A career as a signaller

[Peterperfect]

Thank you

I blooming got it!!!!

I know I'm lucky, it's the only one I've interviewed for and it's 30 mins from my house but I really couldn't have done it without all the guys and gals in this thread. You've been invaluable.

Signalling school in the new year!

Well done. Good luck at York.

 

[Danc87]

Just screwed up the numerical one catastrophically. 12 out of 18 answered with at least 3 guessed. I revised, practiced and had no distractions. It’s just not how my brain works sadly. Hard to admit but I just don’t think my strengths are aligned to this industry. Not sure how many more times I can put myself through that feeling of incompetence, inadequacy and a smattering of self loathing.

don't get yourself down you never know! I think the big down fall of the practice papers is they never tell u which questions you got wrong or what the right answer is so how are u really meant to improve!

 

[Danc87]

right assessments sat so sit and wait nervously I guess!

 

[SignallerJohn]

Just screwed up the numerical one catastrophically. 12 out of 18 answered with at least 3 guessed. I revised, practiced and had no distractions. It’s just not how my brain works sadly. Hard to admit but I just don’t think my strengths are aligned to this industry. Not sure how many more times I can put myself through that feeling of incompetence, inadequacy and a smattering of self loathing.

I wouldn’t be too hard on yourself. IF being a signaller for Network Rail is what you want then stick with it, you never know even though you think you’ve scored badly you might have done okay.

Worse case scenario; you know what’s expected now, so in 6 months you can try again. Even worse case, you can get into the company as something else and then apply to be a signaller when a post comes up.

 

[galaxynew]

Just screwed up the numerical one catastrophically. 12 out of 18 answered with at least 3 guessed. I revised, practiced and had no distractions. It’s just not how my brain works sadly. Hard to admit but I just don’t think my strengths are aligned to this industry. Not sure how many more times I can put myself through that feeling of incompetence, inadequacy and a smattering of self loathing.

I have just completed my 3 tests within the last week, i can honestly say that the 3 actual tests were, in my opinion, easier than the practice tests i tried before doing the "real" one's, might just have been me but i would recommend practice tests 2 or 3 times to get you used to the make up of the questions and then set some quality time aside to do the real tests and as i a sure others have mentioned you DO NOT have to complete every question nor are you expected to, the right balance between accuracy and speed i would say is the key.

Good luck when taking them

 

[SquarePeg]

Thanks all for your kind words and encouragement. Had the unsuccessful after testing email but didn’t give any timeframes on when I can reapply? Oh well just need to practice and be ready for the next time. Good luck to all in the recruitment and selection process.

 

[Tom Quinne]

You can reapply the same day if you wish, and as many times as you wish.

I don’t think there’s any two strikes rule as per traincrew roles, although I could be mistaken...

 

[Southernsig]

anyone know anything about the Charlton lane lc box?

Busy crossing box, working under the control of london bridge, soon to be TBROC next year.

 

[RAFsch]

Afternoon all. I've applied for the Carmarthen Box in West Wales. I've sat the tests and reached the "Required Benchmark"

I last heard, via an email; that I'd passed the online benchmark and that my "application is still under consideration" (Awaiting Shortlisting)

This was on the 17th of October; I'm anxious that the I've NOT been shortlisted for interview. Is there normally a wait with NWR applications?

Really looking forward to hearing back from you all. Thanks in advance.

 

[nom de guerre]

Is there normally a wait with NWR applications?

Yes. Sometimes for much longer than 12 days. Welcome to the wonderful world of NR HR

 

[RAFsch]

Yes. Sometimes for much longer than 12 days. Welcome to the wonderful world of NR HR

I'm looking forward to hearing back - really think this is the job for me!

 

[Seishin]

Hi everyone!

Feeling a bit despondent after getting another knock back today. That's now 4 occasions where its gone to 'application under consideration for assessment 2' and not got an interview out of it. I thought that if my application had been passed to the hiring manager that I must stand a good chance as I was under the impression that HR only put forward a small number of applicants to be considered for interview. Am I wrong in thinking this to be the case?

I did get an interview out of my very first application 6 months ago, which never worked out and I've been using the same CV and set of answers ever since. Starting to think they are letting me down and I was lulled into a thinking they were up to scratch after getting an interview first time around.

 

[choochoobacca]

I'm looking forward to hearing back - really think this is the job for me!

If you get a chance to read through this thread in full, you'll find lots of valuable information and advice.
You'll also find a recurring theme - it is a looooooooong process....unfortunately sometimes even several months from applying to getting told you have an interview......
Worse still, and a far more frequent occurrence is applying and hearing absolutely nothing for many months, before a simple status change to 'unsuccessful' appears in your careers account. Good luck and fingers crossed you get in quickly but be prepared to knuckle down, keep applying and get ready for the long slog..

 

[Danc87]

Busy crossing box, working under the control of london bridge, soon to be TBROC next year.

TBROC? what would that mean for the job role? also its only grade 2 so how busy can it be?

 

[Danc87]

reached required bench mark in my assessments so guess time to play the waiting game

 

[Tom Quinne]

Afternoon all. I've applied for the Carmarthen Box in West Wales. I've sat the tests and reached the "Required Benchmark"

I last heard, via an email; that I'd passed the online benchmark and that my "application is still under consideration" (Awaiting Shortlisting)

This was on the 17th of October; I'm anxious that the I've NOT been shortlisted for interview. Is there normally a wait with NWR applications?

Really looking forward to hearing back from you all. Thanks in advance.

Mate, two weeks is nothing really don’t worry.
They had to extend the internal, and external deadline so I assume they’ve not had the required response.

 

[Tom Quinne]

TBROC? what would that mean for the job role? also its only grade 2 so how busy can it be?

Grade 2 crossing locations often/always have multiple crossings to oversee.

 

[NorvernRob]

Finally got through the whole thread, some great info so thanks to everyone that has contributed! Had an interview for Trainee driver last week but I’m keen on Signalling too, I’ve seen a vacancy not too far from me that looks perfect (G3 Shirebrook Junction SB) but the application process is a bit different to Northern’s old online form.

I’m the the process of building a CV, but is there scope to also upload a cover letter with Network Rail’s applications, or should I make sure everything I want is in the CV itself? The vacancy closes this week so I need to get a move on!

Thank for any help.

 

[Danc87]

What can be expected of interview I read somewhere they not like regular interviews but can't find the post? Also is signalling school the same for everyone regardless what grade u applied for?

 

[Danc87]

Also what could u be expecting to take home for the grade 7 upminster job including allowances etc please just roughly

 

[Tom Quinne]

What can be expected of interview I read somewhere they not like regular interviews but can't find the post? Also is signalling school the same for everyone regardless what grade u applied for?

The external or non signaller interview is based around the Non Techical Skills (which escape me right now). They’ll want to know what you know about the firm, major projects, challenges etc, they might ask what you know about the location you’ve applied for to, don’t go all geek on them though just a basic outline is enough.

Signalling school is the same regardless of grade, it I’ll however differ slightly depending on the course they put you on Apsolute Block or Track Cirucit Block - if it’s Upminster it’ll be TCB cours.

Grade 7 basic take home is circa £3200 pcm, I don’t know what London/South East allowance Upminster has though.

 

[Danc87]

The external or non signaller interview is based around the Non Techical Skills (which escape me right now). They’ll want to know what you know about the firm, major projects, challenges etc, they might ask what you know about the location you’ve applied for to, don’t go all geek on them though just a basic outline is enough.

Signalling school is the same regardless of grade, it I’ll however differ slightly depending on the course they put you on Apsolute Block or Track Cirucit Block - if it’s Upminster it’ll be TCB cours.

Grade 7 basic take home is circa £3200 pcm, I don’t know what London/South East allowance Upminster has though.

Wow alot more then what I thought and thanks for the detailed quick reply! And I didn't realise their was 2 diffrent courses! Any details u know about the upminster role? Ie how busy how many ppl be working in the box etc please

 

[Danc87]

And what would I be looking at on grade 6 while training sorry for all the questions

 

[Southernsig]

TBROC? what would that mean for the job role? also its only grade 2 so how busy can it be?

Not a signal box, its a level crossing box, its crossing keeper, not signaller. you would be based at the crossing itself bit under the signaller at london bridge/TBROC.

 

[Tom Quinne]

Wow alot more then what I thought and thanks for the detailed quick reply! And I didn't realise their was 2 diffrent courses! Any details u know about the upminster role? Ie how busy how many ppl be working in the box etc please

Regards Upminster I believe it controls the London Tilbury & Southend (LTS) route out of London Fenchurch Street, a very very busy commuter route. Apart from that I’ve no idea I’m afraid, I’m sure someone will be able to assist further.

 

[contrad!ction]

Wow alot more then what I thought and thanks for the detailed quick reply! And I didn't realise their was 2 diffrent courses! Any details u know about the upminster role? Ie how busy how many ppl be working in the box etc please

Some pictures of Upminster IECC can be found here:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/llangollen_signalman/albums/72157637393666933

It also control some (all?) of the North London line as well as the whole of the LTS route (inc. Ripple Lane and Tilbury yards).

Upminster gets Outer London allowance I think (£1800 p/a) - but don't quote me on that...

Grade 7 Basic (per annum) is £41557. Once you've added on your booked Sundays, night rate, Outer London allowance, RDW, bank holidays etc...you can add at least £10k a year to that figure - plenty more if you want the overtime (and if it's available).

Hope that helps.

 

[Danc87]

Some pictures of Upminster IECC can be found here:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/llangollen_signalman/albums/72157637393666933

It also control some (all?) of the North London line as well as the whole of the LTS route (inc. Ripple Lane and Tilbury yards).

Upminster gets Outer London allowance I think (£1800 p/a) - but don't quote me on that...

Grade 7 Basic (per annum) is £41557. Once you've added on your booked Sundays, night rate, Outer London allowance, RDW, bank holidays etc...you can add at least £10k a year to that figure - plenty more if you want the overtime (and if it's available).

Hope that helps.

Great help thanks and sorry again for all this questions just gathering as much info as possible

 

[Danc87]

Great help thanks and sorry again for all this questions just gathering as much info as possible

And wow those pictures and screens look intense lol

 

[Narom]

Safety. Think about safety and how dangerous actions on the railway affect more than those doing the actions.

Look for example questions around the 8 key competencies then plan answers around them.

Learn about the box or station. Who operates on it.

 

[nom de guerre]

also its only grade 2 so how busy can it be?

Fairly busy, during the peaks.

It's a Grade 2 because you 'only' look after a level crossing, and a couple of signals.