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A career as a signaller

ZackCulross

Member
Joined
9 Oct 2016
Messages
197
Location
Edinburgh
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.
Jeez that's some distance from derby haha.

I honestly couldnt say cause G8 I applied for is within 10 minutes from me so I clicked yes, maybe if you click no to the question where it asks if you live within 50 minutes it might pop up asking about relocation.
 
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RailUK Forums

ZackCulross

Member
Joined
9 Oct 2016
Messages
197
Location
Edinburgh
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.
Yeah it's slow unfortunately, I applied last year for G9 and about a month later got an interview, then was 2 weeks later I got told I was on reserve list.

So be prepared for a very long wait depending on how fast they need to fill the positions.
 

rjb2025

Member
Joined
29 Jan 2025
Messages
28
Location
manchester
I have applied for G6 in Manchester. It said it was hiring multiple candidates when I first applied. I have read multiple answers so wasn’t too sure what was going on but generally everybody says the recruitment process with network rail is very slow so I will be patient for another week or two and hopefully hear from them again soon
 

acw7

Member
Joined
28 Jan 2025
Messages
11
Location
Glenrothes
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
Yeah just what Zack said, I’ve tried to go bxck and have a look but can’t see it again
 

feaky4

Member
Joined
5 Jul 2018
Messages
262
Been offered a grade 3 role today after being in the “talent pool” for a few months excited but extremely nervous
 

High Dyke

Established Member
Joined
1 Jan 2013
Messages
4,995
Location
Yellabelly Country
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.
Relocation may he a bit extreme, but it has been known before. One thing to bear in mind is the fatigue calculations for signalling shifts takes into account travel. It's 14-hrs door-door. So, a twelve hour shift would only allow one hour travel in both directions.
 

NoEyeDeer

Member
Joined
14 Sep 2020
Messages
49
Location
Aberdeen
Does anyone know if Tyneside IECC is only a grade 3? I see a post up just now and wondered if there was different workstations or whatever, never seen an IECC only grade 3, are there any other signal boxes in the area that will be staying open?
 

ChrisRS

Member
Joined
17 Jan 2019
Messages
150
Does anyone know if Tyneside IECC is only a grade 3? I see a post up just now and wondered if there was different workstations or whatever, never seen an IECC only grade 3, are there any other signal boxes in the area that will be staying open?
Grade 3 - Ashington WS (Formerly Blyth &Tyne)
Grade 7 - X4 workstations for the ECML

Boxes staying open in nearby area,
Morpeth (ECML)
Winning & Freeman's (Blyth & Tyne)
West Line (Newcastle to Carlisle)
 

ewingk63

New Member
Joined
30 Jan 2025
Messages
4
Location
Musselburgh
Hello,

I have passed the online assessments for a Signaller and have been asked to complete a Video Interview were I will record answers to pre set questions.

Can anyone tell me if these questions are competency based or are these more personal about me? I have read conflicting information on our forums. The email says it should take 15 mins to complete so I cant imagine it will be that detailed??

Thanks
 

tiptoptaff

Established Member
Joined
15 Feb 2013
Messages
3,222
Hello,

I have passed the online assessments for a Signaller and have been asked to complete a Video Interview were I will record answers to pre set questions.

Can anyone tell me if these questions are competency based or are these more personal about me? I have read conflicting information on our forums. The email says it should take 15 mins to complete so I cant imagine it will be that detailed??

Thanks
Allow yourself a good half an hour

The questions are competency based
 

Saltire1973

Member
Joined
24 Jul 2022
Messages
24
Location
East Lothian
Hello,

I have passed the online assessments for a Signaller and have been asked to complete a Video Interview were I will record answers to pre set questions.

Can anyone tell me if these questions are competency based or are these more personal about me? I have read conflicting information on our forums. The email says it should take 15 mins to complete so I cant imagine it will be that detailed??

Thanks
Definitely competency based, allow an hour
 

Ib5

On Moderation
Joined
21 Jan 2025
Messages
120
Evening guys and gals !

So I was successful at my video “interview” recorded answers to recorded questions. I’ve now been asked to complete another online assessment to be considered for an interview.

So….does anyone have any experience of this element of the process ?

Many thanks !
 

rjb2025

Member
Joined
29 Jan 2025
Messages
28
Location
manchester
Hello,

I have passed the online assessments for a Signaller and have been asked to complete a Video Interview were I will record answers to pre set questions.

Can anyone tell me if these questions are competency based or are these more personal about me? I have read conflicting information on our forums. The email says it should take 15 mins to complete so I cant imagine it will be that detailed??

Thanks
What area is the job you applied for ?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: ==

Hello,

I have passed the online assessments for a Signaller and have been asked to complete a Video Interview were I will record answers to pre set questions.

Can anyone tell me if these questions are competency based or are these more personal about me? I have read conflicting information on our forums. The email says it should take 15 mins to complete so I cant imagine it will be that detailed??

Thanks
What is the area of the vacancy you have applied for ?
 

StaffsPM1

Member
Joined
7 Oct 2017
Messages
88
Hi all
. Can I check whether Eastleigh is Grade 5 or 7?
I'm sure it was 7 from a previous advert but the current says 5.
Also is it still an 8 hour roster.
Out of interest has anyone ever known of a driver going signaler. I've seen the opposite but never TO signaler.
Ta
 

godfreycomplex

Established Member
Joined
23 Jun 2016
Messages
1,749
Hi all
. Can I check whether Eastleigh is Grade 5 or 7?
I'm sure it was 7 from a previous advert but the current says 5.
Also is it still an 8 hour roster.
Out of interest has anyone ever known of a driver going signaler. I've seen the opposite but never TO signaler.
Ta
Eastleigh = 7 (with grade 9 SSMs). 8 hour roster (not sure about Sundays)
Suspect the 5 is for one of the side panels at Basingstoke ASC
Known of several drivers going signaller aye.
 

StaffsPM1

Member
Joined
7 Oct 2017
Messages
88
Thanks for that. I had the suspicion of it being Basingstoke but the map location and advert said Eastleigh. I'll drop them an email. Many thanks
 

FiveMileHouse

Member
Joined
2 Feb 2025
Messages
5
Location
Lincoln
Hi all,

Thank you to all of those that have contributed to this wealth of information,
Recently applied for a G2 Trainee role, Passed all of the criteria and just waiting for an assessment centre.

The only thing I can't seem to figure out is the actual area that I would of applied for?
The job advert suggested the "Lincoln LN4" area but i can't seem to find a signal box that sits in this area.

I know of plenty on the Nottingham/Barnetby Line but struggling for the Lincoln to Peterborough line that would fall into the LN4 area.

Any one with any ideas that it's likely i'd be placed?
Many thanks for any help
 

JArtis

New Member
Joined
2 Feb 2025
Messages
2
Location
Nottingham
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.
Hi Kraken,

Hope you're well! I've recently applied for the G2 trainee position for the Melton/Oakham area and I was hoping if it would be possible to arrange a box visit if possible. I'm an existing Network Rail Employee and I've previously been involved with maintenance/inspection work in the area. I've passed the online assessment so I'm just waiting on further details.

PM if you get this message (New member to site unable to message you directly).

Many Thanks,

Jake

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: ==

Hi all,

Thank you to all of those that have contributed to this wealth of information,
Recently applied for a G2 Trainee role, Passed all of the criteria and just waiting for an assessment centre.

The only thing I can't seem to figure out is the actual area that I would of applied for?
The job advert suggested the "Lincoln LN4" area but i can't seem to find a signal box that sits in this area.

I know of plenty on the Nottingham/Barnetby Line but struggling for the Lincoln to Peterborough line that would fall into the LN4 area.

Any one with any ideas that it's likely i'd be placed?
Many thanks for any help
From understanding the Lincoln roles are for the areas of Sleaford (which has a few boxes) and Metheringham. It's ever so slightly out of my commute so mine was knocked back for the Lincoln roles.
 
Last edited:

ewingk63

New Member
Joined
30 Jan 2025
Messages
4
Location
Musselburgh
I found out this morning that I passed the video interview for G8 Signaller Edinburgh and they will email me when dates are confirmed to book in for an assessment date. Does anyone know were this would be? Would it be local to the signaller centre in Edinburgh or through in Glasgow at the Control Centre?
 

ZackCulross

Member
Joined
9 Oct 2016
Messages
197
Location
Edinburgh
I found out this morning that I passed the video interview for G8 Signaller Edinburgh and they will email me when dates are confirmed to book in for an assessment date. Does anyone know were this would be? Would it be local to the signaller centre in Edinburgh or through in Glasgow at the Control Centre?
it will be a video interview.

they dont do it in person up here since covid.
 

High Dyke

Established Member
Joined
1 Jan 2013
Messages
4,995
Location
Yellabelly Country
The only thing I can't seem to figure out is the actual area that I would of applied for? The job advert suggested the "Lincoln LN4" area but i can't seem to find a signal box that sits in this area.
Got to love HR. They have little concept of postal areas.

Lincoln Signalling Centre (G5) covers the GN/GE Joint line from Werrington Jn through Spalding and Lincoln to Gainsborough.

Other locations are (with grades shown)
Sleaford area
  • Allington (3)
  • Ancaster, Rauceby (2)
  • Sleaford West & Sleaford East (3)
  • Heckington (2)
Boston area
  • Hubberts Bridge (2)
  • Boston West Street (3)
  • Sibsey, Bellwater Jn, Thorpe Culvert, Wainfleet & Skegness (2)
Lincoln area
  • Swinderby (3)
  • Langworth, Wickenby, Holton-Le-Moor (2)
 

Decipher99

New Member
Joined
3 Feb 2025
Messages
1
Location
London
Recently applied for a G2 Trainee role, Passed all of the criteria and just waiting for an assessment centre.
Hello, well done I wish you well. I also applied to G2 Trainee role with Network Rail. I now have to complete an online interview do you or others have any insight in line of questioning? I’m informed 3 questions.

kind regards
Dan
 

rjb2025

Member
Joined
29 Jan 2025
Messages
28
Location
manchester
I found out this morning that I passed the video interview for G8 Signaller Edinburgh and they will email me when dates are confirmed to book in for an assessment date. Does anyone know were this would be? Would it be local to the signaller centre in Edinburgh or through in Glasgow at the Control Centre?
I passed 4 weeks ago and still waiting for dates. Phoned them many times and they keep saying we haven’t allocated any yet keep waiting, mine is for Manchester, going of other things I have read I was made to believe the assessment centre will be a trip down to Milton Keynes. Can anybody confirm this ?
 

FiveMileHouse

Member
Joined
2 Feb 2025
Messages
5
Location
Lincoln
Got to love HR. They have little concept of postal areas.

Lincoln Signalling Centre (G5) covers the GN/GE Joint line from Werrington Jn through Spalding and Lincoln to Gainsborough.

Other locations are (with grades shown)
Sleaford area
  • Allington (3)
  • Ancaster, Rauceby (2)
  • Sleaford West & Sleaford East (3)
  • Heckington (2)
Boston area
  • Hubberts Bridge (2)
  • Boston West Street (3)
  • Sibsey, Bellwater Jn, Thorpe Culvert, Wainfleet & Skegness (2)
Lincoln area
  • Swinderby (3)
  • Langworth, Wickenby, Holton-Le-Moor (2)
So an open book of Lincolnshire is the HR's response for the advertisement (Maybe?),
I did see the Sleaford area position, so had assumed that it was the Lincoln area I would be applying for.

As much as i would love the LSC position, I feel that would be well covered already.

Happy for any role of course, Langworth would be great as it's my closest box.

Super thank you for the response.

From understanding the Lincoln roles are for the areas of Sleaford (which has a few boxes) and Metheringham. It's ever so slightly out of my commute so mine was knocked back for the Lincoln roles.

It was my understanding that the Methringham box was actually closed when they re-worked the area. 2016?

The Sleaford advertisment was running at the same time Lincoln was, So i'd made the assumption that the Lincoln box's would be what I would be applying for. I maybe wrong.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: ==

Hello, well done I wish you well. I also applied to G2 Trainee role with Network Rail. I now have to complete an online interview do you or others have any insight in line of questioning? I’m informed 3 questions.

kind regards
Dan
I made really poor notes for the actual questions but what I had written was along the lines of:

1) A situation - Personal Responsibilty
- How did you find out about it?
- What actions
- What outcome / What Steps
2) Time of stress pressure
- What was it?
- How did you cope?
- Outcome?
3) Communicate - Others to take action
- What Idea? and why?
- What communication?
- Outcome?
 

heavyjack

Member
Joined
22 Mar 2023
Messages
7
Location
Scotland
It is still a great read, even if it is a little old now. The writing is quite technical, so depending on your rail knowledge, you may slightly struggle to grasp exactly what is going on but you should still get good insight. The chapters on signaller errors was the most impactful (was going to say "favourite" but given the subject matter that may not be the best choice of words!).

If anyone prefers a more visual approach, there is a great youtube channel called Fascinating Horror that makes really interesting short form documentaries about various subjects. Their collection of railway disaster videos are really good watches. The first one I watched was the Quintinshill one, which I have linked below as it is only 12 minutes long but well worth a watch for anyone unfamiliar with the incident.

The Quintinshill Disaster
Interesting this, thanks for sharing.
 

nuttykermit

New Member
Joined
7 Jun 2024
Messages
2
Location
Devon
Been offered a grade 3 role today after being in the “talent pool” for a few months excited but extremely nervous
Funnily enough I think I originally interviewed around same time as you and was offered a position just before new year, just waiting on an IST date now nearly a year since original application
 

feaky4

Member
Joined
5 Jul 2018
Messages
262
Funnily enough I think I originally interviewed around same time as you and was offered a position just before new year, just waiting on an IST date now nearly a year since original application
Nice congrats!! So crazy it came out of no where, I’m just waiting for my medical but I’ll be starting 14th April then IST is 28th April in York excited but bricking it
 

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