A career as a signaller

[MrGreen85]

Did you have an actual interview or was it the video assessment as part of application? The deadline for applications online says 29th of May

Sorry its the video assessment part, not the online interview.

Been working overtime so still haven't done it. Will be doing it tomorrow afternoon soon as I get 20 minutes to myself lol

Any idea what I should expect?

 

[emansdrawkcab]

My location was York! Thanks for that, gives me a bit of a time frame if it’s the same

I had my interview at York on Thursday as well. I was told they had more interviews at the end of the month, so I wouldn't hear back until after then.

 

[Locky]

East Coast North covers the boxes from Carnoustie to Carmont, as a trainee you'll fit in to a slot likely during or shortly after training. As roles appear, these can be residents or relief, they'll be advertised internally which you can apply for, if nobody else goes for them you'll generally get it without an interview.

Would you happen to know what grades the boxes are from Carnoustie to Carmont? Based on the information on this thread, I would assume anywhere from grade 2 to grade 4-ish?

 

[Buiadh]

Would you happen to know what grades the boxes are from Carnoustie to Carmont? Based on the information on this thread, I would assume anywhere from grade 2 to grade 4-ish?

Arbroath and Montrose are G4, the rest are G3.

 

[nom de guerre]

I've attached the current payscale sheet. For a Grade 6 the Sunday pay would be:

• 12hr Sunday day £458.59
• 12hr Sunday night £440.76 + Night allowance £20.38

Remember, Sundays are outside of the working week, but do attract that slightly enhanced pay rate.
View attachment 180130
Image shows current Network Rail pay rates for signallers.

Not super important, but… the Saturday and Sunday night figures on the matrix are inclusive of night shift allowance (see the note at the bottom).

So a G6 Sunday night would be ‘only’ £440.76 - no additional £20.38.

 

[High Dyke]

Not super important, but… the Saturday and Sunday night figures on the matrix are inclusive of night shift allowance (see the note at the bottom).

So a G6 Sunday night would be ‘only’ £440.76 - no additional £20.38.

Thanks for the correction. Some of us lowly G3 GPR's don't aspire to those heady heights.

 

[skyblue1992]

How does things usually work over Christmas? particularly christmas day. I understand trains on the whole do not run on either xmas day or boxing day but id imagine there may still be a need for signallers to be at work. As i have a young family whats the reality of taking xmas day as holiday etc and its likelihood? thanks all

 

[CoachB]

How does things usually work over Christmas? particularly christmas day. I understand trains on the whole do not run on either xmas day or boxing day but id imagine there may still be a need for signallers to be at work. As i have a young family whats the reality of taking xmas day as holiday etc and its likelihood? thanks all

If there are no trains running on your line on Xmas day then you'll be booked off, same applies to boxing day. However Xmas day night or boxing day night you could be in depending on your line, if there's any maintenance planned and when the first train is due the next morning to ensure the SB is open and ready.

If you happen to be rostered to be working one of those shifts and the line is open to traffic or maintenance, then if you want to put a holiday in then it'll be subject to cover. Either you or the roster clark will find another signaller to cover your shift so you can have it off. If no one is willing to cover the shift then you'll be forced to work it

 

[skyblue1992]

If there are no trains running on your line on Xmas day then you'll be booked off, same applies to boxing day. However Xmas day night or boxing day night you could be in depending on your line, if there's any maintenance planned and when the first train is due the next morning to ensure the SB is open and ready.

If you happen to be rostered to be working one of those shifts and the line is open to traffic or maintenance, then if you want to put a holiday in then it'll be subject to cover. Either you or the roster clark will find another signaller to cover your shift so you can have it off. If no one is willing to cover the shift then you'll be forced to work it

Thank you for clarifying that its appreciated

 

[mhd123]

Hi all, had my assessment centre in MK last Monday for a position in Rugby, was wondering if anyone else who attended has heard anything back or know when to expect a response?

 

[StaffsPM1]

Good afternoon all

Was wondering if anyone had any photos of Arundel signal box and knew what grade it was?
Also, anyone know what grade the position at Basingstoke is? they both say grade 2 but not sure where that could be?

Many thanks

 

[skyblue1992]

Hi all, had my assessment centre in MK last Monday for a position in Rugby, was wondering if anyone else who attended has heard anything back or know when to expect a response

Hi, im currently waiting to see if i get an assessment centre invite, i have successfully completed the relevant stages up to now, how long did you wait for a assessment date/response from completion of the video interview assessment. also what did your assessment day involve, time etc

 

[StandardTom]

Hi all, had my assessment centre in MK last Monday for a position in Rugby, was wondering if anyone else who attended has heard anything back or know when to expect a response?

I was also there. I haven't heard back yet, but I'm hoping it will be soon!

 

[mhd123]

Hi, im currently waiting to see if i get an assessment centre invite, i have successfully completed the relevant stages up to now, how long did you wait for a assessment date/response from completion of the video interview assessment. also what did your assessment day involve, time etc

I recall waiting around 3 weeks for the assessment centre update, reading through the forum it may vary depending on how many applications the role receives, processing time etc...

The day itself will be an interview and possibly other exercises depending on which grade you've applied for either 0900 - 1000ish or until 1400 if there are other exercises

 

[skyblue1992]

I recall waiting around 3 weeks for the assessment centre update, reading through the forum it may vary depending on how many applications the role receives, processing time etc...

The day itself will be an interview and possibly other exercises depending on which grade you've applied for either 0900 - 1000ish or until 1400 if there are other exercises

appreciate the reply ! thanks

 

[mhd123]

I was also there. I haven't heard back yet, but I'm hoping it will be soon!

The anticipation is agonizing but hopefully we hear back soon with good news, good luck!

 

[nom de guerre]

Good afternoon all

Was wondering if anyone had any photos of Arundel signal box and knew what grade it was?

Exterior photos seem to be readily available online?

Arundel is a 6 - towards the busier end of that spectrum, IIRC. Some Realtime Trains research will clarify.

Bit out of touch now, but all the single manned boxes in that area used to work 8hr rosters.

 

[StaffsPM1]

Yes sorry. Did a load of searching found nothing, put up this post and then found a load of interior pics! Appreciate the reply though

 

[amalek]

Hi all,

Been reading this forum for the last week now and thanks to all who have given all the insight into the application process. I'm glad to say I have passed all stages and now on my last stage which is a final interview. (Little confused on whether it's an assessment day or just and interview). Wanted to ask all that have gone to the interview stage if where they had the interview, mine is at the job site advertised for the signaller role. Is this normal?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 19 May 2025 ==

Evening all! I’ve just found out I have passed the online interviews and awaiting to see if I get offered an assessment centre for the Upminster posting. Just wondered if anyone knew what sort of shift pattern they work there and any tips for the assessment centre in the hopes I get one and don’t go onto a waitlist.
Cheers

Hi mate did you get the interview offer and have you attended yet?

 

[TraineeD]

Hi all,

Been reading this forum for the last week now and thanks to all who have given all the insight into the application process. I'm glad to say I have passed all stages and now on my last stage which is a final interview. (Little confused on whether it's an assessment day or just and interview). Wanted to ask all that have gone to the interview stage if where they had the interview, mine is at the job site advertised for the signaller role. Is this normal?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 19 May 2025 ==


Hi mate did you get the interview offer and have you attended yet?

Hi, mate.

Congratulations on the interview. How long from your video interview to the invite did you have to wait?

Do you mind me asking where you've applied for?

 

[amalek]

Thanks mate, it was around a week from my video interview to my invite. It took around 24 hours for the video interview results.

I applied for the Upminister G8 role

 

[Locky]

Arbroath and Montrose are G4, the rest are G3.

Thanks again mate, appreciated. Not having much joy asking NW these questions.. Might be a long shot but do you know the shift patterns of these boxes?

Also completed the medical today in Perth. All went well except my hearing. I've had tinnitus in both my ears since I can remember but it's never bothered me at all(maybe it has bothered my wife from time to time... lol). Today it was found that I have poor hearing, especially in my right ear and was advised to see a GP about it as soon as I can. The NW doctor said he wasn't sure I would meet NW standards and I am currently waiting on my medical results to be peer-reviewed.. Has anyone else gone through this? Stressing out about it...

 

[CoachB]

Thanks again mate, appreciated. Not having much joy asking NW these questions.. Might be a long shot but do you know the shift patterns of these boxes?

Also completed the medical today in Perth. All went well except my hearing. I've had tinnitus in both my ears since I can remember but it's never bothered me at all(maybe it has bothered my wife from time to time... lol). Today it was found that I have poor hearing, especially in my right ear and was advised to see a GP about it as soon as I can. The NW doctor said he wasn't sure I would meet NW standards and I am currently waiting on my medical results to be peer-reviewed.. Has anyone else gone through this? Stressing out about it...

At my medical I found out i had trouble with some of the higher frequencies in my left ear. My right ear didn't have any issues.

I had to wait around while it was signed off by their supervisor. That took a good few nervous hours before I was given the all clear.

If you don't meet the standards with your current hearing but get that GP appointment booked in and it turns out you need a hearing aid then you should be allowed to retake the medical with a hearing aid to become a signaller

 

[Buiadh]

Thanks again mate, appreciated. Not having much joy asking NW these questions.. Might be a long shot but do you know the shift patterns of these boxes?

Unsure on the individual box patterns but all aside Inverkeilor and Craigo are 12hr shifts open 24/7.
I&C close at night and, I think, on Sundays.

I can't help you with your hearing issues unfortunately, but good luck with it.

 

[bouff34]

Good afternoon all

Was wondering if anyone had any photos of Arundel signal box and knew what grade it was?
Also, anyone know what grade the position at Basingstoke is? they both say grade 2 but not sure where that could be?

Many thanks

Arundel is Grade 6

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 20 May 2025 ==

Exterior photos seem to be readily available online?

Arundel is a 6 - towards the busier end of that spectrum, IIRC. Some Realtime Trains research will clarify.

Bit out of touch now, but all the single manned boxes in that area used to work 8hr rosters.

Still 8 hrs with 12hr Sundays

 

[StaffsPM1]

Many thanks

 

[zaharra92]

I have managed to pass the online assessments and video interview, just recieved an email telling me I don't live within 50 mins to rufford( I live in Manchester) Sat nav is showing 51 mins, I am absolutely gutted, really wanted a career with network rail.

 

[StandardTom]

I was also there. I haven't heard back yet, but I'm hoping it will be soon!

I've just had an email saying that I had reached the required standard but due to the amount of vacancies available I have been placed into the talent pool for now. I'm pretty gutted, but it seems that this is still a positive outcome and the chances of an offer later this year are fair.

 

[mhd123]

I've just had an email saying that I had reached the required standard but due to the amount of vacancies available I have been placed into the talent pool for now. I'm pretty gutted, but it seems that this is still a positive outcome and the chances of an offer later this year are fair.

Likewise I've received the same, not the best feeling but keeping hopes up for an offer down the line.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 20 May 2025 ==

I've just had an email saying that I had reached the required standard but due to the amount of vacancies available I have been placed into the talent pool for now. I'm pretty gutted, but it seems that this is still a positive outcome and the chances of an offer later this year are fair.

Out of curiosity when you log onto your network rail candidate portal does it say "Offer" under Next Step too ?

 

[courtzgordon]

Likewise I've received the same, not the best feeling but keeping hopes up for an offer down the line.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 20 May 2025 ==


Out of curiosity when you log onto your network rail candidate portal does it say "Offer" under Next Step too ?

I have also had the same email. Fingers crossed for all.

Likewise with the portal part also!