Signaller vs train driver

[Saracen_83]

hi all,

Since watching and then joining this forum, I’ve noticed a lot of people applying for both signaller and train driver jobs, as well as some just applying for just one or the other.....

So my question is, what would be your preference of role and why??? What attracts you to either of the roles (job role, pay, working hours, shift patten, responsibility etc) if anything???

Looking forward to reading your replies!!!

 

[R Trevithick]

“There is only one way to solve this - Fight”


Only joking btw

 

[slidingdoors]

I've been applying to both. I currently work in IT and have been subjected to outsourcing and offshoring many times. Automation / Globalisation is cutting the number of jobs available (in many industries). I see the Rail industry as something that could be a job that would hopefully see me through to retirement.

Of the two I would prefer train driver as I've had my fill of working in an office and it's something I've always fancied doing. However going to work and concentrating on something intently for a shift, then going home and leaving it all behind is something that appeals greatly. So in that respect I think I'd enjoy signalling too. I take too much home with me in my current job in terms of worrying about things (issues / meetings etc) coming the next day.

 

[Lem]

For the first year or so you’ll be taking things home to study and be worrying if you’re prepared enough for your next assessment!

 

[slidingdoors]

For the first year or so you’ll be taking things home to study and be worrying if you’re prepared enough for your next assessment!

Haha yeah point taken.

 

[Saracen_83]

I've been applying to both. I currently work in IT and have been subjected to outsourcing and offshoring many times. Automation / Globalisation is cutting the number of jobs available (in many industries). I see the Rail industry as something that could be a job that would hopefully see me through to retirement.

Of the two I would prefer train driver as I've had my fill of working in an office and it's something I've always fancied doing. However going to work and concentrating on something intently for a shift, then going home and leaving it all behind is something that appeals greatly. So in that respect I think I'd enjoy signalling too. I take too much home with me in my current job in terms of worrying about things (issues / meetings etc) coming the next day.

Same here, I’ve applied for both!

They both appeal to me as well, I especially like the fact that, once qualified/passed out, you do t take Work home with you.....

I’m currently a teacher and Work 5 days a week from 7.30am to 6pm each day, then most evenings I’m either marking, planning or doing paper work.... I then sat and sun morning catching up on stuff I didn’t do during the week!!!!

So to Work my backside off for 35 hours, then leave it all at work sounds a dream....

For me, I like the idea of both roles, and will bite the arm off of whoever offers me a job first!

 

[Tom Quinne]

Although drivers and signallers work very closely they are like chalk and cheese in terms of role.

Sadly (honestly) I think people (not the majority) see the salary scales for drivers in general, and higher grade signallers and don’t see the rest - driven by money isn’t good, you won’t make a good driver or Signaller if you only in it for the money or job security.

Both are fantastic jobs with bucket loads of job satisfaction if that’s your thing and you engage with the system.

The other side is, if you only in it for the money you’ll be bored ****less watching ARS do the work, or getting up at stupid o’clock driving freezing cold trains for Up to five hours at a time.

I would say think very carefully what you want and why before you apply, in times of wider world problems the Railway always attracts the money and security junkies, who then move back to their previous careers when it gets back on track.

 

[Lem]

Although drivers and signallers work very closely they are like chalk and cheese in terms of role.

Sadly (honestly) I think people (not the majority) see the salary scales for drivers in general, and higher grade signallers and don’t see the rest - driven by money isn’t good, you won’t make a good driver or Signaller if you only in it for the money or job security.

Both are fantastic jobs with bucket loads of job satisfaction if that’s your thing and you engage with the system.

The other side is, if you only in it for the money you’ll be bored ****less watching ARS do the work, or getting up at stupid o’clock driving freezing cold trains for Up to five hours at a time.

I would say think very carefully what you want and why before you apply, in times of wider world problems the Railway always attracts the money and security junkies

Agreed.

 

[Saracen_83]

Well put!!! Money is not my motive, I’d take a massive pay cut (and I am for the roles) if I get t them, mine is more about job satisfaction and being happy in mywork.... as you say they are chalk and cheese, yet both interest me for different reasons..... yes the pay is good, but funnily enough, I’d take a grade 2/3 signallers role if it was within my location as I would try for a grade 7/8...... I’d rather be happy in my job personally!!!! And I see that as both a driver and signaller!!!

 

[Class323201]

Having spent time with signallers and currently working alongside drivers both roles can be very rewarding. Like any role their are bad days where everything can go wrong and not forgetting the amount of training and testing you need to undertake to become a signaller or driver.
Yes the money is great but it also comes with a lot of responsibility and self discipline.
Whichever role you choose to pursue do it because you have the mindset to do a good job everyday and everything else will fall into place.

 

[slidingdoors]

I think the term 'security junkie' is pretty unfair to be honest. Everyone has their reasons for applying. It's a tough world out there and the railway seems to be a safe a place as any, particularly with the union support etc. We all need to provide for our families and provide some security. Even if one was to apply purely for the money (I would also be taking a pay cut), provided they are dedicated and do a good job, then I think that's fair game.

 

[Bromley boy]

I think the term 'security junkie' is pretty unfair to be honest. Everyone has their reasons for applying. It's a tough world out there and the railway seems to be a safe a place as any, particularly with the union support etc. We all need to provide for our families and provide some security. Even if one was to apply purely for the money (I would also be taking a pay cut), provided they are dedicated and do a good job, then I think that's fair game.

That’s very true and in my experience the people who join the railway from outside tend to be those who appreciate the benefits of the industry the most. The worst moaning (which is endemic on the railway) usually comes from those who’ve been on the railway man and boy and have never worked in the “real world”.

Then again I’d caution against the perception that the role of driver is a secure one. As a TOC driver it’s true you’re unlikely to be made redundant (FOCs are a different story), but it is a fairly easy job to lose through having incidents etc. I’ve never worked as a signaller but I’d imagine it’s the same for them.

 

[Class323201]

That’s very true and in my experience the people who join the railway from outside tend to be those who appreciate the benefits of the industry the most. The worst moaning (which is endemic on the railway) usually comes from those who’ve been on the railway man and boy and have never worked in the “real world”.

Then again I’d caution against the perception that the role of driver is a secure one. As a TOC driver it’s true you’re unlikely to be made redundant (FOCs are a different story), but it is a fairly easy job to lose through having incidents etc. I’ve never worked as a signaller but I’d imagine it’s the same for them.

Absolutely agree. I'm from outside the industry absolutely love my role, the benefits and are very proud that I (hopefully) do a good job. It pains me to see some on the railway be so negative about everything. I often remind them I used to work 50+hrs a week for 38hrs money with poor pension and benefits....but to no avail.
I often hear it's not the job it used to be....but what job is?
The railway can be very rewarding but can also be very unforgiving and I wish everyone every success for whatever role you choose.

 

[Southernsig]

Ha, if I couldnt moan about my job then I would hate it! There is nothing quite like sitting alone in a box for 8 or 12 hrs on a quiet day and be mildly inconvenienced over something or someone (usually the chap you have just relieved, especially when they have needlessly moved the kettle and you cant find to have a brew for an hour or so!!) and then stewing for the whole shift, building it up, calling the next box and having a moan etc etc and walking out the door ready to go full hulk mode!!!!

That being said at times like that it does pay to remind yourself of some of the more crappy jobs you have done in the past and realise how easy you have it in your current role!!

And for me it has to be signalling! Firstly everytime ive taken a cab ride I think how bored I would get driving! Thats not to detract from the job in any way its Just not for me. Id rather be the other side of the GSMR figuring out what to do and how to keep things moving when it hits the fan!

 

[TRain87]

Couldn't agree with you more Southernsig! Much rather be dealing with calls and occupying myself in an emergency, rather than sitting in a cab on my own...waiting on others to call or instruct me. Also agree on the other part of sitting in a single man box, finding an excuse to moan. Mine is usually when a member of public is at a barrier whinging...love to ring the next box and tell them!

 

[CreamODcrop]

Although drivers and signallers work very closely they are like chalk and cheese in terms of role.

Sadly (honestly) I think people (not the majority) see the salary scales for drivers in general, and higher grade signallers and don’t see the rest - driven by money isn’t good, you won’t make a good driver or Signaller if you only in it for the money or job security.

Both are fantastic jobs with bucket loads of job satisfaction if that’s your thing and you engage with the system.

The other side is, if you only in it for the money you’ll be bored ****less watching ARS do the work, or getting up at stupid o’clock driving freezing cold trains for Up to five hours at a time.

I would say think very carefully what you want and why before you apply, in times of wider world problems the Railway always attracts the money and security junkies, who then move back to their previous careers when it gets back on track.

Although drivers and signallers work very closely they are like chalk and cheese in terms of role.

Sadly (honestly) I think people (not the majority) see the salary scales for drivers in general, and higher grade signallers and don’t see the rest - driven by money isn’t good, you won’t make a good driver or Signaller if you only in it for the money or job security.

Both are fantastic jobs with bucket loads of job satisfaction if that’s your thing and you engage with the system.

The other side is, if you only in it for the money you’ll be bored ****less watching ARS do the work, or getting up at stupid o’clock driving freezing cold trains for Up to five hours at a time.

I would say think very carefully what you want and why before you apply, in times of wider world problems the Railway always attracts the money and security junkies, who then move back to their previous careers when it gets back on track.

I"d have to disagree the majority are in it for the money and security and they make very good drivers.

a small amount for the interest in trains

 

[Saracen_83]

I don’t think there is anything wrong going for the money/job security, as long as your prepared to work hard for it....

Yes it’s great to have a love of trains etc, but not a prerequisite to be good at the job. But a job that’s rewarding and pays well will always attract lots of people, it’s about weeding out those that are in it for “an easy life” who just want a pay cheque and don’t care as such as they are the liability to people’s safety