A career as a signaller

[martin.g]

Is it okay to visit a box or would you need permission first?

 

[Kraken]

Is it okay to visit a box or would you need permission first?

Probably best to post which area you are in and see if someone on here can accommodate it or put you in touch with the local LOM. I wouldn’t recommend turning up at any signalling location unannounced, though you might get lucky. I’ve had prospective people in the box to show them the job before but it’s always been by prior arrangement and with the LOM’s blessing.

 

[Yorks1179]

Looking at the compendium, they are open continuously Monday to Sunday 0600, shut for a short period 0600 - 0930 on Sundays and then reopening 0930 throughout until the next Sunday.

Just to correct you (was my old patch) all those boxes are 24hr, with twelve hour turns changing at 0600 & 1800.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 26 Jan 2025 ==

Does anyone know the shift pattern of these boxes please? I’ve applied for a relief signaller position and just wondered what they like, Onibury, Bromfield, Wooferton, Leominster, Moreton on lugg, Tram inn, Pontrilas

Thanks

All those boxes are 24hr, with twelve hour turns changing at 0600 & 1800. I was a resident, so I can't tell you the relief pattern, but the relief roster patterns are more varied than a residents. However, 12hr rosters in either form are vastly superior to 8hr.

 

[Joner205]

Just to correct you (was my old patch) all those boxes are 24hr, with twelve hour turns changing at 0600 & 1800.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 26 Jan 2025 ==


All those boxes are 24hr, with twelve hour turns changing at 0600 & 1800. I was a resident, so I can't tell you the relief pattern, but the relief roster patterns are more varied than a residents. However, 12hr rosters in either form are vastly superior to 8hr.

Thanks for that

 

[Pencapchew]

Good Evening all,

First time of anything like this. I have a lot of catching up to do.

Question:

I have passed my online assessment and I am awaiting assessment centre dates. Any idea on how long I will have to wait?

Thanks

Have you heard anything yet? I've also passed my online assessment (last Monday) and waiting to hear about the assessment centre.

 

[rwnroadtrips]

Have you heard anything yet? I've also passed my online assessment (last Monday) and waiting to hear about the assessment centre.

I’m also still waiting to hear but from what I’ve gathered from people who have applied previously- it was a few weeks. However, I’ve been told to keep an eye on the candidate website as some didn’t receive their email straight away but their profile updated.

Patiently waiting

 

[northwestern]

Same here about 5 weeks since passing the recorded interview

 

[High Dyke]

Thanks for that

Just to add, if it is a General Purpose Relief (GPR) position, then you won't know your roster pattern, merely your rest days. However, as you know it is a 12-hr roster then it will be days or nights each week.

If it is a Rest Day Relief (RDR) role then you may have base rostered turns shown at locations within your defined area.

 

[Joner205]

Just to correct you (was my old patch) all those boxes are 24hr, with twelve hour turns changing at 0600 & 1800.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 26 Jan 2025 ==


All those boxes are 24hr, with twelve hour turns changing at 0600 & 1800. I was a resident, so I can't tell you the relief pattern, but the relief roster patterns are more varied than a residents. However, 12hr rosters in either form are vastly superior to 8hr.

Do you know if it’s 4 on 4 off shift pattern

 

[Jock the Scott]

Have you heard anything yet? I've also passed my online assessment (last Monday) and waiting to hear about the assessment centre.

Nothing as of yet. I suspect we won't hear anything until after they close the application.

 

[SimplyLovely]

Hi all, I am just a bit through my second week and have done all of my online modules and am revising all of the notes and printouts I have.

From anyone that’s done the IST since the 2 weeks of pre learning started, what would you say is the most inportant stuff to focusing on getting down before the classroom stuff starts?

Obviously I am doing my best to learn as much of it as possible, but if there is anything crucial for the first couple of weeks then I would rather start with that!

 

[acw7]

Hi everyone, I’m a joiner and absolutely desperate for a career change, especially job security. I’ve applied for a signaller post in Edinburgh, just completed the video interview and waiting for my profile to update (keeps saying I’ve still to do the interview but says complete when I click it) Just wondering what the next step is and the following steps after? On the tests I scored very well above the average, what are the likelihoods of getting an actual interview? Any tips would be great. I’ve had a look at the forum for info on the job but wondering what the actual shift patterns are like? I’m seeing it’s mostly 12 hours with a Sunday on rota, how many days a week are the shifts, 3,4? Any info would be appreciated, cheers

 

[SimplyLovely]

Hi everyone, I’m a joiner and absolutely desperate for a career change, especially job security. I’ve applied for a signaller post in Edinburgh, just completed the video interview and waiting for my profile to update (keeps saying I’ve still to do the interview but says complete when I click it) Just wondering what the next step is and the following steps after? On the tests I scored very well above the average, what are the likelihoods of getting an actual interview? Any tips would be great. I’ve had a look at the forum for info on the job but wondering what the actual shift patterns are like? I’m seeing it’s mostly 12 hours with a Sunday on rota, how many days a week are the shifts, 3,4? Any info would be appreciated, cheers

The only thing you can really do at this stage is wait, it can take them awhile to work out who is moving on to the next stage.

Scoring highly on the test itself won’t guarantee you move on, as they take the top percentage scorers and move them on. So if lots of people have applied, the top scores will be higher.

I would just recommend reading this thread in its entirety and researching NR’s safety vision.

 

[MikeOff]

Hi all, I am just a bit through my second week and have done all of my online modules and am revising all of the notes and printouts I have.

From anyone that’s done the IST since the 2 weeks of pre learning started, what would you say is the most inportant stuff to focusing on getting down before the classroom stuff starts?

Obviously I am doing my best to learn as much of it as possible, but if there is anything crucial for the first couple of weeks then I would rather start with that!

I am just finishing IST. Focus on what seems most relevant to you for the role. Basic terminology and definitions are a good place to start. Things like access, Cess, 4 Foot. SCC and phonetic alphabet also good. Worry less about the historical stuff and more background network rail modules.

 

[SimplyLovely]

I am just finishing IST. Focus on what seems most relevant to you for the role. Basic terminology and definitions are a good place to start. Things like access, Cess, 4 Foot. SCC and phonetic alphabet also good. Worry less about the historical stuff and more background network rail modules.

Thanks, already knew phonetic alphabet so didn’t need to learn that and have a lot of the more basic terms memorised.

In terms of the first test that you do, how is it structured? Is it more written responses or multiple choice, or a mix?

 

[MikeOff]

Thanks, already knew phonetic alphabet so didn’t need to learn that and have a lot of the more basic terms memorised.

In terms of the first test that you do, how is it structured? Is it more written responses or multiple choice, or a mix?

First assessment is entirely multiple choice. Others are a mix of both

 

[SimplyLovely]

First assessment is entirely multiple choice. Others are a mix of both

Magical, thanks a million!

 

[muz379]

Hi all, I am just a bit through my second week and have done all of my online modules and am revising all of the notes and printouts I have.

From anyone that’s done the IST since the 2 weeks of pre learning started, what would you say is the most inportant stuff to focusing on getting down before the classroom stuff starts?

Obviously I am doing my best to learn as much of it as possible, but if there is anything crucial for the first couple of weeks then I would rather start with that!

Sounds like you have the phonetic alphabet down already . And as said above think about the track layout .

Other than that , think about your safety critical comms as well . It is a good idea to start really trying to get that sort of stuff to become second nature now cos as a signaller you are continuously assessed on it , throughout training as well as during your career .

First exam at the end of the first week is all multiple choice . Everyone on my course got 99% plus on it .

 

[JJ94]

I applied for the Grade 4 Signaller role in Derby last month and passed the online assessment. However, due to illness, I was unable to complete the video interview, which resulted in my application being withdrawn. The email I received mentioned that my assessment results would be retained, and I could apply for other positions without needing to retake the test.





When I attempted to apply for a different location, I encountered technical issues. After contacting the recruitment team via email, they eventually informed me that I could only apply for one position at a time. However, I am open to relocating and was hoping to apply for multiple roles. From reading other discussions in this forum, I’ve seen that some candidates have been able to apply for multiple positions without issues.





Can anyone confirm whether Network Rail allows applications for multiple signaller positions at different locations? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.





Thanks in advance!

 

[SimplyLovely]

Sounds like you have the phonetic alphabet down already . And as said above think about the track layout .

Other than that , think about your safety critical comms as well . It is a good idea to start really trying to get that sort of stuff to become second nature now cos as a signaller you are continuously assessed on it , throughout training as well as during your career .

First exam at the end of the first week is all multiple choice . Everyone on my course got 99% plus on it .

Yeah I was in the cadets when I was younger and use it a surprising amount on phone calls so phonetic alphabet is second nature.

I will make sure I have the safety critical comms down.

How vital is it that all bell codes are known off by heart for the first week? I know most of them fully, but there are a few that I know what they mean, but sometimes struggle to give the exact definition in the rule book.

 

[RailwayRookie]

How vital is it that all bell codes are known off by heart for the first week? I know most of them fully, but there are a few that I know what they mean, but sometimes struggle to give the exact definition in the rule book.

Anything in the week one exam is taught that week or in the e-learning before hand.
Week one will teach you any codes likely to appear on the exam and needed for the 'normal' running of trains.

Realistically you are only likely to use Train entering, Train out, Obstruction/Emergency alarm and a smattering of train classes. You might come across Cancelling or wrong description that week too depending on the trainer.


As for the rest, learn them as they are presented to you in the course, the out of gauge codes (2.6.1, 2.6.3, 2.6.3, 1.2.6, 2.1.6) make far more sense when you see them in practice than they do just knowing the definitions.. especially when you have to Boomerang 1.2.6 down multiple boxes.

 

[ZackCulross]

I applied for the Grade 4 Signaller role in Derby last month and passed the online assessment. However, due to illness, I was unable to complete the video interview, which resulted in my application being withdrawn. The email I received mentioned that my assessment results would be retained, and I could apply for other positions without needing to retake the test.





When I attempted to apply for a different location, I encountered technical issues. After contacting the recruitment team via email, they eventually informed me that I could only apply for one position at a time. However, I am open to relocating and was hoping to apply for multiple roles. From reading other discussions in this forum, I’ve seen that some candidates have been able to apply for multiple positions without issues.





Can anyone confirm whether Network Rail allows applications for multiple signaller positions at different locations? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.





Thanks in advance!

i did a G9 application last year in may and was put in a reserve pool for a lower grade, this year i have applied for G8 but because they changed recruitment process i had to complete everything again.

i technically still have two applications open, my original G9 is still in reserve pool and i have another for G8 now.

so its definitely possible to have two, but your first one either needs to be unsuccessful, reserve or withdrawn before your second application.

First one is OG and second is new one.

 

[JJ94]

i did a G9 application last year in may and was put in a reserve pool for a lower grade, this year i have applied for G8 but because they changed recruitment process i had to complete everything again.

i technically still have two applications open, my original G9 is still in reserve pool and i have another for G8 now.

so its definitely possible to have two, but your first one either needs to be unsuccessful, reserve or withdrawn before your second application.

First one is OG and second is new one.

Mine was withdrawn since I was unable to complete the video interview. When I try to apply for other new positions, I still end up on the Derby recruitment tracking page. I contacted them because I wanted to apply for a few positions that had recently opened in the east midlands area but not in Derbyshire. They are G2s and G3s but i dont mind that. The locations are a 1 hour 30 minute drive from Derby but I don't mind moving to the location if it helps. Does reloacting to the location actually work ? Thanks for the reply btw.

 

[Saltire1973]

Hi everyone, I’m a joiner and absolutely desperate for a career change, especially job security. I’ve applied for a signaller post in Edinburgh, just completed the video interview and waiting for my profile to update (keeps saying I’ve still to do the interview but says complete when I click it) Just wondering what the next step is and the following steps after? On the tests I scored very well above the average, what are the likelihoods of getting an actual interview? Any tips would be great. I’ve had a look at the forum for info on the job but wondering what the actual shift patterns are like? I’m seeing it’s mostly 12 hours with a Sunday on rota, how many days a week are the shifts, 3,4? Any info would be appreciated, cheers

Hi acw7,

Can I ask how you know you scored well above average on the assessments? My profile just says I was successful at those stages and doesn’t offer any other detail.

Would be great to have an idea

Thanks

 

[rjb2025]

Hi. Does anybody know when network rail will give you your assessment centre day. I have passed all online assessments and the video interview and my portal says I have been successful for interview at the assessment centre and to keep an eye on my portal for dates. It's been 3 weeks now and still nothing. I have phoned up and they did say they are still waiting for dates but i don't know if this or true or not. Just wondering if it's normal to wait this long.

 

[ZackCulross]

Hi acw7,

Can I ask how you know you scored well above average on the assessments? My profile just says I was successful at those stages and doesn’t offer any other detail.

Would be great to have an idea

Thanks

Once you completed the tests you should've got the option to download your test feedback, may be worth looking in downloads folder on the device you completed the tests on and see if it's in there.

If not I'm not sure you can get back into the system to have a look, you may be able to click the link in emails to get back in, unsure.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 29 Jan 2025 ==

Mine was withdrawn since I was unable to complete the video interview. When I try to apply for other new positions, I still end up on the Derby recruitment tracking page. I contacted them because I wanted to apply for a few positions that had recently opened in the east midlands area but not in Derbyshire. They are G2s and G3s but i dont mind that. The locations are a 1 hour 30 minute drive from Derby but I don't mind moving to the location if it helps. Does reloacting to the location actually work ? Thanks for the reply btw.

That may be the case why it won't let you apply, if you live to far away, I could be wrong.

 

[muz379]

Yeah I was in the cadets when I was younger and use it a surprising amount on phone calls so phonetic alphabet is second nature.

I will make sure I have the safety critical comms down.

How vital is it that all bell codes are known off by heart for the first week? I know most of them fully, but there are a few that I know what they mean, but sometimes struggle to give the exact definition in the rule book.

I really wouldn't worry too much about bell codes beyond the classes of train (and what they actually mean) , call attention , train entering section , train out of section for week one .

Few people on my course learned every single bell code and could tell you the definition of it in week 1 , but had forgotton many of them a few weeks later until you come to learn the associated regulation . Some of them only make sense once you understand basic principles anyway .

 

[ZackCulross]

Hi. Does anybody know when network rail will give you your assessment centre day. I have passed all online assessments and the video interview and my portal says I have been successful for interview at the assessment centre and to keep an eye on my portal for dates. It's been 3 weeks now and still nothing. I have phoned up and they did say they are still waiting for dates but i don't know if this or true or not. Just wondering if it's normal to wait this long.

If its for a Signaller, then yes, anything in the railway is slow, can take upto a month from job advert closing for them to provide an interview date.

Keep an eye out it will eventually come.

 

[rjb2025]

If its for a Signaller, then yes, anything in the railway is slow, can take upto a month from job advert closing for them to provide an interview date.

Keep an eye out it will eventually come.

Hi.
Yes it is for a signaller role. Job advert closed on January 9th. I have been waiting since approx January 3rd for a date and my online portal is still the same. Hopefully it’s just a slow process then.

 

[JJ94]

That may be the case why it won't let you apply, if you live to far away, I could be wrong.

I have been in contact with them back and forth via email and it turns out they had me in Dundee instead of Derby in the system at the moment, even though I applied to the Derby position with my Derby address given in the application. I'm sure if I had given them Dundee as my base location, I would've been initially rejected from Derby position straightaway. I'm still waiting for the update from them. Do they normally consider applicants if they are willing to relocate?
Thanks for the reply btw.