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A career as a signaller

Donachie

Member
Joined
9 May 2010
Messages
108
They keep your details on file for 12 months, however your test scores are only valid for 6 months which is why you need to apply again.

To be fair the Kirkconnel trainee role was just to just to build up a reserve list for the line. I believe only one person has since been recruited from that pool. We have also changed managers since then.
Thanks for reply and details.

They have confirmed my application from last year is no longer valid.
 
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amalek

Member
Joined
19 May 2025
Messages
30
Location
London
Evening all... Just been put into talent pool for a position i applied for (hoping might get that call sometime) wondering if it was possible to put your self in more then one talent pool if other jobs have appeared in the mean time for other locations?
Congratulations. I’m currently in talent pool for two different locations. Once you get into another pool just send an email asking for confirmation that you are sitting in 2 separate pools
 

marcho

Member
Joined
22 Apr 2026
Messages
8
Location
Northamptonshire
Hi all.
Looking for some advice really. I have an assessment centre on Friday and feeling a bit nervous. I'm ok with the interview, as it sounds like it will be competency based like interviews I have previously completed but I'm nervous for the tasks/scenarios aspect as I have no prior signalling experience and I'm not sure what to expect. I've had a look at simsig but it's a LOT and doesn't really make sense at this point. I don't have to complete a presentation like others have done... well there is no mention of this on any communications anyway.
Any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated, thank you!
 

lambo79

Member
Joined
12 Jan 2021
Messages
18
Location
Yorkshire
Hi all.
Looking for some advice really. I have an assessment centre on Friday and feeling a bit nervous. I'm ok with the interview, as it sounds like it will be competency based like interviews I have previously completed but I'm nervous for the tasks/scenarios aspect as I have no prior signalling experience and I'm not sure what to expect. I've had a look at simsig but it's a LOT and doesn't really make sense at this point. I don't have to complete a presentation like others have done... well there is no mention of this on any communications anyway.
Any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated, thank you!
You're not expected to have any signalling experience for any scenario. Think about what you would do, be natural, be honest. I'd emphasise safety and clear communication while remaining calm under pressure. Stop the trains, tell the driver what's happening. Keep it safe.

Don't look at SIMSIG, it wont do you any good for now.

Good luck.
 

marcho

Member
Joined
22 Apr 2026
Messages
8
Location
Northamptonshire
You're not expected to have any signalling experience for any scenario. Think about what you would do, be natural, be honest. I'd emphasise safety and clear communication while remaining calm under pressure. Stop the trains, tell the driver what's happening. Keep it safe.

Don't look at SIMSIG, it wont do you any good for now.

Good luck.
Thank you :) That's put my mind at ease. No more overthinking!
 

bouff34

Member
Joined
6 Nov 2018
Messages
183
You're not expected to have any signalling experience for any scenario. Think about what you would do, be natural, be honest. I'd emphasise safety and clear communication while remaining calm under pressure. Stop the trains, tell the driver what's happening. Keep it safe.

Don't look at SIMSIG, it wont do you any good for now.

Good luck.
I wouldn't look at SIMSIG ever! It won't help you whatsoever at any stage. You don't need to know how to signal prior to starting work. You only need to know to put safety first in anything you are asked.
 

MikeOff

Member
Joined
18 Jul 2024
Messages
18
Location
Hellifield
Hi all.
Looking for some advice really. I have an assessment centre on Friday and feeling a bit nervous. I'm ok with the interview, as it sounds like it will be competency based like interviews I have previously completed but I'm nervous for the tasks/scenarios aspect as I have no prior signalling experience and I'm not sure what to expect. I've had a look at simsig but it's a LOT and doesn't really make sense at this point. I don't have to complete a presentation like others have done... well there is no mention of this on any communications anyway.
Any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated, thank you!
Do not try to relate to experience you don’t have you’ll just end up stumbling over yourself. If it’s scenario based, read several times and identify the key safety elements. If you’re over cautious don’t worry they will be looking for you putting safety, clear communication and prioritising above anything else.

Think about examples from your past where you have demonstrated putting safety first.
 

starsky_

New Member
Joined
23 Apr 2026
Messages
1
Location
cardiff
Hi i have completed online assessments and online interview and was successfull. Unfourtunatly the role i applied for is no longer available. But a higher grade signaller is available and they have asked me to complete further online assessments.

Anyone experienced this and know what the tests consist of?

Thanks
 

Cardiff22

Member
Joined
26 Jan 2025
Messages
36
Location
.
Hi i have completed online assessments and online interview and was successfull. Unfourtunatly the role i applied for is no longer available. But a higher grade signaller is available and they have asked me to complete further online assessments.

Anyone experienced this and know what the tests consist of?
Hi there, what role was it you applied for? I applied for a Cardiff G4 role about 2 months ago now but still haven’t heard anything. I thought all tests were the same but I could be wrong. Someone on here will know better than me though!
 

Tram Inn SB

Member
Joined
24 Apr 2026
Messages
76
Location
pontypool
Hi there, what role was it you applied for? I applied for a Cardiff G4 role about 2 months ago now but still haven’t heard anything. I thought all tests were the same but I could be wrong. Someone on here will know better than me though!

There is in effect a lower and higher tier assessment process. Grade 1 to 4 only require the initial battery of assessments, Grade 5 to 10 require the addtional assessments.

This particular initial Grade 4 job is no longer available, so suitable candidates who have passed the initial battery of assessments have been asked to complete the addtional assessments as the vacancy is no for a number of Grade 7 jobs.

Those who have passed to the initial battery have been given until Monday (next) to complete the addtional assessments, before going forwards to interview.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: ==

Hi i have completed online assessments and online interview and was successfull. Unfourtunatly the role i applied for is no longer available. But a higher grade signaller is available and they have asked me to complete further online assessments.

Anyone experienced this and know what the tests consist of?

Thanks

I assume you applied for the Cardiff Grade 4 jobs, there no longer vacant so the campaign now is for a number of Grade 7 jobs hence the higher tier assessments.
 

Cardiff22

Member
Joined
26 Jan 2025
Messages
36
Location
.
There is in effect a lower and higher tier assessment process. Grade 1 to 4 only require the initial battery of assessments, Grade 5 to 10 require the addtional assessments.

This particular initial Grade 4 job is no longer available, so suitable candidates who have passed the initial battery of assessments have been asked to complete the addtional assessments as the vacancy is no for a number of Grade 7 jobs.

Those who have passed to the initial battery have been given until Monday (next) to complete the addtional assessments, before going forwards to interview.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: ==



I assume you applied for the Cardiff Grade 4 jobs, there no longer vacant so the campaign now is for a number of Grade 7 jobs hence the higher tier assessments.
Is it worth contacting them? I had passed all assessments and video interview but haven’t heard anything for a while.
 

Tram Inn SB

Member
Joined
24 Apr 2026
Messages
76
Location
pontypool
Is it worth contacting them? I had passed all assessments and video interview but haven’t heard anything for a while.

Always worth a chase up, but seeing as they’ll be closed now until probably 0900 Monday I’d assume you didn’t make it unfortunately.

The letter / email did say that you could still apply for “lower grade” jobs with the assessment though, I believe the assessments stand for up to Grade 5 so not to be sniffed at.

If your local to Cardiff area, keep a look out on Amey jobs for the next round of signaller jobs at Taff Wells…..

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: ==

What is the signalling like in Crewe? Given it is such a big junction I thought they would be similar setup to an ROC like Manchester or is it just multiple boxes?

There is one main PSB a little north of the station, a rather uninspiring building more like small industrial type single story building that controls the bulk of the mainline through the station.

The south end, around Basford Hall has seen two or three boxes close recently and transfer to Manchester ROC, but there fill remains a number of small SB controlling out towards Chester, the Shrewsbury and freight yard along with the mainline towards the North.
 
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uxierail

New Member
Joined
1 May 2026
Messages
4
Location
Chelmsford
Hello, I have an assessment centre next week and a little nervous but after reading this thread is it possible to pass this and not hear back for many months ?
 

Jovis

Member
Joined
15 Oct 2025
Messages
80
Location
London
Hey guys , I passed online assesments for signaller I was wondering if anyone knows what kind of testing they do in assesment center and where can i look for practise material?
 

ZackCulross

Member
Joined
9 Oct 2016
Messages
196
Location
Edinburgh
Hey guys , I passed online assesments for signaller I was wondering if anyone knows what kind of testing they do in assesment center and where can i look for practise material?
Could be different in other areas, but my one was just a straight up interview with scenario question at the end.
 

daveyboysmith

New Member
Joined
6 May 2026
Messages
2
Location
liverpool
I have an interview for a signaller role coming up and was wondering if anyone could give me more information on the behaviour related questions I’ll be asked?
Any help is greatly appreciated
 

marcho

Member
Joined
22 Apr 2026
Messages
8
Location
Northamptonshire
I have an interview for a signaller role coming up and was wondering if anyone could give me more information on the behaviour related questions I’ll be asked?
Any help is greatly appreciated
Congratulations on getting to the interview stage. Focus on the non-technical skills listed on the role web page, and think of possible questions they may ask around these. Formulate some examples of when you have demonstrated these skills. Good luck!

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: ==

Hey guys , I passed online assesments for signaller I was wondering if anyone knows what kind of testing they do in assesment center and where can i look for practise material?
I had two group exercises and an interview for my assessment centre. No need to practise anything for the group exercises, so don't worry about these. The interview was as you'd imagine, and the company give you information on what they want you to think about, and access to interview tips will be available on the website and your portal when you are invited to face-to-face assessment.
 
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PluralSpy

Member
Joined
6 May 2026
Messages
8
Location
Manchester
Hi guys, I've applied for a G2 box near me. I was wondering what the promotion process looks like. How easy would it be to climb the grades, from G2 -> G6,7,8 at Manchester ROC for example?

Is it advisable to do what I have done and get my foot in the door at a G2 box with the hope of applying for higher grades through the internal job board after a few months experience?
 
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CoachB

Member
Joined
10 Jun 2022
Messages
128
Location
Scotland
Hi guys, I've applied for a G2 box near me. I was wondering what the promotion process looks like. How easy would it be to climb the grades, from G2 -> G6,7,8 at Manchester ROC for example?

Is it advisable to do what I have done and get my foot in the door at a G2 box with the hope of applying for higher grades through the internal job board after a few months experience?
It is advisable to get your foot in the door yes but as for applying for another role after a few months experience that's not.

There is a 52 week rule for new starts where you're not allowed to apply for any other boxes until you've been in your box for a year. Your LOM pays for your training out of their budget which is not cheap and they expect you to stay in the area for a period of time as they and the signallers training you have put their time and effort into helping you get passed out. It's a massive middle finger to everyone that hired and helped you if you move area after a few months.

You're best to stay in the box for at least a year and gain operational experience, the more experience you have the better your chances at moving up.
 

PluralSpy

Member
Joined
6 May 2026
Messages
8
Location
Manchester
It is advisable to get your foot in the door yes but as for applying for another role after a few months experience that's not.

There is a 52 week rule for new starts where you're not allowed to apply for any other boxes until you've been in your box for a year. Your LOM pays for your training out of their budget which is not cheap and they expect you to stay in the area for a period of time as they and the signallers training you have put their time and effort into helping you get passed out. It's a massive middle finger to everyone that hired and helped you if you move area after a few months.

You're best to stay in the box for at least a year and gain operational experience, the more experience you have the better your chances at moving up.
Yeah valid point, I was expecting a minimum amount of time in your first box.

In that case, what are realistic earnings for a G2 position? I've seen a few number being banded about, with people saying to ignore your base rate as with Sunday/BH rate and the occasional OT, you can earn 20k over base pay. I'm just assessing whether taking the plunge is worth it, as although I'm sick to death working in Tech, it will be a big change and pay cut initially when including a daily 50 min commute.
 

CharlieHotel

New Member
Joined
7 May 2026
Messages
4
Location
Crawley
Hey guys , I passed online assesments for signaller I was wondering if anyone knows what kind of testing they do in assesment center and where can i look for practise material?
Hey congratulations. I hope it goes well.
I have also passed all the online stuff and have been invited to an assessment centre. I have been told I need to prepare a presentation that I have to talk about for 15 minutes followed by an interview. Anyone else doing a presentation and if so any tips pls. Im so nervous
 

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