A career as a signaller

[WiamLebb]

Bit of a whirlwind but here goes. Driving to work on Thursday last week and the train lines close, as I’m waiting I look up at the box and see the signaller. I think to myself “I didn’t think people still worked in those” and carry on to work. That night I’m on Facebook and a job advert appears from Network Rail for G2 trainees for Burscough, Rufford, Parbold…all 10-15 mins from me. I think, why not and do the online tests and pass, I put off the online interview as it’s late. Turns out the job closes the next day and luckily cos I’ve started, I get to finish. Did the online interview yesterday and got through that. It all feels a bit serendipitous so far.

Now my question is…I’ve gone from not thinking that signal boxes were used any more to looking at working in one and I’m quite looking forward to the prospect. What do I need to know about the assessment centre activities and is there much I can do to prepare?

 

[Ar11fbm]

Bit of a whirlwind but here goes. Driving to work on Thursday last week and the train lines close, as I’m waiting I look up at the box and see the signaller. I think to myself “I didn’t think people still worked in those” and carry on to work. That night I’m on Facebook and a job advert appears from Network Rail for G2 trainees for Burscough, Rufford, Parbold…all 10-15 mins from me. I think, why not and do the online tests and pass, I put off the online interview as it’s late. Turns out the job closes the next day and luckily cos I’ve started, I get to finish. Did the online interview yesterday and got through that. It all feels a bit serendipitous so far.

Now my question is…I’ve gone from not thinking that signal boxes were used any more to looking at working in one and I’m quite looking forward to the prospect. What do I need to know about the assessment centre activities and is there much I can do to prepare?

Congrats on getting so far. I am also in the process of applying to a position and have the online interview to do. I was wondering if you can give me some advice or tips and tricks to help. Would be grateful!

 

[WiamLebb]

Congrats on getting so far. I am also in the process of applying to a position and have the online interview to do. I was wondering if you can give me some advice or tips and tricks

It still may not be good enough so don’t take my advice as gospel but I mainly focussed on safety, strictly following procedures, asking more experienced people for help, and prioritisation of activities.

We’ll see if I manage to get a spot at the assessment centre

 

[Ar11fbm]

It still may not be good enough so don’t take my advice as gospel but I mainly focussed on safety, strictly following procedures, asking more experienced people for help, and prioritisation of activities.

We’ll see if I manage to get a spot at the assessment centre

Cheers for the advice, will be taking this into consideration. Thanks again.

 

[samsutton1990]

Hi All,

Applied for the signaller role in Bangor north wales, passed test and interview, got the message saying we will be in touch if you’ve got through to assessment centre, last comms were on 28/11 saying sorry we’re still going through the applications, just wondering if anyone else heard anything as current job might need me to go out of country for a month don’t want to miss the assessment centre, seen one person already been told they’ve not got through as they live to far away just wondering if anyone else heard anything more or everyone in same boat as me?

 

[s01omorg]

Been waiting two months to see if I'd get an interview for Eastleigh, with the constant checking of e-mails as we're told places are filled quickly, and just been told they're no longer recruiting for this position due to operational reasons. Gutted! Anyone know why this might be? I've been told I've met the standard so hopefully something else comes up locally soon.

 

[ZackCulross]

So after giving up hope of ever getting a call during my 12 month talent bank, today it happened, I got the call offering me G9 for Edinburgh, with IST sometime next summer.

Absolutely over the moon, anyone in talent banks, dont give up hope.

 

[prophetofdoom2]

So after giving up hope of ever getting a call during my 12 month talent bank, today it happened, I got the call offering me G9 for Edinburgh, with IST sometime next summer.

Absolutely over the moon, anyone in talent banks, dont give up hope.

Congratulations.

 

[motherwell1980]

So after giving up hope of ever getting a call during my 12 month talent bank, today it happened, I got the call offering me G9 for Edinburgh, with IST sometime next summer.

Absolutely over the moon, anyone in talent banks, dont give up hope.

Absolutely amazing, makes me feel better too about being in talent bank for Glasgow

 

[ZackCulross]

Absolutely amazing, makes me feel better too about being in talent bank for Glasgow

Yeah seems like edinburgh and glasgow advertise external and internal, then hire internal first before moving to external.

My interview was 19th of February and told I was in talent pool on 25th of February.

So could be a long wait.

 

[ac1234]

Not shortlisted for an assessment centre at rufford for the second time ! Gutted meet the requirement but not shortlisted

 

[carwyn006]

Hi All,

Applied for the signaller role in Bangor north wales, passed test and interview, got the message saying we will be in touch if you’ve got through to assessment centre, last comms were on 28/11 saying sorry we’re still going through the applications, just wondering if anyone else heard anything as current job might need me to go out of country for a month don’t want to miss the assessment centre, seen one person already been told they’ve not got through as they live to far away just wondering if anyone else heard anything more or everyone in same boat as me?

Good evening

Yeah, I got the same message on the 21/11 and then the 04/12. I'll keep you posted if I hear anything. It's a lengthy process.

All the best.

 

[Brickz]

Hi all
Quick question why can’t you have your method of transport as a motobike and it has got to be a car ? I live 2.7 miles from my location. I have got all the way 3 times now and since obtained my license for a motorbike to get from A + B (car next )
Yet they can’t offer me the role as they said it can only be a driving licence? I can get to work a lot quicker on my bike only 12 mins from my home address to the location. I’m so confused why I’ve been refused and a motorbike isn’t acceptable?

Anybody who works in this industry know there reasoning as I’ve not been told why

thanks

Could just say car as wether it be motorbike and car they are both just entitlements on your driving licence. So you do have a driving licence.

 

[JHSM]

I can tell you at TBROC there are multiple people that come from Eastbourne, Polegate, Seaford area.

Hi, thanks for reply. I have just been told by NR that I can't apply for Three Bridges as Eastbourne is too far away. Gutted.

 

[elmath]

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.

Hello how long did it take to hear back and were you successful or unsuccessful?

 

[mld]

Hi all
Quick question why can’t you have your method of transport as a motobike and it has got to be a car ? I live 2.7 miles from my location. I have got all the way 3 times now and since obtained my license for a motorbike to get from A + B (car next )
Yet they can’t offer me the role as they said it can only be a driving licence? I can get to work a lot quicker on my bike only 12 mins from my home address to the location. I’m so confused why I’ve been refused and a motorbike isn’t acceptable?

Anybody who works in this industry know there reasoning as I’ve not been told why

thanks

Yes, it’s because you need a car licence. You are sometimes required to travel to other signal boxes in a company vehicle and obviously if you can’t drive a car you wouldn’t be able to do that.

 

[Big O 82]

Hello all!

I have passed all the online stuff for trainee Three bridges! Anyone else do similar and heard yet about assessment day?

I get the feeling they will pick up on internal people first then people who geographically are best suited to more than one location!

Annoyingly I am 59 mins away from Arundel the next one from my home!!

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 17 Dec 2025 ==

Hi, thanks for reply. I have just been told by NR that I can't apply for Three Bridges as Eastbourne is too far away. Gutted.

All those people that come from those areas do they not work for GTR as opposed to NR?

 

[High Dyke]

Yes, it’s because you need a car licence. You are sometimes required to travel to other signal boxes in a company vehicle and obviously if you can’t drive a car you wouldn’t be able to do that.

Well, in 20 odd years as a 'nomad' I've never been permitted to use a company vehicle. We don't have that privilege. Using your own method of transport is the way we are expected to travel to/from work locations. There are those that use a motorbike to get to/from work.

 

[cpn]

Well, in 20 odd years as a 'nomad' I've never been permitted to use a company vehicle. We don't have that privilege. Using your own method of transport is the way we are expected to travel to/from work locations. There are those that use a motorbike to get to/from work.

Similarly: I don't have a driving licence at all, and enjoy a merry Relief Signaller existence travelling to/from my boxes by train (when available) and taxi (when necessary - paid for by me, but effectively covered by the ample salary).

 

[angleseyfitter]

Hi All,

Applied for the signaller role in Bangor north wales, passed test and interview, got the message saying we will be in touch if you’ve got through to assessment centre, last comms were on 28/11 saying sorry we’re still going through the applications, just wondering if anyone else heard anything as current job might need me to go out of country for a month don’t want to miss the assessment centre, seen one person already been told they’ve not got through as they live to far away just wondering if anyone else heard anything more or everyone in same boat as me?

I applied for one on anglesey and had comms last week saying the same, I’m guessing it all goes through one big spider web of applications and seeing who’s where as they do say they may put you somewhere you didn’t necessarily apply for?

 

[NoEyeDeer]

Anyone got the answer to this, I’m working RDW on Christmas Eve (1800-0600) I always thought this would be 6 hours at 125% and 6 hours at 325%

After reading the pay document it says lower rate for those working on Xmas Eve which would mean 125% and 225% I’m a bit confused if the wording around lower rate only is for booked shifts as you are already being paid 100% with your salary so you get the lower rate of 200% extra

I thought the RDW would automatically entitle you to the higher rate 300% plus 25% extra for a RDW seeing as you can’t gain a lieu day?

 

[High Dyke]

Anyone got the answer to this, I’m working RDW on Christmas Eve (1800-0600) I always thought this would be 6 hours at 125% and 6 hours at 325%

After reading the pay document it says lower rate for those working on Xmas Eve which would mean 125% and 225% I’m a bit confused if the wording around lower rate only is for booked shifts as you are already being paid 100% with your salary so you get the lower rate of 200% extra

I thought the RDW would automatically entitle you to the higher rate 300% plus 25% extra for a RDW seeing as you can’t gain a lieu day?

Paid as per the document. I've checked back over the last seven years and that wording has not changed.

 

[bouff34]

Anyone got the answer to this, I’m working RDW on Christmas Eve (1800-0600) I always thought this would be 6 hours at 125% and 6 hours at 325%

After reading the pay document it says lower rate for those working on Xmas Eve which would mean 125% and 225% I’m a bit confused if the wording around lower rate only is for booked shifts as you are already being paid 100% with your salary so you get the lower rate of 200% extra

I thought the RDW would automatically entitle you to the higher rate 300% plus 25% extra for a RDW seeing as you can’t gain a lieu day?

You can't gain a lieu day as you aren't working the BH shift - you are only working the 24th shift!

If you were working the 26th night shift you would get the lieu day even though 6 hrs are not in a bank holiday so you can't have it both ways!!!

 

[ironside91]

So after giving up hope of ever getting a call during my 12 month talent bank, today it happened, I got the call offering me G9 for Edinburgh, with IST sometime next summer.

Absolutely over the moon, anyone in talent banks, dont give up hope.

I really hope so, I went in the talent pool in August and really hope it comes up

 

[Psalms3418]

Hey all!

First time inputting on the forum even though I’ve been keeping an eye on it for a while in regards to my Signaller and Train Driver application.

I applied for the G7 Signaller at Wimbledon ASC, passed the online assessment and online video interview. Have been told that I’ll be informed of the next stage assessment and interview process.

It’s only been a couple weeks now and from what I’ve heard in the forums and general knowledge of anything rail related it can take a while - anything from weeks to months.

Any chance anyone is in the same boat as me? If anyone has heard back already?

Any tips for the interview process?
Any advice to hit the ground running as a G7? Is it challenging?

Random question: the salary is based of a 36hr week and this box only does 12hr shift rotations - does that mean I’ll be expecting to do 3 shifts a week?

Thank you all in advance!

 

[Trothy]

Anyone got the answer to this, I’m working RDW on Christmas Eve (1800-0600) I always thought this would be 6 hours at 125% and 6 hours at 325%

After reading the pay document it says lower rate for those working on Xmas Eve which would mean 125% and 225% I’m a bit confused if the wording around lower rate only is for booked shifts as you are already being paid 100% with your salary so you get the lower rate of 200% extra

I thought the RDW would automatically entitle you to the higher rate 300% plus 25% extra for a RDW seeing as you can’t gain a lieu day?

Yeah, you just get 6 hours at usual RDW and then 6 hours lower Christmas day rate + the 25% for it being RDW, of course depending on the location you often get to close after last train on Xmas Eve, so you can finish up with 24 hours pay for 4-6 hours work.

 

[railman675]

Hey everyone, does anyone know what the crossing keeper (desk) g2 role involves?

 

[borte]

I've applied for the G7 Signaller position in Wimbledon recently and passed the video interview so far. Does anyone know how strict they are with regards to living 50 minutes away from the location provided? or rather whether they are strict about not accepting relocators? I'm currently about 60 minutes away but also in the position to move closer immediately up receiving an offer, so would hate for this to be the deal breaker.

 

[ZackCulross]

I've applied for the G7 Signaller position in Wimbledon recently and passed the video interview so far. Does anyone know how strict they are with regards to living 50 minutes away from the location provided? or rather whether they are strict about not accepting relocators? I'm currently about 60 minutes away but also in the position to move closer immediately up receiving an offer, so would hate for this to be the deal breaker.

its a deal breaker, they will give you an unsucessful email if over 50 mins

 

[NotMattch]

Hey all!

First time inputting on the forum even though I’ve been keeping an eye on it for a while in regards to my Signaller and Train Driver application.

I applied for the G7 Signaller at Wimbledon ASC, passed the online assessment and online video interview. Have been told that I’ll be informed of the next stage assessment and interview process.

It’s only been a couple weeks now and from what I’ve heard in the forums and general knowledge of anything rail related it can take a while - anything from weeks to months.

Any chance anyone is in the same boat as me? If anyone has heard back already?

Any tips for the interview process?
Any advice to hit the ground running as a G7? Is it challenging?

Random question: the salary is based of a 36hr week and this box only does 12hr shift rotations - does that mean I’ll be expecting to do 3 shifts a week?

Thank you all in advance!

Interview wise, depending on who does the interview, as much info as you can find about Network Rail itself as possible, especially around the safety. All the slogans and rules they use they like to hear.
Learn the areas that the box covers, what stations and how they all connect geographically alongside the TOCs and Stock that are run.

Also, make sure to have examples for the situation based questions such as dealing with difficult situations, working within a team and whatnot. (STAR Method is a must)

With regards to the roster, it's a mix of working 4 days and 3 days in a row, 7-7, although whilst you're training, you'll be on an 8-hour roster.

It's fairly straight forward once you get used to it honestly, you'll have your 10-12 week long IST course before you even get to Wimbledon, simulator training at the wimbledon itself, and then training on the panel with the signallers

With regards to hearing back, being Christmas and all, I wouldn't be surprised if you didn't hear anything further until at least mid-January

I've applied for the G7 Signaller position in Wimbledon recently and passed the video interview so far. Does anyone know how strict they are with regards to living 50 minutes away from the location provided? or rather whether they are strict about not accepting relocators? I'm currently about 60 minutes away but also in the position to move closer immediately up receiving an offer, so would hate for this to be the deal breaker.

It is a deal breaker, you have to be within 50 minutes based on traffic during rush hour. They do take relocation, but you'll have to prove that even with the delay to your start due to the relocation, you'd be a better choice than someone else who doesn't need to relocate and can start sooner. It also depends on how long you'd actually need to relocate as well