Becoming a Signaller

[Goggy02]

Hi guys

I applied to become a grade 2 Signaller when i saw an ad for 5 positions covering Amberley, Billingshurst and Pulborough (Mid Sussex Line) in early August. After getting through the early stages, i took the Signaller Assessment Test in Euston a couple of weeks ago and passed at level 3, enabling me to apply for any Grade 2 - 10 position.

I am sure i will hear something further on the job i applied for but i have seen on certain threads that i may not hear anything and the jobs may already taken internally? No worries if so but if future jobs come up, do i have to go through the whole process again (when my level 3 assessment states that i am eligible for interview)?

Many thanks

 

[Tomnick]

You shouldn't have to go through it all again. Having been through and passed the telephone test and assessment day, I was unsuccessful (at the interview stage) in my application for one position around this time last year. When I applied for another position earlier this year, I didn't need to do the assessments again before being invited for interview (and ultimately offered the job). I'd keep hold of whatever they've sent you to confirm your assessment pass though, just in case they lose it off their records!

Good luck .

 

[Goggy02]

Thanks for your reply. I'll keep you posted on any news.

How did you find Signaller school, is there still a 70% pass rate on the weekly Friday exam? I only say this as i will give up a well paid job therefore it can be quite daunting to leave a full time job and potentially fail Signaller school! And could you give me a bit more info on the school (should i get to that stage!), i.e times, class numbers and course length and will i get the chance to work in a box before / during the course?

Regards!

 

[rugi]

It is a number of years since I did mine but we had 4 weeks in school, then a week in a box then another 4 weeks in school. Then how ever long it takes to learn your box typically 8 to 14 weeks. School day was 9 till 4 ish but lots of homework can ensure you pass each test, they actually want you to pass so will assist if you are seen to put in the effort. We had a bus take us to from hotel. Biggest problem was the weight I put on as I love a cooked breakfast. It is daunting to give up a job but it can only be your call. I decided to go for it and am glad I did but I also ensured I put in alot of time to ensure a pass.

 

[Tomnick]

The 70% pass rate is a thing of the past now, which certainly takes some of the pressure off (but don't lose sight of the exam that you'll have to face at some point after the course!), but you'll still be 'assessed' on various simulator sessions (with supplementary questions). It was generally an enjoyable experience, I've got to say - thoroughly decent instructors, 0900 to 1600ish days (1000 start on Mondays and generally an early afternoon finish on Friday), with 12 weeks at school and six of us on the course (I think that's increased to eight for subsequent courses - still not a bad number though). We had a planned week back at the box before the course and an unplanned week in the middle; the latter might have been incorporated into the course now though, so you should get it too. Not too much of a pay cut during training either - you're on the grade below the one that you'll be when passed out, so I'm grade 2 whilst training for a grade 3 job.

Hope that helps!

 

[Goggy02]

Thanks for all your replies guys.

Whilst awaiting (hopefully an interview) for the grade 2 Signaller position in Pulborough, i just applied for one of the four jobs advertised in the much higher graded position in Three Bridges, why not i thought as my Level 3 assessment permitted me to go for any Signaller grade!

Although i submitted the same data as my first (successful) application, i was quickly informed NR would not be taking my interest any further. Is this solely because each application is looked at by each relevant recruiting manager or does the application have to be to a higher standard for the high grades?

Thanks

 

[WestRiding]

could just be that there have been a few internal applications. it is after all a high grade possition.

 

[kingkopite1892]

i failed signalling school earlier in the year. it wa s 70% to pass and 60-69% to get a "yellow card" i got 56% in the 3rd assessment and had my contract terminated. i was devastated and on the dole for the 1st time. ive since heard there is no pass or fail now, but dont know how true this is

 

[Goggy02]

I have just received an email after many weeks of waiting that all the positions for the Three Bridges (Crawley) Signaller roles have now been withdrawn and are no longer recruiting for these posts