Signaller assessment

[Webby]

Hello can anyone tell me how difficult the signallers speed speed time distance test is on assessment day and do i use a calculator for fractions etc any examples would be great thanks

 

[carbers255]

Webby it is really quite easy. The examiner walks you through every individual assessment first and there is no doubt.
The Speed, Time & Distance is really straightforward. An example might be that B to D is 100 miles. It would ask you how long an express would take to travel from B to D if its top speed was 100mph.
Another example might be that a freight train can travel at 80mph. If C to D was 80 miles distance and the freight train leaves at 14:00 then what time would it arrive at D? Simple stuff mate honestly. Use the Signaller Assessment book they sent you via e-mail as the examples are almost identicle. No real need for a calculator. Keep an eye on time limits for each test and ensure you complete enough. The time can pass very quickly. The assessor on the day was superb and will remind you to work quickly but accurately and not to spend too much time dwelling on anything that you're unsure of.

 

[TomBoyd]

Webby it is really quite easy. The examiner walks you through every individual assessment first and there is no doubt.
The Speed, Time & Distance is really straightforward. An example might be that B to D is 100 miles. It would ask you how long an express would take to travel from B to D if its top speed was 100mph.

It really is this simple. I answered one question with a fraction, say 8.5. Looking over, it was so out of place, i looked at the question again and i'd read it wrong. The correct answer was 10.

They were all whole numbers and they were all really easy.

 

[Flipper62]

Hello.
I'm new to this forum and am finding the posts very informative.
I too have been invited for an assesment day at Derby but have just found out that the post I'm applying for (Leicester area including Manton,3miles from home) is due to be decomissioned within the next 2-3 years;according to info from another thread.
I do currently have a fairly good job which actually pays around £36k so probably a bit more than I can expect as a signaller.
My problem is that if my allocated box (should I get the job) closes then I would be unable to reallocate.
Asking the advice of those in the know do you think the establishment of super ROC's and/or area ROC's are realistically likely to see these local boxes close within the next 10yrs?
I am only looking to change jobs as my current job involves me being away from home all week most weeks. Shifts aren't a problem and signalling sounds to be a job I would enjoy.
Thanks for your time.

 

[contrad!ction]

Asking the advice of those in the know do you think the establishment of super ROC's and/or area ROC's are realistically likely to see these local boxes close within the next 10yrs?

The current closure list has Manton as closing 'post 2019' (so there's no date set yet) but the real answer is that nobody knows.

I do currently have a fairly good job which actually pays around £36k so probably a bit more than I can expect as a signaller.

Don't be so sure! The base salary listed doesn't include Sundays (not inside the working week), night shift premium, bank hols, any overtime (of which there is opportunity for plenty in most locations) etc...this can quite easily add 5-10k to the amount stated, even at the lower grades.

 

[nom de guerre]

(Leicester area including Manton,3miles from home)

Is it a relief signaller role?

 

[Webby]

Thanks for your reply really put my mind at rest thought i might be expected to do complicated fractions .
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Thanks for replying really helpfull

 

[Flipper62]

Firstly I must apologise to Webby for hi-jacking his thread,sorry.,unintentional. Also Webby if you search on the web there is an assesment prep booklet you can download with examples of the excersises we are to sit.
In answer to the earlier question then no, the position I have applied for is full time quoting Leicester,Melton Mowbray & Manton and areas within 1hr so I guess it could be relief. I'm not familiar with NR's manner of advertising locations so not sure if it is for each of those boxes or to cover them all as relief.
I believe sunday premiums are very attractive but have no idea how many would be rostered or indeed of the rotas worked at all. It says 35hrs over 4 shifts per week but I've read elsewhere of signallers working many more consecutive shifts over differing start and finish times. This wouldn't be a problem to me but I just don't want to take on a job in an area that will be made redundant in the near future.
Thanks for your input so far.

 

[contrad!ction]

In answer to the earlier question then no, the position I have applied for is full time quoting Leicester,Melton Mowbray & Manton and areas within 1hr so I guess it could be relief. I'm not familiar with NR's manner of advertising locations so not sure if it is for each of those boxes or to cover them all as relief.

Could be resident or relief, it basically means they've got a load of vacancies to fill and they're recruiting in bulk rather than putting up multiple adverts. Also if a number of existing signallers in the area are leaving/retiring etc... in the next 6-12 months then they'll just slot people in as and when. It's good that they're permanent contracts though rather than the stupid fixed term ones...

I believe sunday premiums are very attractive but have no idea how many would be rostered or indeed of the rotas worked at all. It says 35hrs over 4 shifts per week but I've read elsewhere of signallers working many more consecutive shifts over differing start and finish times.

Totally depends on location. If you're a relief you're likely to get less Sundays but you'll get a flexibility premium of 20-30% (ish) on top of your base salary depending on how far they are from your base location. Rosters are a very localised thing, best bet is if you get through to the interview is to ask the LOM.

This wouldn't be a problem to me but I just don't want to take on a job in an area that will be made redundant in the near future.

Don't forget that once you're in the company you'll have access to the internal list with way more vacancies on (both signalling and non-signalling). Signalling wise you've got Peterborough box and Rugby ROC/SCC not a million miles away, both of which have recruited internally over the past 12 months and are much more secure and higher graded (if that's your thing). If you're good (and even if the boxes close) they are unlikely to let you go easily, in my experience.

 

[Flipper62]

Thanks, Contradiction, very helpfull and informative.
I'll give it a go and see if I get to interview stage in which case I'll ask the relevant questions.
Thanks again.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Thanks, Contradiction, very helpfull and informative.
I'll give it a go and see if I get to interview stage in which case I'll ask the relevant questions.
Thanks again.

 

[TomBoyd]

Totally depends on location. If you're a relief you're likely to get less Sundays but you'll get a flexibility premium of 20-30% (ish) on top of your base salary depending on how far they are from your base location.

20-30?? Our guys get 18% maximum!