A career as a signaller

[PluralSpy]

Anyone else having issues contacting the recruitment team? I sat my AC 2 weeks ago yesterday and was told I would have heard back by the end of that week. I've not heard anything and my emails are going unanswered. The pace of comms was great up until I sat my AC!!

Now at 4 weeks post-AC and still not heard anything. How long did everyone else wait to hear back? Even just a quick email to say whether I'm successful or not would be appreciated...

 

[MylesHSG]

There are several “easier” 9s, but the comparison probably only stands for experienced signallers. Learning curve for grade 9s new to the signalling grade varies from “steep, but manageable” to “practically vertical”

Yes we'll same B panel at Wembley, but it's Grade 9 because you eventually have to sign all 4 panels/ws

 

[Tram Inn SB]

There are several “easier” 9s, but the comparison probably only stands for experienced signallers. Learning curve for grade 9s new to the signalling grade varies from “steep, but manageable” to “practically vertical”

The majority of G9 jobs now are ARS equipped workstations so “easy” is definitely subjective under normal working.

 

[nom de guerre]

Yes we'll same B panel at Wembley, but it's Grade 9 because you eventually have to sign all 4 panels/ws

No way D is a 9 either. And even A might be debatable…

The majority of G9 jobs now are ARS equipped workstations so “easy” is definitely subjective under normal working.

But even an ARS-equipped ‘Paper G9’ (which might ‘only’ be a 7 or 8 if graded individually) won’t be what the OP was hoping for, ie ‘a G9 with low traffic’. And as others have pointed out, those locations/links mean you’d still have to take your turn on the bona fide 9s.

I suspect the OP is looking for a unicorn as there aren’t any G9 locations/links that don’t involve working at least some panels/workstations with genuine G9 traffic levels/complexity.

The nearest unicorn-alike I’ve heard of is a G8 link in the SE which a former manager once described as having “G3 traffic” - but it’s a bit of a special case…

 

[godfreycomplex]

No way D is a 9 either. And even A might be debatable…




But even an ARS-equipped ‘Paper G9’ (which might ‘only’ be a 7 or 8 if graded individually) won’t be what the OP was hoping for, ie ‘a G9 with low traffic’. And as others have pointed out, those locations/links mean you’d still have to take your turn on the bona fide 9s.

I suspect the OP is looking for a unicorn as there aren’t any G9 locations/links that don’t involve working at least some panels/workstations with genuine G9 traffic levels/complexity.

The nearest unicorn-alike I’ve heard of is a G8 link in the SE which a former manager once described as having “G3 traffic” - but it’s a bit of a special case…

There’s a (large) link somewhere in the North that is graded 9 but works one mid tier 9, two lowish 8s, a low 7 and a high 6, but that too is a special case

 

[Tram Inn SB]

No way D is a 9 either. And even A might be debatable…




But even an ARS-equipped ‘Paper G9’ (which might ‘only’ be a 7 or 8 if graded individually) won’t be what the OP was hoping for, ie ‘a G9 with low traffic’. And as others have pointed out, those locations/links mean you’d still have to take your turn on the bona fide 9s.

I suspect the OP is looking for a unicorn as there aren’t any G9 locations/links that don’t involve working at least some panels/workstations with genuine G9 traffic levels/complexity.

The nearest unicorn-alike I’ve heard of is a G8 link in the SE which a former manager once described as having “G3 traffic” - but it’s a bit of a special case…

As you know as well as me, we get paid the big bucks for what we know and when it goes wrong.

 

[TuesdayWT]

Does anyone happen to know which hotels are often used for people doing IST at Selhurst?

 

[PluralSpy]

Finally heard back and have been told I was successful, however I have been put on a reserve list as there are no option positions at my box.

My question is: How would applying to other positions work? Can I transfer my test and interview scores to another position, even if this was a higher grade or would I need to start from square 1 again?

For reference, I applied for a G2 Trainee box, but if I got the score required for G5/6 positions on my online tests/interview, could I transfer my application to that position instead?

 

[Coheed85]

I've been surprised at how quick the recruitment process has been so far, but after looking through this thread it looks like the waiting starts now.

I applied last Thursday morning, did the online assessments in the afternoon and passed those, then Friday afternoon I did the video interview, this morning I got an email to say I'd passed that and the next step would be an invite to the assessment day (if selected after they "consider a range of factors").

Is there a typical timeframe now before invites or sent out? I've applied for G6 Manchester ROC.

 

[borte]

I've been surprised at how quick the recruitment process has been so far, but after looking through this thread it looks like the waiting starts now.

I applied last Thursday morning, did the online assessments in the afternoon and passed those, then Friday afternoon I did the video interview, this morning I got an email to say I'd passed that and the next step would be an invite to the assessment day (if selected after they "consider a range of factors").

Is there a typical timeframe now before invites or sent out? I've applied for G6 Manchester ROC.

I had been waiting for an update on whether I'd get invited to an assessment day since the 1st of May. Just got an update today to say I wasn't shortlisted and that I would be put on a reserves list - so it took about 2 months.

 

[Coheed85]

I had been waiting for an update on whether I'd get invited to an assessment day since the 1st of May. Just got an update today to say I wasn't shortlisted and that I would be put on a reserves list - so it took about 2 months.

Right okay, so I shouldn't take the wording in the email "we'll shortly be reaching out to you to confirm if you've been invited to attend an assessment day" too literally.

 

[daveyboysmith]

Hey all, I am over the moon. I managed to pass my assessment centre and have been placed in the talent pool.

Has anyone here been in the talent pool before and how long did you wait until the next steps?

Cheers

I’m also in the talent pool but this is because they said my commute time breached the regulated time, despite me checking and it’s under an hour, they’re saying they checked and it was 65 minutes (0600 and 1800) does anyone know if there is an appeal process?

 

[tiptoptaff]

I’m also in the talent pool but this is because they said my commute time breached the regulated time, despite me checking and it’s under an hour, they’re saying they checked and it was 65 minutes (0600 and 1800) does anyone know if there is an appeal process?

Unfortunately not, no

 

[bouff34]

I’m also in the talent pool but this is because they said my commute time breached the regulated time, despite me checking and it’s under an hour, they’re saying they checked and it was 65 minutes (0600 and 1800) does anyone know if there is an appeal process?

Even if you appeal you still won't get the job... they'll pick those that are easily within the travel time first... wait for a job nearer to you or relocate...

 

[tiptoptaff]

Just seen an advert for Signaller with Amey at Taff's Well CVL signaling centre

No salary listed, just "competitive"

Anyone know what the rate is/what grade it's equivalent to?

 

[liamalexanderj]

Anyone recently applied for the G6 role at Manchester?

Just awaiting confirmation for the assessment centre but has been two weeks now - I’m well aware of the notoriously slow process, just interested if anyone else has been invited yet?

 

[Coheed85]

Anyone recently applied for the G6 role at Manchester?

Just awaiting confirmation for the assessment centre but has been two weeks now - I’m well aware of the notoriously slow process, just interested if anyone else has been invited yet?

Yeah I’m in the same boat. I’ve received a couple of automated emails telling me I’ll hear back “soon” but that’s it.

 

[PluralSpy]

Finally heard back and have been told I was successful, however I have been put on a reserve list as there are no option positions at my box.

My question is: How would applying to other positions work? Can I transfer my test and interview scores to another position, even if this was a higher grade or would I need to start from square 1 again?

For reference, I applied for a G2 Trainee box, but if I got the score required for G5/6 positions on my online tests/interview, could I transfer my application to that position instead?

To answer this question if others are wondering, I heard back from the recruitment team. G2-G5 use the same tests and interview. I scored high enough for G5 and can transfer across if I want, however may have to reinterview, depending on the hiring manager.

G6 and above, there are additional tests and possibly a different scoring matrix in the interview, so if a G6 position comes up I would have to apply from the start again.

So good news for those on the reserve list for G2-G5 boxes, keep an eye out for other positions and if one comes up that you fancy, ask to transfer. At most you may have to reinterview again, but we already know the presentation and what questions are coming up!

I've accepted a job elsewhere in the meantime and I am enjoying it right now so I'm putting Signalling on the backburner for a while, I'll give it until the end of the year to reassess whether I want to stay or continue with signalling.

 

[Jools619]

Anyone recently applied for the G6 role at Manchester?

Just awaiting confirmation for the assessment centre but has been two weeks now - I’m well aware of the notoriously slow process, just interested if anyone else has been invited yet?

Hi

I am exactly the same as you. Applied for that same role and passed the online assesement and video interviews. Was getting feedback quickly at that time, but clearly it was all automated responses.

For the last few weeks I get the same email once a week saying:
Thank you for your recent application and for your patience.
We are still working through the applications for the role you’ve applied for and will be in touch with you as soon as possible.

Just have to wait and see really.

 

[Coheed85]

Hi

I am exactly the same as you. Applied for that same role and passed the online assesement and video interviews. Was getting feedback quickly at that time, but clearly it was all automated responses.

For the last few weeks I get the same email once a week saying:
Thank you for your recent application and for your patience.
We are still working through the applications for the role you’ve applied for and will be in touch with you as soon as possible.

Just have to wait and see really

Mine has changed now slightly (screenshot below). Hopefully it means we’ll be getting an update soon.

 

[s01omorg]

Mine has changed now slightly (screenshot below). Hopefully it means we’ll be getting an update soon.

Mine has changed to that too.
Looks like they've updated the way they display the stages. Fingers crossed there's good news soon!

 

[redcafe]

Hi guys, does anyone know the grades for boxes in the South Yorkshire area please?

 

[s01omorg]

Anyone waiting to hear on Yeovil Pen Mill?

 

[Jools619]

Mine has changed now slightly (screenshot below). Hopefully it means we’ll be getting an update soon.

Yes I see the same thing too for mine. Hopefully a positive sign.

 

[DougSouthWest]

Just wanted to say thank you to everyone who's helped me as I got a job offer for a Grade 4 role. Just sorting out the paperwork and medical and hopefully starting in the new year.

 

[endofthetunnel]

Hi guys, does anyone know the grades for boxes in the South Yorkshire area please?

Off the top of my head most of the boxes left are 2s and 3s depending on your definition of South Yorkshire! But there’s quite a list of those - Maltby, Finningley, Norton, Kiverton, Goole Town, Shireoaks, the list goes on.
Barnsley is G4 if I remember right.
The majority of the more complex railway is all signalled from York ROC now.

The outlier is Doncaster PSB which is a grade 9.

 

[Jools619]

Has anyone used the SimSig simulator before? I had heard of it mentioned and thought I’d try it out.

Started off with one of the ‘beginner stations’ and seemed to generally get the hang of it. But then tried the London Liverpool Street simulation and my head nearly exploded.

Just wondering what people think of it who have used it and if it’s worth investing more time into it especially when pursuing a career in signalling?

 

[Signal 427]

Has anyone used the SimSig simulator before? I had heard of it mentioned and thought I’d try it out.

Started off with one of the ‘beginner stations’ and seemed to generally get the hang of it. But then tried the London Liverpool Street simulation and my head nearly exploded.

Just wondering what people think of it who have used it and if it’s worth investing more time into it especially when pursuing a career in signalling?

Personally I would recommend to avoid using simsig before becoming a signaller.

While simsig is a decent simulation for those who already understand signalling principles or want to explore it purely as a hobby, it is not the best preparation before becoming a signaller. The simulation assumes knowledge that new applicants are not expected to have and can unintentionally lead to misunderstandings about real-world signalling procedures, rules, and responsibilities. Recruitment for a signalling role focuses far more on the non-technical skills than technical knowledge. Developing these skills and preparing strong, evidence-based examples for applications and interviews will have a much greater impact on success than learning a signalling simulation. Once employed, all of the required technical knowledge and operational procedures will be taught through formal training.

 

[High Dyke]

Hi guys, does anyone know the grades for boxes in the South Yorkshire area please?

Off the top of my head most of the boxes left are 2s and 3s depending on your definition of South Yorkshire! But there’s quite a list of those - Maltby, Finningley, Norton, Kiverton, Goole Town, Shireoaks, the list goes on.
Barnsley is G4 if I remember right.
The majority of the more complex railway is all signalled from York ROC now.

The outlier is Doncaster PSB which is a grade 9.

Whilst not exhaustive, there's also the Grade 1 crossing locations at Godnow Bridge, Grassthorpe (Notts) and Medge Hall (these don't require attendance at signalling school).

There's also the Grade 3 crossing locations, also covering into Nottinghamshire. (Doncaster PSB camera panel, Ranskill, Carlton-on-Trent and Claypole).

 

[endofthetunnel]

Has anyone used the SimSig simulator before? I had heard of it mentioned and thought I’d try it out.

Started off with one of the ‘beginner stations’ and seemed to generally get the hang of it. But then tried the London Liverpool Street simulation and my head nearly exploded.

Just wondering what people think of it who have used it and if it’s worth investing more time into it especially when pursuing a career in signalling?

If you search this thread most answers on this will say ‘it’s a useful intro but nothing like the real thing’ and also, careful what you say about it if you do interview.

It’s just a game but some of it is very accurate, especially the general interaction with a computer based signalling system. But a lot of areas aren’t signalled like that and Simsig has just gamified them.

Plus a lot of the real work of a signaller isn’t included so it’s not a proper representation of a day in the life. No phone calls, no radio to drivers, no line blockages or engineering work between trains, no Control to keep informed of things or make changes, or tell you about trespassers or bridge strikes etc - in fact no human interactions - and no actual rules or location based instructions that you actually need to know.

But for an intro, for learning some railway geography, and some overall ideas, it’s great.