A career as a signaller

[john.ump]

Not enough tea drinking in those videos either!

 

[Dispatcher999]

These Videos are NR produced which will give you an idea. They are little more 'sterile' and 'marketing' than you might find in the day to day!

Thank you! I’m going to sit down tonight and complete the online assessments. Will try and let you know how I get on.

 

[Dispatcher999]

Ahhhh I had a notification this morning to say that my application was unsuccessful so I must have failed the test. I suspect it was the maths one which I found pretty tough. I didn’t manage to complete all the tests either due to the time limit. Not sure if this was the same for others? Does that mean I can’t apply for a signaller position for another 6 months?

 

[slidingdoors]

Ahhhh I had a notification this morning to say that my application was unsuccessful so I must have failed the test. I suspect it was the maths one which I found pretty tough. I didn’t manage to complete all the tests either due to the time limit. Not sure if this was the same for others? Does that mean I can’t apply for a signaller position for another 6 months?

From reading on here.. You can still apply but they will use your same scores from the tests you already did (I think for 12 months). I think they mark you against others that are doing the test for the same application. So if you apply for another role later and everyone else is scoring lower, you may 'pass'. That's my understanding anyway.

I agree I thought they were tough too.

 

[Dispatcher999]

From reading on here.. You can still apply but they will use your same scores from the tests you already did (I think for 12 months). I think they mark you against others that are doing the test for the same application. So if you apply for another role later and everyone else is scoring lower, you may 'pass'. That's my understanding anyway.

I agree I thought they were tough too.

Ok thanks for the reassurance. Hopefully I only just failed so other applications I could be in with a chance. I will keep on trying.

 

[choochoobacca]

Ok thanks for the reassurance. Hopefully I only just failed so other applications I could be in with a chance. I will keep on trying.

Hi Dispatcher, sorry to see you were unsuccessful. I’m not 100% sure, but maybe you didn’t achieve the required test scores as it was quite a high grade you were applying for, grade 8? Perhaps your scores would still be high enough to progress the application for a grade, 7 or 6, 5 etc? I could be wrong, but worth trying again for a lower grade if you really fancy it

 

[Dispatcher999]

Hi Dispatcher, sorry to see you were unsuccessful. I’m not 100% sure, but maybe you didn’t achieve the required test scores as it was quite a high grade you were applying for, grade 8? Perhaps your scores would still be high enough to progress the application for a grade, 7 or 6, 5 etc? I could be wrong, but worth trying again for a lower grade if you really fancy it

Thank you I will keep my eyes peeled for all grades. After looking into the job and reading all the posts in this forum I think I’ve got the bug for it now and really want to succeed so will apply for any grade in future. Thanks for your message

 

[choochoobacca]

Hello all,

I have an interview on the horizon (as an external candidate) and this site has proved invaluable as a friendly source of information and help, for which I would like to say thankyou!
I'm obviously really keen to be successful at interview and understand that the questions will mainly be based on the 8 non technical skills..... I've read quite a few interview tips on this site, dating back quite a few years but I was wondering if anybody who has been up for interview in the recent past has any further advice or guidance?
How much will I be expected to know about my signal box?
I haven't been for an interview in over 20 years so it's fair to say I'm a bit out of touch with the world of interviews

 

[contrad!ction]

I'm obviously really keen to be successful at interview and understand that the questions will mainly be based on the 8 non technical skills.....

Correct. You should be expecting a 'demonstrate a time where you've...[insert NTS here]' for each of the 8 NTS - it's worth spending some time thinking of some solid examples and be very explicit as to how they link into the specific NTS they're asking for. Also, try to avoid repeating any examples between the different questions. There aren't any trick questions or (as an external candidate) anything particularly signalling/rules/railway related. That being said, if you can think of any examples where safety or communications (both very important things as a signaller) tie in to any of the NTS then even better.

Generally, the interviews are done by at least one LOM - then either another LOM, someone from HR or (at multi manned locations) an SSM (shift signaller manager). Think how you could use this to your advantage in the 'have you got any questions...' part. This is your chance to ask some good questions about the location and role, potential progression up the grades to SSM/LOM etc...(if you think that's something you might be interested in).

How much will I be expected to know about my signal box?

Get a good overview of the geography of the area that your box covers and what TOCs/FOCs operate over it. Have a look at the sectional appendix (available on the NR website) and see if there's anything interesting. Have a look at http://photos.signalling.org/ to see if there's any photographs of the box and, ideally, organise a visit and have a chat to the signaller(s) on duty. Is it a lever frame, NX panel or IECC/VDU based?

That being said, don't go overboard. All you want to be able to do is give a brief overview of the box and the area covered/major stations/major junctions/yards (if applicable). If you can cherry pick a few details and drop them in then great. Don't sound like you know it all though.

Also, get a good idea of the signallers' role in general. Yes we pull levers/push buttons and set routes for trains but there's much, much more to it than that - think about regulating/level crossings/equipment failure/engineering work etc...download the rule book (the one for signallers and signalling technicians) and look at the rule book module titles. Those are, fundamentally, all of the things that we are trained to deal with and give you a good overview of the role from a rules perspective. Don't bother looking at the rules themselves though - they're unlikely to make much sense.

 

[Llanigraham]

As an external candidate I would not recommend the OP looking at the Sectional Appendix. That is likely to be much too technical at this stage. I would also not recommend downloading the Rule Book, as it will then be too tempting to try to read and understand Rules.
The questions asked, from previous comments on here, are very general and not specific.

 

[choochoobacca]

Correct. You should be expecting a 'demonstrate a time where you've...[insert NTS here]' for each of the 8 NTS - it's worth spending some time thinking of some solid examples and be very explicit as to how they link into the specific NTS they're asking for. Also, try to avoid repeating any examples between the different questions. There aren't any trick questions or (as an external candidate) anything particularly signalling/rules/railway related. That being said, if you can think of any examples where safety or communications (both very important things as a signaller) tie in to any of the NTS then even better.

Generally, the interviews are done by at least one LOM - then either another LOM, someone from HR or (at multi manned locations) an SSM (shift signaller manager). Think how you could use this to your advantage in the 'have you got any questions...' part. This is your chance to ask some good questions about the location and role, potential progression up the grades to SSM/LOM etc...(if you think that's something you might be interested in).



Get a good overview of the geography of the area that your box covers and what TOCs/FOCs operate over it. Have a look at the sectional appendix (available on the NR website) and see if there's anything interesting. Have a look at http://photos.signalling.org/ to see if there's any photographs of the box and, ideally, organise a visit and have a chat to the signaller(s) on duty. Is it a lever frame, NX panel or IECC/VDU based?

That being said, don't go overboard. All you want to be able to do is give a brief overview of the box and the area covered/major stations/major junctions/yards (if applicable). If you can cherry pick a few details and drop them in then great. Don't sound like you know it all though.

Also, get a good idea of the signallers' role in general. Yes we pull levers/push buttons and set routes for trains but there's much, much more to it than that - think about regulating/level crossings/equipment failure/engineering work etc...download the rule book (the one for signallers and signalling technicians) and look at the rule book module titles. Those are, fundamentally, all of the things that we are trained to deal with and give you a good overview of the role from a rules perspective. Don't bother looking at the rules themselves though - they're unlikely to make much sense.

Wow, thankyou so much for taking the time to write that brilliant reply - it’s very very much appreciated!
This forum is brilliant and easily the most friendly and helpful I’ve come across, in any topic. If it is reflective of the people in the Signaller or railway world in general, it’s definitely something I want to be part of! Thankyou once again

 

[choochoobacca]

As an external candidate I would not recommend the OP looking at the Sectional Appendix. That is likely to be much too technical at this stage. I would also not recommend downloading the Rule Book, as it will then be too tempting to try to read and understand Rules.
The questions asked, from previous comments on here, are very general and not specific.

Thanks also for your advice Llanigraham, which I didn't see earlier. I'll keep it simple as don't want to confuse myself too soon.

 

[nom de guerre]

Not enough tea drinking in those videos either!

Or mickey-taking. Or moaning. Or...

Also looks far too happy for Ashford [/kidding]

 

[Southernsig]

Or mickey-taking. Or moaning. Or...

Also looks far too happy for Ashford [/kidding]

No kidding there mate, bassically world war 3 every so often about whether the lights should be on or off and then there is the chairs issue.... so I've heard anyway!

 

[choochoobacca]

Hello,
I've a question regarding the transference of signal boxes control areas to the ROC's... I've applied for a few positions and note that some are listed in section C of the Railway Man's Special Notices as closing and area being controlled from Romford or York ROC in 2019,2020.
Firstly, i've read previously (somewhere in this thread I think) that the work is behind schedule and there is likely much more life left in some of the signal boxes that are down to close within the next couple of years (eg Stonea, Manea which were advertised recently). Is this actually the case? Are we talking a few years delay in most cases or upwards of a decade in some instances?

Secondly, is it a case of NR are recruiting signallers for these boxes that are down to close, so that the long serving signallers can transfer to the relevant ROC's whilst the new guys takeover at the signal box, and some of the new guys would then be left without a job come the time for closure of the signal box? (Presumably there isn't going to be work for everybody at the ROC's, even taking retirements, job moves etc into consideration?) I realise that is maybe a cynical question but I'm just curious why so many positions are advertised for boxes and PSBs that are scheduled to close in the next couple of years? I read somewhere that over the course of the program something like 2000 signaller positions would be gone?
I am quite happy to go where the work is but as a massive career change, I want to be sure that there is still going to be some opportunity and longevity to the role going forward?
Hope this post doesn't seem too cynical/negative as that is certainly not my intention - I'm very excited about the career change that I am pursuing but I'm just curious to see if anybody can shed any light on this from the inside, as it were?

 

[jdxn]

Hello,
I've a question regarding the transference of signal boxes control areas to the ROC's... I've applied for a few positions and note that some are listed in section C of the Railway Man's Special Notices as closing and area being controlled from Romford or York ROC in 2019,2020.
Firstly, i've read previously (somewhere in this thread I think) that the work is behind schedule and there is likely much more life left in some of the signal boxes that are down to close within the next couple of years (eg Stonea, Manea which were advertised recently). Is this actually the case? Are we talking a few years delay in most cases or upwards of a decade in some instances?

It’s an interesting question. As you say the great ROC plan had everything being condensed into a small number of centres. If you look at that plan it showed Rugby SCC closing in 2015/16 and moving to Rugby ROC (not happened – no immediate plans), Oxford moving to TVSC on 2015, and Bristol moving in 2016. Both will make the transition in 2018. It also shows other boxes in the West country migrating to TVSC but it’s widely believed they won’t.

The problem is the plan was totally unrealistic both in terms of time and budget. The other issue is given the massive upfront costs does it save money? Is there really an advantage of having 40 signallers/controllers working together, apart from a shiny marketing message? Yes some of the small boxes will go as renewals happen but there are not huge labour savings when switching between panels and workstations.

With the departure of Mark Carne and the new funding being bid for the next control period I guess we will wait a while to find out the true direction and timescale.
But it certainly isn’t quick!

 

[Sinistah]

Did anyone ever apply for the Signaller various locaions talent pool and ever here anything back. mine is still sitting at app under consideration for assessment 2 since 12th October lol

 

[Dom68]

Did anyone ever apply for the Signaller various locaions talent pool and ever here anything back. mine is still sitting at app under consideration for assessment 2 since 12th October lol

I have applied for the "talent pool for various grades 2,3+4 in the London area" been under consideration for assessment 2 since , wait for it, wait for it.....16 June 2017. Beat that!

 

[Sinistah]

I have applied for the "talent pool for various grades 2,3+4 in the London area" been under consideration for assessment 2 since , wait for it, wait for it.....16 June 2017. Beat that!

Anyone able to beat that? That’s crazy

 

[SignallerJohn]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-43044465

I wonder how this will impact on recruiting, if it does.

 

[Saracen_83]

Interesting to see how it goes, especially as the roc project, as people have said, is years behind......

 

[TRain87]

Few years left in the old boxes yet!...even more so after this I feel

 

[Saracen_83]

West Hampstead x 4 back up on website, but closing date today?????

Less than a day to complete application??

 

[Esu96kph]

....!

 

[Lewis423]

I know there are a few of us on here who are starting in April.
Does anyone know any details yet regarding signalling school.

I don’t want to keep bugging HR with too many questions before I even start!!!

I’m still waiting for a start date, I’ve been advised that I’ll likely be starting in May but I’m hoping that I can squeeze into the April sessions. Still haven’t even had my pre-employment checks signed off yet, had my medical two and a half weeks ago! Trying to be patient and not bug HR myself but it’s hard!

 

[Esu96kph]

comment deleted

 

[Tom Quinne]

No kidding there mate, bassically world war 3 every so often about whether the lights should be on or off and then there is the chairs issue.... so I've heard anyway!

Lights strictly off at our place, until the ECOs switch them all on and cause hell.

Chairs, each link has its own colour coded chairs to avoid disputes...

 

[Saracen_83]

Lights strictly off at our place, until the ECOs switch them all on and cause hell.

Chairs, each link has its own colour coded chairs to avoid disputes...

Doesn’t matter how old, or what Work place, it’s always like being back at school lol

 

[JMH77]

Ahhhh I had a notification this morning to say that my application was unsuccessful so I must have failed the test. I suspect it was the maths one which I found pretty tough. I didn’t manage to complete all the tests either due to the time limit. Not sure if this was the same for others? Does that mean I can’t apply for a signaller position for another 6 months?

Hi, I am in a similar position to you. I am still not 100% how it works. My online tests came back unsuccessful and it was worded in such a way that made me think there is a benchmark score you have to reach to have any chance of progressing and beyond that the highest scoring applicants would be the ones to go further. However I have also heard your scores are just compared to other applicants so you might still have a chance with a similar grade position if other applicants score lower on that occasion. I emailed HR to ask for clarification and it took a couple of emails to get my question across. The answer I received was that if I hadn't achieved the benchmark score required any further applications would automatically be unsuccessful. The scores are used for 12 months but you can apply to have them reset after 6 months.

 

[Dispatcher999]

Hi, I am in a similar position to you. I am still not 100% how it works. My online tests came back unsuccessful and it was worded in such a way that made me think there is a benchmark score you have to reach to have any chance of progressing and beyond that the highest scoring applicants would be the ones to go further. However I have also heard your scores are just compared to other applicants so you might still have a chance with a similar grade position if other applicants score lower on that occasion. I emailed HR to ask for clarification and it took a couple of emails to get my question across. The answer I received was that if I hadn't achieved the benchmark score required any further applications would automatically be unsuccessful. The scores are used for 12 months but you can apply to have them reset after 6 months.

Ok thanks for clarifying that. The grade 8 West Hampstead is out again so maybe they didn’t have enough successful candidates. It’s really frustrating to see a job advertised again that I think I’m more than capable of doing but being unable to apply because I didn’t meet the standard on the assessments. I would love some feedback on this.