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Signaller Job FTC

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Ihopeipass

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10 Feb 2015
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Just been invited to an assessment day for a signaller Level 2 position. Any hints and tips on the tests, I have recently passed my Train driver assessments and I am aware that the fearsome lift test is in the signaller test so should be fun. Also the job is a FTC role until Sept 2016 my concern is that if by some miracle I was offered the job, would I be out on my ear by Sept 2016, or is there plenty of chances to get a permanent job offer once your in? I can't see Network Rail spending all that money to train people to then get rid of them.
 
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High Dyke

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With the tests listen to the instructions, don't hurry your answers, but also don't spend too long if you are having a particular difficulty on a question. You will be expected to show you can concentrate, work concisely and competently.

As for the FTC part of the job...this is an ongoing problem affecting both new starters to NR and signallers already employed, and a bit of a bugbear for staff representatives. Basically with the ongoing National Operating Strategy put in place by NR most signalling jobs should be advertised as Fixed Term Contracts. These vary on a location by location basis.

I'm aware that some new starters are being employed on a 6 month FTC basis, but are being told to apply for signalling vacancies a.s.a.p. In respect of some of those mentioned their intended location is supposed to close in November 2015.

Best of luck.
 
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Ihopeipass,

Is that for the job at Egginton Signal Box out of interest? If so I applied for that one and have just been invited to assessment too.

Regarding FTCs, I applied on the basis that I am facing redundancy in my current job in 2017, with little if any prospects of finding similar work. Whilst the FTC only runs until September 2016, I view it as a way in to the industry, which will surely become harder to do when the box closure programme gets going. Plus, in my part of the country I will have Saltley and Derby Signal Centres within a reasonable commute if I can get a foot in the door.

I tend to agree with you, whilst nothing is certain, I cant see NR spending thousands to train staff, only to chuck them on the scrapheap a year later.

Or I may be barking up completely the wrong tree...
 

pdbaggett

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9 Feb 2015
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hi, i am just waiting for a start date as a signaller dont worry to much about the contracts my manager said at the interview its just for HR purposes, basically it costs a lot of money to train a new signaller and they wont just get rid of you after the initial contract ends. My contract ends in jan and i do not even have a start date yet haha. Training is 13 weeks also. Good luck if any one has an questions feel free and il try and help.
 

High Dyke

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Just found this info; if it is of any help to prospective applicants.
 

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  • Signaller%20Recruitment%20Selection%20Information%20Booklet%20Final%20Dec%2013%20(2).pdf
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AlanT33

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15 Apr 2015
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Scotland
I have just applied for the signaller role and had a million questions going through my head about the role itself and what would be required during assessments and this seems to answer them.

After finding this forum its been great help.

Thanks
 

Ihopeipass

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10 Feb 2015
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Location
Staffordshire
Thanks for the advice, the link posted by High Dyke is of a great help. Yeah it is the Eggington Box, but have also applied for several others around the Midlands area, strangely not all successful even though application was the same, think it may have been to do with distance. But as they say got to be in it to win it.
 

TomBoyd

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2 Sep 2013
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My advice to all would be signallers is to contact the LOM and set up a box visit.
 
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Ihope,

Best of luck mate, see you at the assessment day on the 8th

TomBoyd,

I have read that a few times; do you know where I can find the relevant LOM? Also, is it best to leave this if I get through to the interview stage?
 
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woblynne

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15 Apr 2015
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26
Location
West Midlands
Hi all, another budding signaller here!
I've been invited to an assessment centre on the 8th at the Mailbox in Birmingham, is this the same one as you guys?

I have also applied for a signal maintenance position but status is still 'test completed'

Thanks
Mark
 

Tomnick

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Ihope,

Best of luck mate, see you at the assessment day on the 8th

TomBoyd,

I have read that a few times; do you know where I can find the relevant LOM? Also, is it best to leave this if I get through to the interview stage?
I'd certainly second the other Tom's advice (it seemed to work for him!) - HR will normally be able to give you the LOM's contact details, so they're the best people to get in touch with initially. I don't think there's any great benefit in doing so before you get confirmation that you've made it through to the interview stage, other than perhaps avoiding a potential rush if time's then a bit tight - it certainly won't make any difference to the outcome of the sifting at HR level.
 

TomBoyd

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2 Sep 2013
Messages
438
I'd certainly second the other Tom's advice (it seemed to work for him!) - HR will normally be able to give you the LOM's contact details, so they're the best people to get in touch with initially. I don't think there's any great benefit in doing so before you get confirmation that you've made it through to the interview stage, other than perhaps avoiding a potential rush if time's then a bit tight - it certainly won't make any difference to the outcome of the sifting at HR level.

Going to HR, as other Tom says, is the best route.

If they aren't forthcoming, send me a PM.
 
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