A career as a signaller

[NX]

Signallers getting PTS? Obviously not ROC based roles I'd assume !

 

[MylesHSG]

Signallers getting PTS? Obviously not ROC based roles I'd assume !

No, everyone is getting it! It's built into the course not as an add on at the end!

 

[Welsh1]

It might come in handy one day I suppose

 

[MylesHSG]

My theory is they are trying to de-specialise some jobs. On my signalling course there is a graduate manager who is just being trained and then passing out a box before moving on to another area. They are training signallers to go trackside, maybe as points operators and route setting agents in an emergency? Signallers taking some smaller jobs from mobile operations managers?

 

[Sanatogen]

We always used to be PTS and would often clip our own points should the need arise, makes sense especially when the set of points are right outside your box and the MOM/S&T could be an hour away.

Pointless for PSB/ROC roles though.

 

[Sunset route]

We always used to be PTS and would often clip our own points should the need arise, makes sense especially when the set of points are right outside your box and the MOM/S&T could be an hour away.

Pointless for PSB/ROC roles though.

I agree it's just another case of going full circle again, when a qualified back in 89 you were apexpected to climb signal ladders to relight or replace signal oil lamps and clip your own points if they had failed within walking distance of your signalbox, PTS in those days either. You were also trained in AHBs and CCTV barrier operations, point winding and hook switch operation, which were all part of a signalmas (note not signaller) duties before the full effect of privatisation started taking effect and new methods of working were introduced.

 

[TRain87]

Apart from the 8 non technical skills, and the usual (make eye contact, don't be late etc) does anybody have any more tips for a signallers interview?
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Evening all

Just want to let you know, after all the preperation, all the annoying questions and all the hard worl, I have provisionally been offered the relief role at Haslemere! Obviously I have accepted and I am due to start in March. Would just like to say a huge thank you to everyone that has helped me - especially Godfreycomplex, Welsh1, Nom and Andy

The journey isn't over and I know the hardworking starts in March!

Again.....thank you all!

 

[Cagey]

Well done Tony

 

[fantaheed]

Apart from the 8 non technical skills, and the usual (make eye contact, don't be late etc) does anybody have any more tips for a signallers interview?
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Evening all

Just want to let you know, after all the preperation, all the annoying questions and all the hard worl, I have provisionally been offered the relief role at Haslemere! Obviously I have accepted and I am due to start in March. Would just like to say a huge thank you to everyone that has helped me - especially Godfreycomplex, Welsh1, Nom and Andy

The journey isn't over and I know the hardworking starts in March!

Again.....thank you all!

Well done great news before Christmas!

How was the interview? Did they ask about network rail? Why you want job? Being a signaller? Or was it just the 8 comp based questions? Any tips, cheers

I have mine on monday

 

[MoorsBox]

well done Tony, you can have a happy xmas now

As you'll have guessed then..I didn't get it...hoping to get some feedback the LOM

 

[TRain87]

Get the feedback mate and go again next time - you know you got a high enough score now to reach interview level, onwards and upwards

 

[MoorsBox]

Cheers

 

[MylesHSG]

Get the feedback mate and go again next time - you know you got a high enough score now to reach interview level, onwards and upwards

Congratulations on the job! I'll assume you'll be training in Basingstoke ROC. Prepare to be "trundlised". You'll know what I mean in a few weeks!

In all seriousness the training and trainers there are great, you'll have a great time.

 

[TRain87]

Congratulations on the job! I'll assume you'll be training in Basingstoke ROC. Prepare to be "trundlised". You'll know what I mean in a few weeks!

In all seriousness the training and trainers there are great, you'll have a great time.

I'm looking forward to it mate! Due to start in March, so a bit of time yet. Does anybody know the rules regarding the hotel? I live 40 miles from training centre but would prefer to stay in accommodation as in rush hour traffic it's going to take around 90 mins each way, seems like I could be missing out on valuable revision time?

 

[MylesHSG]

I'm looking forward to it mate! Due to start in March, so a bit of time yet. Does anybody know the rules regarding the hotel? I live 40 miles from training centre but would prefer to stay in accommodation as in rush hour traffic it's going to take around 90 mins each way, seems like I could be missing out on valuable revision time?

Everyone gets the choice of getting accommodation, but if your local you'll be given choice of having train tickets paid. I'd recommend you go to the hotel though, you'll bond better with the group and you can do work together in the evening.

 

[nom de guerre]

Prepare to be "trundlised".

Is that a certain J. Trundle, by any chance?

Shouldn't be letting him loose on new recruits (well, anyone really)!

 

[nom de guerre]

Just want to let you know, after all the preperation, all the annoying questions and all the hard worl, I have provisionally been offered the relief role at Haslemere!

Welcome to the grade Tony

It's a nice line to learn on. Enjoy the (relative) peace and quiet and keep your nose clean!

 

[TRain87]

Do we have any relief signallers on the board that may be able to answer any questions?

 

[signallerscot]

What do you want to know..?

 

[TRain87]

Had my contract offer through but it doesn't state my role is a relief role, also curious if I receive 18% relief rate during school? I'm assuming not but just asking?

 

[signallerscot]

I don't think you'll receive your flexi premium until you're passed out and you start getting the full pay for your grade. Is it a rest day or general purpose relief job?

 

[TRain87]

General purpose

 

[NX]

Do we get our own hotel room, or do we share with someone else?
Obviously of same sex of course !

 

[signallerscot]

You get you own room, it's not the 1970s any more.

Regarding contracts, there's no contractual difference between relief and resident posts. Both have a 'home station' both work to a base roster and both contracts contain all the stuff about doing additional duties as directed. The only difference is the flexibility premium (which replaced 'walking time')

 

[TRain87]

Excellent. Cheers for the info mate!

 

[MylesHSG]

Is that a certain J. Trundle, by any chance?

Shouldn't be letting him loose on new recruits (well, anyone really)!

I couldn't possibly comment

 

[Sunset route]

You get you own room, it's not the 1970s any more.

Regarding contracts, there's no contractual difference between relief and resident posts. Both have a 'home station' both work to a base roster and both contracts contain all the stuff about doing additional duties as directed. The only difference is the flexibility premium (which replaced 'walking time')

And lodging lol

 

[TRain87]

Medical all booked for January generally in good health so all good. What's checked?

 

[Sooty123]

It's a very basic medical
Eye sight check
Hearing check
Alcohol breathalyser
Urine sample for drugs
Then height / weight
Blood pressure

And general questions about your health
If you have no underlying medical problems it's very straightforward

 

[MylesHSG]

Medical questionnaire
Urine test
Hearing
Colour blind test
Sight test
Blood pressure
Height/weight