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A career as a signaller

MrsP2010

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Joined
31 Mar 2020
Messages
105
Location
Ellesmere
Ahh.. it sounded like their was a group expected to work (12 hr guys) and a group paid to be off, rather than the same guys doing a random mix of shifts. So it sounds like they will likely all get round to an 8hr shift where they will be off.
Exactly right. Their shifts are made up of 2 x 12 hr shifts 06-1800 and 18-0600 each day and then 2 x shifts 06-1400 and 14-2200. It's the latter 2 that will be off.
 
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ILoveLamp

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22 Nov 2019
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215
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North Uk
Exactly right. Their shifts are made up of 2 x 12 hr shifts 06-1800 and 18-0600 each day and then 2 x shifts 06-1400 and 14-2200. It's the latter 2 that will be off.
when in normal working conditions, with the hours they do each, week I presume they are given time off in lieu of the extra hours they do?
 

MrsP2010

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Joined
31 Mar 2020
Messages
105
Location
Ellesmere
when in normal working conditions, with the hours they do each, week I presume they are given time off in lieu of the extra hours they do?
They don't do those hours every day!! He has lots of days off including 6 days on the trot at one part of his roster. He only does extra hours when doing a voluntary overtime shift for which he gets paid. He's on a 7 week roster
 

Peterperfect

Member
Joined
5 Apr 2018
Messages
88
I'd be interested to know this too!! Do you know if you can ask for those scores?

The shl tests are only used for one thing. To reduce the applicants down to a manageable level.

Think of it like this under normal circumstances you would think 50% is a pass mark. Whatever NWR has set as the minimum bar that is the pass mark. You do the tests and you get told you have met the standards for maths, English and situational judgment tests. Great you think. But what of 95% of the applicants have all met the standard.

HR then take the top 10-20 and whittle that down to enough for the hiring manager to decide who is getting interviewed.

So you need to pass the shl tests well.
You need to answer as many of the 70 questions with yes to get points.
You need a good CV.

Then you need a good interview.

There is no easy way round it unfortunately.

Then if your really lucky you get a start but dont think that's it finished. You will be in for a hard 12 weeks where you will be tested to learn and prove you can retain that knowledge and display you can practically do the job.

Even after signaller school it doesnt stop there. Yiu will have to complete training for your box, finish your apprenticeship, go to briefing days where you will be asked rules questions and also do the online assessment tests. They tests even require experienced signallers to bring out the rule books.

If any of that puts you off good because it will save you a lot of grief if left a good job and you got to signaller school and found out you didnt have what it takes and were cut loose.
 

Tom Quinne

On Moderation
Joined
8 Jul 2017
Messages
2,225
For those currently working as Signallers I'm curious as to what impact the virus situation has had on your day to day jobs. For example, is there enough work to keep people in jobs? I ask because my sister works in Air Traffic Control where staff are now being furlouged and I wonder if this is likely to happen to Signallers too?

At our place those who are spare are told to stay at home - effectively on call, so be ready to come to work within your hours.

We’re all “swobbing down” as we call it before changing workstations to do our best not to swap germs and the like.

Those of us in the at risk groups are paid off until the virus is over.

Being in a strong unionised industry no one is being laid off or on 80% pay.
 

ArchangelA

Member
Joined
4 Feb 2020
Messages
264
Location
West Midlands
I was told i could email and ask for them but they stay on file for 6 mobths at which point i can email asking them.to wipe them so i can retake it on the next application. Will letyoi know what results i get back and what they send

If any of the three SHL tests are passed, then Network Rail won't require you to sit that test within 12 months should you apply for another signaller job as they will use your previous test-passed score. If you fail any of the three tests however, you cannot re-sit that test for 6 months.
So you need to wait at least six months to re-apply and re-sit the tests that you haven't already passed, only.
 

Sanatogen

Member
Joined
27 Feb 2013
Messages
108
We got one that states it kills Covid19 amongst other things, very odd given none of these firms have been able to test against it yet afaik.

I suspect it’s effective against regular coronaviruses and as such allows them to make the claim they do.

I’m sticking to regular hand washing and using my own sanitiser as a last resort.

edit; I should add the company supplied one is again alcohol free.
 
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nom de guerre

Member
Joined
24 Nov 2015
Messages
774
Any such claims specifically mentioning Covid-19 must be extremely suspect.

Does this lot at least contain min 60% alcohol ?

I’m off for a few days and our route procurement contacts are claiming some half-decent stuff has finally arrived. Not holding my breath...
 

Tom Quinne

On Moderation
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8 Jul 2017
Messages
2,225
We got one that states it kills Covid19 amongst other things, very odd given none of these firms have been able to test against it yet afaik.

I suspect it’s effective against regular coronaviruses and as such allows them to make the claim they do.

I’m sticking to regular hand washing and using my own sanitiser as a last resort.

edit; I should add the company supplied one is again alcohol free.

Same here, my Mrs is in the high risk group so I’m showering as soon as I get in at home, and doing half hourly surgeon style hand scrubbing lol I look stupid but hey ho!
 

Sanatogen

Member
Joined
27 Feb 2013
Messages
108
Any such claims specifically mentioning Covid-19 must be extremely suspect.

Does this lot at least contain min 60% alcohol ?

I’m off for a few days and our route procurement contacts are claiming some half-decent stuff has finally arrived. Not holding my breath...

no but it does contain electrically modified water.
 
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Littlestu

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Joined
27 Aug 2018
Messages
22
So i emailed recruitment support for test feedback. I got email telling me the scores i had achieved in the 3 tests and also the benchmark score which i presume differs for what grade you have gone for, and also if i email them again in 6 months time they will wipe the scores enabling me to sit the test again.
 

railwanabe

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15 Mar 2020
Messages
59
What was the benchmark score they told you? I was told 31% for all three tests and that was a grade 9.
 

railwanabe

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15 Mar 2020
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59
Definitely not an issue. I have guys who started off the street in their late 50s. You can continue to work as long as you keep passing the medicals.

funny that, when I asked hr for a feedback as to why I didn’t get shortlisted for an interview, they told me more suitable candidates with relevant experience have been selected. Is that work experience on a certain field as that’s not mentioned in job description? Or any work/life experience where you can show you have the non-technical skills? Maybe I didn’t make it apparent enough in my CV and application, I will do next time before thinking about .. discrimination.
 

Rockhopper

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29 Apr 2019
Messages
736
Its worth noting that this is a very well known forum at all levels of NR, TOC's etc. Many hiring managers are members, in fact one or two have put their heads above the parapet in this very thread.
Its not rocket science to match up a members profile and postings on here with an actual job application and when their only interest in the job seems to be how much money they can earn than can be enough to exclude you from the process.
HR saying that a more suitable candidate was identified is a non committal response that covers a multitude of reasons as to why an application wasn't progressed.
 

Javagem

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Joined
18 Feb 2020
Messages
120
Location
York
What was the benchmark score they told you? I was told 31% for all three tests and that was a grade 9.
I’m not sure but I think the 31 refers to 31/40 for the SJT as the maths and reasoning tests were scored as percentiles. 31st percentile is a pretty low bar for such a role IMO - I could be wrong though.
 
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Tom Quinne

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8 Jul 2017
Messages
2,225
Its worth noting that this is a very well known forum at all levels of NR, TOC's etc. Many hiring managers are members, in fact one or two have put their heads above the parapet in this very thread.
Its not rocket science to match up a members profile and postings on here with an actual job application and when their only interest in the job seems to be how much money they can earn than can be enough to exclude you from the process.
HR saying that a more suitable candidate was identified is a non committal response that covers a multitude of reasons as to why an application wasn't progressed.

Indeed....many will remember a time when railway pay was poor, we still joined up though.

How many would still chase with such vigour a signaller job with a salary of £20k or a drivers job of 30k?
 
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Javagem

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18 Feb 2020
Messages
120
Location
York
Indeed....many will remember a time when railway pay was *iss poor, we still joined up though.

How many would still chase with such vigour a signaller job with a salary of £20k or a drivers job of 30k?
A good point, well made :lol:
 

Kraken

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22 Mar 2020
Messages
247
Location
Lincolnshire
Indeed....many will remember a time when railway pay was *iss poor, we still joined up though.

How many would still chase with such vigour a signaller job with a salary of £20k or a drivers job of 30k?

I think to be fair that a lot of people become interested in Signalling as a second career, when the salary becomes a much more important factor. Should I be successful in my applications I would be voluntarily leaving a job with a certain salary which allows me to pay my mortgage and support my family. This salary is a reasonable, but not silly, amount in excess of £20k a year.

So no, I would not take a job as a signaller for £20k a year. That’s not because I’m not interested in signalling itself (on the contrary, it sounds like exactly my sort of job and everything I’ve heard makes me more excited for it. I would certainly have made different choices had I known about it earlier in the my career), it’s because I couldn’t continue to support my family on this amount of money without uprooting everyone. I’m sure a good proportion of applicants are in the same boat and when they ask on here about money are trying to figure out whether they could afford to make this career change at various grades - rather than only being in it for the money.
 

High Dyke

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Joined
1 Jan 2013
Messages
4,267
Location
Yellabelly Country
...I’m off for a few days and our route procurement contacts are claiming some half-decent stuff has finally arrived. Not holding my breath...
My area has now had some delivered, but in bulk. The first delivery was a swarfega type handwash...totally unsuitable, according to my manager. Hopefully, supplies will be distributed soon enough to individuals. Ths wife had her TOC employer provide sanitiser two weeks ago.
 

railwanabe

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15 Mar 2020
Messages
59
Your comments are nonsensical. The number one reason people work is for money. Ask anybody, survery anybody, any company, look at online blogs, articles. They will all say the same thing. It is human nature, the more money, the better. I dont know what planet you are living on. Of course you consider other stuff:
  • BENEFITS. Remember that your base salary is just one part of your compensation package. ...
  • HOURS. ...
  • OFFICE CULTURE. ...
  • THE TEAM. ...
  • PASSION. ...
  • GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES. ...
  • EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES. ...
  • COMPANY HISTORY AND STABILITY.
I think you are wrong to pick at people and say that managers should weed them out and not give them sight because they are after the job because of money or any other reason you want to pluck out. Just because people enquire about pay matrixes etc, in your eyes they are doing something wrong?
Its worth noting that this is a very well known forum at all levels of NR, TOC's etc. Many hiring managers are members, in fact one or two have put their heads above the parapet in this very thread.
Its not rocket science to match up a members profile and postings on here with an actual job application and when their only interest in the job seems to be how much money they can earn than can be enough to exclude you from the process.
HR saying that a more suitable candidate was identified is a non committal response that covers a multitude of reasons as to why an application wasn't progressed.
 

bouff34

Member
Joined
6 Nov 2018
Messages
138
Your comments are nonsensical. The number one reason people work is for money. Ask anybody, survery anybody, any company, look at online blogs, articles. They will all say the same thing. It is human nature, the more money, the better. I dont know what planet you are living on. Of course you consider other stuff:
  • BENEFITS. Remember that your base salary is just one part of your compensation package. ...
  • HOURS. ...
  • OFFICE CULTURE. ...
  • THE TEAM. ...
  • PASSION. ...
  • GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES. ...
  • EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES. ...
  • COMPANY HISTORY AND STABILITY.
I think you are wrong to pick at people and say that managers should weed them out and not give them sight because they are after the job because of money or any other reason you want to pluck out. Just because people enquire about pay matrixes etc, in your eyes they are doing something wrong?


I think most people will disagree with you there. I didn't do 26 years in the police for the money. I did it because it was a career that I thought worthwhile, that helped the community and one that gave me enormous job satisfaction. Do you think that the majority of those that are currently trying to save countless lives in the NHS are all there because of the money??? Or those that serve their country and pay the ultimate price in the armed services - don't think they do it for money!! I couldn't think of anything worse than being in a well paid job where I didn't enjoy what I was doing. Money is a factor but for the vast majority I would suggest that job satisfaction comes way above this.
 

railwanabe

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Messages
59
Your first question about money, and how much you could earn though...

You are right my first question is about money. But that is what this online forum is for right, to ask questions you are not sure about.
Just because it is my first question it does not mean it is my main concern. These are all assumptions.
I know much about the role. It is safety critical role. Safety has always been my priority, in work and play and therefore I think I am right for the role. My main attraction to the role is: The company, job security, workers union, and the ability to do overtime.
If I was offered a grade 9 role at £48k with no option of overtime, would I do it? I would consider it but I wouldnt jump at it. Being in the trade, I have the potential to get a job and earn a similar amount without going through such a rigorous recruitment process with high number of applicants. But the OT in such jobs are limited.

The potential for overtime and to earn more money is an attraction for me, togehter with pension, holiday, benefits, etc.. I am currently self employed and I do alot of hours, so I am only asking questions to compare to my current situation and making an analysis to see if a career change is right for me.
Remember assumptions is the mother......you know they saying!
Would I do the job for £20k in this day and age? No.

You work for: Money, job security, a stable career, holiday, pension, benefits
You apply for jobs: which suit your skills, you enjoy doing

You are 100% right in saying that you should not apply for the job purely because of the pay/money, I totally agree with you, you will not last in the job or even get the job in the first place, if you dont enjoy doing and cant show your passion during the interview stage.

Dont mix up the two, an inquiry into Money and benefits etc does not negate your consideration for why you applied for the job. I wouldnt train to be a doctor even though the pay is good, im not cut out for it.
 
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Tom Quinne

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8 Jul 2017
Messages
2,225
I think most people will disagree with you there. I didn't do 26 years in the police for the money. I did it because it was a career that I thought worthwhile, that helped the community and one that gave me enormous job satisfaction. Do you think that the majority of those that are currently trying to save countless lives in the NHS are all there because of the money??? Or those that serve their country and pay the ultimate price in the armed services - don't think they do it for money!! I couldn't think of anything worse than being in a well paid job where I didn't enjoy what I was doing. Money is a factor but for the vast majority I would suggest that job satisfaction comes way above this.

Snap, student PC is about £19k now? Likewise a student nurse or even a firefighter.

Once you find a job you love you’ll never go to work again.

I would say to Mr Wannbe, stop digging a hole mate - HR and many a LOM it’s very very easy to tie you into a application.
 

Tom Quinne

On Moderation
Joined
8 Jul 2017
Messages
2,225
You are right my first question is about money. But that is what this online forum is for right, to ask questions you are not sure about.
Just because it is my first question it does not mean it is my main concern. These are all assumptions.
I know much about the role. It is safety critical role. Safety has always been my priority, in work and play and therefore I think I am right for the role. My main attraction to the role is: The company, job security, workers union, and the ability to do overtime.
If I was offered a grade 9 role at £48k with no option of overtime, would I do it? I would consider it but I wouldnt jump at it. Being in the trade, I have the potential to get a job and earn a similar amount without going through such a rigorous recruitment process with high number of applicants. But the OT in such jobs are limited.

The potential for overtime and to earn more money is an attraction for me, togehter with pension, holiday, benefits, etc.. I am currently self employed and I do alot of hours, so I am only asking questions to compare to my current situation and making an analysis to see if a career change is right for me.
Remember assumptions is the mother......you know they saying!
Would I do the job for £20k in this day and age? No.

You work for: Money, job security, a stable career, holiday, pension, benefits
You apply for jobs: which suit your skills, you enjoy doing

You are 100% right in saying that you should not apply for the job purely because of the pay/money, I totally agree with you, you will not last in the job or even get the job in the first place, if you dont enjoy doing and cant show your passion during the interview stage.

Dont mix up the two, an inquiry into Money and benefits etc does not negate your consideration for why you applied for the job. I wouldnt train to be a doctor even though the pay is good, im not cut out for it.


How many tunes did you mention money ? Considering it’s all about the money you sign half mention it a lot to be fair.

You wouldn’t jump at a £48k a year job lol maybe you should still to your trade then, there are people here who would cut off their right arm for a grade 2 job on £28k but your not fussed..

I for one won’t offering any further assistance to you I’m afraid.
 

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