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A career as a signaller

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D_T_W

New Member
Joined
2 Jul 2019
Messages
2
I'm still waiting to hear too. When was your interview?

10th July, last email I had from HR was a couple of weeks ago and it’s sat on Assessment 2 Completed on the portal since then. Still haven’t heard back from them after my initial email enquiry so will give them another nudge tomorrow as I’m working night shift next week and plan on being asleep during the day
 

JoTheSlow

Member
Joined
29 May 2019
Messages
6
Hi, one for the existing signallers here as I don't have my rulebooks on me to check the following annoyingly.

A possession which previously didn't affect me has now been extended to fall within my limits. My box closes out on Sunday days but the possession is due to run until the Monday. Am I right in saying a signal box can close whilst a possession is taking place providing it has re-opened by the time the possession is due to finish?

First time I've had to deal with this so just a tad nervy about it. Thanks in advance.
 

Tom Quinne

On Moderation
Joined
8 Jul 2017
Messages
2,225
It depends on whether there are any movements due to take place during the time the box is due to be closed (train in or out of possession).

If there aren’t any movements, then it can close as long as it open to hand back the T3.

Some boxes remain open until a T3 is taken then close until normal opening the next day or open early to allow hand back.

Essentially once the T3 is taken you have no control, and it’s the PICOPs railway, you work under his instructions/authorisation.
 

JoTheSlow

Member
Joined
29 May 2019
Messages
6
It depends on whether there are any movements due to take place during the time the box is due to be closed (train in or out of possession).

If there aren’t any movements, then it can close as long as it open to hand back the T3.

Some boxes remain open until a T3 is taken then close until normal opening the next day or open early to allow hand back.

Essentially once the T3 is taken you have no control, and it’s the PICOPs railway, you work under his instructions/authorisation.

Hi Tom, thanks for the info! Indeed there are no movements to be made, and I did let the PICOP know the box would be closing for the day which he was fine with. Ergo sounds like I'm bulletproof.

Thanks again :)
 

Tom Quinne

On Moderation
Joined
8 Jul 2017
Messages
2,225
Extended or additional opening of an SB is usually noted in the WON in the item information.

When one of our workstations was being moved (2ft) there was a note in the item details saying from XXXX the signaller was unable to operate any points due, although the workstation would “open” again for handback.
 

Llanigraham

Established Member
Joined
23 Mar 2013
Messages
6,074
Location
Powys
Hi, one for the existing signallers here as I don't have my rulebooks on me to check the following annoyingly.

A possession which previously didn't affect me has now been extended to fall within my limits. My box closes out on Sunday days but the possession is due to run until the Monday. Am I right in saying a signal box can close whilst a possession is taking place providing it has re-opened by the time the possession is due to finish?

First time I've had to deal with this so just a tad nervy about it. Thanks in advance.

Yes, did it regularly at my Box. Normally rostered in our area as "Grant & Close"
 

Chaz T

Member
Joined
6 Jun 2019
Messages
41
Location
The Shire
Chaz, I had the same issue and (correctly or not), went with the "trust that the true document appears clean and correctly formatted when it is looked at by HR" option. It hasn't affected anything for me, and I guess we'll never know if it appears correctly on their side, but I imagine they'll be aware of it being an issue (IF it is an issue on their side!)

I suppose it's either that or simplify it for peace of mind (if you're anything like me however, then you'll want it to be perfectly formatted!)

Hi Curtis.

I have now been to see my daughter, again, and used her Windows based PC. I have uploaded a pdf and it is as perfectly formatted as I think it should be. The preview still provided a really poor view. But when I clicked on the document hyperlink on my account the downloaded pdf was perfect. Here's hoping as I have now just put in for Claypole box on the mainline.
 

Curtis

Member
Joined
30 Jan 2019
Messages
27
Location
West Yorkshire
Hi Curtis.

I have now been to see my daughter, again, and used her Windows based PC. I have uploaded a pdf and it is as perfectly formatted as I think it should be. The preview still provided a really poor view. But when I clicked on the document hyperlink on my account the downloaded pdf was perfect. Here's hoping as I have now just put in for Claypole box on the mainline.

Great stuff, good idea with the PDF format! Fingers crossed you get an interview now then!
 

Chaz T

Member
Joined
6 Jun 2019
Messages
41
Location
The Shire
Great stuff, good idea with the PDF format! Fingers crossed you get an interview now then!

Yep. Fingers crossed.

This is now my second application. I didn't even get to interview for the first, so there has been some serious polishing going on in the mean time.

Without sounding too bullish, I know I am a good candidate and have lots to offer. It's just getting the foot in the door to prove it
 

Dorey

Member
Joined
2 Sep 2019
Messages
6
Location
Nottingham
After lurking on the forum for a couple of weeks, and spending my time reading (mostly) this thread, I think that I have a chance at one of the three live applications that I have running.

One that I have applied for is the Relief Signaller at Oakham.

Being fairly local, I am aware of:

Ketton,
Manton Junction,
Oakham,
Langham Junction
Ashwell
Whissendine Crossing,
Wyfordby Crossing
Melton Mowbray.

Have I missed any?

Do they all come under the Oakham position?

Would the two crossings also be covered by the relief job?

Sorry for all the questions.

Keen to get on board!!

Regards

Ian

Hi Ian, you're just missing Uffington and Frisby SBs, Whissendine is also a signal box it looks after the crossing keepers at Wyfordby and Wymondham . Technically the line is split into East and West and the Oakham relief is to cover the boxes from Ashwell to Uffington but they're flexible with it and most relief staff try to sign all the boxes and the crossings (eventually). It's not uncommon for a signaller to cover the crossings although they do have their own relief man.
 

ljmac

Member
Joined
13 Feb 2019
Messages
36
Had my medical today. BP was a little high, suffering from a bit of white coat fever I think!
Anyway I passed pending drugs test result. Hopefully find out a start date in the coming week or two! Is anyone at a similar stage and got a start date? I'm mentally prepared for next year but I'm really hoping for this year!
 

Ian Smeeton

Member
Joined
5 Aug 2019
Messages
23
Hi Ian, you're just missing Uffington and Frisby SBs, Whissendine is also a signal box it looks after the crossing keepers at Wyfordby and Wymondham . Technically the line is split into East and West and the Oakham relief is to cover the boxes from Ashwell to Uffington but they're flexible with it and most relief staff try to sign all the boxes and the crossings (eventually). It's not uncommon for a signaller to cover the crossings although they do have their own relief man.

Thanks for the info, Dorey. Much appreciated.

Long time since I travelled the line, even though I am local.

Due for an assessment (and possibly interview if I pass) tomorrow at Ely, but would much prefer the local job.

Regards

Ian
 

ScotWestern

Member
Joined
13 Aug 2019
Messages
14
Had my medical today. BP was a little high, suffering from a bit of white coat fever I think!
Anyway I passed pending drugs test result. Hopefully find out a start date in the coming week or two! Is anyone at a similar stage and got a start date? I'm mentally prepared for next year but I'm really hoping for this year!

I have my medical today and was told they are hopeful for a September 23rd start date, which took me by surprise considering all the mentions I've seen on here of next year. I've also heard a school is starting in November.
 

NewtoNR

Member
Joined
30 Aug 2019
Messages
16
Location
N/A
Had my medical today. BP was a little high, suffering from a bit of white coat fever I think!
Anyway I passed pending drugs test result. Hopefully find out a start date in the coming week or two! Is anyone at a similar stage and got a start date? I'm mentally prepared for next year but I'm really hoping for this year!

I'm at the same stage. I had my medical on 16th August and still waiting for a start date!
 

Ian Smeeton

Member
Joined
5 Aug 2019
Messages
23
Just back from assessment day at Ely.

4 let go after the initial 2 tests, leaving 14 for Rules excercise and interview.

I think that I did Ok at the interview, just waiting on tenterhooks now!

Regards to all and best of luck to the others on the assessment day.

Ian
 

ewaste

Member
Joined
3 Jan 2018
Messages
13
Just back from assessment day at Ely.

4 let go after the initial 2 tests, leaving 14 for Rules exercise and interview.

Out of interest what did the initial 2 tests involve and what about the rules exercise, I'd imagine it was along the lines of "here are some rules based on this scenario what would you do?"
 

Ian Smeeton

Member
Joined
5 Aug 2019
Messages
23
I don't want to go into too much detail on an open forum, but the first was a group excercise. A survival scenario was laid out, along with a dozen items which had been salvaged. Which items were the most useful, and why. More about decision making and teamwork and no actual correct answers. More about seeing how the group worked, who exhibited leadership skills, reasoned arguments etc.

The second was very easy, IF you read the instructions. 4 out of 18 failed after this, either through really not being good at it, or by not following the instructions.

The Rules based scenario was about what actions you would take in a particular scenario, with some Rules info given, who you would contact, in what order etc.

I hope that this post doesn't cause NR to have to change all its assessment materials if I have given too much away, but if anyone wants further info, please PM me.

Regards

Ian
 

Rockhopper

Member
Joined
29 Apr 2019
Messages
736
I don’t believe this style of assessment is NR policy as such, it’s been created by the LOM in that area and seems to be fairly unique! Generally speaking there are not usually assessment days for signaller positions.
 

Ian Smeeton

Member
Joined
5 Aug 2019
Messages
23
From info given today, while it is not used universally, there may be a gradual roll-out.

Regards

Ian
 

Willgas

New Member
Joined
4 Sep 2019
Messages
1
Location
Doncaster
Hi all.

I've been following this post for a few months now, and has helped me get my first interview and a job offer as of last Wednesday.

I Was sent an email to fill out my employment history. Once I replied, I got an automatic reply saying someone will respond in 48 hours. A week later I've heard nothing.

Is this normal or do you think I should contact them?

Thanks.
 

Trackboy

Member
Joined
31 Oct 2017
Messages
106
Hi all.

I've been following this post for a few months now, and has helped me get my first interview and a job offer as of last Wednesday.

I Was sent an email to fill out my employment history. Once I replied, I got an automatic reply saying someone will respond in 48 hours. A week later I've heard nothing.

Is this normal or do you think I should contact them?

Thanks.

Check your junk mail. I received about 3 email from them in my junk box.
 

Trackboy

Member
Joined
31 Oct 2017
Messages
106
Signaller

Grade: Signaller Grade 8

Salary: £47,356 per annum (Salary in training £45,567)

Location: Three Bridges Rail Operating Centre

Is that salary correct for Grade 8 £47,356?? I thought that was a Garde 9 salary.
 

Tom Quinne

On Moderation
Joined
8 Jul 2017
Messages
2,225
Signaller

Grade: Signaller Grade 8

Salary: £47,356 per annum (Salary in training £45,567)

Location: Three Bridges Rail Operating Centre

Is that salary correct for Grade 8 £47,356?? I thought that was a Garde 9 salary.


Training rate (one grade below your actual grade) until you pass out, so yes.
 

Liam Toner

New Member
Joined
8 Aug 2019
Messages
4
Anyone heard anything regards the Crag Hall positions?? I’m currently on the under consideration for assessment 2 stage. Cheers.
I'm still waiting following my interview 3 weeks ago. Have you had an interview? I know they've filled the G3 positions as HR emailed this week
 

Godfang

New Member
Joined
5 Sep 2019
Messages
2
Location
London
Hi there,
I am new to posting but have been reading on/off for weeks now. I am a mother to an 18 y/o who has an undying passion for rail/transport. He applied for a signaling but was sent a declined email today (assessment I suppose) they will keep his scores for a year they said a while back. I was hopeful but figured he was too young possibly no real work experience. Just curious how often do these external postings come up? I imagine that NR is the only place to find them. Our other issue is he's T1 diabetic and I know that's an issue for NR for any safety critical positions. Also suggestions for any other positions within rail/transport?
Thanks
 

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