A career as a signaller

[mac]

Morning all!

With regards to the signaller role, I have seen one advertised with a fixed contract until December 2017 - if I were successful in this role, what would happen to me after December 2017?

One of two things, they will get rid or keep you on but you will have access to the internal job list so should be able to find something before your contract ends

 

[magillmagic]

I applied for a 12 months fixed term contract. I finished signalling school and started in my box two weeks ago.
I have already applied for two permanent positions, one of which is in my own box due to somebody leaving for a higher grade position. I was told not to worry about it. I took the risk and gave up a fairly decent wage to join on a 12 month contract and all looks to be working out well.

 

[JohnFM]

One of two things, they will get rid or keep you on but you will have access to the internal job list so should be able to find something before your contract ends

It isn't really a case of they will "get rid" but rather your position ends, it does sound harsh but don't forget; the post that you are in is temporary - they owe you nothing afterwards.

He (or she) who dares - wins! Kinda.

 

[verve76]

Hi, could someone give me an idea about how a relief signaller works e.g. rota, holidays etc

 

[eriks]

It isn't really a case of they will "get rid" but rather your position ends, it does sound harsh but don't forget; the post that you are in is temporary - they owe you nothing afterwards.

He (or she) who dares - wins! Kinda.

There is a vacancy on the NR website now for Belmont LC Fixed term until 31/12/16 with a close date of 22/11/16. Now that doesn't work!

 

[TRain87]

Hey all

I have my assessment day in a couple of weeks, as preparation I have purchased a map book of London and getting my girlfriend to mark off different things for me to find.....question is, in the actual assessment are you looking for road names or landmarks?

Cheers

 

[Hull D]

Hey all

I have my assessment day in a couple of weeks, as preparation I have purchased a map book of London and getting my girlfriend to mark off different things for me to find.....question is, in the actual assessment are you looking for road names or landmarks?

Cheers

In the assessment you are looking for symbols, and to mark off as many of those symbols as you can on the map in the time given.

 

[TRain87]

Thank you, so if I were to look at how many schools or churches or car parks are on the page in a certain amount of time, would this be good practice?

 

[Hull D]

Thank you, so if I were to look at how many schools or churches or car parks are on the page in a certain amount of time, would this be good practice?

Yeah. Did you not get the booklet?
From what I remember 3 weeks ago:

You are given a map, and a period of time. You are given some symbols. In that time you are asked to mark on the map every symbol that you see with a marker pen

 

[TRain87]

Yeah. Did you not get the booklet?
From what I remember 3 weeks ago:

You are given a map, and a period of time. You are given some symbols. In that time you are asked to mark on the map every symbol that you see with a marker pen

No....no booklet with map on???

 

[Hull D]

No....no booklet with map on???

You should have had a pdf file sent with your invite to assessment that details all the tests and how to prepare. The map on there is a poor copy, but it outlines everything very well so that you can prepare....

 

[TRain87]

This is the only map I have. No key, no description with what I'm looking for and 3 crosses on the map already! Excuse me for being dim, but want to give myself the best chance possible.

 

[Hull D]

This is the only map I have. No key, no description with what I'm looking for and 3 crosses on the map already! Excuse me for being dim, but want to give myself the best chance possible.

Haven't got mine to hand as not at home, but that looks like it. We were asked to mark of as many "restaurants" as we could in the time given. Theres loads, and you'll never get them all, just go as fast and steady as you can and mark them with a cross. Keep going until they say stop....

 

[Tomnick]

Hi, could someone give me an idea about how a relief signaller works e.g. rota, holidays etc

Some aspects of the rostering will vary by area, but as a (former) relief signalman I worked to a base roster which showed my rest day pattern (long weekend every four weeks, rest days in the week otherwise) but no more detail. The weekly roster was published each Thursday (for the following week) to give the details of time and location, although rosters usually told me their plans earlier in the week, but on the other hand each turn could be changed up to 48 hours beforehand.

Annual leave worked just the same as anyone else - four block weeks (two together in the summer) which we sorted out between ourselves subject to a maximum number off in each 'pot' of signalmen, although other areas have their block weeks allocated by the company with some negotiation possible afterwards. Odd days were by application to rosters, again subject to a maximum number off at once and only exceeding that if it could be covered somehow (usually wasn't a problem).

 

[eriks]

In a typical signaller's 12hr shift ROC environment, how often would you get a PNB or a chance for a coffee & a bite to eat? (I'm NOT talking about a fag break!) Are there rules set down or does it depend on the location?

 

[nom de guerre]

You'd think there'd be a uniform standard, but my understanding is that it depends on the location.

In this part of the world, the ROCs and pseudo-ROCs generally aim for two hours on, one hour off (staffing levels permitting). The worst case scenario at my place - if we're missing one of our GPRs - is 3 x 45' breaks, rather than 4 x 60'. We're free to leave the building during breaks, providing the SSM can contact us in an emergency.

We have a tuck shop, fridge and (sometimes) an espresso machine on the operating floor and we're all expected to make at least one round of hot drinks per shift. Takeaway deliveries and team meals are not uncommon. If we need a short PNB, the SSM or neighbouring signaller will watch the workstation. Ditto fag breaks.

I suspect we probably get a pretty good deal compared to some other locations/areas. I believe the minimum entitlement is much less (2 x 20'?) and judging by our internal forums, some other ROCs are much closer to this. I've seen posts by people at Edinburgh and Cardiff complaining that they've only had 1 x 30' or 2 x 20' breaks, and TVSC (Didcot) have had to close workstations on at least a couple of occasions this year to allow signallers PNBs.

 

[signallerscot]

Of course in a single manned box there are no official breaks and any meals, toilet etc.. has to be grabbed between trains which isn't always possible.

 

[High Dyke]

There is a vacancy on the NR website now for Belmont LC Fixed term until 31/12/16 with a close date of 22/11/16. Now that doesn't work!

Gotta love the HR department... :roll:

 

[83G/84D]

Of course in a single manned box there are no official breaks and any meals, toilet etc.. has to be grabbed between trains which isn't always possible.

Why does the phone or GSM-R always ring in when you are in the loo?!

 

[Bigsquidy]

Quick question, long time lurker and want to thank all the posters on this forum, is very informative and has given me a lot of good information. Am applying for a role of signaller through network rail website. Slight confusion, when I have clicked apply now I'm confused as to whether we upload CV or whether we complete the eternal application form, as throughout the job description it says external but then asks you to upload CV. I believe you only do one or the other. The email I have tried for information has come back as invalid. Any help much appreciated.

 

[TRain87]

Quick question, long time lurker and want to thank all the posters on this forum, is very informative and has given me a lot of good information. Am applying for a role of signaller through network rail website. Slight confusion, when I have clicked apply now I'm confused as to whether we upload CV or whether we complete the eternal application form, as throughout the job description it says external but then asks you to upload CV. I believe you only do one or the other. The email I have tried for information has come back as invalid. Any help much appreciated.

"For maintenance roles only (track based positions) please click on the link below and save the document BEFORE continuing. Complete the External Application Form, save and attach this to your application through the upload CV/Document button above."

I'm no rocket scientist....but this is on every application for network rail

 

[magillmagic]

I joined Network Rail as a Signaller only a few months ago. I can clearly remember uploading my CV as part of my application

 

[Bigsquidy]

"For maintenance roles only (track based positions) please click on the link below and save the document BEFORE continuing. Complete the External Application Form, save and attach this to your application through the upload CV/Document button above."

I'm no rocket scientist....but this is on every application for network rail

I'm no rocket scientist either, that's why I'm asking for guidance. Perhaps I'm overthinking it, as signaller is not a maintenance role so you don't do the external application form you just attach a CV

 

[TRain87]

I'm no rocket scientist either, that's why I'm asking for guidance. Perhaps I'm overthinking it, as signaller is not a maintenance role so you don't do the external application form you just attach a CV

That's how I interpret it. Good luck with your application

 

[Mikesig]

I'm no rocket scientist either, that's why I'm asking for guidance. Perhaps I'm overthinking it, as signaller is not a maintenance role so you don't do the external application form you just attach a CV

If you read the details of the four signaller jobs currently advertised on the NR website, they all say... "How to apply: Please click ‘apply now’ to login and submit your CV online." No mention of completing the application form.
When I was applying through the external site, I never completed the application form only ever submitting a CV. I'm not sure if they look at the application form if you were to submit one when it's not required, although, if they do, it might give them additional reasons not to progress you. I do know that they will not consider your application if you have not followed the instructions and submitted a CV.
Good luck with your application.

 

[Badge3226]

Hello everyone, first time poster here. I've recently passed all the stages and interview and been offered a job right on my doorstep in a grade 2 box, I genuinely couldn't be happier. I have only just found this thread having looked at many during the recruitment process, and it is certainly full of useful information... I have literally not heard a single bad word or major 'whinge' about a signalling job which is both very reassuring and 'odd' in this day and age!

I'm currently serving in the army and leave after 14 fantastic years service in a few weeks. This was the one and only civilian job I applied for, which involved my first ever 'real' job interview, and I can firmly assure you now that it is a lot more difficult to join Network Rail than it is the Army! A lot of stages and the assessments are genuinely more challenging... I am pencilled in to start signal school up in York, any hints/tips?

 

[fantaheed]

i guess the answer I'm looking for is going to vary massively.

I passed my tests and assessment centre for position of signaller in October and I am hoping for an interview soon just waiting for HR to advise of dates.

I have contacted Hr but they aren't able to provide any updates.

How long did it take to get your interview after passing assessment?

Thanks

 

[Badge3226]

''How long did it take to get your interview after passing assessment?''

I attended assessment on - 07 Oct
Informed I had passed on - 12 Oct
Informed I had been passed on to hiring manager for consideration - 13 Oct
Attended Interview - 01 Nov.

I'm sure it differs for everyone, and the interview dates to the best of my knowledge are subject to your local area manager being available

 

[Welsh1]

Hi all,

Anyone else starting signalling school on the 23rd of January? If so have you been told any details yet?

Cheers

 

[Badge3226]

Hi all,

Anyone else starting signalling school on the 23rd of January? If so have you been told any details yet?

Cheers

I've been told I'm pencilled into it mate... What box are you going for?