A career as a signaller

[nightowl639]

Is the post you are applying for a T-Post or an actual vacancy in a box? If it’s a T-post you will need to apply for internal vacancies as they come up. This can take anything from a few weeks to over a year. Until you have a position in a box either resident or relief you will be eligible for very few Sundays, nights or overtime if any at all.

It is both these positions. I’m going to guess they come with a relief premium too but not 100%.

 

[Brett55]

Thank you mate, what’s the standard shift pattern look like or are they all different?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 11 Jan 2026 ==


Thank you!

No problem, not all rosters are the same. I do ten hour shifts, 3 one week and 4 shifts the next and so on. Mix of early morning and nights.

 

[nightowl639]

No problem, not all rosters are the same. I do ten hour shifts, 3 one week and 4 shifts the next and so on. Mix of early morning and nights.

Thanks for the info mate! Much appreciated.

 

[Kiann]

Hey guys!

Just a general question really. I currently work for a TOC as a Train Manager and recently applied for a G2 Signaller role with Network Rail. I completed my online assessments and video interview questions in November last year and today received an invite to an Assessment Centre Day, has anybody recently completed one of these and what should I be expecting?

I already know about the resource for what to expect but it doesn't seem to provide everything as I've already noticed they've missed out quite a crucial point... creating a presentation...

If anybody could share their experiences/what their day was like - would be awesome!

(http://104712377539d9cf6738-690f1a7c6bd3b92d222a2f39a6ba9d56.r58.cf3.rackcdn.com/Signallers/How_to_Apply_Network_Rail_Signallers (1).pdf)

Welcome!
Once you’ve made the decision to apply to become a Signaller, you’ll want to know about our straightforward application process. Make sure you apply and complete our process as quickly as possible. Our Signaller vacancies are very popular and we don’t want you to miss out.

 

[chris89]

Is it to a actual centre or done online? As rules and how do the presenation are different.

When you get a actual date/ informed of one you will get the link to the preseneation via the Network Rail hub you use to track the application.

The interview will be asked of X experinces, what you know of the role etc. Can be up to a hour long. The presenation is up to 30 minutes or so.

 

[Manda2194]

Hey guys!

Just a general question really. I currently work for a TOC as a Train Manager and recently applied for a G2 Signaller role with Network Rail. I completed my online assessments and video interview questions in November last year and today received an invite to an Assessment Centre Day, has anybody recently completed one of these and what should I be expecting?

I already know about the resource for what to expect but it doesn't seem to provide everything as I've already noticed they've missed out quite a crucial point... creating a presentation...

If anybody could share their experiences/what their day was like - would be awesome!

(http://104712377539d9cf6738-690f1a7c6bd3b92d222a2f39a6ba9d56.r58.cf3.rackcdn.com/Signallers/How_to_Apply_Network_Rail_Signallers (1).pdf)

Have you done any of the online tests. I did mine about 3 years ago and I think there were 2 lots. First one was just some questions and the second one was a grid challenge multi tasking etc

There was also a fictional scenario for a video interview. Once I know what part you are up to I should be able to help

 

[Kiann]

@Manda2194 and @chris89 - thank you both for your replies. I have completed the online assessments, there were 4 parts to it if I remember correctly, mathematical questions, identifying irregularities in patterns, "Day in the Life" scenario questions and then an apprehension test (reading text and agreeing or disagreeing with statements related to the text)... I then moved onto complete the online video interview which consisted of several different questions, the most challenging part was looking at myself speaking (hated that!) but I realised on the last question I was able to block the camera view

I receieved an invite today to attend an in-person assessment centre day on Monday 19th Jan after waiting about 2-months for a response to my video interview/online assessments. I booked it and confirmed everything including the Right to Work documents check, I then received a follow-up email confirming and asking me to complete a presentation on an irregularity at a UWC (which I am now halfway through completing) - I understand I will need to print my visual aids for this and that I will have 15-minutes to complete it in full.

I was just curious - with the information I have provided - is there anything I am missing or anything else I should be expecting on the day or prepare for, or is it all fairly self explanatory and streamlined?

Thank you once again!

 

[chris89]

I had to do mine virtually (Sadly didn't get the role) I just used the information i was provided as stops any issues looking at the actual RAIB report for it. For my presenation, just went with bullet points for what thought was important and a basic style for it.

Pretty self explanatory and streamlined as well to, think of different soloutions etc as well to. As for mine did think 'outside the box' for it.

 

[Kiann]

I had to do mine virtually (Sadly didn't get the role) I just used the information i was provided as stops any issues looking at the actual RAIB report for it. For my presenation, just went with bullet points for what thought was important and a basic style for it.

Pretty self explanatory and streamlined as well to, think of different soloutions etc as well to. As for mine did think 'outside the box' for it.

Ahhhhh - that's really handy info! I really appreciate your reply - really sad to hear you weren't successful. I have spoken to so many people that haven't been successful even with this round of applications that I had applied for. I am looking to apply my current railway knowledge with my current role and hope that it is enough for what they are looking for but honestly time will tell and what will be will be. I always approach these things with the mindset "everything happens for a reason" - makes everything less stressful and disheartening in the present.

I am really grateful that it's an in-person day as I absolutely hate looking at myself in the top of the screen on calls!

 

[Manda2194]

@Manda2194 and @chris89 - thank you both for your replies. I have completed the online assessments, there were 4 parts to it if I remember correctly, mathematical questions, identifying irregularities in patterns, "Day in the Life" scenario questions and then an apprehension test (reading text and agreeing or disagreeing with statements related to the text)... I then moved onto complete the online video interview which consisted of several different questions, the most challenging part was looking at myself speaking (hated that!) but I realised on the last question I was able to block the camera view

I receieved an invite today to attend an in-person assessment centre day on Monday 19th Jan after waiting about 2-months for a response to my video interview/online assessments. I booked it and confirmed everything including the Right to Work documents check, I then received a follow-up email confirming and asking me to complete a presentation on an irregularity at a UWC (which I am now halfway through completing) - I understand I will need to print my visual aids for this and that I will have 15-minutes to complete it in full.

I was just curious - with the information I have provided - is there anything I am missing or anything else I should be expecting on the day or prepare for, or is it all fairly self explanatory and streamlined?

Thank you once again!

If it follows my structure the next process is the interview (unless it’s changed)

Good thing about network rail is the interview questions are very predictable and mainly based around NTS. The list is on here. Obviously things like what do you know about the company and role to. There’s always a diversity and inclusion question that sometimes gets packaged with the relationship with people NTS

 

[Kiann]

If it follows my structure the next process is the interview (unless it’s changed)

Good thing about network rail is the interview questions are very predictable and mainly based around NTS. The list is on here. Obviously things like what do you know about the company and role to. There’s always a diversity and inclusion question that sometimes gets packaged with the relationship with people NTS

Amazing - thank you!

I appreciate you taking the time to reply!

 

[Bookybaz]

Hi all
I'm in my tenth month in the talent pool, just wondering from others who were in the talent pool how long it took them to get the call if they did?

 

[MylesHSG]

Hi, I have a question for anyone willing to help. I am interested in a G2 Position advertised with a salary of £34,871. I am really interested in this position but the only thing holding me back is I’m in a completely different job with great perks/security and on £50k+ per year.

With rostered Sunday working, occasional overtime, bank holidays etc.. what would be a reasonable expected salary for a G2? I don’t think the location involves night work as standard (night shift).
Any help is much appreciated.

Thanks

A grade 2 doing 2/4 Sundays and a little RDW should be able to clear £50k after all is said and done.

Obviously the big draw is once you have a foot in the door you'll be able to apply to high grade jobs as an internal candidate.

 

[George07]

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?

Hi WiamLebb

I’m hoping you can help do you remember any of the questions that came up on the online assessment, that’s my next step and extremely nervous and just want to mess it up. I hope you was successful in your application being a signaller has always been something I wanted to do.
Thanks in advance

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 17 Jan 2026 ==

Hey guys!

Just a general question really. I currently work for a TOC as a Train Manager and recently applied for a G2 Signaller role with Network Rail. I completed my online assessments and video interview questions in November last year and today received an invite to an Assessment Centre Day, has anybody recently completed one of these and what should I be expecting?

I already know about the resource for what to expect but it doesn't seem to provide everything as I've already noticed they've missed out quite a crucial point... creating a presentation...

If anybody could share their experiences/what their day was like - would be awesome!

(http://104712377539d9cf6738-690f1a7c6bd3b92d222a2f39a6ba9d56.r58.cf3.rackcdn.com/Signallers/How_to_Apply_Network_Rail_Signallers (1).pdf)

Hi could you shed some light on what type of questions you got and the format of the online assessment that’s my next step. Thanks in advance

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 17 Jan 2026 ==

A grade 2 doing 2/4 Sundays and a little RDW should be able to clear £50k after all is said and done.

Obviously the big draw is once you have a foot in the door you'll be able to apply to high grade jobs as an internal candidate.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 17 Jan 2026 ==

Hi, I have a question for anyone willing to help. I am interested in a G2 Position advertised with a salary of £34,871. I am really interested in this position but the only thing holding me back is I’m in a completely different job with great perks/security and on £50k+ per year.

With rostered Sunday working, occasional overtime, bank holidays etc.. what would be a reasonable expected salary for a G2? I don’t think the location involves night work as standard (night shift).
Any help is much appreciated.

Thanks

Here check this pay matrix for 2026 with prediction of pay rise which has been agreed by union

 

[nightowl639]

Hi WiamLebb

I’m hoping you can help do you remember any of the questions that came up on the online assessment, that’s my next step and extremely nervous and just want to mess it up. I hope you was successful in your application being a signaller has always been something I wanted to do.
Thanks in advance

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 17 Jan 2026 ==


Hi could you shed some light on what type of questions you got and the format of the online assessment that’s my next step. Thanks in advance

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 17 Jan 2026 ==



== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 17 Jan 2026 ==


Here check this pay matrix for 2026 with prediction of pay rise which has been agreed by union

That’s a great help thank you

 

[Kingoftheploug]

Hi all

Currently just completed week 1 of my ist, was wondering how difficult you guys found the written exams? At the beginning of week 1 I felt passing the exam was going to be very difficult nearly impossible having got to the end of the week I'm beginning to feel it is doable and maybe not as hard as first feared. Just wanting other people's honest opinions as the nr people I've spoken to have pretty much said it's almost impossible to pass without really living and breathing it each day (which I'm unsure if that is a tactic to ensure people don't waste their time and make sure they pass)

 

[NotMattch]

Hi all

Currently just completed week 1 of my ist, was wondering how difficult you guys found the written exams? At the beginning of week 1 I felt passing the exam was going to be very difficult nearly impossible having got to the end of the week I'm beginning to feel it is doable and maybe not as hard as first feared. Just wanting other people's honest opinions as the nr people I've spoken to have pretty much said it's almost impossible to pass without really living and breathing it each day (which I'm unsure if that is a tactic to ensure people don't waste their time and make sure they pass)

You definitely need to revise and learn the content. Week 1, being multiple choice, is nothing like the rest, which are 2 papers, one of multiple choice and then the second which is all open ended, especially when needing to hit that 80% pass mark. You'll be given a set amount of time to do each paper, however if you finish the multiple choice paper before the times up you can start on the open-ended questions without having to wait.
If you take the time to revise, go over what was taught, especially anything where there are multiple reasons to do something (i.e. Anything that's along the lines of "The reasons you can pass a signal at danger"), you can almost guarantee you will have a question along the lines of "List X reasons to do Y".

I wouldn't say you need the "live and breathe" it, but you do need to revise daily. If you don't revise you will struggle for sure so I found its very much a case of the more you put in the better you come out
My group ended up getting on so well together, and it became a daily ritual of going back to the hotel, doing a bit of revision and recapping together before we called it an evening and then left it alone.

 

[Open_G]

Hi all

Currently just completed week 1 of my ist, was wondering how difficult you guys found the written exams? At the beginning of week 1 I felt passing the exam was going to be very difficult nearly impossible having got to the end of the week I'm beginning to feel it is doable and maybe not as hard as first feared. Just wanting other people's honest opinions as the nr people I've spoken to have pretty much said it's almost impossible to pass without really living and breathing it each day (which I'm unsure if that is a tactic to ensure people don't waste their time and make sure they pass)

I’d reckon based on nothing more than my own experiences and speaking to trainees that have come through since that there is maybe a 70%-80% first time pass rate and then at least a 90% pass rate overall. However passing the course without living and breathing it is definitely possible but it wasn’t the way I approached it. I threw everything I had into it, but my family circumstances made that possible. Some of the folks on my course had young children and wanted to make sure that their parenting took precedence. At the time my daughter in her mid 20’s and was able to help me study rather than needing dad time.

 

[the_spo]

Have an assessment day coming up for G2 trainee signaller. Location will be Three bridges ROC for assessment and role. Any pointers of what to expect and what the grade will be post training? Cheers

 

[Big O 82]

Have an assessment day coming up for G2 trainee signaller. Location will be Three bridges ROC for assessment and role. Any pointers of what to expect and what the grade will be post training?

Best of luck with your assessment! Be keen to know the answers to your questions as I asked the recruitment team similar questions and they couldn't answer them unfortunately. I decided to withdraw with the uncertainty around grades post training. Let us know how you get on with the presentation and interview!

 

[Kingoftheploug]

Have an assessment day coming up for G2 trainee signaller. Location will be Three bridges ROC for assessment and role. Any pointers of what to expect and what the grade will be post training? Cheers

Best of luck with the assessment, so when you complete your ist you will be on a grade 2 training wage until you have applied and successfully got a role at whichever location or grade you apply for. Chances are you will be training at the location or area you apply for but you will be a pool signaller until you get another job elsewhere but you will still have a job until you get another signallers role just will be on the grade 2 wage

 

[Becca02]

Hi everyone I start my IST in Feb. I was originally told it would take place at York when I was offered the specific start date, however just received an email saying it has been moved to Doncaster. This is now even further from where I live. I have asked which hotel or place I would be staying in Doncaster but the email response just said they weren’t sure and my manager would tell me when I start in Feb.
I don’t suppose anyone has any clue on possible locations, if I will be able to drive there etc. it is more viable to drive then train with the new location
Any help is much appreciated

 

[John Webb]

Hi everyone I start my IST in Feb. I was originally told it would take place at York when I was offered the specific start date, however just received an email saying it has been moved to Doncaster. This is now even further from where I live. I have asked which hotel or place I would be staying in Doncaster but the email response just said they weren’t sure and my manager would tell me when I start in Feb.
I don’t suppose anyone has any clue on possible locations, if I will be able to drive there etc. it is more viable to drive then train with the new location
Any help is much appreciated

Network Rail has taken over the former "High Speed Rail" college in Doncaster, which closed in 2023. They have renamed it "The Gresley Institute" and have been using it since October 2025 for training purposes, including IST courses. There was an article about it in Rail issue 1051 (Dec 24th '25 - 7th Jan '26) including some photos of the Absolute Block lever frame working 'Hornby Junction'.

 

[Becca02]

Network Rail has taken over the former "High Speed Rail" college in Doncaster, which closed in 2023. They have renamed it "The Gresley Institute" and have been using it since October 2025 for training purposes, including IST courses. There was an article about it in Rail issue 1051 (Dec 24th '25 - 7th Jan '26) including some photos of the Absolute Block lever frame working 'Hornby Junction'.

Awesome that makes me feel a bit more at ease, I was just concerned as it was a last minute change and with the travel now being further was hoping it would be worth it. I did receive my job offer in November so makes sense why it wasn’t originally going to be there if it had only just opened then

 

[Lucy1501]

Over the last few weeks I've noticed the vast majority of new roles showing have "Candidates will be required to drive" under specific location - even Fort William, for example, where the only two signal boxes for 10's of miles are literally within a mile and a half of each other, so it doesn't seem like they're doing it with the motivation of being able to place people wherever they want following IST.

Can anyone shed light on whether this will be a firm policy going forward? Is it going to be strictly enforced? Seems quite odd, especially around a lot of ROCs where many signallers use public transport to get there.

 

[Double Denim]

Are there any TVSC Signallers on this forum? I’d like to speak to them by DM, I’m currently with a TOC on your patch, career advice sought!
Thank you in advance…

 

[bouff34]

Over the last few weeks I've noticed the vast majority of new roles showing have "Candidates will be required to drive" under specific location - even Fort William, for example, where the only two signal boxes for 10's of miles are literally within a mile and a half of each other, so it doesn't seem like they're doing it with the motivation of being able to place people wherever they want following IST.

Can anyone shed light on whether this will be a firm policy going forward? Is it going to be strictly enforced? Seems quite odd, especially around a lot of ROCs where many signallers use public transport to get there.

But if there is service disruption and trains unavailable the signaller will still need to get to work somehow to assist with resolving it?

 

[MylesHSG]

Can anyone shed light on whether this will be a firm policy going forward? Is it going to be strictly enforced? Seems quite odd, especially around a lot of ROCs where many signallers use public transport to get there.

I haven't heard anything. It shouldn't matter how a signaller gets to their location(s) as long as they are on time, within the travel time requirements and reliable. Be it car, bike, bus, taxi, train or walking.

I usually get the train, but I'll jump in the car if there is disruption or whatever.

 

[NotMattch]

Over the last few weeks I've noticed the vast majority of new roles showing have "Candidates will be required to drive" under specific location - even Fort William, for example, where the only two signal boxes for 10's of miles are literally within a mile and a half of each other, so it doesn't seem like they're doing it with the motivation of being able to place people wherever they want following IST.

Can anyone shed light on whether this will be a firm policy going forward? Is it going to be strictly enforced? Seems quite odd, especially around a lot of ROCs where many signallers use public transport to get there.

It is policy, you have to be able to prove that you can attend the location without using public transport (this includes the use of taxis). It's a bit misleading as you don't have to "drive" per-se as being within cycling distance would be acceptable as well, but yes, you do need to prove that you can get to the location independently. It seems to be regional based with exactly how strictly they enforce it however (i.e. Taxis were accepted for one region but weren't being accepted on another)

 

[the_spo]

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.

@Manda2194 and @chris89 - thank you both for your replies. I have completed the online assessments, there were 4 parts to it if I remember correctly, mathematical questions, identifying irregularities in patterns, "Day in the Life" scenario questions and then an apprehension test (reading text and agreeing or disagreeing with statements related to the text)... I then moved onto complete the online video interview which consisted of several different questions, the most challenging part was looking at myself speaking (hated that!) but I realised on the last question I was able to block the camera view

I receieved an invite today to attend an in-person assessment centre day on Monday 19th Jan after waiting about 2-months for a response to my video interview/online assessments. I booked it and confirmed everything including the Right to Work documents check, I then received a follow-up email confirming and asking me to complete a presentation on an irregularity at a UWC (which I am now halfway through completing) - I understand I will need to print my visual aids for this and that I will have 15-minutes to complete it in full.

I was just curious - with the information I have provided - is there anything I am missing or anything else I should be expecting on the day or prepare for, or is it all fairly self explanatory and streamlined?

Thank you once again!

Hello both, I've got an assessment day next week. I've been busy working on the presentation - do you have any tips please? I've kept it strictly to the brief but want to make sure I'm not missing anything. I've also prepared a STAR example for every NTS. Anything else you can think of? Cheers