Signaller information

[samlf]

Hi,
I'm looking for some information on becoming a signaller.
I have read the information on network rail site, 'A day in the life of a signaller'.

Firstly the vacancy is a grade 6 role - does this mean the box is going to be very busy?
The role is an 18 month fixed term contract, from what I can gather this is now the standard for signallers as most are being relocated from boxes to ROC's. How likely are you to be offered a contract at the ROC when the box is relocated? Or is it a case that you'd have to reapply for your job every 6 months? It just seems like a lot would be spent on training, for someone to leave after 18 months!
I have researched the box I have applied for, and it appears there were plans to relocate it to an ROC this year, but presumably that will have been delayed now.

I can find some information on the training - according to the job advert it's 9 weeks classroom based/some in the box. I believe the only training centre is now in Leeds?

I have the assessments a week today, so this is all hypothetical at the moment but I really like the sound of the job so want to find out as much as I can!

Many thanks

 

[TomBoyd]

Hi,
I'm looking for some information on becoming a signaller.
I have read the information on network rail site, 'A day in the life of a signaller'.

Firstly the vacancy is a grade 6 role - does this mean the box is going to be very busy?

In terms of number of trains, yes, fairly busy. But the mode of signalling will depend just how busy you will be. Do you know if it is a lever frame, panel or WestCAD setup?

The role is an 18 month fixed term contract, from what I can gather this is now the standard for signallers as most are being relocated from boxes to ROC's. How likely are you to be offered a contract at the ROC when the box is relocated? Or is it a case that you'd have to reapply for your job every 6 months? It just seems like a lot would be spent on training, for someone to leave after 18 months!

It depends on the ROC and when the box is reassigned, but so far it is looking pretty good for reassignments as a lot of people are loathe to go into ROCs and are taking retirement or redundancy. It is a lot to spend on training, and they will try to retain you.

I have researched the box I have applied for, and it appears there were plans to relocate it to an ROC this year, but presumably that will have been delayed now.

Not necessarily, some moves are still going ahead. Which box/ROC?

I can find some information on the training - according to the job advert it's 9 weeks classroom based/some in the box. I believe the only training centre is now in Leeds?

Leeds, as far as I know, is now shut. York has a school, as does Peterborough? I think. And they want to open one in the South too.

I have the assessments a week today, so this is all hypothetical at the moment but I really like the sound of the job so want to find out as much as I can!

Many thanks

Good luck!

 

[samlf]

Hi Tom - thanks for your reply.

Sorry I don't know about the mode of signalling - I guess I would find out if successful for interview.

The box is Sittingbourne and ROC is Gillingham, the reason I said I don't think the move is going ahead is because job advert says based in Sittingbourne. Why don't people want to move to ROC?

With regards to what happens after the 18 months -is the norm to always be on a fixed term contract or if you are then retained after the 18 months, do people then get offered permanent contracts?

When I looked it up on here there was mention of one in Leeds and one in Watford, but then a later thread said Watford was closed. I hope it is further South as it's a long way to travel!

 

[TomBoyd]

Hi Tom - thanks for your reply.

Sorry I don't know about the mode of signalling - I guess I would find out if successful for interview.

If invited to interview you should arrange a box visit before interview. You should find out as much as you can to impress at interview.

The box is Sittingbourne and ROC is Gillingham, the reason I said I don't think the move is going ahead is because job advert says based in Sittingbourne. Why don't people want to move to ROC?

Thats because the job advertised is in Sittingbourne. I don't know the status of Gillingham ROC, but its not one of the big flagships like Three Bridges or York, so you might be OK. The ROC moves aren't getting filled for many reasons, but mostly its old signallers who are taking the opportunity to retire. But for some its relocation, or change of equipment, or sheer bloody mindedness at being asked to change.

With regards to what happens after the 18 months -is the norm to always be on a fixed term contract or if you are then retained after the 18 months, do people then get offered permanent contracts?

It's becoming the norm, what with the closure date being up in the air.

My advice is to keep an eye out on the internal jobs list for a permanent job that you want and apply as soon as you can. I moved after only 6 months in my first box.

 

[samlf]

Thankyou for your help - how would I arrange a box visit? Would they offer it or would I need to ask?

Also do you know how soon after the assessments you find out if you were successful at that stage?

Thanks again - you have been really helpful.

 

[TomBoyd]

Thankyou for your help - how would I arrange a box visit? Would they offer it or would I need to ask?

Also do you know how soon after the assessments you find out if you were successful at that stage?

Thanks again - you have been really helpful.

You need to ask. The LOMs contact details should be on the job advert.

It varies hugely, can be days, can be months.

 

[samlf]

No contact details on the ad at all, when I applied I was sent a generic email with application reference and contact number and email address for main HR and they are the only contact details I have received.

I could phone them and ask about a box visit? Or would it be better to wait until the day after the assessments?

 

[TomBoyd]

Wait until you've passed assessment, but unless you can scrounge a contact number/email from somewhere you might be out of luck, HR are unlikely to help arrange a visit.