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A career as a signaller

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Dazza75

Member
Joined
12 Feb 2025
Messages
25
Location
Leeds
Yes very scary but very exciting to, I was shocked at the wait tbh mine is 18th of march in Doncaster but luckily only have to give a weeks notice but yeah I’d do any thing to make sure it goes as planned!
That's good that you only have to give a weeks notice, I wish mine was the same as we usually get a bonus at the end of March so I'll no doubt miss out on that! The waiting times were unreal for literally every location that they offered, I initially picked Chester on 7th March but then they cancelled that and offered me Newcastle the day before.
 

feaky4

Member
Joined
5 Jul 2018
Messages
262
That's good that you only have to give a weeks notice, I wish mine was the same as we usually get a bonus at the end of March so I'll no doubt miss out on that! The waiting times were unreal for literally every location that they offered, I initially picked Chester on 7th March but then they cancelled that and offered me Newcastle the day before.

Yes very handy! That’s bloody typical fingers crossed you still get it though! It’s crazy really thought they might be more regular as if some thing pops up not much time to try and sort it
 

Dazza75

Member
Joined
12 Feb 2025
Messages
25
Location
Leeds
Found out today that I've been unsuccessful following my interview. For those who was put on a reserve list were you told straightaway? I'm guessing this means it's over for me?
Sorry about your news, I've received that sort of message before and got straight back on the horse and gone again. Please keep persevering, I would recommend that.

Years ago when applying for a signaller role, I didn't even get an interview. Then at the beginning of last year, I had an interview but they didn't take it further, a bit similar to your situation now. I did request feedback though and they were very thorough when coming back to me. I had basically done great on around 5 questions but could have been better/more detailed on another 3 answers.

This time around (middle of last year) I met the grade but the roles were filled and I was placed in a reserve pool I guess. Then I got the call a few weeks ago to say that they were offering me a position to start in April. Keep going and don't give up

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Yes very handy! That’s bloody typical fingers crossed you still get it though! It’s crazy really thought they might be more regular as if some thing pops up not much time to try and sort it
That's my thoughts on it too, I was told by the guy who booked my medical that any particular medical centre occasionally cancel an appointment for one reason or another too so that didn't make happy listening! I just hope we both pass without any hiccups and we can't start planning accordingly.
 

ARRRWR

Member
Joined
6 Feb 2025
Messages
10
Location
Manchester
Sorry about your news, I've received that sort of message before and got straight back on the horse and gone again. Please keep persevering, I would recommend that.

Years ago when applying for a signaller role, I didn't even get an interview. Then at the beginning of last year, I had an interview but they didn't take it further, a bit similar to your situation now. I did request feedback though and they were very thorough when coming back to me. I had basically done great on around 5 questions but could have been better/more detailed on another 3 answers.

This time around (middle of last year) I met the grade but the roles were filled and I was placed in a reserve pool I guess. Then I got the call a few weeks ago to say that they were offering me a position to start in April. Keep going and don't give up

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: ==


That's my thoughts on it too, I was told by the guy who booked my medical that any particular medical centre occasionally cancel an appointment for one reason or another too so that didn't make happy listening! I just hope we both pass without any hiccups and we can't start planning accordingly.
That's great to hear a success story, congratulations. Your perseverance paid off. I really do think I would love it and be good at it so I will try again. My email says I have to wait 6 months before applying again though.
 

rjb2025

Member
Joined
29 Jan 2025
Messages
28
Location
manchester
Found out today that I've been unsuccessful following my interview. For those who was put on a reserve list were you told straightaway? I'm guessing this means it's over for me?
Gutted for you mate. But going off previous posts on here you might get another chance in the coming months on a lower grade so keep your hopes up
 

LW17

Member
Joined
16 Mar 2023
Messages
27
Location
Wirral
Those who had to do the 2 week conversion course after IST... did you do it at your IST location or go somewere else to do it?
 

MikeOff

Member
Joined
18 Jul 2024
Messages
18
Location
Hellifield
Those who had to do the 2 week conversion course after IST... did you do it at your IST location or go somewere else to do it?
It varies depending on your location, availability of instructors and simulators. Your IST WDS should be able to give you an idea
 

Barclays

New Member
Joined
13 Feb 2025
Messages
2
Location
Fife
Anyone still waiting on a date for assessment centre for the G8 Edinburgh spots? Feels like a lifetime ago i got the email saying ive passed all stages and they will be in touch
 

acw7

Member
Joined
28 Jan 2025
Messages
11
Location
Glenrothes
Anyone still waiting on a date for assessment centre for the G8 Edinburgh spots? Feels like a lifetime ago i got the email saying ive passed all stages and they will be in touch
Emailed them yesterday, they still haven’t decided on interview dates

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They did also say that just because we’ve passed it doesn’t garauntee an interview, only shortlisted candidates will
 

ZackCulross

Member
Joined
9 Oct 2016
Messages
196
Location
Edinburgh
Emailed them yesterday, they still haven’t decided on interview dates

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They did also say that just because we’ve passed it doesn’t garauntee an interview, only shortlisted candidates will
G8 has had interview dates, i have one next week for G8
 

Barclays

New Member
Joined
13 Feb 2025
Messages
2
Location
Fife
Just quoting what they told me mate, I applied for G8 as well
From what i gather on here, they do it in waves. Im sure i have seen a good few on here say they have G8 interviews, would rather know ive not made the cut now instead of hoping for weeks on end
 

Dazza75

Member
Joined
12 Feb 2025
Messages
25
Location
Leeds
That's great to hear a success story, congratulations. Your perseverance paid off. I really do think I would love it and be good at it so I will try again. My email says I have to wait 6 months before applying again though.
Please don't give up, the six months will soon come and go and you will be applying again. It gives you more time to prep your answers to questions, look at it that way.

Network Rail also approach things in different ways when recruiting signallers I've heard/found. They either interview online (never done) or in person (I did both my interviews this way) and it depends who interviews you on the day I suppose and how calm and relaxed you are. I've done a three scenario situation thing on my laptop where I had to record my answers (I detested that) and I've done a group role play scenario too which I would say I liked, I certainly preferred it anyway.
 

rjb2025

Member
Joined
29 Jan 2025
Messages
28
Location
manchester
From what i gather on here, they do it in waves. Im sure i have seen a good few on here say they have G8 interviews, would rather know ive not made the cut now instead of hoping for weeks on end
If it’s been 4+ weeks then it’s probably best to expect the worst news. I waited 6weeks until I was told I was not shortlisted but I will be placed on the reserve list
 

feaky4

Member
Joined
5 Jul 2018
Messages
262
Sorry about your news, I've received that sort of message before and got straight back on the horse and gone again. Please keep persevering, I would recommend that.

Years ago when applying for a signaller role, I didn't even get an interview. Then at the beginning of last year, I had an interview but they didn't take it further, a bit similar to your situation now. I did request feedback though and they were very thorough when coming back to me. I had basically done great on around 5 questions but could have been better/more detailed on another 3 answers.

This time around
== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: ==


That's my thoughts on it too, I was told by the guy who booked my medical that any particular medical centre occasionally cancel an appointment for one reason or another too so that didn't make happy listening! I just hope we both pass without any hiccups and we can't start planning accordingly.
Sorry about your news, I've received that sort of message before and got straight back on the horse and gone again. Please keep persevering, I would recommend that.

Years ago when applying for a signaller role, I didn't even get an interview. Then at the beginning of last year, I had an interview but they didn't take it further, a bit similar to your situation now. I did request feedback though and they were very thorough when coming back to me. I had basically done great on around 5 questions but could have been better/more detailed on another 3 answers.

This time around (middle of last year) I met the grade but the roles were filled and I was placed in a reserve pool I guess. Then I got the call a few weeks ago to say that they were offering me a position to start in April. Keep going and don't give up

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: ==


That's my thoughts on it too, I was told by the guy who booked my medical that any particular medical centre occasionally cancel an appointment for one reason or another too so that didn't make happy listening! I just hope we both pass without any hiccups and we can't start planning accordingly.

Yes the sooner it’s done the better and one less thing to worry about! Just want all the details now but looks like you don’t get them till closer to start time! I’m a bit impatient ha ha! But yeah we will get through this and then smash IST!
 

oscarwcy123

New Member
Joined
14 Feb 2025
Messages
1
Location
Southampton
Are there anyone waiting on a date for assessment centre for the G5 Eastleigh spots? Feels like a lifetime ago i got the email saying ive passed all stages and they will be in touch
 

Dazza75

Member
Joined
12 Feb 2025
Messages
25
Location
Leeds
Yes the sooner it’s done the better and one less thing to worry about! Just want all the details now but looks like you don’t get them till closer to start time! I’m a bit impatient ha ha! But yeah we will get through this and then smash IST!
Don't worry too much, that'll trigger your blood pressure off!! I agree though, the sooner we know the better. I have been recruited as a Grade 2 for the Selby area rather than a particular box so probably a fair bit of moving around I guess.
 

High Dyke

Established Member
Joined
1 Jan 2013
Messages
4,995
Location
Yellabelly Country
Don't worry too much, that'll trigger your blood pressure off!! I agree though, the sooner we know the better. I have been recruited as a Grade 2 for the Selby area rather than a particular box so probably a fair bit of moving around I guess.
Not entirely. It just means that management don't know where possible vacancies are yet.
 

Dazza75

Member
Joined
12 Feb 2025
Messages
25
Location
Leeds
Not entirely. It just means that management don't know where possible vacancies are yet.
Thank you, is that how it works? If I'm recruited as a Grade 2 trainee and they then found a box that was Grade 3, would I require as little further training to upgrade to that level or would they only find me Grade 2 boxes?
 

feaky4

Member
Joined
5 Jul 2018
Messages
262
Don't worry too much, that'll trigger your blood pressure off!! I agree though, the sooner we know the better. I have been recruited as a Grade 2 for the Selby area rather than a particular box so probably a fair bit of moving around I guess.

Ha ha yeah I just need to chill and relax still plenty of time yet but yes I just want all the details! Oh that’s cool my original application was for the selby area but now offered the goole area not sure which one yet said I’ll know by the end of IST
 

Dazza75

Member
Joined
12 Feb 2025
Messages
25
Location
Leeds
Ha ha yeah I just need to chill and relax still plenty of time yet but yes I just want all the details! Oh that’s cool my original application was for the selby area but now offered the goole area not sure which one yet said I’ll know by the end of IST
Haha I'm like that, I want to be on top of things and know what to expect etc. I'm sure it'll all come into place in time though.
 

High Dyke

Established Member
Joined
1 Jan 2013
Messages
4,995
Location
Yellabelly Country
Thank you, is that how it works? If I'm recruited as a Grade 2 trainee and they then found a box that was Grade 3, would I require as little further training to upgrade to that level or would they only find me Grade 2 boxes?
All trainees are recruited as, and paid Grade 2 whilst at IST. If you don't have a specific box allocated then you'll be expected to apply for potential vacancies within your chosen area. These may be higher than Grade 2.
 

Locky

Member
Joined
6 Feb 2025
Messages
43
Location
Scotland
All trainees are recruited as, and paid Grade 2 whilst at IST. If you don't have a specific box allocated then you'll be expected to apply for potential vacancies within your chosen area. These may be higher than Grade 2.
Is it possible that there are no vacancies? or maybe they don't put you through IST if there are no vacancies? You have wrote 'potential' vacancies. If there are none are you still paid while you apply for a box? --- Edit: Easier way to word all of that; Are you guaranteed a job after IST and if not, what happens?
 
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feaky4

Member
Joined
5 Jul 2018
Messages
262
Haha I'm like that, I want to be on top of things and know what to expect etc. I'm sure it'll all come into place in time though.

Yes it’ll fit all together, it’ll speed up the whole process goes from being slow to super fast to slow just can’t wait to start!
 

Buiadh

Member
Joined
6 May 2021
Messages
95
Is it possible that there are no vacancies? or maybe they don't put you through IST if there are no vacancies? You have wrote 'potential' vacancies. If there are none are you still paid while you apply for a box? --- Edit: Easier way to word all of that; Are you guaranteed a job after IST and if not, what happens?
You'll get G2 pay while applying. They're not going to waste thousands of pounds putting you through training for there not to be a job at the end, you'll most likely have a position sorted by the end of IST or at least have a likely pathway by then.
 

muz379

Established Member
Joined
23 Jan 2014
Messages
2,500
Is it possible that there are no vacancies? or maybe they don't put you through IST if there are no vacancies? You have wrote 'potential' vacancies. If there are none are you still paid while you apply for a box? --- Edit: Easier way to word all of that; Are you guaranteed a job after IST and if not, what happens?
The whole point of the training post is that you attend IST , and then apply for vacancies in your area . The T posts are recruited to areas where it is highly expected vacancies will come up because of natural wastage or people moving on .

If you get to the end of IST and have not secured a position then you will be chosen a box to train in the area by your manager so you can pass out as a qualified signaller , this will likely be a location the manager knows a vacancy will be coming up in soon be it because someone has secured a move to a different box/location or someone is coming upto retirement .

They aren't going to spend all the money it costs putting you through IST to then get rid of you .
 

Locky

Member
Joined
6 Feb 2025
Messages
43
Location
Scotland
Thanks for the replies, both. Common sense tells me they wouldn't spend the money/time and there be nothing at the end of it. Makes complete sense.
If you get to the end of IST and have not secured a position then you will be chosen a box to train in the area by your manager so you can pass out as a qualified signaller , this will likely be a location the manager knows a vacancy will be coming up in soon be it because someone has secured a move to a different box/location or someone is coming upto retirement .
Thanks for the helpful info!
 

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