up for work every morning. I don’t see that happening if I get this job, I’m dangerously close to 40, I’m looking for an employer to see me through to retirement, which from the outside Network Rail could be.

 

[Goggins]

I’m in a similar position, been in safety critical roles for 13 of the last 17 years. Had to react to sudden (sometimes dangerous) changes, stay alert for long periods, communicate with god knows how many different people about the same subject etc… I applied for the job based on me believing I’m a good fit for the role.

I won’t lie and say I haven’t seen the salary, but I’m not motivated by money. If I’m comfortable and can look after my family, that’s all I need. Granted I’d be in a great position if I got the job, but job satisfaction comes above the money for me.

I’ve been fairly lucky over the years, but I’ve been in the odd role where I’ve hated getting up for work every morning. I don’t see that happening if I get this job, I’m dangerously close to 40, I’m looking for an employer to see me through to retirement, which from the outside Network Rail could be.

We share the same reasons, of course the money goes far to help pay bills etc but I've dreaded going into some jobs over the years.

I'm also very excited to work alone, as I'll be in a grade 2 signal box, I understand i will be speaking to people during a shift but essentially its lone working and making on the spot decisions etc.

Also close to 40, and hoping to see it out now under NR. Where are you based?

 

[chrislfc]

Cheshire mate. 10 vacancies, MOM told me the other day I must be awful if I don’t get in because they’re only interviewing 9 people

 

[cointrain]

Almost 3 weeks between being invited to interview and my interview coming up next week, and time seems to be going ridiculously slowly!

First application and it’s driving me mad, so hats off to those of you who have gone through this more than once!

I actually visited a couple of boxes with a MOM earlier this week after requesting via HR. As an external candidate with no railway knowledge, I wanted to get a feel for the job to see if it’s right for me as much as NR rail need to see if I’m right for them. Last thing I’d want is for them to spend thousands training me for me to turn round months into the role and say it’s not for me.

Was a great experience and whether it’s seen as proactive, pushy or just outright cheeky, one I’m definitely glad I asked for!

I'm in the same boat, had my interview last week and waiting for a decision. They sent me an email on Wednesday saying that they're still reviewing my suitability and will be in touch soon.

Could you share how you went about arranging a visit to a signal box? - This is something that I'd also like to do before taking a job, thanks.

 

[chrislfc]

I'm in the same boat, had my interview last week and waiting for a decision. They sent me an email on Wednesday saying that they're still reviewing my suitability and will be in touch soon.

Could you share how you went about arranging a visit to a signal box? - This is something that I'd also like to do before taking a job, thanks.

When I got the selected for interview email, I emailed asking HR if a visit could be arranged just so I could gain an insight into the role. Pretty much a week later I got an email from the regional OM asking why/availability, then it was arranged for a couple of days later.

They pretty much rolled out the red carpet for me! Went into the office, met and had a chat with a few people there, then off to a signal box and then PSB. A genuinely fantastic experience, even if a few people were surprised I’d asked to visit at this stage of my application!

 

[cointrain]

When I got the selected for interview email, I emailed asking HR if a visit could be arranged just so I could gain an insight into the role. Pretty much a week later I got an email from the regional OM asking why/availability, then it was arranged for a couple of days later.

They pretty much rolled out the red carpet for me! Went into the office, met and had a chat with a few people there, then off to a signal box and then PSB. A genuinely fantastic experience, even if a few people were surprised I’d asked to visit at this stage of my application!

Sounds great! Hopefully I have a similar experience. I've just sent them an email enquiring.

 

[Goggins]

Cheshire mate. 10 vacancies, MOM told me the other day I must be awful if I don’t get in because they’re only interviewing 9 people

Superb! I'm in the North Wales area so not too far away

 

[2BeNot2Be]

Hi all,

I’ve been invited for an interview for G9 position at Three Bridges.

Just been informed they’re only conducting interviewing on one day next month and if you’re unable to attend you need to withdraw. Well, that’s my mood spoilt for the rest of the week, absolutely gutted.

 

[bhabloke]

Just been informed they’re only conducting interviewing on one day next month and if you’re unable to attend you need to withdraw. Well, that’s my mood spoilt for the rest of the week, absolutely gutted.

Thats unbelievable. They must have no concerns with the numbers applying if they can be so strict with interview dates. It's like they are saying "Yeah, can't make it? Oh well, there are loads that can" It takes a lot of effort to apply, get your CV as perfect as possible and then do the tests etc. Seems really harsh to me.
Hope you can have another crack at it soon.

 

[Sunset route]

Forgive my ignorance but what’s the difference between the two? I know ASC stands for area signalling centre and ROC stands for rail operating centre and (I assume) there’s different routes signed between the two. Apart from that what else is there? Are ASC relief? Do they cover a broad area as opposed to ROC who are resident signallers?

They main difference is the technology used for the man machine interface, the ASC is 1980s/2000s designed signaller control desk with push buttons NX (eNtrance eXit) panels and a separate diagram to operate the signalling, whilst the ROC uses 2000s to present PC (keyboard, mouse, monitor) based interface to operate the signalling.

The areas covered adjoin each other at various locations within Sussex. Both locations operate 12hr roster for all their links. All signallers are resident to their respective locations and GPR (relief) shifts are built into the various base rosters within each location.

TBASC is located at the Brighton of platform 5 at Three Bridges Station and TBROC is located at Three Bridges in the V of the junction between the Horsham and Brighton lines, sitting adjacent to Three Bridges (Siemens) Thameslink Up Depot.