A career as a signaller

[Tom Quinne]

That was my day prior to my move, in the end I lodged at work until I could move closer to home.

But, 15hr day three times a week or 10hrs 5+ days a week?

 

[Tom Quinne]

I’d read that too, buts it was in the email I received today so ?

So....looks like it’s wait and see....

 

[amanda08]

Hi Amanda, sorry I'm new to the thread, are you about to start training? I have just got interested in possibly applying for a signaller's role. Do you know if there are many female Signallers? Great news you are about to start. What is a LOM please? Where will you be based when trained up?

Hi Meg.
The world of signalling is new to me too! I only started reading up on at it earlier this year. The more I read, the more it appealed and I’m really excited to start now
From what I’ve seen/read - there may be 20 odd percent female signallers? Just a guess though. However the men on here have been nothing but welcoming and helpful. I’ve asked a million and one questions and someone has always willing answered them for which I’m very grateful
I’ve also asked about how females are received and again have been reassured that as long as you are doing the job well, being female is irrelevant.
I’m off to Leicester after training and as relief will cover up to 11 boxes eventually.
Good luck in your journey x

 

[amanda08]

So....looks like it’s wait and see....

Yep

 

[MrsP2010]

Hi Amanda, sorry I'm new to the thread, are you about to start training? I have just got interested in possibly applying for a signaller's role. Do you know if there are many female Signallers? Great news you are about to start. What is a LOM please? Where will you be based when trained up?

Hi MEG, I’m also a female. Slightly behind Amanda in the recruitment process because I have been offered a job near Shrewsbury but waiting for a signalling school place. However I have inside information about the role as my husband has been a signaller for over 20 years. He assured me there are quite a few women where he works and there’s no animosity towards them at all. L They’re treated the same and fit in well. I have no concerns whatsoever. So long as you can take the banter you’ll be fine!

 

[Tony43]

Hi all have applied for the positions at Westbury psb and have just been invited to take the online assessments, was wondering what type of assessment these are so can be prepared. Also as not having any railway experience is it realistic applying for a grade 6 position although I am working in a safety critical job at the moment, thanks in advance

 

[High Dyke]

That was my understanding too but not what we’ve been told this time.

We’ve got a couple who are seriously considering quitting and my missus may have to give up her job which doesn’t seem right to me.

That sounds unfortunate. I'm currently in the process of discussions about 12's for some of the Grade 3 crossing keepers on the East Coast Main Line. The discussions have dragged on for about two years now. We were advised by our Area Council TU reps that a majority was needed (i.e. 51% was enough to win a ballot). Understandably there are those against changing to a 12 hour roster, mainly due to childcare problems.

 

[Rover77]

I'm growing increasingly frustrated about getting nowhere fast. So I attempted the verbal reasoning test on Thursday. Wouldn't work. Called NR the SHL. Told it is an old link so NR need to reset it and send me a new one. NR told me to email [email protected]. Did that at 10.49 Thursday morning. Was told it would take up to 48hrs. So 24 hours was Friday morning. Ignore weekend, 48hrs this morning. Still nothing. 3 more calls to NR recruitment. Not getting anywhere. 5 days now passed to complete test. They have put it on hold but I cant see LOM waiting as I suspect many applications to go through. I feel so helpless.

 

[High Dyke]

Hi and hoping some of you would kindly help with my questions?

Are all Signaller roles moving over to 12 hour shifts please? How does that shift pattern work please? It is set shifts, or a moving shift rota? Does the same person do the same shift each week? Or is it mostly 8 hour shifts and what does a normal shift pattern look like for that please?

Systems are being updated and made more efficient. Are the traditional Signaller roles all eventually going to be streamlined into larger control centres, infront of computer screens no way near the tracks?

Are there many females doing the job?

Many thanks for taking the time to read my post.

Hello and welcome.

Not all locations will move over to twelve hours. There are many signal boxes that still work two shifts, where the box/line is closed overnight - mainly in more rural areas like Lincolnshire. Those boxes also have varying start/finish times, according to the passage of the trains. The process to move signal boxes into more centralised control centres has been a long and tedious process. Network Rail originally outlined a long-term plan for the migration of all signal boxes into Rail Operating Centres (or ROC). However, that plan was already outdated when it was proposed, and the target was unachievable, within the scope of the budgets at the time. Yes, there are still schemes proceeding to re-signal or re-control signal boxes, but certainly not as first envisaged.

Yes, there are plenty of females working in front-line roles. From signallers, to controllers, to LOM's and maintenance staff. I posted previously about the decline of the archaic 'dinosaurs' - and not before time. It's the ability to do the job that should be a factor, regardless. Don't worry too much there are still some of us men that suffer resentment from older staff.

 

[89jordanbj]

Could anybody tell me what shift pattern they follow at Malvern Wells signal box? And what the future holds for the box itself?

Not that the first question matters, as it is a commutable distance for me - more out of curiosity.

Thanks

 

[Tjd117]

Could anybody tell me what shift pattern they follow at Malvern Wells signal box? And what the future holds for the box itself?

Not that the first question matters, as it is a commutable distance for me - more out of curiosity.

Thanks

Hi Jordan, I’m pretty sure they work the same as the Worcester/Droitwich area boxes 12hr shifts 0700-1900-0700.
Did you put in for the Worcester & Evesham future vacancy jobs that we’re up recently?

 

[89jordanbj]

Hi Jordan, I’m pretty sure they work the same as the Worcester/Droitwich area boxes 12hr shifts 0700-1900-0700.
Did you put in for the Worcester & Evesham future vacancy jobs that we’re up recently?

I applied for the Worcester volume recruitment opportunities months back but not the Evesham ones. I noticed that the Worcester jobs were relisted though under the same IRC number, not sure why though - perhaps not enough applicants? Did you apply?

I applied for the Malvern Wells SB last night.

 

[ILoveLamp]

I'm growing increasingly frustrated about getting nowhere fast. So I attempted the verbal reasoning test on Thursday. Wouldn't work. Called NR the SHL. Told it is an old link so NR need to reset it and send me a new one. NR told me to email [email protected]. Did that at 10.49 Thursday morning. Was told it would take up to 48hrs. So 24 hours was Friday morning. Ignore weekend, 48hrs this morning. Still nothing. 3 more calls to NR recruitment. Not getting anywhere. 5 days now passed to complete test. They have put it on hold but I cant see LOM waiting as I suspect many applications to go through. I feel so helpless.

Hi. I had a technical issue with an application prior to CV19 outbreak and contacted HR about it. I had a few emails back and forth and to be fair to them they sorted it out when they could have just binned it off.. I’d imagine they are nowhere near at their normal office capacity and possible some remote working, so give them chance to reply, they do seem to be helpful. If you have no luck, I’d say it’s possibly just bad timing, but at the same time there are regular postings around the north west, another won’t be far off. In the mean time, as you have the practice stuff for the tests, in case they do get back to you it would be perfect to keep practicing so you can get a strong pass on them.

 

[GMac1502]

Hi, just got email inviting me to online interview for signaller post, can anyine help me, looking for the 8 competancies, seen a few different variations going about, and any incling as to what the questions are based on, also the video interview, can i use my phone for this as it has a camera or does it have to be a laptop? It said the hiring manager will send a link out before the interview. Thanks.

 

[89jordanbj]

Hi, just got email inviting me to online interview for signaller post, can anyine help me, looking for the 8 competancies, seen a few different variations going about, and any incling as to what the questions are based on, also the video interview, can i use my phone for this as it has a camera or does it have to be a laptop? It said the hiring manager will send a link out before the interview. Thanks.

If you search for '8 NTS' with the search function you will find plenty of information regarding the competencies..

As for the the interview, mine was done via Microsoft teams.. I used my computer but in pretty sure a smart phone would work fine. I just felt more comfortable being hands free and relaxed. I received a link via email the day before the interview which I simply followed and waited to be let into the interview.

What position are you being interviewed for? Best of luck!

 

[GMac1502]

If you search for '8 NTS' with the search function you will find plenty of information regarding the competencies..

As for the the interview, mine was done via Microsoft teams.. I used my computer but in pretty sure a smart phone would work fine. I just felt more comfortable being hands free and relaxed. I received a link via email the day before the interview which I simply followed and waited to be let into the interview.

What position are you being interviewed for? Best of luck!

Hi thanks for that, i applied for Barrhill SB, i was just worried about the video interview that i need a camera device, i have access to a laptop but its old so not sure if it has camera facility. Did you get the job?

 

[Mi&Li]

Hi thanks for that, i applied for Barrhill SB, i was just worried about the video interview that i need a camera device, i have access to a laptop but its old so not sure if it has camera facility. Did you get the job?

I used my phone as I had trouble getting it to work with my MacBook. This was with Wepow and not Microsoft teams.

 

[Tjd117]

I applied for the Worcester volume recruitment opportunities months back but not the Evesham ones. I noticed that the Worcester jobs were relisted though under the same IRC number, not sure why though - perhaps not enough applicants? Did you apply?

I applied for the Malvern Wells SB last night.

same here bud, yes went for the Worcester and Evesham ones. I think sometimes they re advertise the job if not enough people get through each stage maybe?
Hopefully as the restrictions start to ease things will begin to get moving

 

[Tom Quinne]

I'm growing increasingly frustrated about getting nowhere fast. So I attempted the verbal reasoning test on Thursday. Wouldn't work. Called NR the SHL. Told it is an old link so NR need to reset it and send me a new one. NR told me to email [email protected]. Did that at 10.49 Thursday morning. Was told it would take up to 48hrs. So 24 hours was Friday morning. Ignore weekend, 48hrs this morning. Still nothing. 3 more calls to NR recruitment. Not getting anywhere. 5 days now passed to complete test. They have put it on hold but I cant see LOM waiting as I suspect many applications to go through. I feel so helpless.

I think it must be man week or something but I’m personally getting increasingly frustrated at the amount of people who moan about having to wait, or asking if anyone else has heard, or even consider throwing the towel in after a handful of apps being unsuccessful.

5 years, probably close to 100 apps, 3 paper assessment centres and 3 interviews before I got my job.

If you have the ability to just wait then the job isn’t for you. It’s been said 1001 times Railway recruitment is slow, very very slow.

It doesn’t get any better once your on the inside either so don’t think it’ll all be better once your in.

My fellow signallers and I come on here to help the people who have the drive to succeed get into the best job on the railway.

But lately I’m seeing more and more wining and moaning from applicants, if you don’t like the process then there’s plenty more jobs out there with far easier recruitment processes.

A massive congratulations to those ladies and gentlemen who have recently secured jobs, their the ones who make me want to come back to help out, not the moaners who find it all to hard, or not worth the hassle of simply waiting.

 

[Tom Quinne]

Could anybody tell me what shift pattern they follow at Malvern Wells signal box? And what the future holds for the box itself?

Not that the first question matters, as it is a commutable distance for me - more out of curiosity.

Thanks

Future...a very long one!
Worcester area wasn’t due to move to WMSC until the 2030s anyway.
It’s cheaper to keep the signalling going than a wholesale resignal of Worcester wise area.

 

[89jordanbj]

Hi thanks for that, i applied for Barrhill SB, i was just worried about the video interview that i need a camera device, i have access to a laptop but its old so not sure if it has camera facility. Did you get the job?

Might be worth downloading Microsoft teams to your smart phone and doing a test run with a family member or friend just to check that it works?

Unfortunately not, was told I reached the required benchmark but somebody scored higher and was offered the job. They are keeping my details on file for 6 months and if anything else comes up in that area they will be touch apparently.

I have 8 or 9 applications in at the moment so not lost faith.

 

[89jordanbj]

same here bud, yes went for the Worcester and Evesham ones. I think sometimes they re advertise the job if not enough people get through each stage maybe?
Hopefully as the restrictions start to ease things will begin to get moving

Fingers crossed, its a long old process that's for sure! I've come to learn that there is no point in predicting time frames - I've had one position recently which went to under consideration for assessment 2 on the closing date of applications.. Whereas I've got applications which closed months ago with no movement at all.

Just a matter of patience!

 

[GMac1502]

Might be worth downloading Microsoft teams to your smart phone and doing a test run with a family member or friend just to check that it works?

Unfortunately not, was told I reached the required benchmark but somebody scored higher and was offered the job. They are keeping my details on file for 6 months and if anything else comes up in that area they will be touch apparently.

I have 8 or 9 applications in at the moment so not lost faith.

Think i will thanks, thats unlucky, hopefully something will come along soon for you surely.

 

[GMac1502]

If you search for '8 NTS' with the search function you will find plenty of information regarding the competencies..

As for the the interview, mine was done via Microsoft teams.. I used my computer but in pretty sure a smart phone would work fine. I just felt more comfortable being hands free and relaxed. I received a link via email the day before the interview which I simply followed and waited to be let into the interview.

What position are you being interviewed for? Best of luck!

 

[GMac1502]

Anyone know a signaller shift pattern in Ayrshire?

 

[endofthetunnel]

What kind of questions were you asked at your interview? I'm working full time so limited time to study so want to make the most of it.

If you want to make the most of it, do what’s been suggested - read/search this thread. There’s no substitute for putting time and effort in, especially for such a competitive role, unfortunately. People (including me) put hours and hours into our application and interview prep, and I doubt I would’ve got my offer if I didn’t.

There are many examples of questions and suggestions on how to answer them in the thread.
Best of luck!

 

[MEG]

Hi Meg.
The world of signalling is new to me too! I only started reading up on at it earlier this year. The more I read, the more it appealed and I’m really excited to start now
From what I’ve seen/read - there may be 20 odd percent female signallers? Just a guess though. However the men on here have been nothing but welcoming and helpful. I’ve asked a million and one questions and someone has always willing answered them for which I’m very grateful
I’ve also asked about how females are received and again have been reassured that as long as you are doing the job well, being female is irrelevant.
I’m off to Leicester after training and as relief will cover up to 11 boxes eventually.
Good luck in your journey x

Thanks so much for getting back to me, good to know there are many females in the role already. I would be really interested to hear how you are getting on when you start training? Good luck and how exciting!

 

[MEG]

Hello and welcome.

Not all locations will move over to twelve hours. There are many signal boxes that still work two shifts, where the box/line is closed overnight - mainly in more rural areas like Lincolnshire. Those boxes also have varying start/finish times, according to the passage of the trains. The process to move signal boxes into more centralised control centres has been a long and tedious process. Network Rail originally outlined a long-term plan for the migration of all signal boxes into Rail Operating Centres (or ROC). However, that plan was already outdated when it was proposed, and the target was unachievable, within the scope of the budgets at the time. Yes, there are still schemes proceeding to re-signal or re-control signal boxes, but certainly not as first envisaged.

Yes, there are plenty of females working in front-line roles. From signallers, to controllers, to LOM's and maintenance staff. I posted previously about the decline of the archaic 'dinosaurs' - and not before time. It's the ability to do the job that should be a factor, regardless. Don't worry too much there are still some of us men that suffer resentment from older staff.

Thanks so much for responding High Dyke. I was just concerned females in the job may be few and far between, so great to hear there are plenty already across the board. Also obviously a little hesitant to try and become a signaller, if in the not too distant future jobs would be very limited and all in control centres. So as it is a very slow process it would still be worth considering possibly trying to become a Signaller, many thanks.

 

[MEG]

Hi MEG, I’m also a female. Slightly behind Amanda in the recruitment process because I have been offered a job near Shrewsbury but waiting for a signalling school place. However I have inside information about the role as my husband has been a signaller for over 20 years. He assured me there are quite a few women where he works and there’s no animosity towards them at all. L They’re treated the same and fit in well. I have no concerns whatsoever. So long as you can take the banter you’ll be fine!

Thankyou MrsP2010. So good to hear there are plenty of females already doing the job. You definitely have very good inside information there and he obviously likes the job if he his encouraging you too? Is your new role going to be 12 hour shifts?

 

[MEG]

LOM - local operations manager aka your direct line manager as a signaller.

Thanks Tom for responding, appreciated.