A career as a signaller

[Saracen_83]

What are grade 6 & 7’s taking home after allowances

Grade 6 including all booked sundays and allowances but not including OT guys at my place are pulling around 50-52k

 

[Mordueman]

I have just successfully completed IST and have a ruling with my LOM and my OM next week.
Anyone have an idea how in depth these will be and how long they will be.

Many thanks

 

[LOM]

I have just successfully completed IST and have a ruling with my LOM and my OM next week.
Anyone have an idea how in depth these will be and how long they will be.

Many thanks

I always schedule 2 full days for Rules. Depends how much of a stickler your LOM is but you could be asked more or less anything in the Rule Book. Certainly everything in TS1, whichever of the signalling modules you work (TS2/TS3/TS4/TS5/TS7/TS8), TS9 if you have level crossings, TS11, T3, S5, S7, P1/P2, M1/M2/M3, TW7 and the NOI. I always cover at least one thing from each module and many I go through entirely. If it is clear someone has good knowledge then I move on to another topic, if they are a bit vague then I probe deeper. Your LOM will let whoever is doing verification know what you are good at and what you are shaky on so expect to be asked about anything you were not up to scratch on the first time round. Otherwise the verification will probably just cover high risk stuff like Line Blockages, passing signals at danger etc.. Verification is usually just an hour or two. Expect the OM to give you some words of wisdom at the end.

Remember your LOM and OM want you to pass! You need to put the work in though and revise. Also try to keep your rules knowledge up to date once you're passed out.

 

[danners430]

Just got through to them - they did send out an email, so it looks like it got blocked at my end. So a word of warning folks - the email they use occasionally gets marked as spam by your email provider

 

[89jordanbj]

After months of trying I finally received my invite to interview email this evening.

I have used a lot of my good working examples in my 70 questions.. Would the person carrying out the interview be likely to 'score down' if I used any of these examples in my interview if they are appropriate for a given question?

Obviously I want to give my best examples, but on the other hand I don't want the interviewer to think I'm just repeating myself from my 70 Qs.

Cheers

 

[amanda08]

After months of trying I finally received my invite to interview email this evening.

I have used a lot of my good working examples in my 70 questions.. Would the person carrying out the interview be likely to 'score down' if I used any of these examples in my interview if they are appropriate for a given question?

Obviously I want to give my best examples, but on the other hand I don't want the interviewer to think I'm just repeating myself from my 70 Qs.

Cheers

Congratulations! I’ve been at pending invite to assessment two for a few days now!
good luck

 

[LOM]

After months of trying I finally received my invite to interview email this evening.

I have used a lot of my good working examples in my 70 questions.. Would the person carrying out the interview be likely to 'score down' if I used any of these examples in my interview if they are appropriate for a given question?

No not at all.

 

[MrsP2010]

After months of trying I finally received my invite to interview email this evening.

I have used a lot of my good working examples in my 70 questions.. Would the person carrying out the interview be likely to 'score down' if I used any of these examples in my interview if they are appropriate for a given question?

Obviously I want to give my best examples, but on the other hand I don't want the interviewer to think I'm just repeating myself from my 70 Qs.

Cheers

When I had my interview a few weeks ago, they told me during the introduction that it didn't matter if I used the same examples to illustrate a different point as they appreciated that the same scenario may cover quite a few areas. So I'm guessing the same would apply for the 70 questions

 

[Javagem]

Grade 6 including all booked sundays and allowances but not including OT guys at my place are pulling around 50-52k

Are staff paid monthly or every 4 weeks (13 annual payments vs 12 monthly payments) ?
On the pay matrix it mentions monthly pay but I’m sure I was told it was every 4 weeks.

 

[headshot119]

Every 4 weeks. Next payday is the 1st of May, for shifts worked 29th March - 25th April.

 

[Tom Quinne]

Thanks for that LOM, much appreciated. Been thinking about the rail industry for a long time without pursuing it. Unfortunately at a critical point in my current career; pension, promotion etc.

Would love to be lucky enough to become a trainee driver, however, can’t in any way justify leaving my current role on a whim. Signaller also looks like a great career choice, was wondering what doors it’d open for me.

I’d suggest you stick to your first choice of driver to be honest, signalling is a job that you can make do with until something better comes along.

I really wouldn't ask on a thread for people who would give their right arm to become signallers if it’s a foot in the door job to become a driver, it’s a little disrespectful to be hoenst.

 

[Javagem]

Every 4 weeks. Next payday is the 1st of May, for shifts worked 29th March - 25th April.

Thanks for clarifying, much appreciated.

 

[nom de guerre]

I’d suggest you stick to your first choice of driver to be honest, signalling is a job that you can make do with until something better comes along.

I really wouldn't ask on a thread for people who would give their right arm to become signallers if it’s a foot in the door job to become a driver, it’s a little disrespectful to be hoenst.

TBH I think you may be jumping the gun a bit here, Tom.

The OP didn’t state that driving was his “first choice”, nor what doors he might be interested in opening (controller, ECRO, MOM, LOM ...?).

Driving was my first choice. Not because I thought signalling was inferior - more that I just hadn’t considered signalling at all at that point.

Like you, I can find it annoying when people seem overly-obsessed with the money (like matey, not so long ago), but the OP here doesn’t come across like that to me.

 

[MostlyHarmless]

Although not quite a career question, how are the signallers on here finding the current situation in terms of absence and sickness. Are you having to cover lots of shifts or have you been less affected than you thought you might be?

 

[Ell887]

Yeah I appreciate that. No intention of being disrespectful or dismissive of a career in signalling at all. Apologies if that’s how it came across.

I had signaller in mind as a full career too, providing the chances of progression were there etc. I’m just at a stage where I’m in a career that’s going well and close to falling into a ‘pension trap’ and wanted to get the best information possible. This just seemed like the ideal place with the wealth of knowledge available.

 

[Tom Quinne]

Yeah I appreciate that. No intention of being disrespectful or dismissive of a career in signalling at all. Apologies if that’s how it came across.

I had signaller in mind as a full career too, providing the chances of progression were there etc. I’m just at a stage where I’m in a career that’s going well and close to falling into a ‘pension trap’ and wanted to get the best information possible. This just seemed like the ideal place with the wealth of knowledge available.

Im big enough and definitely ugly enough to admit, and offer an apology when I have misjudged the situation - so I’m sorry if I have offended you EII.

Maybe I can offer an explanation, I’ve been a guard and now a signaller - both jobs I wanted to do, I’ve no wish to progress (I’m lucky I’m a grade 7, 20 mins from Home).

When I was a guard there was a content stream of people who had no intention of being a guard 5 minutes more than required before going off driving, many chasing the money.

You’d see people who saw the railway as a easy buck, no real interest or caring - I know it’s sad saying that, but the railway is a way of life not a job as far as i see it.

I was thinking just the other day about other people in other jobs, many of whom are furlonged or just plain laid off. I’ve seen out the financial crisis and now this virus without a second thought to my job security as your looked after on the railway.

Why wouldn’t anyone NOT want to join? Good salary, pension, job security it’s a no brainer!

I however find it really frustrating when people appear to only want XYZ job as a quick Necessary evil job to the golden cherry job.

I’ll be honest I left being a guard as I couldn’t and can’t see there being any by the time my golden clock is handed over in 2040. I had no intention of driving it just doesn’t appeal to me, so I choose and worked hard to get my signallers job, 6 years and about 70 applications later I finally got it!

I can now eat, wee, poo, drink when I want, it’s nice and cold or warm, I get a comfortable chair and I’ve no interaction with the public perfect !

Signalling, well Network Rail as a whole (generally) is probably the best place to work on the railway, driving is good - if that’s your thing, but being stuck in a small often cold or too hot cab away from a clean WC isn’t all that really.

Yes the pay looks good, but dig into the terms of employment, pension etc you’d be shocked at some! Compared to our final salary gone by 65 or 40 years, 100% pensionable salary our “poor”basic starts to look pretty good.

No to mention making a real difference to the railway all day.

I wouldn't change it for the world.

 

[amanda08]

Im big enough and definitely ugly enough to admit, and offer an apology when I have misjudged the situation - so I’m sorry if I have offended you EII.

Maybe I can offer an explanation, I’ve been a guard and now a signaller - both jobs I wanted to do, I’ve no wish to progress (I’m lucky I’m a grade 7, 20 mins from Home).

When I was a guard there was a content stream of people who had no intention of being a guard 5 minutes more than required before going off driving, many chasing the money.

You’d see people who saw the railway as a easy buck, no real interest or caring - I know it’s sad saying that, but the railway is a way of life not a job as far as i see it.

I was thinking just the other day about other people in other jobs, many of whom are furlonged or just plain laid off. I’ve seen out the financial crisis and now this virus without a second thought to my job security as your looked after on the railway.

Why wouldn’t anyone NOT want to join? Good salary, pension, job security it’s a no brainer!

I however find it really frustrating when people appear to only want XYZ job as a quick Necessary evil job to the golden cherry job.

I’ll be honest I left being a guard as I couldn’t and can’t see there being any by the time my golden clock is handed over in 2040. I had no intention of driving it just doesn’t appeal to me, so I choose and worked hard to get my signallers job, 6 years and about 70 applications later I finally got it!

I can now eat, wee, poo, drink when I want, it’s nice and cold or warm, I get a comfortable chair and I’ve no interaction with the public perfect !

Signalling, well Network Rail as a whole (generally) is probably the best place to work on the railway, driving is good - if that’s your thing, but being stuck in a small often cold or too hot cab away from a clean WC isn’t all that really.

Yes the pay looks good, but dig into the terms of employment, pension etc you’d be shocked at some! Compared to our final salary gone by 65 or 40 years, 100% pensionable salary our “poor”basic starts to look pretty good.

No to mention making a real difference to the railway all day.

I wouldn't change it for the world.

This is fantastic to read! I’m hoping even more now that my current “pending invite to assessment 2” results in an actual interview!

 

[Javagem]

Im big enough and definitely ugly enough to admit, and offer an apology when I have misjudged the situation - so I’m sorry if I have offended you EII.

Maybe I can offer an explanation, I’ve been a guard and now a signaller - both jobs I wanted to do, I’ve no wish to progress (I’m lucky I’m a grade 7, 20 mins from Home).

When I was a guard there was a content stream of people who had no intention of being a guard 5 minutes more than required before going off driving, many chasing the money.

You’d see people who saw the railway as a easy buck, no real interest or caring - I know it’s sad saying that, but the railway is a way of life not a job as far as i see it.

I was thinking just the other day about other people in other jobs, many of whom are furlonged or just plain laid off. I’ve seen out the financial crisis and now this virus without a second thought to my job security as your looked after on the railway.

Why wouldn’t anyone NOT want to join? Good salary, pension, job security it’s a no brainer!

I however find it really frustrating when people appear to only want XYZ job as a quick Necessary evil job to the golden cherry job.

I’ll be honest I left being a guard as I couldn’t and can’t see there being any by the time my golden clock is handed over in 2040. I had no intention of driving it just doesn’t appeal to me, so I choose and worked hard to get my signallers job, 6 years and about 70 applications later I finally got it!

I can now eat, wee, poo, drink when I want, it’s nice and cold or warm, I get a comfortable chair and I’ve no interaction with the public perfect !

Signalling, well Network Rail as a whole (generally) is probably the best place to work on the railway, driving is good - if that’s your thing, but being stuck in a small often cold or too hot cab away from a clean WC isn’t all that really.

Yes the pay looks good, but dig into the terms of employment, pension etc you’d be shocked at some! Compared to our final salary gone by 65 or 40 years, 100% pensionable salary our “poor”basic starts to look pretty good.

No to mention making a real difference to the railway all day.

I wouldn't change it for the world.

Great insight as usual Tom!

 

[ILoveLamp]

Im big enough and definitely ugly enough to admit, and offer an apology when I have misjudged the situation - so I’m sorry if I have offended you EII.

Maybe I can offer an explanation, I’ve been a guard and now a signaller - both jobs I wanted to do, I’ve no wish to progress (I’m lucky I’m a grade 7, 20 mins from Home).

When I was a guard there was a content stream of people who had no intention of being a guard 5 minutes more than required before going off driving, many chasing the money.

You’d see people who saw the railway as a easy buck, no real interest or caring - I know it’s sad saying that, but the railway is a way of life not a job as far as i see it.

I was thinking just the other day about other people in other jobs, many of whom are furlonged or just plain laid off. I’ve seen out the financial crisis and now this virus without a second thought to my job security as your looked after on the railway.

Why wouldn’t anyone NOT want to join? Good salary, pension, job security it’s a no brainer!

I however find it really frustrating when people appear to only want XYZ job as a quick Necessary evil job to the golden cherry job.

I’ll be honest I left being a guard as I couldn’t and can’t see there being any by the time my golden clock is handed over in 2040. I had no intention of driving it just doesn’t appeal to me, so I choose and worked hard to get my signallers job, 6 years and about 70 applications later I finally got it!

I can now eat, wee, poo, drink when I want, it’s nice and cold or warm, I get a comfortable chair and I’ve no interaction with the public perfect !

Signalling, well Network Rail as a whole (generally) is probably the best place to work on the railway, driving is good - if that’s your thing, but being stuck in a small often cold or too hot cab away from a clean WC isn’t all that really.

Yes the pay looks good, but dig into the terms of employment, pension etc you’d be shocked at some! Compared to our final salary gone by 65 or 40 years, 100% pensionable salary our “poor”basic starts to look pretty good.

No to mention making a real difference to the railway all day.

I wouldn't change it for the world.

Of course others may see it differently, but this is a great insight and kinda how and why I have thrown my hat in the ring. Cheers Tom, and fingers crossed an application finally goes my way!

 

[Ell887]

Im big enough and definitely ugly enough to admit, and offer an apology when I have misjudged the situation - so I’m sorry if I have offended you EII.

Maybe I can offer an explanation, I’ve been a guard and now a signaller - both jobs I wanted to do, I’ve no wish to progress (I’m lucky I’m a grade 7, 20 mins from Home).

When I was a guard there was a content stream of people who had no intention of being a guard 5 minutes more than required before going off driving, many chasing the money.

You’d see people who saw the railway as a easy buck, no real interest or caring - I know it’s sad saying that, but the railway is a way of life not a job as far as i see it.

I was thinking just the other day about other people in other jobs, many of whom are furlonged or just plain laid off. I’ve seen out the financial crisis and now this virus without a second thought to my job security as your looked after on the railway.

Why wouldn’t anyone NOT want to join? Good salary, pension, job security it’s a no brainer!

I however find it really frustrating when people appear to only want XYZ job as a quick Necessary evil job to the golden cherry job.

I’ll be honest I left being a guard as I couldn’t and can’t see there being any by the time my golden clock is handed over in 2040. I had no intention of driving it just doesn’t appeal to me, so I choose and worked hard to get my signallers job, 6 years and about 70 applications later I finally got it!

I can now eat, wee, poo, drink when I want, it’s nice and cold or warm, I get a comfortable chair and I’ve no interaction with the public perfect !

Signalling, well Network Rail as a whole (generally) is probably the best place to work on the railway, driving is good - if that’s your thing, but being stuck in a small often cold or too hot cab away from a clean WC isn’t all that really.

Yes the pay looks good, but dig into the terms of employment, pension etc you’d be shocked at some! Compared to our final salary gone by 65 or 40 years, 100% pensionable salary our “poor”basic starts to look pretty good.

No to mention making a real difference to the railway all day.

I wouldn't change it for the world.

No need to apologise and that reply was a fantastic insight into the job. Much appreciated.

I joined the RAF at 18, now 30 and it wasn’t something I’d always wanted to do, but the lifestyle, pay, benefits etc were all huge factors. That’s one of the reasons I’d looked into the railways. I imagine it’s similar in respect to the community, job security and so on.

I’d never leave my position for a ‘job’ but a career then yes.

 

[Kraken]

I can now eat, wee, poo, drink when I want, it’s nice and cold or warm, I get a comfortable chair and I’ve no interaction with the public perfect !

I’m in

 

[Tom Quinne]

Although not quite a career question, how are the signallers on here finding the current situation in terms of absence and sickness. Are you having to cover lots of shifts or have you been less affected than you thought you might be?

Pn my route it’s pretty much business as usual, aside from the place stinking of bleach and cleaning products lol

Sickness seems to be now worse than usual, actually seems better with only a few on the enforced 12 weeks off due to existing conditions.

I don’t think they’ll need the band of Boris Bobbies to be honest.

 

[Tom Quinne]

No need to apologise and that reply was a fantastic insight into the job. Much appreciated.

I joined the RAF at 18, now 30 and it wasn’t something I’d always wanted to do, but the lifestyle, pay, benefits etc were all huge factors. That’s one of the reasons I’d looked into the railways. I imagine it’s similar in respect to the community, job security and so on.

I’d never leave my position for a ‘job’ but a career then yes.

Thank you

Service people do tend to get in, and “get” the job if you know what I mean - you guys don’t do your job for the money, more a sense of service to a cause?

Obviously the money helps, the bank wont accept pride in duty as a mortgage payment each month! But I do feel a sense of pride that in this current climate I’m doing my but for keep people and goods moving, and generally helping the country tick over.

Like most Railway people when the phone rings for our services were not long without our boots on heading out the door.

Best of luck to you.

 

[croydonboy]

Although not quite a career question, how are the signallers on here finding the current situation in terms of absence and sickness. Are you having to cover lots of shifts or have you been less affected than you thought you might be?

I work at a single manned location, I've covered one shift since the whole covid situation. My box also has 5 or so area relief signallers to cover shifts, we've only had a couple signallers go off for self isolation!

On the other hand, a mate down at an undisclosed grade 9 location has been covering lots of shifts as a few signallers are off due to the virus! I know there is a few signallers throughout who fall into the high risk category so some areas are alot worse off than others!

I can only speak for my location though and we are doing fine so far!

 

[Tom Quinne]

When I say situation normal, I mean read days (having them off) are as rare as the Dodo bird

Has your place got any PPE?

 

[croydonboy]

When I say situation normal, I mean read days (having them off) are as rare as the Dodo bird

Has your place got any PPE?

Gloves, wipes, hand sanitiser (LOTS) and face masks!

It's hard to keep the 2 metres distance when doing a handover in such a small place!!

 

[Allaboard78]

Any ideas on when the abercynon interviews are?

 

[Sunset route]

Although not quite a career question, how are the signallers on here finding the current situation in terms of absence and sickness. Are you having to cover lots of shifts or have you been less affected than you thought you might be?

Apart from some early 7 or 14 days self isolationist, which all have now returned to work. Overtime is still plentiful as between the staff that have got to shield themselves or family members for 12 weeks now extended and because of all the vacancies that we have as the new signallers are not allowed into the building to learn at the moment.

Other than that it is boring as it is Groundhog Day everyday, but in the whole the signallers in our location are in quite good spirits, we are a good team.

 

[Trackman2]

Im big enough and definitely ugly enough to admit, and offer an apology when I have misjudged the situation - so I’m sorry if I have offended you EII.


I can now eat, wee, poo, drink when I want, it’s nice and cold or warm, I get a comfortable chair and I’ve no interaction with the public perfect !



I wouldn't change it for the world.

So you do get regular breaks as a signaller? Or you dont?

Please clarify: https://metro.co.uk/2018/07/18/signalman-sacked-for-taking-20-minute-break-during-rush-hour-7729165/

 

[Sunset route]

So you do get regular breaks as a signaller? Or you dont?

Please clarify: https://metro.co.uk/2018/07/18/signalman-sacked-for-taking-20-minute-break-during-rush-hour-7729165/

Breaks are roster and location specific, not everywhere gets them and those that do, they will not be the same as the next location.