A career as a signaller

[Psalms3418]

I've applied for the G7 Signaller position in Wimbledon recently and passed the video interview so far. Does anyone know how strict they are with regards to living 50 minutes away from the location provided? or rather whether they are strict about not accepting relocators? I'm currently about 60 minutes away but also in the position to move closer immediately up receiving an offer, so would hate for this to be the deal breaker.

I spoke to them on the phone a couple weeks back about travel and they said that they’ve given Wimbledon a 90min window because they’re aware of the traffic build up in the town. It’s a little conflicting because the internet ad says 50, the pdf in your account page says 60 then the phone-call I had was 90 lol

But we’ll see, because Wimbledon is a 12hr shift rotation I wouldn't expect it to be too large a window at all

 

[borte]

I spoke to them on the phone a couple weeks back about travel and they said that they’ve given Wimbledon a 90min window because they’re aware of the traffic build up in the town. It’s a little conflicting because the internet ad says 50, the pdf in your account page says 60 then the phone-call I had was 90 lol

But we’ll see, because Wimbledon is a 12hr shift rotation I wouldn't expect it to be too large a window at all

thanks so much for this! I also noticed the discrepancy between it saying 60 minutes in the pdf and 50 minutes elsewhere too, so i'm inclined to think what they confirmed to you on the phone should be more reliable.

I only got the email about progressing onto the next stage on xmas eve so didn't have time to call them, but i'll give it a go next week.

 

[Psalms3418]

Interview wise, depending on who does the interview, as much info as you can find about Network Rail itself as possible, especially around the safety. All the slogans and rules they use they like to hear.
Learn the areas that the box covers, what stations and how they all connect geographically alongside the TOCs and Stock that are run.

Also, make sure to have examples for the situation based questions such as dealing with difficult situations, working within a team and whatnot. (STAR Method is a must)

With regards to the roster, it's a mix of working 4 days and 3 days in a row, 7-7, although whilst you're training, you'll be on an 8-hour roster.

It's fairly straight forward once you get used to it honestly, you'll have your 10-12 week long IST course before you even get to Wimbledon, simulator training at the wimbledon itself, and then training on the panel with the signallers

With regards to hearing back, being Christmas and all, I wouldn't be surprised if you didn't hear anything further until at least mid-January

Thank you so much for this! A lot of useful information!

Are you currently working as a signaller?

 

[NotMattch]

Thank you so much for this! A lot of useful information!

Are you currently working as a signaller?

No worries, I'm just one of many so ask away aha

 

[MylesHSG]

Hello everyone,

I currently work in a station control room and I’m hoping to progress into a signalling role. I live in London, but at the moment there aren’t any suitable vacancies close to where I’m based. I’m unsure how strict the distance or travel-time requirements are for signaller roles.
For example, there is currently a Basingstoke opportunity and it is saying 1hr and 10 minutes travelling time for me, would this mean that i am not suitable for the role and would have to wait for something closer? Relocating isn’t an option for me right now, otherwise I would have explored that route, so I’m hoping for something within or near London—but I’m not sure how likely that is.

Sorry for late reply but I only check this thread infrequently. There are still plenty of signalling locations in London. Off the top of my head you have Wembley Mainline/Yard/Suburban, Marylebone, Liverpool Street, West Hampstead, Wimbledon, Romford ROC and Upminster as the larger boxes and then smaller ones on the Dudding Hill Line boxes, Willesden Carriage Boxes and Greenford. This isn't an exhaustive list. Also Three Bridges if you live in the Croydon area is within range and Basingstoke maybe if you are in Kingston area. I'm pretty certain TVSC is out of range unless maybe you lived right by the A40 in Uxbridge. I also believe one crossing keeper left in Charlton on the North Kent Line.

Hi all
Quick question why can’t you have your method of transport as a motobike and it has got to be a car ? I live 2.7 miles from my location. I have got all the way 3 times now and since obtained my license for a motorbike to get from A + B (car next )
Yet they can’t offer me the role as they said it can only be a driving licence? I can get to work a lot quicker on my bike only 12 mins from my home address to the location. I’m so confused why I’ve been refused and a motorbike isn’t acceptable?

Anybody who works in this industry know there reasoning as I’ve not been told why

thanks

Never heard of this before. Signallers don't have use of a company vehicle. I do have a car and licence, but only use it as a back up method to get to work if bicycle/public transport isn't an option for whatever reason. If it's a relief role covering multiple boxes then you might have to show you can reach them all but nothing to say you can't travel to work by taxi. I know multiple signallers that don't have a driving licence so this is baffling to me.

 

[borte]

I spoke to them on the phone a couple weeks back about travel and they said that they’ve given Wimbledon a 90min window because they’re aware of the traffic build up in the town. It’s a little conflicting because the internet ad says 50, the pdf in your account page says 60 then the phone-call I had was 90 lol

But we’ll see, because Wimbledon is a 12hr shift rotation I wouldn't expect it to be too large a window at all

Hey, did you hear back from NR? They've placed me in the talent pool as they won't accept anything over 50 minutes. I want to give them a call tomorrow to confirm the travel distance and see if they'll consider relocation.

 

[Psalms3418]

Hey, did you hear back from NR? They've placed me in the talent pool as they won't accept anything over 50 minutes. I want to give them a call tomorrow to confirm the travel distance and see if they'll consider relocation.

Hey,

Sorry to hear that, not the worst news but I know it wasn’t what you were hoping for.

From what I’ve read they strictly do not accept relocation, but doesn’t hurt to ask anyway!

I’m still yet to hear from them in terms of any progress on my application, hopefully soon.

However I did call them yesterday with a couple enquiries unfortunately there wasn’t much information they could give me. So I’m still faithfully waiting to hear something.
——————————————————
Unrelated questions to all:

- Does anyone know where the IST school could be for those who will be working the Wessex route?
- I’m aware that it’s training Mon-Fri with accommodation from Sun night but what are the training hours?

Thanks in advance.

 

[MylesHSG]

Unrelated questions to all:

- Does anyone know where the IST school could be for those who will be working the Wessex route?
- I’m aware that it’s training Mon-Fri with accommodation from Sun night but what are the training hours?

Thanks in advance.

Might be Basingstoke ROC, but they can send you anywhere there are spaces.

Usually 9-5 but some days might be shorter or longer depending on simulation time. On Fridays we always finished after lunch.

 

[Psalms3418]

Might be Basingstoke ROC, but they can send you anywhere there are spaces.

Usually 9-5 but some days might be shorter or longer depending on simulation time. On Fridays we always finished after lunch.

Thank you MylesHSG for the insight!

Personally I’m hoping for Basingstoke as opposed to York but beggars can’t be choosers

Safe to assume that we’d be given a new hotel room each week for the course of the training period?

 

[NotMattch]

Unrelated questions to all:

- Does anyone know where the IST school could be for those who will be working the Wessex route?
- I’m aware that it’s training Mon-Fri with accommodation from Sun night but what are the training hours?

Thanks in advance.

The route you're working on doesn't matter to where you are sent to IST, they do try to keep it within the route, but it could be anywhere. The class before mine for Wessex was held in Glasgow, for example, the one before that was in Ipswich. Mine was held in Basingstoke itself.

Accommodation-wise for Basingstoke was check in anytime Sunday (or even Monday) and check-out before class Friday, times officially were 9-5 for training however you are put in sim groups and expected to either come in an hour before the class starts or stay on an hour after class finishes depdning on the rota, you won't be doing this everyday and it totally depends on how many people are in the group and how many sim groups are needed, my group for example came in early on Wednesday and stayed after on Mondays and Thursdays. Fridays, you tend to finish before lunch or just afterwards, but officially it's still a 5 pm finish.

Room wise if you speak to the reception staff if you're staying in the Village at Basingstoke and you have bookings already made, you can ask them to hold them same room for you each week so throughout my course the first week I was in a low down room where you could hear the gym constantly (stay away from floor 2/3 if you can) and from week 2 I asked to be moved onto Floor 4 and then held the same room each week thereafter

 

[Kat 74]

Immingham area covers:
Goxhill and Oxmarsh signal boxes - Grade 2 - 2 x 8 hour shifts per day, mornings and lates, and 10 hour sundays summer only.
Immingham West SB - Grade 4 - open 24 hours, 8 hours shifts - 12 hour sundays
Immingham Reception SB - Grade 5 - open 24 hours, 8 hours shifts - 12 hour sundays

Also covers Grimsby district light railway boxes:
Immingham East Token exchange point, Pywipe Rd SB and Great Coates No. 1 SB
Light railway boxes all staffed by grade 2 and only opened and staffed as required, usually by relief signallers.

Hope that helps!

Thanks for the info Where is Immingham East box & any idea what grade? Thanks again.

 

[FriendlyBomb]

Hi everyone. Long time lurker first time posting. Anyone know when assessment centres will be for Basingstoke ROC? Also haven’t had any contact since the 26th is this normal?
Never mind got my rejection email this afternoon. Heartbroken.

 

[Big O 82]

Hi everyone. Long time lurker first time posting. Anyone know when assessment centres will be for Basingstoke ROC? Also haven’t had any contact since the 26th is this normal?
Never mind got my rejection email this afternoon. Heartbroken.

Rejected based on what? Distance from ROC? Or you weren't within distance of 2 ROCs?

 

[FriendlyBomb]

Due to high volume of applications and high quality. Gutted. Guess I’ll try again in 6 months.

 

[Big O 82]

Due to high volume of applications and high quality. Gutted. Guess I’ll try again in 6 months.

sorry to hear that I can't believe how long they left some of the applications open for tbh! They must of been swarmed with 100s if not 1000s. Best of luck for the future!

 

[jdevlin55]

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.

Thats great news, I am still in the talent pool so hopefully there will be more soon

 

[JHSM]

Anybody got a reply/rejection like the following... and managed to get a role later on?
..."We can see from your results that you meet the standard we require, however, you have not been shortlisted, either due to high volume of applications, or because you might be too far from the chosen location to meet the safety standard. Because your scores will remain valid for 6 months, you can elect to move your application to a different location without having to submit a fresh application."

 

[railway_nick]

Anybody got a reply/rejection like the following... and managed to get a role later on?
..."We can see from your results that you meet the standard we require, however, you have not been shortlisted, either due to high volume of applications, or because you might be too far from the chosen location to meet the safety standard. Because your scores will remain valid for 6 months, you can elect to move your application to a different location without having to submit a fresh application."

Yep! I have had that email (more than once) and I start at NR at the end of January. Learn from it and persevere, you'll get there

 

[FriendlyBomb]

Anybody got a reply/rejection like the following... and managed to get a role later on?
..."We can see from your results that you meet the standard we require, however, you have not been shortlisted, either due to high volume of applications, or because you might be too far from the chosen location to meet the safety standard. Because your scores will remain valid for 6 months, you can elect to move your application to a different location without having to submit a fresh application."

This was my response.


Thank you for applying for a role with us. Due to a very high volume and standard of applications, we’ve reviewed your application again and unfortunately at this time, we won’t be able to take it any further.

You can reapply for one of our Signaller roles again in 6 months.

We really appreciate the time and effort you’ve put into your application and would like to thank you for your interest in joining us at Network rail.

I’ll try again. It won’t put me off or dishearten me. I’ll try until I get in.

 

[JHSM]

Thanks for your replies. I am determined to get a position, just have to be patient and try again.

 

[FriendlyBomb]

Thanks for your replies. I am determined to get a position, just have to be patient and try again.

Join the club. We’ll get there just have to persevere.

 

[ZackCulross]

Thats great news, I am still in the talent pool so hopefully there will be more soon

My LOM did say they are looking to get a few people in, got medical this month, then most likely a August start because I have a family holiday in may and original start was April. Which is unfortunate.

 

[Big O 82]

Anyone for 3 bridges apparently it's presentation and Interview I got word today and booked on for end of this month!

 

[Psalms3418]

Anyone heard back about the Wimbledon Grade 7 position?

 

[nightowl639]

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

 

[Big O 82]

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

Great question and I am in exactly the same position!! Be interesting to see if anyone can shed light on it!

 

[Trothy]

A grade 2 signaller in a box with 12 hour shifts, nights and two booked Sunday every 4 weeks, would take home around 48k a year.

Overtime is completely dependant on your area and how many vacancies there are.

 

[Brett55]

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

Hi, I'm a grade 2 relief (work more than 1 box) and end of year I'd be pushing £60k (I have picked up loads of rest day works and Sundays though, as I was saving for a house). I would pick up about 4/6 rest day works a month. Overtime is there in the right location and if you're willing.

Cheers

 

[nightowl639]

Hi, I'm a grade 2 relief (work more than 1 box) and end of year I'd be pushing £60k (I have picked up loads of rest day works and Sundays though, as I was saving for a house). I would pick up about 4/6 rest day works a month. Overtime is there in the right location and if you're willing.

Cheers

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

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

A grade 2 signaller in a box with 12 hour shifts, nights and two booked Sunday every 4 weeks, would take home around 48k a year.

Overtime is completely dependant on your area and how many vacancies there are.

Thank you!

 

[MikeOff]

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

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.