A career as a signaller

[SimplyLovely]

Does anyone here either work as a signaller with autism spectrum disorder or have knowledge on how NR treat it as a condition?

I went to my medical on Wednesday and everything was going great until the nurse asked if I had any disabilities, to which I said yes, ASD (which was also included in my application), so she then contacted the duty doctor who said I couldn’t be signed off until I came back for an additional mental health assessment. This was despite the fact that the nurse already did a mental health questionnaire which I passed and me confirming that I did not need any reasonable adjustments made.

So now, I have to come back for a second appointment, and they have made me give permission for them to obtain my diagnoses information from my GP (which I don’t really care about, they can read it if they want, it’s not that interesting!).

What will be the likely outcome of this extra appointment? I can genuinely not see my condition impacting my ability to do the role, I have had high stress jobs in the past and it’s not been an issue. As well as being away from home for work before so the residential course wouldn’t be a problem.

I’m also not entirely sure what basis the duty doctor had for demanding I did a mental health assessment, as autism is not a mental health condition so the assessment is irrelevant.

Any help would be much appreciated.

 

[Fast2London]

Does anyone here either work as a signaller with autism spectrum disorder or have knowledge on how NR treat it as a condition?

I went to my medical on Wednesday and everything was going great until the nurse asked if I had any disabilities, to which I said yes, ASD (which was also included in my application), so she then contacted the duty doctor who said I couldn’t be signed off until I came back for an additional mental health assessment. This was despite the fact that the nurse already did a mental health questionnaire which I passed and me confirming that I did not need any reasonable adjustments made.

So now, I have to come back for a second appointment, and they have made me give permission for them to obtain my diagnoses information from my GP (which I don’t really care about, they can read it if they want, it’s not that interesting!).

What will be the likely outcome of this extra appointment? I can genuinely not see my condition impacting my ability to do the role, I have had high stress jobs in the past and it’s not been an issue. As well as being away from home for work before so the residential course wouldn’t be a problem.

I’m also not entirely sure what basis the duty doctor had for demanding I did a mental health assessment, as autism is not a mental health condition so the assessment is irrelevant.

Any help would be much appreciated.

I cannot comment on the medical side of things but there was a man on my IST course who has ASD. He did very well on the course and was given reasonable adjustments by the trainer who was very accommodating.

 

[SimplyLovely]

I cannot comment on the medical side of things but there was a man on my IST course who has ASD. He did very well on the course and was given reasonable adjustments by the trainer who was very accommodating.

Thanks for that, it’s at least comforting to know that it shouldn’t stop them from continuing to hire me, just frustrating as it’s adding an unnecessary delay and I don’t want it to cause issues with me handing in my notice at my current job.

 

[YoungSlim]

Hello,

I'm in the process of applying for signaller positions in Cumbria, mainly around Ulverston, Arnside and Penrith. They're advertised as Grade 2 trainee positions but any help knowing what grades these are beyond Signalling School would be a great help.

Is there also any way of finding out which locations have higher grades or is it a case of waiting till these positions come available to find out.

Any info/help would be much appreciated.

Afternoon,

I’m attending an assessment centre this coming week for a position in Cumbria and wondered how you were getting on?

Have you been for an in person interview yet or are you scheduled in for one shortly?

More broadly, thanks to all of the contributors on this thread over the years. The information has been invaluable so far.

 

[copper98]

Well all, have just heard back from my interview on Wednesday....I was not successful for the grade 3 role I had applied for...

Instead, the LOM has offered me a grade 4 role!

Absolutely chuffed to bits, was my first time applying so didn't expect to get the job, nevermind a step above!

Due to start school in February, can't come quick enough.

Thanks everyone for all the help on this thread

Well done mate! what box is it youre off to?

 

[SimplyLovely]

Well done mate! what box is it youre off to?

Deleted

 

[copper98]

Thanks!

It has actually changed again to Stirling Middle so a grade 5 now - big difference from the box I applied for but really looking forward to the challenge.

Just need to get my medical all finished up and then sit tight for Jan! My start date is just after my birthday so a nice treat!

Thats brilliant mate. Was it grade 4 stirling north you went for?

Hopefully everything with your medical gets sorted. Doesnt sound like they’ve dealt with it very well. I know Network Rail are really accommodating if any adjustments needed during training. The trainers in Perth are brilliant if thats where you end up going.

Superb, good timing!

 

[SimplyLovely]

Thats brilliant mate. Was it grade 4 stirling north you went for?

Hopefully everything with your medical gets sorted. Doesnt sound like they’ve dealt with it very well. I know Network Rail are really accommodating if any adjustments needed during training. The trainers in Perth are brilliant if thats where you end up going.

Superb, good timing!

Deleted

 

[copper98]

Nope, grade 3 Greenloaning! So to say I am chuffed is an understatement!

I can't really get too upset with them regarding the medical, it must be hard to navigate the whole process as they do have a duty of care, mainly frustrated as it can be a hassle to get last minute time off work so a second appointment isn't ideal!

I am indeed due to go to Perth, course starts on the 3rd of Feb

Absolutely, and I’m sure it was thoroughly deserved. I did find the recruitment process quite thorough compared to other occupations.

Yes, I had some issues where I was mucked about with my medical as well, felt it could have been handled better, and was in sinilar position where getting time off work last minute isnt ideal. Thankfully was all sorted for me.

Brilliant, hotels in Perth not the best but the setup there is good and staff all very friendly and supportive.

 

[YoungSlim]

Thanks!

It has actually changed again to Stirling Middle so a grade 5 now - big difference from the box I applied for but really looking forward to the challenge.

Just need to get my medical all finished up and then sit tight for Jan! My start date is just after my birthday so a nice treat!

You must have made a very good impression on the day. Fingers crossed you get sorted with your medical without too much drama.

May I ask about your interview? I suspect (and have read) that it will be similar questions to the video interview but wondered what else may have came up for you and whether you were asked to provide just one example of each of the core skills or multiple?

Apologies for the barrage, I’m just trying to get everything straight in my head prior to my interview this week

 

[SimplyLovely]

You must have made a very good impression on the day. Fingers crossed you get sorted with your medical without too much drama.

May I ask about your interview? I suspect (and have read) that it will be similar questions to the video interview but wondered what else may have came up for you and whether you were asked to provide just one example of each of the core skills or multiple?

Apologies for the barrage, I’m just trying to get everything straight in my head prior to my interview this week

Either that or they were desperate lol! I have actually just spoken to the OH team who have said they don't actually need me to come back for a face to face assessment, just a quick phone call so hopefully should be sorted soon.

The interview was similar to the questions on the video interview, although obviously not the same ones! From what I understand, they have a bank of questions they can ask for each non technical skill so it could be a variety of questions they ask you but they will all link back in. At least in my case they didn't straight up tell you what skill they were testing for with each question, but it was still fairly obvious which skill they were wanting. Main thing is just stress safety, safety, safety.

You don't need to know too much about the railway and NR in general, they did ask a couple of questions about what I knew about the company and current projects, but if you read through the NR website you will find out a lot of that.

It has been discussed before on this thread and I know some people have differing opinions on it, but I personally arranged a box visit prior to my interview and did think it made me more confident going in as I had seen a bit of what goes on in person. The lads at the boxes I visited with the MOM were also great and gave me lots of handy info.

 

[CodysWorld]

Hey!!!

Sorry if this is random.
I've recently been successful to start as a Grade 2 Signaller.

I'm currently on £37,000 a year and I get paid 1.5x for any overtime over 37.5 hours a week- last year made about £47,000 pre tax.

Signalling is something I really want to do, however I am super nervous about the 10 weeks residential training; worried about not passing!

Now I'm taking a pay cut however I've been promised a move up to Grade 4 after 16 weeks.

Got a few questions if one of you lovely honest people could answer:

-Am I being sold a dream about a promotion to Grade 4 after 16 weeks?

-If let's say, I remain at Grade 2 after training, and I tend to work an extra 16 hours a week, how much money after tax could I be getting?

- is overtime regularly available for those who want it and are flexible?

- I tend to put my head down with exams (basing it on history)- however if I fail, would I be let go?

- Is signalling a job for life?

Many thanks to anyone who can answer.

 

[The Difference]

Thanks!

It has actually changed again to Stirling Middle so a grade 5 now - big difference from the box I applied for but really looking forward to the challenge.

Just need to get my medical all finished up and then sit tight for Jan! My start date is just after my birthday so a nice treat!

Congratulations mate. Brilliant news getting bumped up to a Grade 5 too! What is your start date? Also what is your IST date? I noted you mentioned January, I’m starting in January for a Grade 9 in Edinburgh.

Ignore that last question as I read the rest of the thread and see you start your IST 3rd Feb. GL when it comes.

 

[SimplyLovely]

Congratulations mate. Brilliant news getting bumped up to a Grade 5 too! What is your start date? Also what is your IST date? I noted you mentioned January, I’m starting in January for a Grade 9 in Edinburgh.

Ignore that last question as I read the rest of the thread and see you start your IST 3rd Feb. GL when it comes.

Thanks, it was my first application so wasn’t expecting much but really looking forward to it!

Start date is 20th of Jan, so couple of weeks with the beloved pre-learning before all systems go at IST!

Good luck to you too, I’m sure you will nail it

 

[The Difference]

Thanks, it was my first application so wasn’t expecting much but really looking forward to it!

Start date is 20th of Jan, so couple of weeks with the beloved pre-learning before all systems go at IST!

Good luck to you too, I’m sure you will nail it

I was the same. First application and right into a Grade 9. I knew I had excellent safety critical experience in my current job, but really didn’t expect to crack it first time. Although I spent 2 months solid learning about NR and put everything into my application. It paid off thankfully. I also sat in a reserve list having met the requirements for the Grade for 5 months before hearing back, so I had given up until I got that glorious phone call.

I start IST on your start date, so I’ll only be a couple of weeks ahead of you! Exciting times.

Best of luck when it comes. I’m really looking forward to it.

 

[BrummieBobby]

Hey!!!

Sorry if this is random.
I've recently been successful to start as a Grade 2 Signaller.

I'm currently on £37,000 a year and I get paid 1.5x for any overtime over 37.5 hours a week- last year made about £47,000 pre tax.

Signalling is something I really want to do, however I am super nervous about the 10 weeks residential training; worried about not passing!

Now I'm taking a pay cut however I've been promised a move up to Grade 4 after 16 weeks.

Got a few questions if one of you lovely honest people could answer:

-Am I being sold a dream about a promotion to Grade 4 after 16 weeks?

-If let's say, I remain at Grade 2 after training, and I tend to work an extra 16 hours a week, how much money after tax could I be getting?

- is overtime regularly available for those who want it and are flexible?

- I tend to put my head down with exams (basing it on history)- however if I fail, would I be let go?

- Is signalling a job for life?

Many thanks to anyone who can answer.

These are natural worries when coming from a stable, well paying job to take a chance on signalling; this was exactly the position I was in before I left the Civil Service to join NWR.

Grom my experience, any fears I had quickly vanished when I joined NWR- the training programme (Not just IST, but your training when you go back to your box) is excellent. If you put the effort in, you will succeed and get a lot out of it.

Regarding your specific questions:
1. It was slightly different when I joined (You were payed the grade 1 below your box grade until you passed out) but I believe that a grade 4 is now guaranteed on completing IST, provided that you are off to a higher grade box. Which box / grade are you off to?

2. It depends; if you are still training, overtime and Sundays will probably be limited. Having said that, even by just attending on your booked shifts, you pick up a few extras (For example, a 12 hour Saturday night shift commencing at 19:00 will gain you 7 hours of Sunday rate pay for the 7 hours after midnight)

3. When you pass out, if your location is like mine, you will be staggered by the amount of rest day work that is offered (The job runs on it) I don't take much RDW on (I believe they are called rest days for a reason) but I am offered it virtually every week.

4. This was probably my biggest fear too. Of my IST course, 8 out of 9 of us passed; the one who failed joined the next course and passed at the second attempt. IST is designed to get you all to pass, regardless of your level of railway experience (I had none before I joined) if you put the effort in, by which I mean during class time, simulator time and also study time (We formed a group in our hotel to go over things in the bar most evenings, in between watching the World Cup that was on while I was at IST) you will succeed. We helped each other, its easier if you can do the same on your IST. Keep in mind that, if you do fail, the course instructor sends you back to your LOM to make a decision; if the instructor sends you back with a report stating "Has put effort in, is keen to learn, had an off day" this will look far better than if the instructor sends you back with a report stating "Lazy, doesn't listen, treating the course like a holiday"

5. I wouldn't say that, but it is far more secure than any other job I can think of. The ROC plan, that often gets quoted on this forum, had my first box to be abolished by 2007 (It's still standing) and my current box (A PSB) to be abolished by 2016 (It's still standing and there are no viable plans to decommission any of its panels / signalling equipment until 2040 at the earliest) Read into that what you will...
Signalling gets you excellent operational experience of the railway that is a pre-requisite for many other jobs; Incident Control, MOMs, LOMs, Train Running Control etc. are all packed with ex-signallers. Alternatively many, like myself, are happy to just keep signalling.

 

[SimplyLovely]

I was the same. First application and right into a Grade 9. I knew I had excellent safety critical experience in my current job, but really didn’t expect to crack it first time. Although I spent 2 months solid learning about NR and put everything into my application. It paid off thankfully. I also sat in a reserve list having met the requirements for the Grade for 5 months before hearing back, so I had given up until I got that glorious phone call.

I start IST on your start date, so I’ll only be a couple of weeks ahead of you! Exciting times.

Best of luck when it comes. I’m really looking forward to it.

That’s the one good thing about the long recruitment times in the railway - gives you plenty of time to research!

 

[CodysWorld]

These are natural worries when coming from a stable, well paying job to take a chance on signalling; this was exactly the position I was in before I left the Civil Service to join NWR.

Grom my experience, any fears I had quickly vanished when I joined NWR- the training programme (Not just IST, but your training when you go back to your box) is excellent. If you put the effort in, you will succeed and get a lot out of it.

Regarding your specific questions:
1. It was slightly different when I joined (You were payed the grade 1 below your box grade until you passed out) but I believe that a grade 4 is now guaranteed on completing IST, provided that you are off to a higher grade box. Which box / grade are you off to?

2. It depends; if you are still training, overtime and Sundays will probably be limited. Having said that, even by just attending on your booked shifts, you pick up a few extras (For example, a 12 hour Saturday night shift commencing at 19:00 will gain you 7 hours of Sunday rate pay for the 7 hours after midnight)

3. When you pass out, if your location is like mine, you will be staggered by the amount of rest day work that is offered (The job runs on it) I don't take much RDW on (I believe they are called rest days for a reason) but I am offered it virtually every week.

4. This was probably my biggest fear too. Of my IST course, 8 out of 9 of us passed; the one who failed joined the next course and passed at the second attempt. IST is designed to get you all to pass, regardless of your level of railway experience (I had none before I joined) if you put the effort in, by which I mean during class time, simulator time and also study time (We formed a group in our hotel to go over things in the bar most evenings, in between watching the World Cup that was on while I was at IST) you will succeed. We helped each other, its easier if you can do the same on your IST. Keep in mind that, if you do fail, the course instructor sends you back to your LOM to make a decision; if the director sends you back with a report stating "Has put effort in, is keen to learn, had an off day" this will look far better than if the director sends you back with a report stating "Lazy, doesn't listen, treating the course like a holiday"

5. I wouldn't say that, but it is far more secure than any other job I can think of. The ROC plan, that often gets quoted on this forum, had my first box to be abolished by 2007 (It's still standing) and my current box (A PSB) to be abolished by 2016 (It's still standing and there are no viable plans to decommission any of its panels / signalling equipment until 2040 at the earliest) Read into that what you will...
Signalling gets you excellent operational experience of the railway that is a pre-requisite for many other jobs; Incident Control, MOMs, LOMs, Train Running Control etc. are all packed with ex-signallers. Alternatively many, like myself, are happy to just keep signalling.

DUDE!

Thanks for the reassurance and time to respond to my post.

Can't wait to be fair- just all nerve-wracking, I guess because I'm comfortable where I am atm and it's all going to be new.

I apreciate your honesty and advice.

Thanks a billion.

 

[YoungSlim]

Either that or they were desperate lol! I have actually just spoken to the OH team who have said they don't actually need me to come back for a face to face assessment, just a quick phone call so hopefully should be sorted soon.

The interview was similar to the questions on the video interview, although obviously not the same ones! From what I understand, they have a bank of questions they can ask for each non technical skill so it could be a variety of questions they ask you but they will all link back in. At least in my case they didn't straight up tell you what skill they were testing for with each question, but it was still fairly obvious which skill they were wanting. Main thing is just stress safety, safety, safety.

You don't need to know too much about the railway and NR in general, they did ask a couple of questions about what I knew about the company and current projects, but if you read through the NR website you will find out a lot of that.

It has been discussed before on this thread and I know some people have differing opinions on it, but I personally arranged a box visit prior to my interview and did think it made me more confident going in as I had seen a bit of what goes on in person. The lads at the boxes I visited with the MOM were also great and gave me lots of handy info.

Thanks for the reply, much appreciated. I'm sat writing out answers to potential questions for each of the non technical skills now.

I made a conscious effort to pop down to the box I'd applied for last weekend on the off chance I'd get a nice signaller who wouldn't mind answering some questions. I was lucky and the guy on duty was happy to invite me in and have a chat (though I suspect the nice chocolate biscuits I brought with me might have had something to do with it!) but yeah, the visit was well worth it.

 

[Lucas7]

I have my interview tomorrow in Wrexham. I feel so far out of my depth researching everything

 

[BrummieBobby]

DUDE!

Thanks for the reassurance and time to respond to my post.

Can't wait to be fair- just all nerve-wracking, I guess because I'm comfortable where I am atm and it's all going to be new.

I apreciate your honesty and advice.

Thanks a billion.

No problem

The only other thing I would add is allow sufficient down time to ensure that you don't get burned out. My kids were very young when I joined IST (My daughter hadn't started school by this point) so when I went home at the weekend, I was mobbed by them. I worked on the basis of taking my wife somewhere on a Friday evening, a little revision on Saturday night but Saturday and Sunday daytime were just spent with my kids. Others on the course who didn't have kids / partners reported that downtime helped them too. You will know what works best based on your own circumstances.

 

[The Difference]

That’s the one good thing about the long recruitment times in the railway - gives you plenty of time to research!

Yeah that is true. Although this application was a lot quicker than any TOC I have applied to for a driver job. I am happy I’ve ended up going this route though, as I honestly believe I will enjoy it more than driving. It was interesting reading Brummie Bobby’s comments on potential other avenues after gaining the relevant experience from signalling.

 

[muz379]

Am I being sold a dream about a promotion to Grade 4 after 16 weeks?

-If let's say, I remain at Grade 2 after training, and I tend to work an extra 16 hours a week, how much money after tax could I be getting?

- is overtime regularly available for those who want it and are flexible?

- I tend to put my head down with exams (basing it on history)- however if I fail, would I be let go?

- Is signalling a job for life?

-Not sure what part of the country you are in but even if the promise of a promotion to grade 4 falls through once you are in you get access to the internal job listings so you shouldn't find too much issue moving up through the grades anyway, it's a real ageing grade ATM signalling so there's loads of signallers coming up to retirement in the next 5 years meaning anyone at the younger end coming into the grade will have lots of opportunities to move around . But if you have been recruited for a set location then the agreement now is G2 at school then G4 when training in the location (unless the location is less than a 4) , then full grade when passed out , including all panels in a multi panel / workstation location .

2 X 8hr rest days on a grade 2 is worth £370 .The rate on rest days is 125% of basic . But the bigger earner is the Sundays if you end up at a location with Sundays as they are 150% of basic pay and most places have 12 hour Sundays if they have them . typical 4 week roster for a 24hr open location would see you have two Sundays in every 4 week period So grade 2 with a day and a night Sunday and some nights is gonna be about£2500 every 4 weeks after tax (depending on tax circumstances) every rest day at 12 hours would increase that by about £190 . The flip side to the enhancement for working them is that you have to work them unless cover can be found if you want one off.

Id say overtime is regularly available , although the extent of it will depend on vacancies in the location / relief in the area . Lots of vacancies means more shifts to be covered, likewise summer always sees spikes in overtime as leave quotas are maxed out. Not so much in November when nobody really wants to be on holiday . I wouldn't bank on 16 hours every week though unless your location is particularly short .

It's not unheard of for people to be given a second attempt at IST as long as they've put the effort in and just had a bit of a bad day in one of the exams or practicals . The trainer will be giving progress reports to your line manager the whole way through school, if you did fail your manager would ultimately make a decision over giving you another attempt at IST based on how they've found you and these progress reports .

Id say it's a pretty secure job for the foreseeable . Locations might close and move into ROC's but there will always be a need for signallers even if every piece of railway was controlled from a ROC , and tbh the movement into ROCs has slowed right down as resignalling schemes are extremely expensive . Even when locations do close natural wastage and early retirement takes some people out of the industry . And there are agreed processes for anyone that wants to remain within the grade , including having jobs nearby subject to closed listings , and even if you are forced to move into another location there are agreements about paying travelling time and stuff like that . Generally I think it's handled relatively well.

Even if you don't want to remain in the signalling grade , the experience will open up other opportunities like control , management jobs , or even briefing/training jobs .

 

[High Dyke]

Hey!!!

Sorry if this is random.
I've recently been successful to start as a Grade 2 Signaller.

I'm currently on £37,000 a year and I get paid 1.5x for any overtime over 37.5 hours a week- last year made about £47,000 pre tax.

Signalling is something I really want to do, however I am super nervous about the 10 weeks residential training; worried about not passing!

Now I'm taking a pay cut however I've been promised a move up to Grade 4 after 16 weeks.

Got a few questions if one of you lovely honest people could answer:

-Am I being sold a dream about a promotion to Grade 4 after 16 weeks?

-If let's say, I remain at Grade 2 after training, and I tend to work an extra 16 hours a week, how much money after tax could I be getting?

- is overtime regularly available for those who want it and are flexible?

- I tend to put my head down with exams (basing it on history)- however if I fail, would I be let go?

- Is signalling a job for life?

Many thanks to anyone who can answer.

Judging by other postings, then you've been appointed to a Grade 4 position. Credit for that.

Be under no illusions, people have failed the course, and many newbies will say it isn't easy. That said, it's kept me in a job for over twenty years. Management have a vested interest in making sure you pass the course and go on to a successful career.

Nothing is certain in life, but signallers will be around for a long time yet. Even if the method of signalling changes.

As for overtime. There are those that would work 24/7 if they could. It can be there, if you want it. However, if you rely on overtime to live a stable financial life, then you may need to re-assess your finances.

 

[nighttrain]

I have my interview tomorrow in Wrexham. I feel so far out of my depth researching everything

Hope it went well Lucas,

How did you get on, I have an 1hr face 2 face Interview in a few weeks for a G2 position.

 

[SmashingTeaCup]

Hey!!!

Sorry if this is random.
I've recently been successful to start as a Grade 2 Signaller.

I'm currently on £37,000 a year and I get paid 1.5x for any overtime over 37.5 hours a week- last year made about £47,000 pre tax.

Signalling is something I really want to do, however I am super nervous about the 10 weeks residential training; worried about not passing!

Now I'm taking a pay cut however I've been promised a move up to Grade 4 after 16 weeks.

Got a few questions if one of you lovely honest people could answer:

-Am I being sold a dream about a promotion to Grade 4 after 16 weeks?

-If let's say, I remain at Grade 2 after training, and I tend to work an extra 16 hours a week, how much money after tax could I be getting?

- is overtime regularly available for those who want it and are flexible?

- I tend to put my head down with exams (basing it on history)- however if I fail, would I be let go?

- Is signalling a job for life?

Many thanks to anyone who can answer.

Edited for privacy

 

[Lucas7]

Hope it went well Lucas,

How did you get on, I have an 1hr face 2 face Interview in a few weeks for a G2 position.

Thank you. I think it went OK, mine was also for a G2 position. A lot of safety related questions so just be prepared for that. Good luck

 

[nighttrain]

Thank you. I think it went OK, mine was also for a G2 position. A lot of safety related questions so just be prepared for that. Good luck

Cheers thanks .
Fingers crossed also for you .

 

[SimplyLovely]

Just had an email from recruitment saying NR have just agreed to a new pay reward so my salary will change by the time I start.

Anyone have details of the new pay rates?

 

[The Difference]

Just had an email from recruitment saying NR have just agreed to a new pay reward so my salary will change by the time I start.

Anyone have details of the new pay rates?

I got the same and based on research I done on here because online was very conflicting, the pay deal was 4.5%. Somebody posted a table of all the grades with the pay, here it is attached below. How accurate it actually is, I’m unsure, but somebody has taken time to do it, so I’m sure it’ll be pretty accurate.