A career as a signaller

[StTrain]

Does anyone have any information about the opening of Greenloaning Box? Shift patterns, how many years the box intends to stay open etc?

 

[Highlandspring]

Both are traditional SB buildings, Penzance has a NX Panel replacing its levers.

Penzance still had a 75 lever Great Western tappet locked frame when I was there in June this year....

 

[Tom Quinne]

Really! Well I never, I assumed it was a panel these days.

I assume the levers connect to the MAS signals via some electrical trickery ?

 

[4545]

The two jobs are at Penzance SB and Par SB, both 24/7 SB and secure as you can be down in Cornwall.

Both are traditional SB buildings, Penzance has a NX Panel replacing its levers and Par has a frame and I think a small recently installed NX panel.

Rosters I think are a mix of 8hrs Mon-Fri with 12hrs over the weekend, both Grade 4 jobs.

There is a internal job at Plymouth panel at the moment, the 2nd time in about 5 months so there is always room to move if you wish.

The Cornish SB do it seems struggle to recruit so your previous RN service might well sever you well if you can sell it the right way once the app.

Great information Tom. Do you know what level signallers are at Plymouth and what shifts they work?

 

[Tom Quinne]

Plymouth panel is a grade 6, shifts I’ve no idea I’m afraid - a guess would be 12hrs like most other large locations.

 

[nom de guerre]

Really! Well I never, I assumed it was a panel these days.

You know what they say about assumptions

Plymouth panel is a grade 6, shifts I’ve no idea I’m afraid - a guess would be 12hrs like most other large locations.

Plymouth recently changed to a 10hr(!) roster (0600/1000/2000). Double-manned all week between 1000-1600; single-manned at other times.

First time I’ve heard of 10s.

 

[Tom Quinne]

Likewise....isn’t Plymouth one of the last proper western region panels ?

 

[Cavan]

Is a grade 4/5 AB frame more challenging to work than an equivalent grade NX, TCB panel?

 

[Highlandspring]

That really depends on a lot of things. Even different boxes of the same grade can have wildly different workloads. The grading system currently used is a bit of a shambles.

 

[LeGrimpeur]

So the consensus is LOM roles are awful? I've got a live application for the Victoria vacancy. Withdraw the application?

 

[SignallerJohn]

So the consensus is LOM roles are awful? I've got a live application for the Victoria vacancy. Withdraw the application?

Most signallers would say so, but how many roles anywhere claim that their manager is fair etc. I think the role is especially good for someone who’s got a young family, the time spent will he more than someone who’s a signaller and thus working shifts. Also signallers love money, so I don’t think many would want to lose Sunday turns etc.

 

[Narom]

Aren't they still well paid though? I'm sure I saw one advertised at around £48k. That's not to be sniffed at!

 

[SignallerJohn]

Aren't they still well paid though? I'm sure I saw one advertised at around £48k. That's not to be sniffed at!

Fairly sure they are a grade higher and 10%, or something along those lines. Which of course is a nice amount! But for most signallers that earn shift enhancements they wouldn’t want to give that up.

 

[Highlandspring]

LOM is a 'role clarity' position which belongs in a salary band (band 4C). The band starts in the very low 30s and goes up to the low 50s. As a new entrant to the role you'd go in at the bottom of the band though the actual salary is negotiable; trying to find information about the role clarity bands is very difficult even for those already within NR. Role clarity means that you only get paid for 35 hours per week and any time you work outside those hours is supposed to be taken back as lieu leave. Many LOMs earn less (sometimes far less) than their staff and most LOMs work well over 35 hours a week, 50+ hours is not uncommon. You will act as second line on call, for which there is an additional premium.

 

[Tom Quinne]

Is a grade 4/5 AB frame more challenging to work than an equivalent grade NX, TCB panel?

Take Stockport SB Grade 6 as an example, constant movement throughout the day all on bell codes and lever movements.

Compare to a ROC Grsde 6 desk with ARS with its own brand of help, although there will be other things going on you’ll have ARS to help run the show whilst your dealing with the other task, on a box like Stockport you won’t - although I think it’s double manned, but personally I don’t want someone else doing a -LB- on my panel whilst I’m working, I’d rather do it myself.

 

[Tom Quinne]

That really depends on a lot of things. Even different boxes of the same grade can have wildly different workloads. The grading system currently used is a bit of a shambles.

Yes, don’t get me started lol

 

[Tom Quinne]

So the consensus is LOM roles are awful? I've got a live application for the Victoria vacancy. Withdraw the application?

I wouldn’t go that far, horses for courses.
A LOM job at London Victoria for someone “off the street” is going to be a massive uphill climb to get your head round that’s for sure.

You’ll have very experienced signallers with comes personalities to match, go in to hard you’ll be knocked down a few dozen pegs, go in to weak, they’ll walk all over you.

Not to mention all the admin stuff you’ll be expected to know, LOMs carry out our competency assessments. They’re bad enough as it is, let alone being conducted by someone who hasn’t the base knowledge and experience to interpret the computer generated question.

If your keen on not doing stupid shifts, want to climb the ladder quickly and suit the office life go for it - it may suit you.
But you have to look at why signallers don’t want to move into the job, which could be seen as natural progression. Apart from the drop in pay anyone on Grade 5 and above would take its everything else that comes with it that puts us off.

 

[Tom Quinne]

Aren't they still well paid though? I'm sure I saw one advertised at around £48k. That's not to be sniffed at!

£48k for a LOM, probably with an operational allowance on top of their basic perhaps. But not a basic salary for a LOM I think it’s about £40k?

Without trying to willy wave, £48 is a “poor” (I know I said I’d try not to) year for a grade 6 Signaller.

 

[Cavan]

Aren't quite a few LOM posts given to those on the NR graduate scheme (operations)?

 

[Tom Quinne]

Yes, there is a national shortage of LOMs due to the reasons given above.

They place Grads into LOM jobs to give them the 1st line experience beofre going on up the ladder, ive heard also that Grad LOMs are often on considerabley less than the £30,000ish quoted.

In my experience Grad LOMs are usually quite good, very keen to get on the desk with you and learn, the flip side is the never stick round long enough to really get to know and build the relationship with - sadly.

 

[TheScolly]

Hello,

Is anyone going on the Basingstoke Signalling School Course on the 21st January? I got the Eccles Relief job so would be great if anyone on here is also attending.

Thanks

 

[soswales]

I hopefully will be informed whether I passed the interview for Cardiff tomorrow... *fingers crossed*. I was told I should hear by the 17th. Has anyone else on here gone for it?

Can anyone advise whether you normally get informed by email or a phone call for Cardiff ROC?

Thanks

 

[Tom Quinne]

Depends on the LOM, I got a phone call directly.

I did hear everything went to recruitment Friday, so I’d say mid to end of the week.

 

[soswales]

Depends on the LOM, I got a phone call directly.

I did hear everything went to recruitment Friday, so I’d say mid to end of the week.

Thanks Tom!

 

[Narom]

?

Can anyone advise whether you normally get informed by email or a phone call for Cardiff ROC?

Thanks

I had a call within a week from my LOM, the email was a few weeks after.

 

[Rhd82glx]

I hopefully will be informed whether I passed the interview for Cardiff tomorrow... *fingers crossed*. I was told I should hear by the 17th. Has anyone else on here gone for it?

Can anyone advise whether you normally get informed by email or a phone call for Cardiff ROC?

Thanks

I went for the grade 4 positions still sat at test completed 7 weeks now so just waiting for the unsuccessful unfortunately. Best of luck to you hope you're successful!

 

[Tom Quinne]

Two resident, and one relief job at Carmarthen on the external list if anyone is interested.

https://iebsprodnwrl.omcs.networkra...DISPLAY&p_svid=2128085&p_spid=6783424&refsh=0

 

[soswales]

I went for the grade 4 positions still sat at test completed 7 weeks now so just waiting for the unsuccessful unfortunately. Best of luck to you hope you're successful!

Thanks Rhd keeping all my fingers crossed! Keep trying, don't give up if you do get that email.

 

[Cavan]

Two resident, and one relief job at Carmarthen on the external list if anyone is interested.

https://iebsprodnwrl.omcs.networkra...DISPLAY&p_svid=2128085&p_spid=6783424&refsh=0

I think the NR careers site has had a breakdown - look at the closing dates - I remember these jobs being advertised back in October!

 

[Tom Quinne]

I think the NR careers site has had a breakdown - look at the closing dates - I remember these jobs being advertised back in October!

If you can apply id apply, more likely someone has cut and paste the advert but not amended the closing date.